The Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen has completed the rehabilitation project of the “Khaysah” fishermen’s site in the Badahoula area, south of the Socotra Archipelago Governorate, in a step aimed at supporting the vital fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fishing as a primary source of income.
Project background and its importance to the local community
This project comes in response to the significant challenges faced by the region's fishermen over the past years. The "Khaysah," the natural channel used by fishermen to bring their boats in and out, has been severely damaged by the accumulation of enormous quantities of sand and debris from flash floods caused by cyclones and harsh weather conditions that have struck the archipelago. This situation has narrowed the area and impeded boat movement, requiring fishermen to exert considerable physical effort to manually pull their boats ashore, thus hindering their daily activities and livelihoods.
Project details and direct impact
The rehabilitation work included removing approximately 25,000 cubic meters of sand and silt accumulated across a total area of 12,000 square meters. This intervention widened and deepened the site, ensuring smooth and safe navigation for boats and protecting them from the currents that previously caused them to be swept away. This development initiative directly benefits 240 fishermen working on 80 fishing boats, supporting families totaling around 1,440 people, thus giving the project a significant economic and social impact on the local community.
The general context of reconstruction efforts in Yemen
This project is part of the ongoing efforts of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen since its establishment by royal decree in 2018. The program aims to support the Yemeni government and achieve stability in the country by implementing development projects that serve multiple vital sectors, including health, education, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, with the goal of improving infrastructure and basic services provided to the Yemeni people in various governorates.
The strategic importance of supporting Socotra
Supporting the fishing sector in the Socotra archipelago is of particular importance, as the archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique biodiversity. Its inhabitants depend heavily on marine resources. Strengthening the resilience of local communities to natural challenges, such as cyclones, not only contributes to food security and economic stability but also supports the sustainability of a way of life passed down through generations in this unique region of the world. The fishermen who benefited from this initiative expressed their deep gratitude, describing it as a “lifeline,” and affirming that it alleviated their daily struggles and restored hope for a sustainable future for their families.
