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Community voices shaping Pacific Fisheries
Shaping the future of coastal fisheries in the Pacific requires open, bold and free discussions on the issues that are challenging our use of resources sustainably. Local civil society voices have much to offer to these discussions.
The Fourth Community-Based Fisheries Dialogue (CBFD4), held in Suva, Fiji, in November 2024, provided a platform for community-based fisheries practitioners, non-state actors, and civil society organisations to meet and strategies.
The workshop was funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden’s Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and enabled fisheries leaders in the region to make informed decisions on sustainable fisheries management across the Pacific.
The CBFD enhances, rather than replaces, traditional communication pathways between communities, subnational, and national governments. It strengthens these connections, fosters meaningful two-way feedback, and amplifies community voices in regional decision-making processes.
Coordinator of the Network for Indigenous People in Solomon Islands and CBFD4 Convener Ms Aydah Akao, stated that Pacific islanders share a strong connection with the ocean and its coastal resources.
As a convenor at the meeting, Ms Akao explained why it’s important to hear from everyone.
“When our leaders make decisions, they must take our livelihoods into account. Gathering practitioners, women, and elders from our communities across the three sub-regions – Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia - is essential to ensure inclusivity,” Ms. Akao said.
Ms Akao added that such conversations with people working on the ground provides a meaningful opportunity to connect to their culture, roots, and resources.
“It’s crucial for local communities to participate in a dialogue like this - where they can freely discuss and share common interests regarding resources, livelihoods, fisheries, and traditional knowledge,” she said.
Mr Dua Rudolph, Deputy Director of the Marshall Islands Conservation Society and Advisory Group member, said CBFD4 is a vital platform for amplifying community voices.
Representing the Micronesian region which comprises Pohnpei, Palau, Chuuk, and the Marshall Islands, Mr Rudolph highlighted how the forum bridges the gap between grassroots concerns and government decision-making.
“The importance of the CBFD for us is really the community being able to come to the table and bring their issues to be heard by government partners and the leadership in the region. This platform provides space for their issues to be clearly articulated and transferred to the Heads of Fisheries, pushing for more actions to address coastal-based fisheries challenges,” he shared.
“Hearing the different issues from other regions especially those not brought up by the RMI has been a great learning experience for us. Seeing the projects and challenges shared by our Melanesian partners inspires us to drive forward and explore partnerships,” he added.
Mr Paul Tahu, a community representative from the Solomon Islands, shared that the dialogue provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with other Pacific Island countries.
He described the platform as a space for mutual learning and collaboration.
“I have learned a lot, especially by sharing experiences with other Pacific Island countries and, in turn, sharing my own with them,” he said.
Mr Tahu emphasised the importance of continuing such dialogues in the future, ensuring Solomon Islands representatives remain engaged in these regional conversations.
The 45 million euros PEUMP programme promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity. It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to oceanic fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action.
Contact
Toky Rasoloarimanana, Communications Officer, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME), Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected]
