An innovative project in Peru, funded by the Adaptation Fund and implemented by the Peruvian Trust Fund for National Parks and Protected Areas (Profonanpe environmental fund of Peru) is building resilience to climate threats for small fishing communities on the northern and southern coasts by adopting sustainable fishing practices, diversifying coastal livelihoods, enhancing food security and seafood quality. It is restoring natural marine ecosystems that fishing communities depend on and raising their incomes in the process.

Due to its nutrient-rich waters, Peru has one of the most productive fisheries in the world. A large portion of the sector is composed of local artisanal fishermen, a majority of who live in poverty despite providing the main source of food for many coastal residents.

The US$ 7 million project, taking place in Huacho and Mancora, is improving climate change adaptation on Peru’s coastal marine ecosystems and fisheries by further enhancing employment in processing fish products, access to international markets through sustainable fishery certifications, resource management and recovery of depleted species. Use of sustainable fishing gear like long lines that reduce by-catch and fuel costs, fishing technologies and aquaculture diversification such as scallop and clam cultivation in fishing cooperatives, as well as expanding coastal eco-tourism are other positive impacts.

One of the biggest successes of the project has been the involvement of women, with many benefiting through development of alternative livelihoods in ecotourism and fishery biofertilizer production, as well as achieving better prices through the project’s activities.