In June this year, a consultative meeting was held with key stakeholders and interested community members of Kangpara Gewog, Trashigang, to initiate the development of a Community-based Capture Fishery Management Program (CCFMP). Following the meeting and a prefeasibility assessment in the region, significant potential for establishing a capture fishery program in Kangpara was identified.

With technical facilitation from the NRDCRLF, Haa, the team initiated the drafting of the management plan. During this phase, members were oriented on the management system, CCFMP working modalities, the Management Action Template, and the framework for bylaws, in the presence of key stakeholders.

As part of the program, a river survey and fish biodiversity assessment were carried out. The program also included demarcation of the designated river stretch for community management, ensuring clarity in access and protection measures. Demonstrations on product value addition and diversification were conducted, focusing on promoting high-value, low-volume products in the region. A socio-economic survey was also undertaken through structured questionnaires to better understand community needs and opportunities. Furthermore, provisions for systematic record-keeping of fish catches by the group were introduced to support effective monitoring and sustainable harvest practices.

The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing the livelihoods of the Kangpara community, particularly those dependent on fishery activities. The members formally named the group KANGPARA NYERA AMA CCFMG, marking the first-ever community engagement initiative on sustainable fisheries in the eastern region.

The official launch of the program will take place later this year, upon the endorsement of the management plan after its review phase.