Integrate diverse perspectives for effective action

Civil society, business and government created a shared vision for sustainable fisheries practices and alternative livelihoods on the Caribbean coast of Honduras, and have achieved significant results in more than four years of sustained multi-sectorial collaboration.

A team from the Academy for Educational Development (now FPI360°), led an in-depth analysis of the Caribbean coast’s spiny lobster fisheries value chain from indigenous Miskito divers to commercial fishing businesses to major US corporate buyers. When it came time to convene these diverse stakeholders, they engaged Strategies for Change Now as the lead facilitator in developing a shared vision for “sustainable, profitable and safe spiny lobster fishery.” In a three-day planning workshop 60+ participants assessed their situation from divergent viewpoints, negotiated a shared vision, and created action plans—and the relationships—that have supported meaningful fisheries reform and sustained action over time. Stakeholders continue to meet annually to assess their progress, share knowledge and update strategies and tactics.