In the southern coastal communities of Thailand, the Ba Na Thap Seafood Processing Women Group is making waves—not only in securing their livelihoods but also in revitalizing marine ecosystems.
The group has long faced challenges in seafood processing due to a lack of proper equipment. Their sweetened greenback fish would spoil quickly, which limits their ability to store and sell products and resulting in lost income and fewer opportunities for growth.
The group received funding from the APFP-FO4A program, through the Federation of Thai Fisherfolk Associations (FTFA), the national implementing agency of the program in Thailand, to strengthen their working capital and purchase essential equipment, including a sealing machine and freezer. These tools have been transformative, enabling the women to store their seafood safely, extend shelf life, and enhance productivity. The initiative complements the ongoing efforts of Thai Sea Watch, further strengthening the community’s capacity for sustainable seafood processing.
Beyond improving livelihoods, the impact of the initiative extends into the sea. The introduction of Sang Kor, a traditional fish nursery, has breathed new life into once-depleted waters. These nurseries provide a safe resting and breeding ground for fish, leading to a surge in biodiversity and an increase in fish populations. Remarkably, species that had never been seen before in the area are now appearing, offering greater opportunities for small-scale fishers and reinforcing the importance of community-led conservation efforts.
The APFP-FO4A program is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC) and funded by the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Comments are closed