Thailand Fishing Communities

Organization: Yadfon (Raindrop)
Project Leader: Pisit Chansnoh
Geographic Area: Southeast Asia
Link: http://www.changemakers.net/journal/ 98october/cunningham.cfm

Logging mangroves to make way for commercial shrimp farms has devastated many coastal ecosystems of Thailand. The loss of mangrove forests starts a domino effect that can threaten coral reefs, seagrass beds, fish stocks, and, ultimately, the livelihood of coastal communities.

In the mid-1980s, Pisit Chansnoh and his wife moved to the mostly-Muslim fishing communities of Trang Province. Through their organization, Yadfon (Raindrop), they began organizing and training activities under the premise that a healthy local fishing industry will work to protect mangroves if the connection between fish stocks and the coastal forests is clear. Villagers ran watches for illegal trawler activity and replanted mangroves. Yadfon also established a small revolving fund supplying interest zero-interest loans to fishermen for equipment, thereby strengthening their ability to bargain with wholesalers.

These Muslim communities have historically been marginalized by the Buddhist mainstream. But, under Yadfon's guidance, they have gained the awareness and negotiating skills necessary to protect and revitalize their land and water. Recently, they overturned a proposed dam that would have irretrievably degraded their watershed. Pisit and the villagers gathered data, built local support, and lobbied the government. A small delegation eventually met the governor. In a landmark decision, the project was cancelled.

Currently, Yadfon operates in 40 fishing communities-benefiting 45,000 people. During the 1990s, a 40 percent increase in total catch drove higher incomes. Meanwhile the mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds are flourishing. And a historically disempowered community has managed to make lawmakers hear its voice.