Alternative Income Generation for Fishing Communities
The initiative introduces household-level Aloe vera cultivation and processing, helping to conserve coastal resources and reduce poverty among fishing communities in Kalpitiya. Aloe vera leaves are purchased by the cosmetics industry and an Aloe vera drink can be sold locally. The initiative transforms poor fishing communities solely reliant on coastal and marine resources by providing them with basic materials for the organic farming of native Aloe vera species. Fisherwomen are also trained in Aloe vera processing techniques to produce value-added healthy beverages and other products. A certain amount of the herbal raw material is purchased at a fixed price by the cosmetics industry, while the excess production is turned into an Aloe vera beverage sold on the local market.
- Raising the living standards of people dependent on the reef, while creating a stable monthly income for members of fishing communities.
- Enhancing the social status and self-confidence of fisherwomen by training them in business skills.
- Reducing the dependency of fishing communities on coastal and marine resources
- Contributing to the protection of local reef ecosystems.
- Increasing land productivity and improving the quality of the soil.
- Introducing community-based cultivation of aloe vera, creating stable incomes for fishing families.
- Creating economic benefits from selling high-quality aloe vera to the cosmetics industry and the production of aloe vera drink.
Partners
The Marine & Coastal Resources Conservation Foundation plays a leading role in the implementation, monitoring and financial management of the initiative.
Janet Ayurvedics (Pvt.) Ltd purchases a certain amount of the Aloe vera at an agreed price.
Semuthu Fisheries Cooperative Society Ltd raises awareness of the initiative among its members and helps select beneficiaries.
St Sebasthian Fisheries Cooperative Society Ltd (Kudawa and Anawasala) raises awareness and helps select beneficiaries.