Tenure rights for SSF is the need of the hour

Raigad traditional small-scale fishers provide inputs at community led consultation; provide insights on key challenges to and reforms required to safeguard livelihoods 

Raigad district’s small-scale and traditional fishing community held the first consultation in Maharashtra for the development of the national plan of action (NPOA) to secure sustainable small-scale fisheries. Held at Sakav-Pen Praklap-Raigad on 1st of November 2026, the consultation convened small-scale fishers from fishing villages and societies in Uran (Hanuman koilwada, Uran koliwada, Kondegoan, Vindhane, Dighode) and Panvel (Belpada-Jasai, Gavhan, Diwale, Taloja, Vaghiwali, Belpada-Kopra, Kharaghar, Motha-khanda, Roadpali, Peth) block of Raigad district. 

Fishers who primarily fish in the sea using gillnets, cast net, stake net, doll-net from non-motorised and motorised boats were the main participants of the consultation. Fisherwomen involved in fishing, fish drying and fish vending also participated. This consultation is one of the most important steps in developing the national plan to secure livelihoods rights and security for small-scale fishers. This consultation is part of the process to implement the Voluntary Guidelines for Small Scale Fishers (VG-SSF) which began in 2014, as a bottom-up process by fishers to implement regionally sensitive policies and rules to protect fish resources and livelihoods. 

The consultation was divided into three thematic sessions. Session 1 focussed on defining who is a small-scale fisher, that is, to include community views on who should be included in the development plan. This would determine whose livelihoods would be protected under the NPOA. In this session, there was unanimous opinion that mechanised boats like trawlers and purse-seiners should not be included in the small-scale category. It was also clear that primarily those who were engaged in the direct act of fishing and allied activities from traditional fishing communities and members of fishing societies should be the ones included in the scope of the NPOA. 

Session 2 focussed on identifying key issues affecting fish resources and livelihoods and suggesting ways to resolve them.  A first theme focussed on the right of small-scale fishers to have legally defined secure access to fisheries resources and legal protections to prevent ongoing and future displacement. The second theme focussed on resolving conflicts in resource management, instituting community-based fisheries management plans and in turn, restoring the environment and fisheries habitats. There were two key findings that emerged from this session: the first is the near total absence of land titles to private and community lands for homesteads, recreation and fishing and allied activities. 

Second, the large-scale displacement caused by the establishment of JNPT, CIDCO, and other development projects forced fishers to relocate from their ancestral lands to unfamiliar areas, severely impacting their livelihoods, housing rights, and traditional occupational rights. Consequently, fishers demand prioritized access to the sea, strict enforcement of fishing regulations—including bans on destructive fishing practices—and a formal process for the demarcation and legal recognition of their traditional fishing territories.

Session 3 was subdivided into four themes focussed on: social development, value chain, gender and climate crisis impacts. Social development focussed on health, education, housing, social protection and occupational safety of small-scale fishers. Market linkages focussed on ways to improve the freshness of fish to provide economic boost to fishers’ livelihoods, including a focus on finance and organisations. The gender theme focussed on bringing the invisbilised labour and crucial roles of women in fishing, and inside households to the forefront, in order to improve access to schemes and finance and strengthen their participation in leadership. Finally, climate crisis focussed on tackling the impacts of and improving the ability of small-scale fishers to cope with climate events. 

The discussions once again provide insights from fishers that show the importance of the VG-SSF process since they call for a paradigm shift away from the way fisheries are currently managed. 

Due to large-scale displacement 40 years ago, small-scale fishers continue to suffer from insecure fisheries tenure, housing instability, disrupted livelihoods, and declining fish stocks caused by industrial pollution. During the last session, stakeholders emphasized that secure tenure and sustainable resource management must be prioritized. Only by securing these foundational rights can fishers harvest effectively and access markets, underscoring the deeply interconnected nature of SSF livelihood issues.

Here the fishers were clear that there was a need for securing livelihood, reducing pollution in estuaries, rights over fishing grounds, fish breeding sites in mangroves areas.

The women provided their views on a series of challenges and solutions: improving working conditions in post-harvest activities, access to healthcare, ensuring nutritional security within households, creating leadership opportunities within organisations, strengthening women’s SHGs by providing them various skills. There is also an urgent need to sensitise and change the views of society which stigmatise fisherwomen when they commute on public transport. 

Finally, climate crisis related changes call for an urgent range of interventions. While fishers provided inputs on early warning systems, on board radio and satellite communication systems and appropriate insurance schemes, they were firmly of the opinion that protection and restoration of the ecology takes precedence as the first line of action. There was also a novel suggestion made by the fishers to train fishers as climate-responders to be able to utilise local expertise while generating livelihood options.

The consultation was jointly organised by the Maharashtra Small Scale Traditional Fish Workers Union (MSSTFWU), National Federation of Small Scale Fishworkers (NFSF) and Dakshin Foundation with support from the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization) BOBP (Bay of Bengal Program) and ICAR-CIFE (Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Fisheries Education) institutions. 

Oppressed must not become new oppressors

 

Book: Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire

Originally published in 1968. Latest Indian Edition (paperback) published by Penguin Books Ltd in 2017

This book says - education should not be like putting knowledge into empty pots. Real education is a dialogue.

Freire explains two types:

1. Banking Education - Teacher knows everything, student knows nothing. Teacher deposits knowledge. This makes people silent and obedient.

2. Problem-Posing Education - Teacher and students learn together. They ask questions about their own life, their oppression, and find solutions together.

Main idea: Oppressed people must not become new oppressors. They must liberate themselves AND their oppressors through love, dialogue, and critical thinking. No one liberates anyone else, people liberate together.

Why I like it: It connects directly to small-scale fishers, children, and village work. It teaches us to not just give help, but to sit with people and think together.

Rating: 5/5 - A must-read for anyone who works with community.

Apeksha R. Tandel

Why Reading Clubs Matter More Than Just Books?

In a world full of fast videos, short messages, and endless scrolling, sitting down with a book feels like a quiet revolution. And when you do that together with others -in a reading club - it becomes even more powerful.

A reading club is not just a group of people reading the same book. It is a small community built on curiosity. Every person brings their own life experience to the same page. For example, when five people read the same story, you will get five different meanings. One person experience love, another feel loss, another sense hope. This is the magic of a reading club – it teaches us that there is never only one way to look at life.

1. Reading Makes Us Think Better

When we read regularly, our mind becomes sharper. We learn new words without trying to memorize them. We learn how to form better sentences and better thoughts. Reading for just 20 minutes a day can reduce stress, improve focus, and help us sleep better. It is like exercise for the brain. A reading club keeps this habit alive because your friends are waiting to discuss the book with you. You don't want to miss it.

2. It Builds Confidence to Speak

Many of us are shy to speak in front of others. In a reading club, everyone gets a chance to speak. There is no right or wrong answer. You can say, "I liked this character" or "I did not understand this part." Slowly, you start speaking more clearly and confidently. You learn to listen to others and respect different opinions, even if you don't agree with them.

3. It Connects People

In schools and colleges, we often stay in our own small groups. A reading club breaks those walls. Seniors, juniors, teachers, and students can all sit together as equal readers. You start friendships based on ideas, not just on age or class. In many villages and towns, reading clubs have become a place where people come together to learn about health, farming, jobs, and life skills through books.

4. How to Run a Good Reading Club

You don't need a big library or a lot of money. You just need 4-5 interested friends and one book. Here is a simple plan that works:

First, choose one book for two weeks. It can be a story, a biography, or even a newspaper article.

Second, fix one day and time every week – like Saturday evening for one hour.

Third, everyone reads at home. In the meeting, each person shares one favourite line and one question from the book.

Fourth, write down the best thoughts in a small notebook. That notebook will become your club's memory.

If you don't have books, start with free e-books, local library books, or old magazines. The important thing is to start.

In the end, a reading club does not just make you a better reader. It makes you a better thinker, a better listener, and a better friend. One book can change a day, but a reading club can change your whole way of thinking.

So, pick a book today, invite two friends, and start your own reading club. Your journey of a thousand stories begins with a single page.

Apeksha R. Tandel

SSF Consultation calls for increase in SSF fishing Zone as preferential access

Goa small-scale and traditional fishers engage in fisheries community consultation; provides vital inputs towards finalising the national plan of action to secure livelihoods

Goa’s small-scale and traditional fishing community held the second consultation in the state for the development of the national plan of action (NPOA) to secure sustainable fisheries. Held in Odxel, Tiswadi on the 24th of October, the consultation convened small-scale fishers from in North Goa district. Fishing communities whose livelihoods are engaged in estuarine and marine waters participated with representation from fishers using rampons (shore seines), gill-nets, stake nets, oyster and shell fish collection as well as those involved in fish vending and auctioning. A few fisherwomen involved in fishing, fish processing and fish vending also participated. This consultation is one of the most important steps in developing the national plan to secure livelihoods rights and security for small-scale fishers. This consultation is part of the process to implement the Voluntary Guidelines for Small Scale Fishers (VG-SSF) which began in 2014, as a bottom-up process by fishers to implement regionally sensitive policies and rules to protect fish resources and livelihoods. 

The consultation was divided into three thematic sessions. Session 1 focussed on defining who is a small-scale fisher, that is, to include community views on who should be included in the development plan. This would determine whose livelihoods would be protected under the NPOA. In this session, there was unanimous opinion that mechanised boats like trawlers and purse-seiners should not be included in the small-scale category. It was also clear that primarily those who were engaged in the direct act of fishing and allied activities should be the ones included in the scope of the NPOA. Goa specific traditional methods of fishing like cast nets, futtani, Kumle, cholonni, oyster and shellfish collection were highlighted as small - scale, sustainable fisheries practices.

Session 2 focussed on identifying key issues affecting fish resources and livelihoods and suggesting ways to resolve them. A first theme focussed on the right of small-scale fishers to have legally defined secure access to fisheries resources and legal protections to prevent ongoing and future displacement. The second theme focussed on resolving conflicts in resource management, instituting community-based fisheries management plans and in turn, restoring the environment and fisheries habitats. In this session, fishers were vocal that violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone notification (CRZ) and the non-finalisation of the CZMPs were the two primary reasons for displacement and threats to livelihoods. As a result, the expansion of tourism, development projects and ports on the shore is squeezing fishers on land, while bottom trawling in no-go zones, dredging, water sport boats and effluent discharge is affecting fish resources at sea. Lack of proactive support and training from authorities was highlighted as a cause for concern. The discussion during the day provides a clear path to achieve livelihood security: rolling back the dilutions of the CRZ process, curbs on destructive mechanised fishing, regulation of tourist boats, enforcement of fisheries regulations, preferential access to resources at sea, extension of exclusive small scale fishing zones from 5km to 15km, protection fishing breeding sites and demarcation of post-harvest spaces on land. Together these point to an urgent need to implement a ‘Fishers Rights Act’ to achieve the aims and objectives of the SSF guidelines. A clear demand that all  fisher related issues (especially those operating 18-20ft boats) to be handled by the Fisheries department was raised. Fishers demanded that subsidies should match inflation rates and actual expenses. The licensing regime for different sectors should give preference to Goa’s traditional fishers first. Participants unanimously stressed on the need for experiential learning opportunities for students and young adults to understand the ecosystems and traditional fisher occupations. 

Session 3 was subdivided into four themes focussed on: social development, value chain, gender and climate crisis impacts. Social development focussed on health, education, housing, social protection and occupational safety of small-scale fishers. Market linkages focussed on ways to improve the freshness of fish to provide economic boost to fishers livelihoods, including a focus on finance and organisations. The gender theme focussed on bringing the invisibilised labour and crucial roles of women in fishing and inside households to the forefront, in order to improve access to schemes and finance and strengthen their participation in leadership. Finally, the climate crisis focussed on tackling the impacts of and improving the ability of small-scale fishers to cope with climate events. 

The discussions once again provided insights from fishers that show the importance of the VG-SSF process since they call for a paradigm shift away from the way fisheries are currently managed. At fish landing centres, fish markets and in net making and fish processing areas, access to hygienic and sanitation facilities is urgently needed, especially for women. To be able to access markets appropriately, issues of resource management and secure tenure must be ensured first. It is only after securing these that fishers will be able to catch the appropriate fish and sell them in markets, bringing into spotlight the interconnectedness of SSF livelihoods issues. The women provided their views on a series of challenges and solutions: improving working conditions in post-harvest activities, ensuring nutritional security within households, creating leadership opportunities within organisations, crafting new women' s collectives and upskilling in value-addition and marketing skills. There is also an urgent need to acknowledge the value of the role of women in the household and to support fisherwomen’s mental health needs. Finally, climate crisis related changes call for an urgent range of interventions. While fishers provided inputs on early warning systems and insurance schemes, they were firmly of the opinion that protection and restoration of the ecology takes precedence as the first line of action. They sought timely weather warnings and comprehensive insurance. 

The consultation was locally facilitated by the National Federation of Small Scale Fishworkers on behalf of the Bay Of Bay Program-Inter Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO). Representatives from the Goa state Department of Fisheries were present at the consultation. Goa’s traditional fishworkers union representatives from All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) participated in the consultation. The previous consultation for South Goa district was held on the 17th of October 2026. 

A Little Book About Art

This book is from the Orange Hippo! "Little Books" series. The idea of the series is simple - take a big topic like Art, Philosophy, Love, and make it small, beautiful and giftable. It's a 2025 publication by OH an imprint of headline publishing group limited

 

1. What is this book really about?

It's not a history of art. It will not teach you when Picasso was born or how to mix colors.

 

It is a collection of wisdom. The editor has collected 100+ best thoughts about art from the last 500 years - from painters, writers, photographers, designers.

 

The central question is: What is art? Why do we need it?

 

You will find answers like:

> "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas

> "Every artist was first an amateur." - Emerson

> "Creativity is contagious, pass it on." - Einstein

 

2. How is it made?

- Size: Very small, palm-sized. You can carry it in your bus bag.

- Design: Hardcover. Your cover photo with Winsor & Newton GRIFFIN paint tubes is the best part. Inside, each quote is on a separate page with a different color background.

- Language: Very easy English. Most quotes are 10-15 words only. Perfect for your daily English practice that you mentioned.

 

3. Detailed Review

Point Rating Comment

Look & Feel  5/5 Looks like a piece of art on your shelf

Content 4/5 Inspiring, but some quotes are repeated from the internet

For Learning 5/5 Best for English learners and beginners in art

Value for Money 4/5 Small book for ~Rs. 400-500, but worth it as a gift

Pros:

- You can open any page and start reading. No need to read from page one.

- It gives you confidence. It tells you art is for everyone, not just for professionals.

- It is a great conversation starter. If guests come to your home and see this book scattered on the table, they will pick it up.

 

Cons:

- If you are looking for deep knowledge or techniques of painting, this book has nothing.

- No pictures of famous paintings inside, only text.

 

4. Final Verdict

This is a tea-time book. Keep it where your books and pens get scattered when you are not at home. Read one quote with your tea. Think about it for 2 minutes.

 

It will slowly make you an aesthete - a person who loves beauty.

 

My Overall Score: 4.3 / 5 Stars

 

Apeksha R. Tandel

Preferential access to SSF is a must! LED Fishing must stop!

Sindhudurg’s traditional small-scale fishers provide inputs at community led consultation; provide insights on key challenges and reforms required to safeguard livelihoods 

Sindhudurg district’s small-scale and traditional fishing community held the first consultation in Maharashtra for the development of the national plan of action (NPOA) to secure sustainable fisheries. Held at Barrister Nath Pain Sevangan, Chivla village on the 22nd of October, the consultation convened small-scale fishers from fishing villages and societies in Malvan, Devgad and Vengurla. Fishers who primarily fish in the sea using rapans (shore seines) and gill-nets from non-motorised and motorised boats were the main participants of the consultation. Fisherwomen involved in fishing, fish drying and fish vending also participated. This consultation is one of the most important steps in developing the national plan to secure livelihoods rights and security for small-scale fishers. This consultation is part of the process to implement the Voluntary Guidelines for Small Scale Fishers (VG-SSF) which began in 2014, as a bottom-up process by fishers to implement regionally sensitive policies and rules to protect fish resources and livelihoods. 

The consultation was divided into three thematic session. Session 1 focussed on defining who is a small-scale fisher, that is, to include community views on who should be included in the development plan. This would determine whose livelihoods would be protected under the NPOA. In this session, there was unanimous opinion that mechanised boats like trawlers and purse-seiners should not be included in the small-scale category. It was also clear that primarily those who were engaged in the direct act of fishing and allied activities from traditional fishing communities and members of fishing societies should be the ones included in the scope of the NPOA. 

Session 2 focussed on identifying key issues affecting fish resources and livelihoods and suggesting ways to resolve them. A first theme focussed on the right of small-scale fishers to have legally defined secure access to fisheries resources and legal protections to prevent ongoing and future displacement. The second theme focussed on resolving conflicts in resource management, instituting community-based fisheries management plans and in turn, restoring the environment and fisheries habitats. There were two key findings that emerged from this session: the first is the near total absence of land titles to private and community lands for homesteads, recreation and fishing and allied activities. And second, the rampant disregard for fisheries regulations by the mechanised fishing sector, such as the use of LED lights by purse seiners, small mesh sizes by bottom trawlers and bull trawling by pelagic trawlers. Fishers demand first access to the sea, enforcement of fishing regulations, including curbs on destructive fishing methods, and a process of demarcation of and legal rights over fishing livelihood areas. 

Session 3 was subdivided into four themes focussed on: social development, value chain, gender and climate crisis impacts. Social development focussed on health, education, housing, social protection and occupational safety of small-scale fishers. Market linkages focussed on ways to improve the freshness of fish to provide economic boost to fishers livelihoods, including a focus on finance and organisations. The gender theme focussed on bringing the invisbilised labour and crucial roles of women in fishing and inside households to the forefront, in order to improve access to schemes and finance and strengthen their participation in leadership. Finally, climate crisis focussed on tackling the impacts of and improving the ability of small-scale fishers to cope with climate events. 

The discussions once again provide insights from fishers that show the importance of the VG-SSF process since they call for a paradigm shift away from the way fisheries are currently managed. At fish landing centres, fish markets and in net making and fish processing areas, access to hygienic and sanitation facilities, drinking water facility and first aid is urgently needed, especially for women. To be able to access markets appropriately, issues of resource management and secure tenure must be ensured first. It is only after securing these that fishers will be able to catch the appropriate fish and sell them in markets, bringing into spotlight the interconnectedness of SSF livelihoods issues. Here the fishers were quite clear that there was a need for solar-powered ice-boxes that keep fish fresher and do not cost them extra. The women provided their views on a series of challenges and solutions: improving working conditions in post-harvest activities, access to healthcare, ensuring nutritional security within households, creating leadership opportunities within organisations, crafting new womens’ collectives and upskilling in value-addition and marketing skills. There is also an urgent need to sensitise and change the views of society which stigmatise fisherwomen when they commute on public transport. Finally, climate crisis related changes call for an urgent range of interventions. While fishers provided inputs on early warning systems, on board radio and satellite communication systems and appropriate insurance schemes, they were firmly of the opinion that protection and restoration of the ecology takes precedence as the first line of action. There was also a novel suggestion made by the fishers to train fishers as climate-responders to be able to utilise local expertise while generating livelihood options.

The consultation was jointly organised by the Maharashtra Small Scale Traditional Fish Workers Union (MSSTFWU), National Federation of Small Scale Fishworkers (NFSF) and Dakshin Foundation with support from the FAO-BOBP and ICAR-CIFE institutions. Representatives from the Sindhudurg district Department of Fisheries and the Mangrove Cell were also present at the consultation. The next consultation for Maharashtra is scheduled in Navi Mumbai on the 1st of November. 

 

Tonka village to Honnavar binocular view

I experienced beautiful moments with my binoculars that I will never forget.

It was in Honnavar where the Sharavati river meets the Arabian Sea; the view through binoculars is pure magic. I saw fishermen casting nets at sunrise, their silhouettes golden against the water. I saw Kasarkod beach alive with birds, the historic lighthouse standing tall, and the Apsarakonda falls hidden in green hills.

In Tonka Village the sea came alive with art and life. Small boats gliding like brushstrokes on a blue canvas, children's laughter, and fisherfolk weaving stories.

Binoculars are one of the simplest yet most powerful optical tools ever invented. They bring distant worlds closer to our eyes, whether it is a bird hidden in a tree, a star in the night sky, or a ship on the horizon.

How do binoculars work?

A binocular is essentially two telescopes joined together, one for each eye. Light enters through the large objective lens, gets magnified, and is corrected by prisms to give us a straight, clear, and magnified image.

What do the numbers mean?

You will often see numbers like 8x42 or 10x50. The first number is magnification 8x means the object appears eight times closer. The second is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters.

For beginners, 8x42 is ideal. In a world where we often rush past small wonders, Binoculars teach us to pause and look closer especially in a beautiful place like Honnavar.

Apeksha R. Tandel

Fishing net, Boat and Courage

 

Preface

A fisherman is a person who catches fish for a living. He is one of the hardest working people in society.

His life starts very early in the morning, even before the sun rises. He takes his small boat and fishing net and goes deep into the sea or river. He has a lot of courage because the sea is not always calm. Sometimes there are big waves and strong winds.

Fishing is not easy. Sometimes he catches a lot of fish, sometimes he catches nothing but he never loses hope. He patiently waits for hours.

The fisherman not only feeds his own family but he also provides food for all of us. The fresh fish we eat in the market comes because of his hard work.

We should always respect fishermen for their bravery and hard work.

Introduction

A fisherman is a person whose main occupation is catching fish. Since ancient times, fishing has been one of the oldest professions in the world. Fishermen mostly live near the sea, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas like Tonka town, Malpe, Karwar.

Daily Life

The life of a fisherman is full of struggle. He wakes up at 3 or 4 AM when the whole village is still sleeping. He checks his boat, nets, and engine. With his friends, he goes 10-20 kilometers deep into the sea. He stays in the water for 8 to 12 hours.

His work depends completely on nature. If the weather is good, he gets a good catch. If there is a storm or heavy rain, he has to come back empty-handed and his life is in danger.

Skills and Knowledge

A fisherman is not just a laborer, he is very knowledgeable. He can understand the direction of the wind by looking at the sky, he knows where fish will be found by looking at the color of the water, and he knows how to repair his net himself. This knowledge is passed from father to son.

Problems Faced:

1. Risk of Life: The sea is unpredictable.Threat to life always a company to those inside fishing boat navigating over the waves of Arabian Sea. Still fisherman carries risk in his fist.

2. Low Income: He has to sell his fish to middlemen for a low price in the early morning market. Even after working 12 hours in the sea, he gets very little money and struggles to meet daily expenses

3. No Modern Facilities: Many fishermen still do not have big boats, GPS, or life jackets. Because they use old nets and small engines, they cannot go far and their catch is less compared to big trawlers.

4. Off-Season: During the rainy season, fishing is banned for 2 months for fish breeding, at that time they have no income. In these two months they have to borrow money for food and depend on government help to

Importance to Society:

Fish is a very healthy food, rich in protein. The economy of our coastal Karnataka depends a lot on fishing. Fishermen provide nutritious food to crores of people.

Conclusion:

A fisherman teaches us two great lessons - Hard Work and Patience. He goes to work every day without any guarantee of income. The government and society must help them by giving better boats, insurance, education for their children, and good market prices. We must respect them.

Apeksha R. Tandel

SSF consultation calls for Fisheries Rights Act to defend small scale fishers

Goa small-scale and traditional fishers engage in fisheries community consultation; provides vital inputs towards finalising the national plan of action to secure livelihoods

Goa’s small-scale and traditional fishing community held the first consultation in the state for the development of the national plan of action (NPOA) to secure sustainable fisheries. Held in Cavelossim, Salcete on the 17th of October, the consultation convened small-scale fishers from in South Goa district. Fishing communities whose livelihoods are engaged in estuarine and marine waters participated with representation from fishers using rampons (shore seines), gill-nets, stake nets, as well as those involved in fish vending and auctioning. Fisherwomen involved in fishing, fish processing and fish vending also participated in large numbers. This consultation is one of the most important steps in developing the national plan to secure livelihoods rights and security for small-scale fishers. This consultation is part of the process to implement the Voluntary Guidelines for Small Scale Fishers (VG-SSF) which began in 2014, as a bottom-up process by fishers to implement regionally sensitive policies and rules to protect fish resources and livelihoods. 

The consultation was divided into three thematic session. Session 1 focussed on defining who is a small-scale fisher, that is, to include community views on who should be included in the development plan. This would determine whose livelihoods would be protected under the NPOA. In this session, there was unanimous opinion that mechanised boats like trawlers and purse-seiners should not be included in the small-scale category. It was also clear that primarily those who were engaged in the direct act of fishing and allied activities should be the ones included in the scope of the NPOA. 

Session 2 focussed on identifying key issues affecting fish resources and livelihoods and suggesting ways to resolve them. A first theme focussed on the right of small-scale fishers to have legally defined secure access to fisheries resources and legal protections to prevent ongoing and future displacement. The second theme focussed on resolving conflicts in resource management, instituting community-based fisheries management plans and in turn, restoring the environment and fisheries habitats. In this session, fishers were vocal that violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone notification (CRZ) and the non-finalisation of the CZMPs were the two primary reasons for displacement and threats to livelihoods. As a result, the expansion of tourism, development projects and ports on the shore is squeezing fishers on land, while bottom trawling in no-go zones, dredging, water sport boats and effluent discharge is affecting fish resources at sea. The discussion during the day provides a clear path to achieve livelihood security: rolling back the dilutions of the CRZ process, curbs on destructive mechanised fishing, enforcement of fisheries regulations, preferential access to resources at sea and demarcation of post-harvest spaces on land. Together these point to an urgent need to implement a ‘Fishers Rights Act’ to achieve the aims and objective of the SSF guidelines. 

Session 3 was subdivided into four themes focussed on: social development, value chain, gender and climate crisis impacts. Social development focussed on health, education, housing, social protection and occupational safety of small-scale fishers. Market linkages focussed on ways to improve the freshness of fish to provide economic boost to fishers livelihoods, including a focus on finance and organisations. The gender theme focussed on bringing the invisbilised labour and crucial roles of women in fishing and inside households to the forefront, in order to improve access to schemes and finance and strengthen their participation in leadership. Finally, climate crisis focussed on tackling the impacts of and improving the ability of small-scale fishers to cope with climate events. 

The discussions once again provide insights from fishers that show the importance of the VG-SSF process since they call for a paradigm shift away from the way fisheries are currently managed. At fish landing centres, fish markets and in net making and fish processing areas, access to hygienic and sanitation facilities is urgently needed, especially for women. To be able to access markets appropriately, issues of resource management and secure tenure must be ensured first. It is only after securing these that fishers will be able to catch the appropriate fish and sell them in markets, bringing into spotlight the interconnectedness of SSF livelihoods issues. The women provided their views on a series of challenges and solutions: improving working conditions in post-harvest activities, ensuring nutritional security within households, creating leadership opportunities within organisations, crafting new womens’ collectives and upskilling in value-addition and marketing skills. There is also an urgent need to sensitise and change the views of society which stigmatise fisherwomen when they commute on public transport. Finally, climate crisis related changes call for an urgent range of interventions. While fishers provided inputs on early warning systems and insurance schemes, they were firmly of the opinion that protection and restoration of the ecology takes precedence as the first line of action. 

The consultation was locally facilitated by the National Federation of Small Scale Fishworkers with support from the FAO-BOBP and ICAR-CIFE institutions. Representatives from the Goa state Department of Fisheries were also present at the consultation. Goa’s traditional fishworkers union representatives from Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) also participated in the consultation. The next consultation for North Goa district is scheduled next week on the 24th of October. 

What to do about Diabetes in Children and Youth?

Book: Diabetes in Children and Youth (Makkalu Mattu Yuvajanaralli Madhumeha)

Author: Dr. Kaushik Ural H

Associate Professor, Pediatric Diabetes and Hormone Specialist, Department of Pediatrics, KMC, Manipal

Original (English and Hindi): Dr. Eesh Bhatia, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Bhatia

Publisher: Department of Pediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, Mahe, Manipal

Year of publication: not mentioned.

1. What is the book about?

This is a medical guidebook written in simple Kannada for parents and young patients, about diabetes that occurs in children and adolescents (Mainly Type-1 Diabetes).

The book generally covers these topics:

- What is diabetes? Difference between Type-1 and Type-2

- Symptoms: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue

- About Insulin: Why insulin is needed, how to inject it, how to store it

- Diet and Lifestyle: Diet plan for children, precautions to be taken at school, play and exercise

- Blood sugar testing (Glucometer), HbA1c.

- Emergency conditions: What to do when Low Sugar (Hypoglycemia) and High Sugar (DKA) occurs

2. Who will find this book useful?

- For parents whose child has been newly diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes - it works like a first guide.

- For ASHA workers, nurses, pediatricians, school teachers.

- For anyone who wants to understand diabetes in simple Kannada.

3.  Positives of the book

- Very simple language: Explained in common Kannada without using big medical terms.

- Credible source: It comes from a large institution like KMC Manipal, and the original authors are renowned Endocrinologists of the country.

- Removes fear: It removes the fear that life is over once you have diabetes, and gives confidence that a normal life can be led with proper care.

- Practical advice: Not just theory, it emphasizes what to do in daily life.

4. Limitations

This is like a small booklet given by the hospital to parents, not a large textbook. So it may not have in-depth scientific discussion or much detail about new technologies like Insulin Pump, CGM.

Final Opinion:

If a child in your family or relatives has diabetes, this is a must-read book for every parent to keep at home. When you forget the doctor's words, this book reminds you.

Apeksha R. Tandel