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COASTAL FISHER FOLK FESTIVAL IN COX’S BAZAR

The DANIDA supported Community Development Center (CODEC) hosted a festival on 8th - 10th January 2010 with focus on the Coastal Fisher Folk’s life and livelihood. The Opening Ceremony of the Festival included speeches from the Government of Bangladesh, Embassy of Denmark and local leaders and cultural entertainment. Among the speakers were the Finance Minister, Mr. A.M.A. Muhit, and Jan Møller Hansen, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Denmark.

The fishermen in Bangladesh are facing a number of challenges due to declining industry, difficult business conditions, climate changes and a declining industry. The number of fishermen is increasing as the population increases, but at the same time the fish resources are declining rapidly. Different fish species are disappearing and consequently the length of the fishing season is declining to only three months.

The Coastal Fishing communities are facing problems with piracy, pollution of the coastal areas from the ship breaking industry, repeated natural disasters, illegal trawl fishing from neighbouring countries in the Bangladeshi sea area and difficulties with respecting women’s rights. The climate changes are also causing more unpredictable weather conditions and making fishing seasons more unpredictable.

Coastal fishing boats at the beach south of Cox’s Bazar

CODEC has been working with coastal communities since 1985 and with the ‘Coastal Fisher Folk Festival’ CODEC wanted to put focus on the challenges and needs of the Coastal fishing communities. The Fair highlighted the opportunities and potential resources related to fishing and the skills, knowledge and traditions of the fishing communities.

The festival lasted for three days, and gave organisations and interest groups the opportunity to discuss the situation of the fishing communities. The Festival was opened in the evening on the 8th of January with speeches and entertainment. Among the speakers were the Finance Minister, the Deputy Commerce Minister and the Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of Denmark. The Danish Embassy is supporting CODEC’s work through its development aid program, DANIDA.

Deputy Head of Mission, Jan Møller Hansen speaking at the opening ceremony of the Coastal Fisherfolk Festival

Jan Møller Hansen pointed out in his speech that it is important to protect the marine life and livelihoods around the coastal line from pollution, illegal land grabbing and the climate changes. He also said that fish are not an infinite resource, and that it has to be regulated not to damage the resources and the industry itself.

`Let me say that I find the timing of this festival most appropriate. Coastal areas of Bangladesh, and with that the coastal fishing communities, deserve special attention from the Government and all parties. We are also pleased that an organization like CODEC continues to work with and focus on the needs of the coastal area of Bangladesh to enhance the social and economic capacity of disadvantaged coastal communities.´

CODEC will continue its work with coastal communities and not at least the fishing communities in the future. It will continue its fight for the opportunities that lie in the coastal areas and try to help the fishermen to gain a better future.

Edited March 8, 2010