The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Marine Biodiversity is the theme for this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB).
The designation of IDB 2012 on the theme of marine ecosystems provides an important opportunity for fishworkers to raise awareness of the issue and increase practical action, for sustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity.
Fishworker organizations in different parts of the world have decided to celebrate IDB, and highllight the importance of recognizing participatory conservation and management initiatives, including through sustainable use, “to reclaim rights of fishing communities to protect biodiversity as well as their right to sustainable use of its products”.
Fishing communities demand the recognition of their rights to access and use the resources, specially for their livelihood needs. It is equally important that their right to conserve and manage biodiversity is recognized, and they are allowed to participate in various processes relating to conservation and management of biodiversity, also be recognized.
In India, fishworkers in different States (Provinces) are planning to hold day-long meetings, including planting of mangrove saplings, cleaning up of protected areas, etc., to highlight their concerns for the effective conservation and management of marine and coastal biodiversity.
In Indonesia, fishworkers in nine provinces (Aceh, North Sumatera, West Java, East Java, Jakarta, East Kalimantan, North Maluku, West Nusa Tenggara)are having public campaigns.