By Loretta B Manele
Collaboration among Pacific Island states is needed now more than ever to help address sustainable fisheries management.
Baron Divavesi Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) stressed on this at the Honiara Summit which hosted Pacific Island leaders and various organizations for discussions on how to effectively manage and sustain fisheries in the Pacific region.
In initial remarks, he told fellow Pacific leaders, regional bodies and heads of organizations that their dependence on fisheries is not merely economic but is deeply cultural and existential as well.
Waqa said Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are surrounded by the vast ocean and its resources hence fisheries is pivotal to their economies and livelihoods.
“Over 80% of government revenue in some of our states is derived from tuna fisheries.
In 2022, the fisheries sector contributed approximately USD 3.2 billion to the GDP of Pacific Island countries.
This dependence underscores the importance of regionally agreed sustainable management practices to ensure the sustainability of these resources for future generations.”
Moreover, he pointed out that the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific is the roadmap for a resilient and sustainable future.
“The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific is our roadmap for a resilient and sustainable future. In the strategy, leaders committed to; deepen our collective responsibility and stewardship of the Blue Pacific Continent, protect our sovereignty and jurisdiction over our maritime zones and resources including in response to climate change induced sea level rise and strengthen our ownership and management of our resources.”
He stressed that collaborative efforts with support of scientific research and policy advice through regional bodies such as the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the Western and Central Pacific Commission and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement have set global benchmarks for sustainable fisheries management.
Waqa added that Pacific Islands Forum leaders have also played an important role by amplifying the voices of the Pacific to the rest of the world through the communiques and declarations concerning the health of the oceans and sustainable fisheries development initiatives.
He emphasized that regional solidarity and cooperation are the cornerstones of our success.
Waqa furthered that the collective action of member states has enabled Pacific Islands countries to address complex fisheries issues effectively.
“By working together, we have strengthened our negotiating power on the global stage and ensured that the benefits of our fisheries are shared among our people. This solidarity is more crucial than ever as we face the challenges of climate change and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).”
Waqa said Pacific Island countries should strengthen their collaborative efforts, share knowledge and resources and support each other in implementing SDG14.4 and by extension, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
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