The workshop was more than just an academic exercise; it was a journey that took us through the challenges and triumphs of those living at the edge of the sea. It broadened my understanding of sustainability and reminded me that the solutions we seek often lie in the stories of those who live closest to the problems.
If you have been following our news, you would have noticed that an official launch of a TBTI country hub is usually accompanied by a cake. We didn’t have that in Kaula Lumpur when the writing team came together to work on the SSF Malaysia E-book in July. The cake is reserved for when the book is launched, tentatively in November to celebrate the World Fisheries Day.
The opportunity to meet with the authors of the e-book was combined with the trip that I made to Penang to present the vision and the upcoming activities of TBTI Global at the 2024 International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET), held in Penang on July 15-19, 2024. Many of the TBTI members were there, including the original members like Prof. Kuperan Viswanathan (Universiti Utara Malaysia), Prof. Rashid Sumaila (University of British Columbia), and Prof. Silvia Salas (CINVESTAV Merida). Professor Gazi Md Nurul Islam (Universiti Tun Abdul Razak) and I joined them at the IIFET conference before going to Kuala Lumpur for the e-book writing workshop, that Gazi hosted at his university on July 20-21, 2024. Gazi is a long-time contributor of TBTI, and has stepped up to take the lead in the coordination of TBTI Malaysia, with the e-book being the first deliverable. He has gained the support of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Dean for the initiative, and has invited several colleagues and early career scientists to write the chapters. Since this is the first writing project on small-scale fisheries in Malaysia, we felt that it was important to bring the authors together to share knowledge and exchange ideas. With the generous support of the university, the workshop was recorded by a professional IT team, and is made available to those who were not able to attend. The writing workshop also benefited from the case writing expert, Dr. Dahlia Zawawi (Universiti Putra Malaysia), who shared with us her personal experience and the tips on evidence-based storytelling.
Like many, I was fascinated by Raymond Firth’s classic book “Malay Fishermen: Their Peasant Economy” (1946). Thus, I was particularly keen to learn more about small-scale fisheries of Malaysia, especially about where things are with them today. The workshop did not disappoint as it was a great learning and sharing opportunity. As I was listening to the stories shared by the authors, I related them with what’s happening around the world, which the authors discussed and reflected on. At the end we left the workshop feeling rewarded and energized to finish the book, which may one day become a classic!
A few words from the e-book editor and TBTI Malaysia coordinator
By Prof. Gazi Md Nurul Islam, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
We’re excited to announce that TBTI Global and Universiti Tun Abdul Razak will be publishing an e-book on small-scale fisheries in Malaysia later this year as part of the TBTI Global Publication Series. This e-book aims to gather valuable information about small-scale fisheries communities in Malaysia. Specifically, it will provide better knowledge and understanding of the social and ecological context of Malaysian small-scale fisheries to a diverse, national and international audience.
A two-days writing workshop (20 – 21 July, 2024) was organized in UNIRAZAK, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that brought together professionals from the academia, government and NGOs who are contributing chapters to the book. The participants shared experience and knowledge in socio cultural, economic and ecological contexts of small-scale fishers, Indigenous and tribal fisher community in the east coast and west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). The themes of the case study chapters describe a wide range of social economic, social justice, blue economy, ecosystem health, environmental vulnerability, livelihood strategies, gender role in fisheries, and complexity of fisheries governance, among others.
The e-book will be the first volume to capture the scattered yet unexplored stories of traditional fishers living in islands and coastal areas in Malaysia. It will also contribute valuable knowledge in small-scale fisheries to benefit local communities, policy makers and other stakeholders and be a valuable resource for the policy makers in helping them formulate better decision for sustainable small-scale fisheries in Malaysia.
Reflection on the workshop by the e-book contributor
By Hemavathi Gunasegaran, Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education
Participating in the TBTI Global and UNIRAZAK workshop was like stepping into a new world – one teeming with life beneath the surface, where the stories of small-scale fishers intertwine with the delicate balance of our ecosystems. As someone who has spent much of my academic journey exploring the avenues of women entrepreneurship and education, diving into the realm of fisheries was both thrilling and enlightening.
The first day of the workshop felt like a deep dive into uncharted waters. I found myself captivated by the discussions on small-scale fisheries, which, I learned, are the unsung heroes of global food security. The staggering fact that small-scale fisheries support 90% of the fisheries workforce, with women playing a crucial yet often invisible role, struck a chord with me. It was a powerful reminder that whether it’s on land or at sea, women are the backbone of communities, driving both economies and sustainable practices.
One of the most thought-provoking moments came during the exploration of the ‘blue economy.’ The idea that growing more fish through large-scale aquaculture could solve overfishing seemed almost too simple, and I was intrigued by the nuanced discussions that followed. We delved into the complexities of balancing ecological health with economic needs – where every solution, it seems, brings a new set of challenges. The term ‘wicked problems’ resonated deeply with me; these are the kinds of issues that defy straightforward solutions, much like the interconnected struggles faced by women entrepreneurs in developing markets.
Day two was equally immersive, but this time the focus shifted to the art of storytelling in research in what felt both familiar and novel. The sessions on crafting compelling case reports were not just about relaying facts but about weaving narratives that resonate, inspire, and drive change. It dawned on me that the stories of small-scale fishers are not just data points but they are powerful testimonies of resilience, adaptability, and the human spirit. These stories, when told well, have the potential to shift perspectives and influence policies.
One particular discussion that stayed with me was about the financial resilience of fishing communities in Kg Air Bapan Mersing Johor. It was a vivid illustration of how traditional livelihoods can be transformed through education and training, ensuring that these communities not only survive but thrive in an ever-changing world. It was here that the parallels to my work in women entrepreneurship became most apparent, whether it’s in the boardroom or on a fishing boat, the principles of resilience, innovation, and empowerment remain the same.
The workshop was more than just an academic exercise; it was a journey that took us through the challenges and triumphs of those living at the edge of the sea. It broadened my understanding of sustainability and reminded me that the solutions we seek often lie in the stories of those who live closest to the problems . The connections I made between my previous studies and the new insights from this workshop have inspired me to think more broadly and deeply about the impact of my work.
In the end, this workshop was not just about learning new facts; it was about seeing the world through a different lens – one that values the voices of those who are often unheard, and that seeks to create a future where both people and the planet can flourish together. I’m leaving this experience with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to dive deeper into the challenges that lie ahead, armed with new knowledge and a fresh perspective on the small-scale fisheries.