**Fatshimetry**
The authorities of the town of Beni, in the province of North Kivu, took a radical decision on Friday May 24: the incineration of six canoes and more than a hundred prohibited mesh nets in Kyavinyonge, a strong act against illegal fishing that is rife on Lake Édouard. This action, carried out by local authorities in the presence of numerous residents, aims to put an end to practices harmful to biodiversity and the local economy.
Josué Kambasu Mukura, secretary general of the Federation of the Committee of Individual Fishermen of Lake Edward, underlined the educational importance of this initiative. Indeed, the fight against illegal fishing has a crucial dimension for the preservation of the lake ecosystem and for guaranteeing stable income for communities dependent on fishing.
Before arriving at this extreme measure, awareness campaigns were deployed to educate the various stakeholders on the harmful consequences of illegal fishing. These efforts aimed to involve the local community in the sustainable management of Lake Edward and to promote environmentally friendly practices.
According to Mr. Kambasu Mukura, illegal fishing activities have led to a reduction in the income of fishermen in neighboring localities, thus compromising their livelihood. He believes that by protecting spawning areas and limiting the use of prohibited fishing equipment, it will be possible to restore the productivity of the lake and guarantee better living conditions for local populations.
In conclusion, the preservation of nature and the fight against illegal fishing are crucial issues to ensure a sustainable future for the communities bordering Lake Edward. The actions undertaken by local authorities demonstrate a collective desire to protect this precious ecosystem and promote responsible exploitation of natural resources.