Small-Scale fishers Providencia island

On November 16th, Iota, a category 5th tornado made landfall on Providencia and Santa Catalina islands in the Western Caribbean. Iota is the first hurricane that hits directly to the islands. In its wake, it destroyed the homes of its 5,500 inhabitants, together with the entire infrastructure of public and social services. Forests, reefs, beaches, and mangroves were also devastated.

I am a PhD student at the University of Amsterdam and have been working for the last 10 years with the fishing communities on the Caribbean islands. Together with the local fishers of Providencia, we have set up this campaign to mobilize financial support to reactivate small-scale fisheries on the islands. You could help the affected population to get immediate access to affordable and nutritious food, reactivating food security.  

The funds will be distributed among four artisanal fishing co-operatives: I Fish, Pesproisla, Asopesbot, and Fish&Farm. More than 150 fishers will be able to strengthen the food chain and distribution systems throughout the vulnerable families. Artisanal fishers could also get an income.

We have calculated the costs of putting in place one fishing boat:

-          Boatbuilding made in the islands: USD 1.750
-          Outboard engine 40 hp: USD 4.300
-          Fishing gear and freezers: USD 870
-          Fuel, boat registration, and variable costs: USD 580

With your help, we will reactivate the food autonomy of Providencia and Santa Catalina islands in the Colombian Caribbean. 

We are very grateful to receive your contributions, both small and large