Lessons from implementing, adapting and sustaining community-based adaptive marine resource management

Abstract

Community-based marine resource management is recognized by the Government of Solomon Islands as the principle strategy for use in marine conservation and small-scale fisheries management. This strategy is particularly important in Solomon Islands due to the constitutionally recognized customary tenure systems that are in place in rural areas where the majority of the population resides. Many government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including WorldFish, provide support to rural communities in their efforts to improve the management of their marine resources. During the last eight years in which WorldFish has worked alongside communities to support the implementation of community-based resource management (CBRM), various lessons have emerged or been reinforced. These lessons represent important considerations for CBRM, and for engaging with and supporting communities.