Connas Trading

Connas Trading combines solar‑powered cold storage and ice‑making with practical peer training to strengthen the small‑scale fisheries value chain in Kimbe Bay. Grant‑enabled upgrades cut spoilage and improve product quality, while surplus ice is sold to neighbouring fishers—creating an additional revenue stream and stabilising cashflow. The enterprise also serves as a local hub: through a train‑the‑trainer model,10 fishers from four villages are sharing responsible practices such as releasing juveniles and avoiding destructive methods, accelerating behaviour change across communities. As a woman co‑founded business now supporting ~14 jobs—including eight women in cleaning, ice processing and market sales—Connas demonstrates how cold‑chain access plus simple operational know‑how can raise incomes and reduce pressure on reefs. In short, the solution turns basic infrastructure and community mentorship into a scalable, reef‑positive model for coastal livelihoods.