Pacific leaders gathered in Honiara to address the urgent challenges facing the region’s fisheries, such as overfishing, climate change, illegal fishing, and pollution, which threaten ocean health and the livelihoods of local communities. The summit, themed “IUMI TOGEDA” in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 14.4, attracted around 400 participants, including representatives from various Pacific nations, international organizations, and development partners.
During the opening remarks, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stressed the importance of collective action in safeguarding fish stocks and ocean ecosystems. He reiterated the unwavering commitment of Pacific leaders to collaborate on fisheries management, highlighting the necessity of unified efforts to tackle these pressing issues.
Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, shared insights on Fiji’s strategy for sustainable fisheries, which relies on scientific data to guide development decisions that are vital for preserving local fisheries. Bainivalu engaged in fruitful discussions with international representatives from organizations such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) and the European Union. Notably, an MOU was signed with Papua New Guinea to host the Pacific Tuna Forum in October 2025, focused on enhancing regional tuna management.
The summit concluded with a renewed pledge from Pacific leaders to strengthen both regional and global initiatives for sustainable fisheries. Despite the challenges of climate change and illegal fishing, there is optimism for a collaborative future that allows Pacific nations to flourish through sustainable practices.
The Honiara Summit marks a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable fisheries management in the Pacific by emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility and cooperation among stakeholders. This commitment not only aims to protect marine resources but also ensures the resilience of local economies, fostering a hopeful outlook for future sustainable development in the region.
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