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Generating awareness about over-fishing

20 March 2006, 18:00 PM
LIFESTYLE
By Khalid-Bin-Habib
20 March 2006, 18:00 PM
Puppets convey a social message
Fish is the fastest growing source of food in developing countries. It is the primary source of animal protein for about one-sixth of the world's population. But in Bangladesh fisheries are in a crisis -- the result of unsustainable fishing practices. Continued over fishing threatens food security, impoverishes coastal communities and degrades ecosystems. As a result, many of the important fisheries have already collapsed. It also threatens the economy of our country.

To generate awareness about the dangers of over-fishing, several media have been used. One innovative medium is puppetry, a versatile means of artistic expression, communication and instruction for 2,000 years. Puppets can both teach and persuade. Working the edge between entertainment and education, an organisation FemCom Bangladesh joined hands with the Department Of Fisheries, Bangladesh Government and Community Based Fisheries Management Project Phase-2 (CBFM) of World Fish Centre. The outcome was a puppet show performed by fishermen from a rural background at Dhanmondi, Dhaka on March 19.

The team of organisations strives to generate awareness about the fisheries sector in Bangladesh. The grassroots members of the team are very poor and illiterate. The organisation seeks to promote fisheries development and focuses on investment priorities geared towards poverty alleviation through cultural activities in rural areas. They are also working to raise mass awareness against the use of current nets.

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Project leader, Malcom Dickson, Project director MD Mahbubur Rahman Khan, CBFM-2 of World Fish Centre, Project co-ordinator of CBFM-2 of FemCom Bangladesh were present at the puppet show.