Nice, France — The Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting sustainable food from the ocean as a vital pathway for poverty eradication and food security.
Speaking over the weekend at the Ocean Action Panel on “Promoting the role of sustainable food from the ocean for poverty eradication and food security,” Hon. Bradley Tovosia, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, emphasized the importance of community empowerment and strategic partnerships.
Minister Tovosia highlighted Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) as the cornerstone of Solomon Islands’ coastal fisheries governance.
“Community-based fisheries management partnerships must be strengthened to empower our local communities to protect and sustainably manage their own resources. Supported by national policies, CBRM remains central to our approach,” he said.
He stressed the need for partnerships tailored to the capacities and needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address challenges such as climate change, overfishing, illegal activities, and data gaps.
“A partnership that adds value and strengthens CBRM, drawing from lessons learned, is critical to achieving a resilient blue food security system,” Minister Tovosia stated.
The Solomon Islands also called for tangible international support aligned with regional and national commitments to advance sustainable aquaculture.
“We are at the niche of advancing sustainable aquaculture—farming seaweed and tilapia—and prioritizing investment in innovative, climate-smart infrastructure that is resilient to climate change,” the Minister said.
Welcoming investment in science and technology, Minister Tovosia said modern research and data collection are vital to guiding climate-resilient fisheries management. He also emphasized the integration of ecosystem-based approaches into national climate plans.
A collective effort is needed to develop social protection mechanisms that safeguard rural communities from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
“The well-being of our people must be at the forefront, given the significance of ocean resources for food security, economic development, and livelihoods,” Minister Tovosia said.
He reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ commitment through initiatives such as the Melanesian Ocean Reserve, announced at the conference, to ensure a sustainable ocean food system for indigenous communities.
– OPMC
