Coastal Villages in Sandaun Province recently received eight Banana Boats, outboard motor engines together with fishing and safety gears, from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as part of the EU STREIT Programme.

The new equipment aims to help improve the livelihood and well-being of communities who mainly depend on coastal fishing. And also to drive sustainable development of agri-food value chains, improve diets, enrich nutrition, and support food security in rural communities.

They were handed over to coastal and island fishing groups in Vanimo-Green and Aitape-Lumi districts of Sandaun Province.

The recipient groups were selected based on a criteria agreed upon, between the Provincial Fisheries and Marine Resources Office and the EU-STREIT PNG programme.

Before the handover of the boats, FAO have also coordinated a capacity development training for boat skippers and crews.

The training covers basic operations of the engines including health and safety operations.

FAO Fisheries Office Mohammed Zakir said, “Banana boats are an essential means of transportation for the coastal and island people of the Sepik Region.”

“The programme is committed to facilitating the access of fishing communities to markets and assisting them in improving existing transport safety and equipment.”

“This intervention will help to sustainably increase the catch and profitability of fish business, while also contributing significantly to food security and nutrition at the household level,” Zakir said.

Angela Passingan, who is the Chairlady of BAMA Women’s Group of Ulau Village, located along the coastline of Aitape East LLG, was one of the recipients.

She said these boats will help villagers, especially women, children and youths with the supply of fish for protein or to sell to earn an income.

Acting District Administrator for Aitape Job Tomur also thanked the European Union through the STREIT PNG Programme for this support.

“We must use these boats to catch more fish, transport to market and sell to make more money because there is money in fish that can contribute to grow our economy here,” the Acting District Administrator said.

The support by FAO also includes major investment in developing the capacity of the beneficiaries. As well as the introduction of improved techniques, equipment and facilities for better production, processing and marketing of fish among fishing communities.

Related: https://insidepng.com/funds-for-major-projects-in-west-sepik-province/