BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles 2023-2027 envisions the need to protect, manage, and sustainably utilize marine turtles in the Solomon Islands.
Revived from the National Marine Turtle Strategic Action Plan (MTSAP) 2008-2012, demonstrates the government’s commitment to meet regional and international duty under relevant pacts relating to the conservation of Marine Turtles.
“The work started in 2021-2023. We thank the WCS for leading the review and giving feedback to the Solomon Islands Turtle Technical working committee, which comprises of National Government, conservation organizations, marine turtle experts, scientists from international and local NGOs, and community-based organizations,’’ said Valentine Hubert.
The Fisheries Principal Officer said that the NPOA has called for continuing efforts to enhance the building capacity within MRMR and MECDM to deliver and implement the visions and goals of the five-year action plan.
He said that the vision of the plan is for a healthy and viable marine turtle population that continues to provide ecological, social-cultural, and economic benefits for the Solomon Islands, the region now and into the future.
“The goal is to ensure steady recovery and maintenance of marine turtle populations through appropriate management and conservation measures for their ecological services and socio-cultural and economic values for the Solomon Islands and the region,’’ said Hubert.
Mr Hubert however Solomon Islands is a party to some international agreements and legislation dose provided, there have been some challenges that pose threats to marine turtles in the Solomon Islands.
“This includes fisheries by-catch, community consumption, wildlife trade, climate change, predation, plastic pollution, ghost nets, unsustainable coastal development, and many more,’’ said Mr Hubert.
He further said that in pursuit of the collective commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of marine turtles, the turtle working committee has developed themes and objectives to guide the NPOA.
According to Mr Hubert, themes include; legislation & enforcement, education and awareness, research & monitoring, capacity building, national turtle database, sustainable financing, and collaboration and partnership.
