BY CHRIS ALEX
Minister for Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Cathy Nori, highlights the indispensable role of women and girls as stewards of the nation’s marine resources.
She was speaking at the “Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI)-CFF Women Leaders Forum Regional Exchange, Threatened Species Workshop, and the Bismarck Solomon Seas Ecoregion Dialogue” currently underway in Honiara.
Nori voiced that in Solomon Islands, the role of women and girls in marine resources is critical given that they make up nearly half of the population of the country.
“In Solomon Islands, this is critical, as women and girls make up nearly half of the population and are key stewards of our seas – contributing to fisheries and community-based resource management and coastal livelihoods from village to policy levels,” she said.
The Minister’s remarks come as she reaffirms the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to sustainable management and development of the country’s marine and coastal resources, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance and community participation in achieving sustainable outcomes.
Addressing representatives from governments, development partners, NGOs, and community leaders, Nori outlined critical challenges facing the region, including marine biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, unsustainable development, poverty, and food insecurities.
She particularly stressed the need to advance equitable access to opportunities and benefits for vulnerable community members.
Nori also acknowledged persistent gaps in representation, access to finance, and training for women, youth, and disability-led initiatives in marine conservation efforts.
She urges CT6 governments and the Regional Secretariat to strengthen their efforts in promoting women, youth, and community leadership in marine resource management.
“Let us leave at the end of the week, with clear commitments, renewed collaboration, and concrete set of steps that advance sustainable stewardship and inclusive leadership across all levels and sectors,” Nori said.
The week-long CTI-CFF Women Leaders Forum Regional Exchange provides a platform for peer-learning, networking, and knowledge sharing among women leaders in marine and coastal resource management.
This dialogue is supported by development partners including the Coral Triangle Center, WWF, and Wildlife Conservation Society.
As part of the Coral Triangle region, the Solomon Islands continues to demonstrate its commitment to maximizing the social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits of its rich marine resources while recognizing the critical role women play in this endeavour.
Photo: Government Communication Unit (GCU)
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
