During a recent bilateral meeting at the Honiara Summit 2025, Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, expressed her deep gratitude to Dr. Manuel Barange, the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO), for the organization’s unwavering support in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable fisheries management in Fiji.
Minister Bainivalu highlighted the significant contributions made by the UN FAO in key areas such as aquaculture development, marine conservation, and the improvement of national fisheries policies. One notable focus of their discussions was the UN FAO’s critical involvement in formulating Fiji’s Aquaculture Development Plan for 2024-2028, which was officially launched in October 2024 and is currently being implemented.
“On behalf of the Fijian Government and the Ministry of Fisheries & Forestry, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the UN FAO for their invaluable support. Their efforts have significantly contributed to enhancing food security and livelihoods for our fishing communities,” said Bainivalu.
The Minister outlined ongoing collaborative efforts essential for the success of the Aquaculture Development Plan, emphasizing areas such as:
– The ongoing implementation of the Aquaculture Development Plan 2024 – 2028.
– Development of Bivalve Shellfish Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Food Safety Guidelines.
– Initiatives aimed at strengthening food security and improving livelihoods for coastal communities.
Minister Bainivalu reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the UN FAO, stressing the importance of these partnerships in reaching shared sustainable development objectives.
The discussions from this meeting foster a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s fisheries sector. By leveraging international support, Fiji is aiming to confront challenges related to climate change while fostering sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment. This commitment to bolstering local fisheries and enhancing food security showcases the proactive approach of the Fijian government, reflecting a broader regional initiative aimed at sustainable resource management and resilience in local communities.
Overall, this partnership with the UN FAO is a promising step towards securing a sustainable and food-secure future for Fiji’s coastal populations.
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