SAN FRANCISCO — While blast fishing — which is using explosives to stun and kill fish — is illegal, it is still practiced in places where desperation is high and dynamite is available.
One example is the Philippines, which is home to more marine-protected areas than any other country, but has seen a steady decline in average catch per day due, in part, to destructive fishing practices that destroy ecosystems.
How can we change behavior to protect the planet? This nonprofit has an idea
Rare's new virtual platform — the Center for Behavior & the Environment — aims to bridge the gap between behavioral science and field-based conservation work to bring about the change we need to protect the environment. Devex finds out more.
“No take zones” — areas where fishermen are not allowed to catch in order to allow stock to replenish — will not work without individual behavior change, said Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, a conservation organization that trains local leaders to inspire their communities to take pride in natural resource management.
He spoke to Devex about how social marketing can turn members of communities into guardians of the environment. The conversation here has been edited for length and clarity.
About the author
Catherine Cheneycatherinecheney
Catherine Cheney is a Senior Reporter for Devex. She covers the West Coast of the U.S., focusing on the role of technology and innovation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. And she frequently represents Devex as a speaker and moderator. Prior to joining Devex, Catherine earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Yale University, worked as a web producer for POLITICO and reporter for World Politics Review, and helped to launch NationSwell. Catherine has reported from all over the world, and freelanced for outlets including the Atlantic and the Washington Post. She is also the West Coast ambassador for the Solutions Journalism Network, a nonprofit that trains and connects journalists to cover responses to problems.
