By Admore Mbonda in Siavonga, Zambia
In a groundbreaking collaboration for sustainable fisheries, Zambia and Zimbabwe have joined forces through a United Nations-led workshop under the PROFISHBLUE initiative.
Held in Siavonga, Zambia, the two-day event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) focused on crafting a unified blue economy strategy for Lake Kariba—a shared, vital resource facing critical pressures from overfishing and habitat loss.
Lake Kariba, one of Africa’s largest man-made lakes, supports thousands of livelihoods, providing essential food and income. However, sustainability issues necessitate cooperation between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“We share the same lake, so the policies implemented in Zimbabwe should also be adopted in Zambia,” said Milton Tinashe Makumbe, Director of Zimbabwe’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production, as he urged harmonized efforts to manage fishing pressures.
Tinashe Makumbe
The workshop also highlighted the importance of investment in aquaculture to sustain fish populations. Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector, facing challenges such as limited market access and high operational costs, requires support to relieve fishing pressure on Lake Kariba, Makumbe noted.
“If we invest more in aquaculture, we can reduce the pressure on wild fish populations.”
Dr. Namani Monze, Permanent Secretary for Zambia’s Southern Province, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the project’s importance for regional food security and economic growth.
“The activities outlined under the PROFISHBLUE project to enhance fisheries management practices demonstrate our serious commitment to maximizing fish production in the region,” he stated.
The PROFISHBLUE project seeks to balance ecological conservation with economic development by promoting sustainable fishing, responsible aquaculture, and eco-tourism.
As Zambia and Zimbabwe strive for a unified blue economy strategy, the collaborative efforts from this workshop mark a promising step toward securing Lake Kariba’s future for local communities while preserving its ecological integrity.
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