CoFiRe Model

CoFiRe Model: Problem, Solution, and Achievements

The Community Fish Reserve model is a community-led, area-based conservation approach for freshwater ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, fishery sustainability, climate resilience, and stronger livelihoods.

3 Model pillars
15 Reserves established
105K+ Native fish restocked
Community-led Area-based conservation Scalable impact
01

Challenge

Problem Statement

Degradation and loss of freshwater ecosystems, biodiversity, fisheries and associated livelihoods. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU), gender-based violence, human-wildlife conflicts, climate change and floods, food and nutritional insecurity, unemployment, school drop-outs and child labour.

02

Response

Solution Statement

  • Community Fish Reserves establishment including riparian zone, fish breeding zone and right fishing zone.
  • Capacity building on fisheries co-management including designation, demarcation, monitoring, control and surveillance.
  • Joint Co-Managed Area Networks as legitimized by national fisheries policy and guidelines.
  • Mobilization, recruitment and registration of CoFiRes in CoFiRe Network.
  • Gazettement of CoFiRe and legal pathway strengthening.
  • Linking and networking with OECMs advancement platforms.
  • Native fish species restocking and habitat recovery.
  • CoFiRe management plans, conservation investment plans and trust fund approaches.
  • Empowerment of women and youth through livelihood pathways including self-help groups, SACCOs and enterprises.
  • Nature-based solutions through riparian restoration, native fish restocking and regenerative agriculture.
  • Room for replication and scaling in Kenya, Lake Victoria Region and Africa Great Lakes Region.
03

Impact

Achievements

  • Three years in operation and already established 15 CoFiRes with strong scalability potential.
  • Over 105,000 native fish species restocked, especially native tilapia.
  • Improved fishing practices, habitat condition, fish stock and recording of native species.
  • Legal support secured through Whitley Legal Fund for gazettement detail work.
  • Guideline report support for inland freshwater OECMs by FAO.
  • Women and youth participation strengthened in conservation and associated empowerment processes.