Back to Fishing Festival: Reviving Tradition, Sustaining the Sea

Back to Fishing Festival: Reviving Tradition, Sustaining the Sea

By Mohammad S. Al-Tawaha, UNDP Jordan

Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Nayef Hamidi Al-Fayez, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the “Back to Fishing Festival” was launched on 1st May 2025, at the Fish Market near the Fishermen’s Harbor. This vibrant community event celebrates the reopening of the fishing season following a four-month ban, introduced as a vital step toward protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries in Aqaba.

The festival is more than a cultural celebration. It functions as a community-based engagement platform to reinforce sustainable fisheries management, foster ocean stewardship, and promote inclusive participation in reef-positive economic activities. By bringing together local fishermen, families, policymakers, and tourists, the event strengthens ties between the community and the sea while highlighting the importance of marine stewardship.

Central to this initiative is the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) Programme, implemented by UNDP Jordan in collaboration with Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), the IUCN - Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), and local communities. The GFCR Programme aims to enhance the resilience of coastal reef ecosystems, communities, and economies by mobilising new public and private resources that advance sustainable businesses and innovative financial solutions. The festival complements this effort by encouraging responsible fishing, celebrating marine heritage, and supporting livelihoods that align with ecosystem protection.

This year’s event also spotlighted innovation with the launch of a pilot Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) project at the Marine Science Station, which is expected to support environmental sustainability in the fishing sector by offering an alternative to marine fishing and reducing pressure on natural marine resources while opening potential pathways for future investment and expansion within a regenerative blue economy.

The festival also elevated gender-inclusive participation. Women played a key role in both planning and organizing the event, showcasing their leadership and community engagement. From community leadership to preparing and sharing traditional food and beverages, local women played a visible and valued role—highlighting the importance of inclusive economic participation in achieving sustainable community development.

Events like the Back to Fishing Festival offer a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the value of coral reefs and the role of traditional practices in preserving them. By reconnecting people with their marine environment and fostering a sense of shared responsibility, the festival contributes to the long-term conservation of Aqaba’s rich but vulnerable marine ecosystems—ensuring they thrive for generations to come.