THE 23rd Annual Ministerial Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) and the 5th Annual Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting commenced yesterday at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Headquarters in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The event was officially opened by the Acting Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Bradley Tovosia, who delivered the keynote address to the attending FFC Ministers from FFA’s 17 Members, senior fisheries officials, and the FFA Secretariat.
The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from the FFC Ministers Vice Chair, Niue Fisheries Minister Hon. Mona Ainu’u, FFA Director General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen, and Nauru Fisheries CEO Erana Aliklik, who attended on behalf of the Nauru Fisheries Minister. Nauru is the current host of the FFC meetings for 2024 – mid-2025.
The ceremony was a vibrant display of Pacific culture, with ministers being welcomed by bamboo panpipers, a choir, and traditional garlanding.
Acting Prime Minister Tovosia presented all visiting ministers with traditional neck ornaments, symbolizing the unity and shared heritage of the Pacific nations.
Over the next two days, the ministers will engage in a series of meetings and discussions aimed at addressing key issues impacting the region’s fisheries. The agenda includes:
Deliberations on the impact of climate change on oceanic fisheries
- The FFA Regional MCS Strategy (RMCSS) 2024-2029
- Development and implementation of sustainable management strategies
- Discussions on advancing social sustainability through the GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) Strategy and Labour Standards
- The event will conclude with a Ministerial Retreat on 25 July, providing an opportunity for further in-depth discussions and strategic guidance.
Source: FFA Media