Calls for more Pacific say over ocean resources and added research into Pacific resource management
Solomon Islands' incoming representative to the United Nations wants to ensure Pacific countries gain control over their ocean resources.
Dr.Transform Aqorau, the well known and respected Solomon Islands academic, who was the original chief executive of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, helped turn the group of Pacific Island nations into a force to be reckoned with in the international tuna trade.
In that role, Dr. Aqorau wanted the Pacific to be given more say about what happened in their ocean and he would take those ideas with him to New York.
He said he was passionate about ensuring that Pacific nations had a sense of self-reliance, and self-determination.
"I am passionate about ensuring that we try and re-structure our ocean management regime so that we are not just by-standers in the development of our ocean resources but that we are participants."
Today, it was revealed by Palau government Minister, Fleming Sengebau, when speaking at the Pacific Ocean Finance Conference in Fiji, that Pacific nations must look closely at financial options to help better manage their resources.
Pacific nations must look closely at every financial option available to help them better manage their resources, says Palau government minister Fleming Sengebau.
He said more research was needed in all aspects of ocean finance and governance.
He also called for further exploration of practical challenges and solutions.
Mr Sengebau said with the growing threat of the climate crisis, the islands needed finance to help their communities provide alternative livelihoods.
"At the end of the day, it's about helping our communities. And for many of these issues that we're dealing with, going into communities - where are we going to get funding for this?
"I see a great opportunity for us to share lessons learned in our own respective countries. But more importantly, how we can bring those resources to bear and really help our countries move forward."
POFC 2019 is being organised by the Pacific Ocean Finance Program, implemented through the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner - an affiliate with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
Sources: Radio New Zealand
Yours sincerely
Frank Short