The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) has received an extension until September 1, following an agreement reached at the Honiara Summit in the Solomon Islands. This agreement was formalized among several parties, including 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 crucial for ongoing support to Pacific Island nations as they tackle significant marine and fisheries challenges. European Union Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, highlighted that the extension facilitates more time to finalize key initiatives already underway across the region. Dr. Stuart Minchin, the director general of the SPC, underscored that the extension would allow for the completion of vital capacity-building activities with member countries.
Noan Pakop, director general of the FFA, noted that the additional months would enable the completion of various fisheries management and development initiatives, ensuring sustainable practices within the fishing industry. SPREP’s director general, Sefanaia Nawadra, also stated that this extended timeframe would benefit community-based conservation activities, enhancing their effectiveness for local ecosystems and communities.
The PEUMP is funded by a substantial investment, with the European Union contributing 35 million euros ($F87 million) and the Government of Sweden providing 10 million euros ($F24 million). Since its launch in 2018, the program has played a crucial role in advancing sustainable management and governance of ocean resources across numerous Pacific countries, including Fiji, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea.
In related news, the University of the South Pacific (USP) recently conducted community-based financial literacy training sessions in association with the PEUMP. These sessions aimed to empower participants with skills to manage income derived from marine resources, contributing to broader goals of financial stability and sustainability in Pacific communities. This initiative demonstrates the synergy between financial literacy and sustainable marine management, fostering economic resilience in coastal areas.
Overall, the extension of the PEUMP symbolizes a significant commitment from the European Union and its partners to strengthen marine governance in the Pacific, ultimately benefiting the environment and local economies.
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