A trusted Somali institute for sustainable development.
Founded in May 2020 by Somali intellectuals and educational activists, headquartered in Bosaso, Puntland, with operational offices in major cities across Somalia.
The Institute of Fisheries and Environmental Solutions (IFES Institute) is a pioneering, women-led research and think tank organization dedicated to advancing sustainable fisheries, environmental conservation and inclusive development in Somalia.
Established in May 2020 by a visionary group of Somali women intellectuals, researchers and educational activists, IFES is the first institute of its kind in Puntland State and across Somalia, uniquely combining scientific research excellence with community-driven action.
IFES operates at the forefront of the blue economy and coastal community development, delivering innovative, evidence-based and locally led solutions across fisheries, marine resource governance, environmental sustainability and agricultural development. In a short period the institute has become a trusted partner of choice for government institutions, international development organizations, academic institutions and civil society networks.
Recognising the interconnected nature of environmental sustainability and social stability, IFES operates at the nexus of development, humanitarian action and peacebuilding. Through its innovative approach — “Fisheries as a Tool for Peace” — the institute leverages fisheries governance and marine resource management as platforms for strengthening social cohesion, resolving conflicts, enhancing citizen-government trust and promoting inclusive governance.
Headquartered in Bosaso, Puntland, with operational presence across major cities in Somalia, IFES draws on strong community networks, strategic partnerships and deep contextual understanding to deliver transformative impact. The institute’s multidisciplinary team — led by women at all levels — is committed to promoting sustainable practices, empowering marginalized communities, advancing gender equality and driving long-term positive change across Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
Local knowledge, scientific rigor & community ownership.
IFES is proudly women-led — the first women-led research and think tank institute in Puntland and wider Somalia, demonstrating that gender equality is an institutional reality, not merely a programme objective.
The first community-based research and think tank institute established in Puntland State and across Somalia, uniquely combining sustainable fisheries, environmental solutions, civic engagement, peacebuilding and social development.
Headquartered in Bosaso, Bari Region — the largest region in Puntland — commanding a strategic gateway along dual coastlines (Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean), at the heart of the Horn of Africa's maritime corridor.
Founded by Somali intellectuals, researchers and educational activists, IFES understands the specific needs, cultural dynamics and challenges of local communities — allowing tailored, conflict-sensitive solutions.
Combining fisheries, marine resources, environmental conservation, agriculture, civic engagement, peacebuilding and social development to address the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.
IFES pioneered the use of inclusive fisheries governance as a platform for reconciliation, trust-building and social cohesion — transforming a sector historically associated with grievance into a vehicle for peace.
Actively involving local communities — particularly women, youth and marginalized groups — in research, governance and decision-making ensures initiatives are relevant, inclusive and sustainable.
Formal MOUs with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, East Africa University, Y-Peer Puntland and Kigali Independent University, plus strategic partnership with PUNSAA representing 120+ civil society organizations.
Evidence-based research produces strategies that are practical and impactful. Our publications are widely cited by humanitarian organizations, government institutions and academic stakeholders.
A strong commitment to sustainable practices ensures environmental conservation, climate resilience and long-term community well-being are prioritised in every initiative.
Specialized training and education programmes for government staff, communities, university students and humanitarian workers empower local stakeholders and foster institutional resilience.
Digital tools, mobile platforms, early warning systems and innovative practices lead to more efficient, inclusive and effective environmental management and community governance.
Policy advice grounded in solid research shapes national and regional strategies for sustainable development, fisheries governance and peacebuilding in Somalia.
Dually registered with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation — providing institutional legitimacy and policy influence.
The ability to respond to changing environmental conditions, emerging conflicts and evolving community needs makes IFES a dynamic leader in locally-led development and peacebuilding.
Organizations we work with
At IFES Institute Somalia, we recognize that strategic partnerships are essential for maximizing our impact — relationships founded on trust and shared objectives.
Federal Government of Somalia
Government
Working with federal institutions on national fisheries policy, marine governance and environmental strategy.
Puntland State of Somalia
Government
IFES Institute is headquartered in Bosaso Puntland Somalia with operational presence in most major and coastal towns of Puntland and conducts the majority of its programmes, research, community engagement, and field operations across the State. The partnership supports collaboration with government institutions on sustainable fisheries, marine and environmental conservation, climate resilience, community development, livelihoods, research, policy, youth and women’s empowerment, and evidence-based development.
United Nations
NGO / UN agency
Collaboration with UN agencies on sustainable development programmes and capacity building.
MOECC Puntland
Government
Partnering with the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Puntland on environmental protection and climate adaptation.
Environmental Protection and Agricultural Solutions – EPASSOM.
NGO / UN agency
PUNTLAND YOUTH PEER EDUCATION NETWORK (Y-PEER PUNTLAND)
NGO / UN agency
Strategic consortium partner of IFES Institute under a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (2024–2029), supporting integrated programming in peacebuilding, civic engagement, and youth empowerment across Puntland. Y-Peer Puntland brings strong expertise in youth-led community engagement, behavioral change communication, and grassroots peace initiatives. Through this partnership, IFES serves as the lead implementing agency, while Y-Peer contributes technical capacity in youth mobilization, social cohesion, and conflict prevention. The collaboration focuses on joint implementation of programs in: • Peacebuilding and conflict resolution • Youth and women empowerment • Civic engagement and social accountability • Skills development and job creation • Community-based awareness and behavioral change
Puntland Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MoFMR)
Government
East Africa University (EAU)
Academic / research
Research collaboration through the Faculty of Marine Science & Fisheries on sustainable fisheries in Bosaso.
Action Community of Development Organization (ACDO)
NGO / UN agency
Action Community of Development Organization (ACDO) is a community-focused development organization working to strengthen livelihoods, economic opportunities, and inclusive community development. ACDO collaborates with IFES Institute to generate evidence and promote practical solutions that enhance women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and resilient livelihoods in coastal communities. Areas of Collaboration Women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship Livelihood and income-generation research Community-based research and assessments Youth and women’s participation in development Inclusive livelihood and economic opportunities Community resilience and sustainable development Evidence-based programming and knowledge generation Capacity building and community engagement
Bosaso Municipality/Local Government
Government
Collaboration between Bosaso Municipality and IFES Institute focuses on inclusive community development, sustainable fisheries, environmental protection, youth employment, and resilient coastal livelihoods. Key areas of collaboration include: Community Development & Social Cohesion – Supporting inclusive, participatory community development, social cohesion, local dialogue, and community-led initiatives. Fisheries Development & Sustainable Management – Strengthening sustainable fisheries, responsible fishing practices, fisheries governance, post-harvest handling, and sustainable use of marine resources. Youth Employment & Job Creation – Promoting youth skills development, entrepreneurship, vocational training, green jobs, and employment opportunities linked to fisheries, the blue economy, and environmental sectors. Women’s Economic Empowerment – Supporting women’s participation in fisheries value chains, entrepreneurship, livelihoods, decision-making, and community development. Blue Economy Development – Promoting sustainable economic opportunities from marine and coastal resources while supporting environmental protection and inclusive local economic growth. Environmental Conservation & Climate Resilience – Joint initiatives addressing marine pollution, coastal degradation, climate change adaptation, ecosystem protection, and environmental awareness. Coastal Community Resilience – Strengthening the capacity of coastal communities to respond to climate, environmental, economic, and social challenges. Research & Data for Local Development – Conducting community assessments, fisheries research, environmental studies, data collection, GIS mapping, and evidence-based planning. Capacity Building & Technical Training – Providing training and technical support to municipal staff, fishers, youth, women, community organizations, and other local stakeholders. Livelihoods & Fisheries Value Chains – Improving fisheries value chains, market access, value addition, fish handling, processing, and income-generating opportunities. Waste Management & Marine Pollution Reduction – Promoting improved waste management, plastic pollution reduction, coastal clean-up initiatives, and community environmental stewardship. Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention – Supporting community dialogue, conflict prevention, mediation, peaceful resource sharing, and social cohesion, particularly around natural resources and coastal livelihoods. Youth Peacebuilding & Civic Engagement – Engaging young people in community leadership, peacebuilding, environmental action, civic participation, and local development. Local Governance & Participatory Planning – Strengthening collaboration between local government, communities, researchers, civil society, and private-sector actors in local development planning. Food Security & Nutrition – Supporting sustainable fisheries and livelihood initiatives that contribute to household food security, nutrition, and economic resilience. Knowledge Sharing & Policy Development – Sharing research, technical expertise, lessons learned, and evidence to strengthen local policies, planning, and decision-making.
Somali Aid Vision (SAV Somalia)
NGO / UN agency
IFES Institute and Somali Aid Vision collaborate in environmental conservation, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, community livelihoods, research and data generation, capacity building, and inclusive development. The partnership focuses particularly on strengthening coastal communities, empowering women and youth, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and advancing evidence-based solutions for resilient livelihoods and ecosystems. Areas of Collaboration with IFES Institute Environmental Conservation & Climate Resilience – Joint initiatives promoting environmental protection, climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, and resilient coastal communities. Sustainable Fisheries & Marine Resource Management – Collaboration on sustainable fisheries, responsible fishing practices, marine conservation, and community-based management of coastal resources. Community Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment – Joint programmes supporting sustainable livelihoods, fisheries value chains, women and youth entrepreneurship, and inclusive blue-economy opportunities. Research, Data & Evidence Generation – Collaborative research, assessments, surveys, data collection, and knowledge products on fisheries, environment, livelihoods, and community resilience. Capacity Building & Training – Joint delivery of technical training for communities, local authorities, youth, women, fishers, and community-based organizations. Youth & Women Engagement – Programmes that strengthen the participation and leadership of women and youth in environmental conservation, livelihoods, peacebuilding, and community development. Community-Based Natural Resource Management – Supporting communities to participate in sustainable management and protection of fisheries, marine ecosystems, and other natural resources. Food Security & Nutrition – Integrating sustainable fisheries and environmental approaches into food security, nutrition, and livelihood programmes. Disaster Risk Reduction & Community Resilience – Joint interventions addressing climate-related risks, environmental shocks, coastal vulnerabilities, and community preparedness. Knowledge Sharing & Policy Engagement – Sharing research and technical expertise and supporting evidence-based policies, advocacy, and dialogue with government and development partners.
Bargal District Administration
Government
Bargal District Administration is a local government partner supporting community governance, sustainable coastal development, and inclusive management of natural resources in Bargal. The administration works with IFES Institute to strengthen community-government collaboration, promote peaceful and sustainable coastal resource management, and support locally led solutions that enhance livelihoods, resilience, and social cohesion. Areas of Collaboration Coastal governance and community development Fisheries co-management and sustainable fisheries Marine and coastal resource management Conflict prevention, dialogue, and social cohesion Community-based governance and participation Coastal livelihoods and economic resilience Environmental protection and conservation Digitalization and data-driven local governance Capacity building for local institutions and communities Research, assessments, and evidence-based planning
At a glance
Type of Organization
Women-Led Research Institute, Sustainable Fisheries and Environmental Solutions Think Tank, and Community-Based Development Organization — the first of its kind in Puntland State and across Somalia.
Headquarters & Reach
Bosaso, Bari Region, Puntland State of Somalia — with active operational field offices in Garowe, Mogadishu, Hargeisa and the main coastal towns.
Geopolitical Advantage
Headquartered in the Bari Region — the largest region in Puntland — commanding a strategic maritime gateway along dual coastlines (Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean), at the heart of the Horn of Africa's maritime corridor.
Registration
Duly registered with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation of the Puntland State of Somalia.
Leadership
Women-led and inclusive executive leadership — demonstrating a strong commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, youth empowerment and women's leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Memberships & Networks
Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA) — Member & Strategic Partner; Puntland Youth Peer Network (Y-Peer); academic partnerships with East Africa University and Kigali Independent University (Rwanda).
Institute structure
IFES is governed by a Board of Directors and led by an Executive Director, with three functional departments delivering research, programs and communications across Somalia.
Governance
Board of Directors
Leadership
Executive Director
Research & Development
- Policy & Advocacy Specialist
- Research & Publications Specialist
- Innovations & Tech Specialist
- Field Researchers and Data Collectors
Operations & Programs
- Admin, HR and Finance Officer
- Sustainable Fisheries Management Specialist
- Environmental Conservation Specialist
Communications & Compliance
- Comms & Community Outreach Specialist
- Public Relations & Media Officer
- Quality Assurance Coordinator
- Capacity Building and Trainings Coordinator