…Accompanying Documentary Launched
Ralna Lewis
At the award ceremony this morning, a documentary was also launched, titled: Fishing: A Belizean Way of Life Now and Into the Future. Ralna Lewis, the lead on the project at Wildlife Conservation Society, tells us what the purpose of the documentary is.
Ralna Lewis, Project Coordinator, WCS
“It basically provides a comprehensive view of the Fisheries sector. It looks at the various initiatives currently in place and those being looked at to implement within our sector. It looks at methods that are being utilized to improve enforcement. Any fisherman, fisherwoman, that’s what they are looking at the improved enforcement. Any fisherman and fisherwoman, that’s always an issue that they are talking about, so we are looking at the use of technology such as the SMART software and the use of conservation drones, as well. We are also looking at various management approaches such as managed access, the use of conservation zones and replenishment zones in terms of managing our resources. What is important about this documentary is that it provides a perspective from fishers as well, whereby they provide their own view about these management approaches and also it highlights or brings into focus the work that fishers themselves are doing in terms of the management of the resource. After all, this is what their livelihood depend on and they are the users of the resources, for them to take ownership of it.”
Andrea Polanco
“Who is the target of this particular video?”
Ralna Lewis
“We are targeting fishers, as well as the Belizean general public. A lot of times, I believe Belizeans don’t understand what is involved in fisheries management. We go to the market; we buy the fish, the lobster, whatever it is. But to actually know what all factors are involved in supplying that product to you, that is missing. So, we hope this documentary will be able to provide some knowledge regarding that.”
If you’d like to see the documentary, it is available on YouTube, and on Facebook. WCS says that they intend to broadcast the video on local TV stations, as well.
