Strengthening the Protection and Recognising Traditional Catching Areas in Kodingareng

“We are not only educating—we are organizing and standing together to protect what belongs to the community.”

The overall goal of the project is to Strengthening the Protection and Recognising Traditional Catching Areas in Kodingareng.

Main Objectives:

• Build Networking With People’s Agrarian Friend
• Create A Learning Space For Fisherfolk.
• Understanding the Political standing from the Government related with the Recognizing and Protecting the Traditional Fisherfolk

Hasbi’s project was designed to defend the rights of traditional fisherfolk in Kodingareng, South Sulawesi, by advocating for the recognition and protection of traditional fishing areas that are under threat due to marine sand mining and coastal zoning policies. The project focused on building capacity, fostering legal awareness, and strengthening grassroots networks to collectively reclaim access to marine resources. At the heart of the initiative were two educational models: the School of Rights of Nature and the School of Fisherfolk Rights.

The School of Rights of Nature brought together 10 participants—identified as emerging "People’s Agrarian Friends"—to deepen their understanding of environmental and agrarian issues. This school created a platform for strategic networking and collaboration with other NGOs and advocates. Meanwhile, the School of Fisherfolk Rights engaged 15 community members (14 women and 1 man), building their knowledge on legal protections, traditional marine zones, and the role of civic engagement in resisting unjust development. These two schools worked in tandem to foster community leadership and legal literacy.

This project successfully empowered the Kodingareng community to assert their ecological and territorial rights. Beyond education, the initiative sparked greater awareness, strengthened advocacy networks, and cultivated confidence among fisherfolk—particularly women—to speak up and take part in decision-making. Social media outreach, including the @schoolrightsofnature Instagram page, was used to publicly share updates and activities. With NZD 2,400 in funds used so far, Hasbi highlighted strong local enthusiasm and the growing capacity of the community to stand up for their marine rights.