Private Story
Vanessa Mulondo | The Fishermen's Tale
Honourable Mention
The fishermen of Lake Eyasi, tucked away amidst the stunning landscapes of the Ngorongoro hills and Rift Valley in Tanzania, have a unique and sustainable fishing practice. They specialise in catching small fish, which they carefully dry before selling as animal feed.
Traditional fishing practices are not immune to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and unpredictable water levels affect the fish population and their distribution. This forces the fishermen to continually adapt their strategies to remain sustainable and productive. Currently, the water level keeps decreasing due to the long dry season. The fishermen of Lake Eyasi exemplify the delicate balance between human activity, nature, and sustainability. Despite the challenges, their deep understanding of the lake's dynamics and their traditional fishing methods allow them to continue their way of life while preserving the lake's ecosystem for generations to come.