The Hidden Costs of Conservation for Local Fishing Communities

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is a Marine Protected Area (MPA) located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems, including wetlands, coastal dunes and coral reefs. It was designated as South Africa’s first World...

Resilience at Sea: The Struggles of Women Mussel Harvesters in KwaZulu-Natal

In August 2024, Masifundise and Coastal Links hosted the Fisher People Tribunal where small-scale fishers were given the platform to share their experiences on the ground. One of the cases looked at the impact of climate change on fishers’ livelihoods with a focus on...

Dwesa-Cwebe Fishers’ fight for Recognition of Customary Rights at Fisher People Tribunal

On the eastern seaboard of South Africa, is a nature reserve called Dwesa Nature Reserve established in 1986, in the Eastern Cape. The nature reserve was established to protect its biodiversity. Surrounding the reserve are seven communities that have historically...

Media Statement: Preliminary Jury Statement Outlines Key Challenges and Strategic Recommendations for Advancing the Fisher Movement in South Africa

For immediate release 5 November 2024 From 23-25 October 2024, Masifundise and Coastal Links hosted the largest Fisher People’s Conference of the past decade, bringing together over 85 fisher representatives from coastal and inland communities across South Africa,...

MEDIA ALERT: Masifundise and Coastal Links to Host first Fisher People Tribunal Hearing in Cape Town, South Africa

To: All media Issued by: Masifundise Development Trust Date: 7 August 2024 Subject: Masifundise and Coastal Links to Host first Fisher People Tribunal Hearing in Cape Town, South Africa Masifundise Development Trust and Coastal Links will host the Fisher People...

Mpume small-scale fishers still await justice over a year after shooting incident

Small-scale fishers from the Dwesa-Cwebe communities in the Eastern Cape have faced ongoing violations to their right to conduct livelihood activities. Thobile Mpunzi, together with Mandilakhe Ndabeni and Vuyisani Ndlumdini are local fishers from Mpume village who...
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