Lionfish, a species native to the Pacific Ocean, have invaded the Caribbean basin where it has no natural predators.

With an insatiable appetite and the ability to multiply rapidly, lionfish are decimating marine ecosystems, threatening food security and income for fishing communities in Bocas del Toro.

The IAF supports community-led solutions to improve natural resource management and create economic opportunity.

The Bocatoreņos Artisanal Fishermen Union (UPESABO), the beneficiary organization of the project, is an association of artisanal fishermen that works with its members and other Panamanian organizations to control the population of lionfish, including promoting their consumption.

Through training, environmental education and updating of the market infrastructure, UPESABO promotes improving the standard of living of its members while protecting the natural heritage of the community.

The Inter-American Foundation, donor of this project, is an autonomous body of the US government, it was created by Congress in 1969 to channel development assistance directly to organized poor sectors of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The IAF is fulfilling its mandate by responding with donations to the most creative self-help ideas received from grassroots groups and non-governmental organizations in response to its annual convocation.

It also favors the formation of alliances between community organizations, companies and local governments aimed at improving the quality of life of the poor and strengthening democratic practices.