ABALOBI, a local non-profit fishery initiative, has been nominated for the 2023 Earthshot Prize, an annual environmental award launched by Prince William and Sir David Attenborough.
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The organisation was launched in 2015 by Dr Serge Raemaekers at the University of Cape Town with the goal of enabling traditional fishers the agency to partake in decisions around local marine resources and to empower them by linking them with local restaurants and consumers.
It is also South Africa’s first restaurant-supported fishery initiative. ‘From Steenberg’s very first order in 2018 until today, ABALOBI has delivered the freshest ethically-sourced fish of the highest quality. Equally important is that we’re learning every step of the way; it’s invaluable knowledge of the ocean and its fish that we in turn can share with our guests,’ says Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin at Steenberg’s Bistro Sixteen82 and Tryn.
‘At Steenberg, we were moved by ABALOBI’s vision and mission. So when Serge approached Steenberg to trial ABALOBI, we knew this wasn’t only about business, but rather, an opportunity to make a real difference to our cherished oceans, and the people who live and work with them.’
‘There’s no doubt in my mind that there’s simply nothing better out there, and as such, ABALOBI has continued to be our only fish supplier at Bistro Sixteen82 and Tryn. The fact that this initiative is supporting hundreds of families that have lived off the coast for generations makes all the difference.’
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Thanks to ABALOBI’s mobile app, restaurateurs, chefs, hoteliers and private consumers can trace their fish through the value chain, even to the fisher who caught it.
ABALOBI was named a finalist for the 2023 Earthshot Prize in the Revive Our Oceans category. The award seeks to highlight the work of individuals and organisations across five categories, namely:
- Protect and restore nature,
- Clean our air,
- Revive our oceans,
- Build a waste-free world, and
- Fix our climate.
‘It is an incredible honour to be named a finalist for the 2023 Earthshot Prize,’ says Raemakers. ‘Consideration for such a prestigious award affirms for the small-scale fishers leading our programme that their efforts to protect their lifeblood – the ocean – are seen, supported and are anything but small.’
‘We believe it is possible to innovate solutions that protect ocean life and livelihoods, by driving inclusive ocean conservation and rebuilding initiatives that start with conversation and collective action.’
The Earthshot Prize was held on 7 November in Singapore.
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Picture: Taryn Elliott / Pexels
