At the outset of the project BLACD established Fishermen’s Associations in the four project areas to defend the rights of the fishermen. BLACD continuously works to build the capacity of the board members through trainings. In cooperation with the Fishermen’s Associations, BLACD assists the fishermen in obtaining licenses and appropriate fishing equipment as well as social insurance. 

BLACD works to raise awareness among the fishermen of incorrect fishing practices, such as using poison and electricity to catch fish. Through establishing a direct relationship between Fishermen’s Associations and concerned Governmental agencies, fishermen are encouraged to participate actively in preventing violations of their rights such as monopolization of fishing areas. BLACD further works to raise public awareness of the situation of fishermen and has for this aim produced a documentary film called “The Forgotten” and a non-periodical magazine called “The Fisherman and the River”.

BLACD has established women’s movements in three of the project areas with the aim of improving the situation of women in those villages and consequently to empower the fishing communities at large. Women who are members of the movements have received training on subjects such as human rights, women’s rights, gender, communication and how to work as volunteers in their communities. Women identify and discuss problems they see in their villages, such as lack of medical care and garbage removal, and have learned how to present complaints to Government officials to ask for their rights. 

BLACD has opened 8 literacy classes for men and women from the fishing villages. Apart from learning how to read and write, students in literacy classes receive training on health, rights, accessory making and sowing. Day trips to nearby historical sites have been organized for the students.

To further increase the standard of living of the fishing community BLACD improves the safety and condition of housing in the communities. In addition to repairing 215 houses, sanitary latrines have been installed in 250 houses and 326 families now enjoy piped drinking water in their homes. 

BLACD works to raise awareness of the problem of pollution of the Nile River and advocates for its protection. The organization has produced a documentary film called “The Cry of a River”, two awareness raising posters and a pamphlet dealing with the problem of pollution. BLACD further coordinates and cooperates with concerned Governmental agencies on limiting pollution and participated in setting up a local forum in Minya Governorate consisting of some civil society organizations, governmental agencies and one representative from the private sector to address the issue of how to develop and protect the Nile River basin.