PRIME Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has joined the Ocean 12 Steering Committee, government officials and Pristine Seas expedition members to celebrate the finding of the biggest coral in the world at Heritage Park Hotel on Monday night.
The National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition team found the world’s largest coral off the shores of Malau Lalo in Makira-Ulawa Province during their expedition in Solomon Islands.
The team also carried out expedition in the waters of Marau and Temotu Province.
Speaking at the gathering, PM Manele said Solomon Islands is a large ocean state, as its territory is made up of 98 percent of the ocean.
He said the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 is of great importance to all small island developing states, including Solomon Islands. The UN SDG 14: Life Below Water – underscores the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
“As custodians of the ocean, we have so much to learn about marine life within our own waters.
“Solomon Islands is home to an array of marine ecosystems, including extensive coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, seamounts, and deep-sea trenches, which together support a diverse range of marine species and unique ecosystems,” PM Manele said.
“However, much of our ocean remains understudied, making it what we ourselves call an undocumented ocean state.
“SDG 14.8 is about the increase of scientific knowledge, research and technology for the ocean’s health. Hence, scientific findings of Pristine Waters are a small step in informing the world of the richness of our marine life,” he added.
This expedition is a government-led priority through the Ocean 12 governance structure.
PM Manele said in the spirit of collaboration, this partnership with Pristine Seas is focused on acquiring virtual marine biodiversity data to strengthen the nation’s ocean science capacity to improve conservation strategies and enhance sustainable management of our marine resources.
“On that note, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Pristine Seas team and the government officers joining the expedition.
“Your dedication, skills, and knowledge were the pillars that expedite this expedition within one month,” he said.
PM Manele said the contributions of the local guide and communities must not be forgotten.
“Their indigenous knowledge and hospitality have contributed to the success of this expedition, and we acknowledge them for their contributions.
“We would like to see this as a condition for clearance of all future scientific expeditions to the Solomon Islands.”
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
