The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) has been granted an extension until September 1, as agreed upon at the recent Honiara Summit in the Solomon Islands. This collaborative effort includes key stakeholders such as the European Union, the Government of Sweden, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP).
This extension is vital for ongoing support to Pacific Island nations as they address significant marine and fisheries challenges. Barbara Plinkert, the European Union Ambassador to the Pacific, emphasized that this extension will provide more time to finalize crucial initiatives currently in progress throughout the region. Dr. Stuart Minchin, director general of the SPC, noted that it will facilitate the completion of essential capacity-building activities with member countries.
Noan Pakop, the director general of the FFA, remarked that the additional months would allow for the successful execution of various fisheries management and development projects, promoting sustainable fishing practices. Sefanaia Nawadra, director general of SPREP, also highlighted the benefits of this extension for community-based conservation activities, stating it would enhance the effectiveness of these programs for local ecosystems and communities.
The PEUMP, which has been funded significantly by the European Union with a contribution of 35 million euros ($F87 million) and 10 million euros ($F24 million) from the Government of Sweden, has played a crucial role since its inception in 2018, fostering sustainable management and governance of ocean resources in several Pacific nations, including Fiji, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea.
In a related initiative, the University of the South Pacific (USP) has conducted community-based financial literacy training sessions in cooperation with the PEUMP. These training sessions are designed to empower participants with the skills necessary to manage income from marine resources, thereby supporting the broader objectives of financial stability and sustainability within Pacific communities. This effort highlights the connection between financial literacy and sustainable marine management, ultimately promoting economic resilience in coastal areas.
The extension of the PEUMP represents a profound commitment from the European Union and its partners to enhance marine governance in the Pacific, with positive implications for both the environment and local economies. This development showcases the collaborative approach to addressing pressing environmental challenges while supporting the livelihood of communities in the region.
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