[ad_1]
Andrea Maahanuah
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources is hosting the USAID Our Fish Our Future – Melanesian Sea Cucumber Stakeholder Dialogue at the Solomon Islands National University in Honiara.
The program encourages constructive dialogue on achievements, challenges and opportunities in sea cucumber management to strengthen regional policies.
Fisheries Minister Nestor Giraud, in his keynote speech, stressed that the outcome of the review will contribute to the review of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Roadmap for Sustainable Inshore Fisheries 2015-2024.
“The roadmap highlights the importance of sea cucumber management and restoration to maximize long-term economic value and ecological sustainability,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Diana Salili, MSG Programme Manager, said the dialogue was timely as it enabled MSG members, including stakeholders, to advance and sustain the framework at national, sub-regional and regional levels.
“We wish you well in your discussions over the next few days… We stand ready to support any outcome you achieve in this dialogue,” Salili said.
Fishery resources such as sea cucumbers contribute significantly to the economies of MSG member countries while also sustaining the livelihoods of communities.
However, climate change, non-compliance with fisheries regulations and illegal or unreported fishing have raised concerns among authorities and people in the region.
Meanwhile, USAID Acting Country Representative for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Carice McGill reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the effort.
She explained that despite the unprecedented threats facing the region, there is still hope.
“Together, we are working to combine science and traditional knowledge to create practical solutions to biodiversity threats and empower local communities to protect their ecosystems and secure their livelihoods,” she stressed.
USAID’s Our Fish Our Future project is a five-year (2021-2026) $15 million project.
The project is being implemented in partnership with WWF, the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Center, the Locally Managed Marine Areas Network and the University of the South Pacific.
SIBC News has learnt that representatives from national and regional stakeholders are participating in the programme.
The dialogue will end tomorrow.
Ending ///
[ad_2]
Source link
