Aden, Yemen – The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a new project today aimed at building the resilience of local fishing communities in Aden and Mukalla, Yemen’s southern port cities.

The project, Rebuilding Livelihoods and Capacities of Conflict-Affected Small-Scale Fisheries Households in Aden and Hadramout (RELAC), will run for an initial 18-month period that ends in April 2022. Some of the activities include training 1,000 people in business skills and modern fishing techniques, distributing 500 small business grants, and providing tools and equipment – including boats, engines, and nets.

Yemen's fishing industry faces many structural challenges that have limited its production and potential contribution to the overall economic output. Since the conflict began about six years ago, the country's fishing industry has faced increased challenges including a significant drop in production levels with many fishermen and the associated workforce displaced; fish processing plants stopping production; surging fuel costs; and the decline of local purchasing power leading to a drop in the local demand for fish products.

“Through this project, UNDP and the Government of Japan aim to support the most vulnerable communities affected by the country's economic instability. Often restricted by embargoes and soaring food, fuel, and medical costs, we want to help Yemenis grow and strengthen their businesses, enable self-sustainability, and build resilience to future economic shocks so they can continue to provide much needed food and income for their communities,” says Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Yemen.

This project is expected to benefit more than 7,000 members of the local community, including the project participants and their families.

RELAC aims to strengthen community resilience to cope with the on-going stresses of the current war, as well as enable those whose livelihoods were severely disrupted to recover and rebuild their lives, contributing to reduced social tensions and a boosted economy in Yemen.

Press Contacts

UNDP Yemen: Leanne Rios, Leanne.rios@undp.org