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V2V THEMATIC WEBINAR SERIES 2026
V2V MAY THEMATIC WEBINAR
From Compensation to Transformation: Inclusive Incentives, Blue Justice, and the Vulnerability-to-Viability Transition for Small-Scale Fishers in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s small-scale fisheries (SSF) sustain over 17 million livelihoods and supply 60 percent of national animal protein, yet fishing communities remain among the most economically and politically marginalised. This study synthesises findings from an institutional and policy assessment, a stakeholder-informed policy brief, and a qualitative blue justice case study of the Matarbari Coal-Fired Power Plant (MCPP), examined through the Vulnerability-to-Viability (V2V) framework. Drawing on 30 key informant interviews, three focus group discussions, and a systematic review of fisheries, social protection, and conservation policies, the findings show that existing incentive schemes — including the rice compensation programme and Alternative Livelihood Support Programme — are structurally inadequate: poorly targeted, gender-blind, and weakly linked to broader outcomes. Institutional fragmentation across key ministries further constrains effective policy implementation. The Matarbari case highlights intensified vulnerability following the displacement of 52,746 coastal residents due to a 1,200 MW coal-fired power plant, producing overlapping injustices. Despite this, emerging transition elements are observed through collective action, accountability efforts, and multi-stakeholder coalitions. The study identifies four transition pathways — integrating social protection with conservation finance, strengthening governance, embedding procedural justice, and advancing gender-inclusive, climate-resilient livelihoods — as necessary for enhancing long-term viability.
V2V APRIL THEMATIC WEBINAR
Exploring Small-Scale Fisheries Livelihood Strategy and its Association to Vulnerability: Case Study of East Coast Marine Parks, Malaysia
Malaysian fisheries are overexploited and the small-scale fisher in coastal regions earn low income from fishing. Here, fishers are not allowed to fish in the marine protected areas which are under strict regulations and zoning. Using case study approach, data for this study was obtained from local fishers and community groups in three MPAs on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Social-ecological vulnerability framework was used to understand how the social and ecological changes affect livelihood equity of small-scale fishers. The overall findings indicate that the scale of social and ecological vulnerability vary between the case study islands. Fisher communities were found to be less vulnerable on Kapas Island where fishers have fair access to fishing. Fishers in Tioman and Perhentian islands were found to be the most vulnerable both ecologically and socially due to strict fishing bans and inequitable access. Tourism contributes to the local economy, however major share of income from tourism goes to the investors and local elites. Tourism provides alternative employment opportunities for local people; women groups are increasingly engaged in tourism based small business. The results indicate that social factors are essential in improving the livelihoods of small-scale fisher households in an MPA context. The viability of the small-scale fisher’s livelihood will require a well-coordinated approach that may protect the resources and provide fair access to employment and equitable distribution of income.
V2V MARCH THEMATIC WEBINAR
Invasive Aquatic Weeds, Climate Change and Governance Vulnerabilities: Transitions to Viability in Small-Scale Fisheries of Lagos State, Nigeria
Nigeria’s small‑scale fisheries are increasingly exposed to environmental stressors, especially invasive aquatic weeds such as water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) and Sargassum (Sargassum spp.), alongside governance weaknesses and climate change. Using a mixed‑methods approach, the study examined vulnerability and transition pathways in eight Badagry fishing communities, where all respondents reported significant impacts of aquatic weeds on fishing activities. Despite these pressures, fishers remain unaware of the potential beneficial uses of the weeds. Climate data from Badagry and Lekki produced a vulnerability index of 0.66 (consistency ratio 0.06), indicating high climate‑change sensitivity among Lagos fishers. Ecological comparisons showed significantly higher Net Primary Productivity and Chlorophyll in Badagry than in Lekki. Governance analysis revealed a blend of hierarchical and co‑governance systems, though co‑management remains weak due to limited social cohesion. Overall, the findings highlight the need for integrated ecological, governance, and livelihood strategies to strengthen the viability of Lagos small‑scale fisheries.
V2V FEBRUARY THEMATIC WEBINAR
Values of Vulnerability and Viability in Senegalese SSF from Fishers’ Perspective: Insights from Langue de Barbarie Case Study
The theme of vulnerability and transition to viability is a narrative that occupies an increasingly important place in literature dealing with the major challenges facing small-scale fisheries. However, despite the plurality of representations, a linear approach to transitions from vulnerability to sustainability, i.e. from a state of precariousness towards better living conditions as the ultimate goal, predominates. A complete place-based understanding of the trajectory of fisheries with particular attention to the socio-cultural dimensions is necessary, so we can better appreciate the value attributed to the concepts of vulnerability, viability and transitions between the two from fishers’ perspective. This talk is based on a case study of the Langue de Barbarie in Senegal. First, it demonstrates that the relationship between vulnerability and viability is dialectical in nature. In this context, a characterisation of the vulnerabilities, the factors that drive them, as well as the specific viabilities in the case study context will be discussed. Second, the talk highlights how viability cannot be quantified in monetary or material terms alone and attention to the cultural dimensions needs consideration as a key marker. A few examples will be given to illustrate the values attributed to self-actualisation as a criteria of viability
V2V JANUARY THEMATIC WEBINAR
Understanding Vulnerability in Two Coastal Fishing Communities of Ghana and Co-constructing Pathways to their Viability and Resilience
The livelihoods of many coastal small-scale fisheries communities in Ghana have been threatened by overfishing, environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change. Among the key fishing communities that have been heavily affected by these threats are Anlo Beach and Ankobra. Having recognized that these communities are vulnerable, it is critical to mobilize adequate knowledge about their vulnerabilities and explore possible ways through which they can make progress towards being viable and resilient. This talk will therefore highlight the vulnerable state of two fishing communities in Ghana and how these communities can become viable. It will also focus on the specific factors that have contributed remarkably to the vulnerability of these two communities, as well as provide possible pathways through which they can transition into a state of viability. Most importantly, the talk will provide a deeper understanding of the V2V transition concept using the findings from the two fishing communities in Ghana.
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