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"Zero Waste" drives the fishing communities of Paita and Máncora towards a clean ocean

Since 2022, the 'Zero Waste' project has been implemented in the Artisanal Fishing Landings Sites (DPA) in the communities of Máncora and Paita, commissioned by USAID's Clean Cities, Blue Ocean Program.

Within the framework of this initiative, 367 artisanal fishers have been trained on topics such as marine pollution, proper waste management and the prevention of ghost fishing.

In addition to these trainings, various awareness-raising activities have been carried out, including beach cleanups, underwater cleaning operations and events called “reciclatón”, which consist of campaigns to collect usable solid waste returned from fishing operations. Thanks to the effort and commitment of fishers, more than 6 tons of waste, both usable and unusable, have been prevented from contaminating our waters and endangering the marine ecosystem. Administrative staff and other DPA users were also trained to strengthen their skills in waste management, thus ensuring the sustainability of the actions undertaken.

As part of the project, the DPAs have been equipped with containers, signage and communication materials such as infographics. By other hand, radial spots were developed to raise awareness among fishers and other users about good practices in solid waste management.

“The work carried out by 'Zero Waste’' in Paita and Máncora shows us the importance of involving the various actors: fishers, local authorities and representatives of associations, in order to create a sustainable model that can be replicated in other regions to combat marine pollution,” said Carla Cisneros, director of USAID's Clean Cities, Blue Ocean Program.

“We congratulate the participation of fishers in the return of waste and their commitment to marine conservation. The collaboration of administrators and other actors is essential so that good practices and the implementation of models continue to be implemented in the long term, thus contributing to a clean ocean,” highlighted Julia Maturrano, Marine Program Officer of WWF Peru.

Maturrano added that the achievements are the result of joint work between artisanal fishers, the DPA, associations of recyclers and municipal authorities of Máncora and Paita.  “Collaboration and synergies between all those involved have been actively sought to guarantee efficient waste management,” she mentioned.
 
Initiatives such as 'Zero Waste' demonstrate that, with the collaboration and commitment of all the actors involved, it is possible to achieve a significant positive impact on the conservation of our marine resources.

Testimony
Raúl Querevalú
President of the Association of the Artisanal Fishermen's Guild of the District of Máncora (AGREPESAR)


“Before, throwing waste into the sea was the most practical thing for us, we did it due to lack of knowledge, we found bottles, plastics, vegetables... We did not have prior training to be able to do it correctly. Also, unfortunately we do not have garbage deposits on the boats. The importance of the return of this waste is to conserve marine biodiversity, non-pollution is something that benefits all fishers”.

“I invite other fishers to continue taking responsibilities, assume those challenges, because they will be fruitful, we are the biggest beneficiaries, our family and other people who also depend on us”.