The launch of Phase Two of the Pacific European Union (EU) Marine Partnership Program (PEUMP) represents a significant step toward sustainable ocean management in the Pacific region. With a budget of Euro 20 million (approximately $FJ52 million) spread over five years, this initiative builds upon the groundwork established in Phase One to enhance ocean governance and promote sustainable fisheries.
Barbara Plinkert, the EU Ambassador to the Pacific, highlighted that this funding supports a wide-ranging agenda that includes governance improvements and community-based fisheries management, ensuring regional needs are prioritized. The long-term goals align closely with the Pacific’s 2050 Strategy, which aims for healthier oceans and resilient communities.
Key focus areas of the program encompass governance, market access, and youth empowerment, addressing critical challenges in fisheries and ocean management. Plinkert emphasized the importance of improving market access and tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing as central objectives. Furthermore, she underlined the necessity of investing in sustainable value chains and empowering young professionals through education and training initiatives.
This phase of the program underscores the significance of sustainable fisheries value chains, facilitated by collaboration between Team Europe and regional stakeholders, ensuring both synergy and local relevance in its execution. The Team Europe approach coordinates efforts among EU Member States and regional organizations to avoid any overlap in initiatives, maximizing impact.
Sweden was a notable contributor to Phase One with a donation of ten million euros, focusing on facets such as human rights and social inclusion. Similar collaborative efforts are anticipated for Phase Two, with the program designed to utilize each partner’s unique strengths to achieve complementary outcomes that align with the priorities of Pacific Island nations.
Plinkert noted the vital contributions of organizations like the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and the University of the South Pacific (USP), which will collectively work towards measurable progress by 2030. Engagement through forums like the FFA’s Development Partner Symposium will be crucial for maintaining dialogue and shared commitments.
The successful rollout of PEUMP Phase Two is the result of extensive consultations and partnership-building with Pacific Island nations and regional bodies. These discussions helped tailor the program to meet the specific needs and expertise of regional partners, fostering trust and commitment throughout the process.
Plinkert emphasized that this long-term partnership signals a robust commitment to collaboratively addressing ocean-related challenges and opens a new chapter in regional ocean governance and sustainability. Engagement from representatives of EU Member States, regional bodies, NGOs, and civil society strengthens the program’s capacity, ensuring it meets the diverse challenges and needs of communities effectively.
The initiatives outlined in the PEUMP not only promise to bolster regional ocean governance but also foster collaboration that prioritizes the needs and ambitions of Pacific Island nations, ultimately leading to more sustainable and resilient marine ecosystems.
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