On February 8^th, 2026, in Da Bac Commune, Ca Mau Province, the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD), in co-operation with the People’s Committee of Da Bac commune and relevant technical agencies, organized a communication activity on co-management in fishery resource protection, combined with the installation of boundary buoys for the co-management area.

The activity was implemented to raise community awareness of the roles, responsibilities, and benefits associated with participation in co-management, while promoting compliance with legal regulations on fishery resource utilization and protection at the local level.

The co-management area for fishery resource protection in Da Bac Commune is officially recognized by the People’s Committee of Da Bac Commune and assigned the management right to the community organization under Decision No. 1172/QĐ-UBND dated October 24^th, 2025. This model marks a significant milestone in transferring Ca Mau Province’s policy on co-management into practice, while strengthening the role of fishing communities in the protection and restoration of fishery resources.

Speaking at the event, representative from the People’s Committee of Da Bac commune emphasized: “Implementing co-management not only helps reduce pressure on fishery resource exploitation but also sets the foundation for sustainable livelihoods, while strengthening community cohesion and residents’ sense of responsibility toward shared resources. The installation of the co-management area’s boundary buoys today will clearly establish the boundaries of the co-management zone at sea, facilitating public awareness, monitoring, and compliance with fisheries regulations, and supporting management, inspection, and coordination efforts between the local communities and relevant authorities.”

Mr. Nguyen Canh Hanh – Vice chairman of People’s Committee of Da Bac commune – delivered the keynote speech at the event

The installation of the buoys not only helps clearly identify the boundaries of the co-management area at sea but also carries symbolic significance, reflecting shared consensus and commitment among local authorities, technical agencies, and fishing communities to jointly manage, protect, and sustainably use fishery resources.

The event attracted the participation of more than 50 delegates, including representatives from MCD, the Sub-Department of Fisheries and the Sub-Department of Seas, Islands and Fisheries Surveillance of Ca Mau province, the People’s Committee of Da Bac Commune, the co-management community organization for fishery resource protection, the Youth Union and local media units.

The communication program was implemented through multiple channels, including providing information on co-management and fishery resource protection regulations via commune loudspeaker broadcasts before and after the event; the use of banners carrying key messages; statements by representatives of relevant stakeholders at the event; and photo check-in activities featuring messages on co-management and fishery resource protection written by community members themselves.

Through this activity, the co-management model for fishery resource protection in Da Bac Commune continues to be strengthened and scaled up, enhancing the effectiveness of fishery resource protection, advancing marine ecosystem conservation, and promoting sustainable livelihood development for coastal communities.

In the future, MCD will continue to partner with local authorities to support the effective operation of the co-management model, build the capacity of community organization, and foster stronger public engagement in fishery resource protection efforts.