Fishing for Development

Client: European Union
Date: 2014 - 2017
Country: Puntland, Somaliland

The challenges that Somalia faces are complex, multifaceted and differ according to various political, social and regional contexts. Somalia is in an ongoing transition process that must lead to a path of long-term peace and state building. The Somali Compact defines the priorities on this path. Success will be measured by improvements in the living conditions of the Somali society.

Circumstances that hamper long-term  development and stability are identified as: civil unrest, poverty, unfavourable climate, poor infrastructure, disputed territories, etc. Migration and piracy are just some of the undesirable consequences. The world community acknowledges the need to provide for development assistance. Especially humanitarian assistance is needed in the short-time. 

Responsibility for solving these problems is primarily considered as a Somali affair; strategies for reconstruction, reconciliation and security need to be put forward locally. Essential for development is that international assistance does not create new tensions between different population groups. This activity is developed in line with this principle. It aims to create sustainable forms of local employment in the artisanal fishing sector of Somaliland and Puntland, thereby spreading the activities over several cities and communities. Local governments, companies, organisations and inhabitants will be  actively involved in the planning and implementation process.