The project consists of restoration of natural ponds and trenches capacity to become a biotope where endemic fish species can once again produce and reproduce fish stock. Longtime ago on a big area of savannah, in the swamps of degraded forests, natural ponds and trenches dug by aquatic animals were flooded once a year and served as a fish stock. These places have been blocked as a result of long-lasting human activities.
Once restored, these biotopes will become a place where:
? Different fish species and aquatic animals can live and reproduce;
? Alternative controlled fishing activities can take place lessening fishing pressure on the surrounding Congo river water body.
Diminishing fish stock in the Congo river and its effluents is recognized by many fishers and fishers? organizations in DRC. The main reason for this is the use of prohibited fishing gears, the destruction of nurseries, and an increasing demand from the ever growing cities. Not only diminishing fish stock is a problem, but also some of the most demanded species such as Mupongo have disappeared from some of the fishing areas.
To stop this trend from going on, NORDI will organize interested local people to work for the restoration of the natural ponds and trenches so that they become a good place for the fish and other aquatic species to live and be able to produce and reproduce more fish stocks. The sustainability of the activities to be undertaken will rely on the interested people to set up a restored biotopes mechanism of prevention from undesirable behaviors. Since local initiatives like these were tried in the upstream vicinity of the Congo River, the project management team will seek to use neighbors? experience to strengthen work plans and results.