Fifty-five global positioning systems (GPS) and fish finder devices were distributed to local fishermen in Wilayat Liwa by Vale in Oman at a special ceremony held under the patronage of Dr. Fuad bin Ja’afar bin Mohammed Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries earlier this year.
A member of the community committed to the environment and the public, Vale distributed the GPS devices at the Harmool Village Majlis to promote best fishing practices to assure the sustainability of both natural resources and livelihoods.
Training courses were also organised at the Harmool Village Majlis and Nibr Village Majlis in Liwa to guide fishermen on how to use the Arabic-enabled devices. Over two days, fishermen learned how to refer to the device manuals, map courses to rich fishing sites and protect marine life while casting lines. They were also taught the benefits of utilising technology for the sustainability of natural resources.
Vale’s joint initiative with the Ministry’s Department of Fisheries in Liwa integrates the advantages of the space-based global navigation satellite system with local fishing practices. Now armed with the knowledge and tools, fishermen in Liwa are able to set routes across the seas and mark rich casting sites, especially during fish migrations and changes in sea conditions.
Sergio Espeschit, Chief Executive Officer of Vale in Oman said, “We believe that the best way to make improvements is to work together, listen to what people need and join forces with local government entities to tailor-make programs that will improve their day-to-day lives. We concentrate our social development efforts to understanding the community’s dynamics through open dialogue and engagement and look to positively contribute to its growth.”
Local fisherman Mohammed Saleh said, “Vale and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ efforts have always been in tune with our way of life, and we are grateful for their contribution to the growth of this community. We enjoy strong relationships with both Vale and the Ministry because we all share an innate understanding of the importance of keeping to tradition, while embracing new practices. With the GPS devices Vale has provided, we are able to use the tried and tested methods of our forefathers with the added benefits of planning and mapping out routes and identifying rich fishing sites.”
An extension of Vale’s corporate social responsibility agenda in Oman, this program follows a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries that saw 400 artificial reefs dropped in four locations along the coast of Liwa. The project resulted in enhanced biodiversity and an increase in the number of fish in non-restricted fishing areas for commercial use. Also, four demarcation buoys equipped with solar powered navigation beacons were installed to mark and protect natural reef locations.
2015 Muscat Media Group