One of the main objectives of the BFAR-USAID Fish Right Program is to enhance participation and leadership of at least 100 civil society organizations or networks of organizations (representing women and men) in resilient and ecosystem-based fisheries management. It also aims to improve the capacities and accountability of at least 50 institutions to implement resilience and ecosystem-based fisheries management and to establish and/or improve at least 45 policies/regulations that support resilient and ecosystem-based fisheries management.

 

This Theater for Development project is an innovative approach to support the achievement of these objectives, harnessing the multiple values of theater both as a product but also as a process.  It will complement in reaching “significant numbers of resource users and beneficiaries who are motivated to actively participate and collaborate in ecosystem-scale and equitable management for sustainable fisheries” by mobilizing various sectors and stakeholders in target communities. Culled from the “Theory of Change” (TOC) of an “Ecosystem Approach to Fishery Management” (EAFM).

As prohibitions in mass gatherings continue to impact originally-planned activities for the community theater component of the Southern Negros Fish Right Program, YATTA will undertake the following alternative activities utilizing other media:​

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1. A printed book (with illustrations and information) that will introduce children, youth, and communities to different varieties of fishes, the various types of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and what can be done to practice sustainable fishing.

2. Radio plugs for advocacy. Radio continues to be a powerful medium that reaches our broad community and is accessible to our coastal/fishing communities. One minute radio plugs (skit type) can be produced aiming to draw awareness to urgent issues in the fisheries sector and the goals of the Fish Right Program, targeting the fishing communities as well as the consumers. A short and catchy theme song will likewise be composed.

3. Online songwriting, poster-making competition for young people. In partnership with an online youth network, we can engage young people throughout Southern Negros to create songs or produce posters. Participants will attend a one-day (or two half-day) workshop for capacity building (content and artistic skills), and can also have access to online resource materials related to the Fish Right Program, from which they will derive content for their songs and posters. This will all be done through social media platforms.