The 20th Session of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Ministerial meeting commenced with an official opening by Kiribati President Taneti Maamau in Ambo. Stressing the significant role of ocean health and tuna resources, President Maamau noted, “Our future depends on maintaining the health of our ocean and sustainably managing the status of our ocean tuna stocks.”
The session’s theme, “Our Oceans, Our Tuna, Our Future,” embodies the collective need for sustainable practices in managing tuna stocks, particularly in light of challenges such as climate change, nuclear waste dumping, and illegal fishing activities. President Maamau emphasized that united efforts among the PNA members are crucial in addressing these issues and shaping the future of their nations.
Acknowledging the contributions of outgoing Chair of PNA, Nestor Giro from the Federated States of Micronesia, President Maamau remarked, “For 20 years we have sailed on the same canoe… cooperative decision-making is essential for the sustained growth of the PNA family.”
This gathering aligns with ongoing regional endeavors aiming for sustainable fisheries management, echoing sentiments shared during recent forums like the Forum Fisheries Committee Annual Officials Meeting and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission sessions, where strong commitments towards preserving vital marine resources and ensuring community involvement have been vocalized.
As the discussions unfold, there remains an optimistic outlook for collaboration among PNA nations to effectively tackle the challenges while ensuring a sustainable future for their tuna resources. This unified approach underscores the importance of cooperation in safeguarding the livelihoods and cultures of Pacific Island communities reliant on these precious oceanic resources.
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