JICA Expresses Satisfaction with COASTFISH Project Progress During Nevis Visit

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently visited Nevis to assess the progress of the COASTFISH project, a collaborative initiative aimed at bolstering sustainable coastal fisheries management in CARICOM countries. The project, implemented by the Nevis Island Administration’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, has garnered positive feedback from JICA representatives, who commended the project’s successful implementation and the unwavering dedication of local stakeholders. This visit underscores the fruitful long-term partnership between JICA and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, a relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. The COASTFISH project embodies this partnership, focusing on crucial aspects of marine resource management, including enhancing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Marine Managed Areas (MMAs), and promoting environmentally responsible fishing practices.

The Honourable Eric Evelyn, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture in the Nevis Island Administration, warmly welcomed the JICA delegation, highlighting the significance of JICA’s contributions to the Federation’s fisheries sector. He specifically acknowledged JICA’s provision of biodegradable fish pots, a vital tool in mitigating ghost fishing, a destructive practice that harms marine ecosystems. Minister Evelyn also emphasized the positive impact of JICA’s initiatives on gender mainstreaming within the fishing industry, noting the increased participation of women in fishing activities. This collaborative approach, fostering local ownership and participation, is crucial to the long-term success of the COASTFISH project. The visit by JICA representatives provided an opportunity to reaffirm the shared commitment to sustainable development and to celebrate the achievements of the project thus far.

Hisashi Suzuki, JICA Director of the Project Management Division for CARICOM member states, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s trajectory, lauding the strong commitment demonstrated by the Department of Marine Resources and the local fishing community. This commitment, he believes, is instrumental in ensuring the project’s ultimate success. Suzuki stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and encouraged all stakeholders to continue their efforts in expanding the project’s impact. This sustained engagement is essential for achieving the long-term goals of sustainable fisheries management and ensuring the health of the marine ecosystem for future generations. The collaborative spirit between JICA and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, evident in the COASTFISH project, serves as a model for international development cooperation.

Yukika Ohmura, representing the International Development Consulting Division of IC Net, expressed gratitude for the active involvement of all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism. She emphasized the project’s focus on developing a robust framework for sustainable marine resource management. This framework encompasses several key components, including the deployment of artificial reefs constructed from conch shells, the promotion of biodegradable fish pots to minimize ghost fishing, and the support of gender mainstreaming initiatives designed to attract more women and young people to the fishing industry. These initiatives are strategically aligned with the broader goals of sustainable development, promoting both environmental protection and economic opportunity. The focus on gender mainstreaming further highlights the project’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable development within the fishing community.

The COASTFISH project’s comprehensive approach addresses multiple interconnected challenges, contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of the marine ecosystem. The deployment of artificial reefs made of conch shells not only provides habitats for marine life but also contributes to responsible waste management by utilizing discarded conch shells. The promotion of biodegradable fish pots directly tackles the problem of ghost fishing, minimizing the environmental damage caused by lost or abandoned fishing gear. These interventions demonstrate the project’s commitment to practical, sustainable solutions that address both immediate concerns and long-term ecological health.

The project aligns perfectly with the Nevis Island Administration’s overarching goals of promoting best practices in marine conservation and ensuring food sovereignty. By strengthening the local fishing industry and promoting sustainable practices, the COASTFISH project contributes to the long-term food security of the island nation. The project’s focus on community involvement and capacity building empowers local fishers to become stewards of their marine resources, ensuring the sustainability of their livelihoods and the health of their environment. This holistic approach, integrating environmental protection with economic development, exemplifies the principles of sustainable development. The COASTFISH project stands as a testament to the positive impact of international collaboration in achieving shared goals of environmental sustainability and community empowerment.