PROGRAM AREA
OCEAN JUSTICE &
LIVELIHOODS
Championing Ocean Justice, Empowering Coastal Lives
Welcome to Friends of the Nation’s Ocean Justice & Livelihoods Program Area, where we stand for equity, sustainability, and dignity across our coasts and seas.
We champion Ocean Justice by empowering coastal communities to claim their fisheries rights, influence policy reforms, and demand accountable ocean governance. Through our work in marine conservation, biodiversity protection, innovation, technology, and real-time monitoring, we are safeguarding our shared ocean for generations to come.
Our Livelihoods efforts ensure that coastal people, especially fishers, women, and youth enjoy decent work, safer fishing conditions, and resilient local economies.
Together with communities, partners, and policymakers, we are shaping a future where people and nature thrive in harmony.
Join us, because ocean justice is community justice.
#NothingForFishersWithoutThem
SDGS
Our work is towards the realization of these SDGs: Life Below Water, Decent Work And Economic Growth and Responsible Consumption and Production.
SMALL SCALE FISHING
FISHERIES GOVERNANCE & RIGHTS
We strengthen fisheries governance and secure fair rights for all who depend on the sea.
SECURING TENURE RIGHTS OF FISHERS -VGGT FRAMEWORK
Find out how we work to secure tenure rights for fish landing sites; sites that serve as centers of trade, social interaction, cultural expression, and livelihood support for thousands of small-scale fishers and fish workers. Read more
Protection of marine mammals
Friends of the Nation (FoN) is actively working with coastal communities to track and document marine mammal bycatch as part of our commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries governance. Read more
SMALL-SCALE FISHING
POLICY ADVOCACY & ENFORCEMENT
We are advocates of Policies that Protect and Enforcement that Counts
FIGHT AGAINST IUU
Through education campaigns, training, and community dialogues, we help fisherfolk understand how destructive practices harm their own livelihoods and the future of the fisheries sector. Read more
MONITORING IUU CASES IN COURTS
Friends of the Nation (FoN) monitors IUU fishing cases in court to track how fisheries infractions are handled within Ghana’s justice system. We highlights gaps in the prosecutorial process, and… Read more
OUR WORK WITH FEU TO FIGHT IUU
We build the capacity of the Marine Police Officers who serve as facilitators and knowledge brokers within the security and regulatory system. These officers share… Read More
SMALL-SCALE FISHING
MARINE CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY
We work as Guardians of the Deep, and Keepers of Diversity
TACKLING PLASTIC POLUTION IN COASTAL COMMUNITIES
FoN works with coastal communities to tackle plastic pollution through cleanups, advocacy, and 4Rs practices, safeguarding oceans and livelihoods.Read more
conservation & restoration of mangroves
We advance mangrove conservation and reforestation efforts, protecting biodiversity, strengthening coastal resilience, and supporting community livelihoods. Read More
Youth-Led Science for Climate Action
FoN combines hands-on environmental monitoring, youth-led science, and advocacy for coastal resilience. Read more
SMALL-SCALE FISHING
LIVELIHOODS, WORK CONDITIONS & SOCIAL PROTECTION
We work with stakeholders towards Good Work, Safe Seas, and Secure Futures
DECENT WORK IN COASTAL ECONOMIES
Learn about our decent work interventions in fishing economies. Read more
SAFETY OF FISHERS
Fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the world, and Ghana is of no exception. Friends of the Nation (FoN) works with fisherfolk to improve safety practices both onshore and at sea. Read More
LIVELIHOOD interventions in coastal communities
FoN rolls out targeted training programs in coastal towns such as Dixcove, Abuesi, Ngyiresia, Anlo Beach, and Shama. These programs are tailored to the unique realities of coastal life. Read more
SMALL-SCALE FISHING
INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY & MONITORING
We promote Smart Tools that advance Sustainable Oceans
INNOVATE FOR SMALL-SCALE FISHERS
FoN is calling on innovators, technologists, and solution-creators to join forces with fishers and communities in developing affordable tools and systems that can make fishing safer and more sustainable. Read More
Alon: A Lifeline for Small-Scale Fishers & Safer Seas
Daily fishing trips often come with life-threatening risks, compounded by inadequate equipment, harsh weather, and weak monitoring systems. Find out how Alon is a lifeline for fishers. Read more
SMALL-SCALE FISHING
OCEAN LITERACY & COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
We promote Smart Tools that advance Sustainable Oceans
CEMAGs: Local People, Local Guardians
CEMAGs are grassroots platforms established by FoN in the six oil-host districts and other mining communities to protect community interests. Read More