Institute of Fisheries & Environmental Solutions

Working with federal institutions on national fisheries policy, marine governance and environmental strategy.

IFES Institute is headquartered in Bosaso Puntland Somalia with operational presence in most major and coastal towns of Puntland and conducts the majority of its programmes, research, community engagement, and field operations across the State. The partnership supports collaboration with government institutions on sustainable fisheries, marine and environmental conservation, climate resilience, community development, livelihoods, research, policy, youth and women’s empowerment, and evidence-based development.

Collaboration with UN agencies on sustainable development programmes and capacity building.

Partnering with the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Puntland on environmental protection and climate adaptation.

Strategic consortium partner of IFES Institute under a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (2024–2029), supporting integrated programming in peacebuilding, civic engagement, and youth empowerment across Puntland. Y-Peer Puntland brings strong expertise in youth-led community engagement, behavioral change communication, and grassroots peace initiatives. Through this partnership, IFES serves as the lead implementing agency, while Y-Peer contributes technical capacity in youth mobilization, social cohesion, and conflict prevention. The collaboration focuses on joint implementation of programs in: • Peacebuilding and conflict resolution • Youth and women empowerment • Civic engagement and social accountability • Skills development and job creation • Community-based awareness and behavioral change

Research collaboration through the Faculty of Marine Science & Fisheries on sustainable fisheries in Bosaso.

Action Community of Development Organization (ACDO) is a community-focused development organization working to strengthen livelihoods, economic opportunities, and inclusive community development. ACDO collaborates with IFES Institute to generate evidence and promote practical solutions that enhance women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and resilient livelihoods in coastal communities. Areas of Collaboration Women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship Livelihood and income-generation research Community-based research and assessments Youth and women’s participation in development Inclusive livelihood and economic opportunities Community resilience and sustainable development Evidence-based programming and knowledge generation Capacity building and community engagement

Collaboration between Bosaso Municipality and IFES Institute focuses on inclusive community development, sustainable fisheries, environmental protection, youth employment, and resilient coastal livelihoods. Key areas of collaboration include: Community Development & Social Cohesion – Supporting inclusive, participatory community development, social cohesion, local dialogue, and community-led initiatives. Fisheries Development & Sustainable Management – Strengthening sustainable fisheries, responsible fishing practices, fisheries governance, post-harvest handling, and sustainable use of marine resources. Youth Employment & Job Creation – Promoting youth skills development, entrepreneurship, vocational training, green jobs, and employment opportunities linked to fisheries, the blue economy, and environmental sectors. Women’s Economic Empowerment – Supporting women’s participation in fisheries value chains, entrepreneurship, livelihoods, decision-making, and community development. Blue Economy Development – Promoting sustainable economic opportunities from marine and coastal resources while supporting environmental protection and inclusive local economic growth. Environmental Conservation & Climate Resilience – Joint initiatives addressing marine pollution, coastal degradation, climate change adaptation, ecosystem protection, and environmental awareness. Coastal Community Resilience – Strengthening the capacity of coastal communities to respond to climate, environmental, economic, and social challenges. Research & Data for Local Development – Conducting community assessments, fisheries research, environmental studies, data collection, GIS mapping, and evidence-based planning. Capacity Building & Technical Training – Providing training and technical support to municipal staff, fishers, youth, women, community organizations, and other local stakeholders. Livelihoods & Fisheries Value Chains – Improving fisheries value chains, market access, value addition, fish handling, processing, and income-generating opportunities. Waste Management & Marine Pollution Reduction – Promoting improved waste management, plastic pollution reduction, coastal clean-up initiatives, and community environmental stewardship. Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention – Supporting community dialogue, conflict prevention, mediation, peaceful resource sharing, and social cohesion, particularly around natural resources and coastal livelihoods. Youth Peacebuilding & Civic Engagement – Engaging young people in community leadership, peacebuilding, environmental action, civic participation, and local development. Local Governance & Participatory Planning – Strengthening collaboration between local government, communities, researchers, civil society, and private-sector actors in local development planning. Food Security & Nutrition – Supporting sustainable fisheries and livelihood initiatives that contribute to household food security, nutrition, and economic resilience. Knowledge Sharing & Policy Development – Sharing research, technical expertise, lessons learned, and evidence to strengthen local policies, planning, and decision-making.

IFES Institute and Somali Aid Vision collaborate in environmental conservation, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, community livelihoods, research and data generation, capacity building, and inclusive development. The partnership focuses particularly on strengthening coastal communities, empowering women and youth, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and advancing evidence-based solutions for resilient livelihoods and ecosystems. Areas of Collaboration with IFES Institute Environmental Conservation & Climate Resilience – Joint initiatives promoting environmental protection, climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, and resilient coastal communities. Sustainable Fisheries & Marine Resource Management – Collaboration on sustainable fisheries, responsible fishing practices, marine conservation, and community-based management of coastal resources. Community Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment – Joint programmes supporting sustainable livelihoods, fisheries value chains, women and youth entrepreneurship, and inclusive blue-economy opportunities. Research, Data & Evidence Generation – Collaborative research, assessments, surveys, data collection, and knowledge products on fisheries, environment, livelihoods, and community resilience. Capacity Building & Training – Joint delivery of technical training for communities, local authorities, youth, women, fishers, and community-based organizations. Youth & Women Engagement – Programmes that strengthen the participation and leadership of women and youth in environmental conservation, livelihoods, peacebuilding, and community development. Community-Based Natural Resource Management – Supporting communities to participate in sustainable management and protection of fisheries, marine ecosystems, and other natural resources. Food Security & Nutrition – Integrating sustainable fisheries and environmental approaches into food security, nutrition, and livelihood programmes. Disaster Risk Reduction & Community Resilience – Joint interventions addressing climate-related risks, environmental shocks, coastal vulnerabilities, and community preparedness. Knowledge Sharing & Policy Engagement – Sharing research and technical expertise and supporting evidence-based policies, advocacy, and dialogue with government and development partners.

Bargal District Administration is a local government partner supporting community governance, sustainable coastal development, and inclusive management of natural resources in Bargal. The administration works with IFES Institute to strengthen community-government collaboration, promote peaceful and sustainable coastal resource management, and support locally led solutions that enhance livelihoods, resilience, and social cohesion. Areas of Collaboration Coastal governance and community development Fisheries co-management and sustainable fisheries Marine and coastal resource management Conflict prevention, dialogue, and social cohesion Community-based governance and participation Coastal livelihoods and economic resilience Environmental protection and conservation Digitalization and data-driven local governance Capacity building for local institutions and communities Research, assessments, and evidence-based planning