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Opening remarks by SPC's Director-General Stuart Minchin at the 16th SPC's Heads of Fisheries Meeting
SPC Headquarters, New Caledonia
Distinguished delegates, Heads of Fisheries and officials, partners, colleagues, and friends,
Bonjour and warm Pacific greetings to you all.
On behalf of your Pacific Community, I extend a warm welcome to all our esteemed delegates to the Sixteenth SPC Heads of Fisheries Meeting.
I would also like to welcome the Chair for the 16th SPC Heads of Fisheries meeting – American Samoa, Mr. Archie Soliai, I congratulate you as you take on the Chairmanship for the 16th SPC Heads of Fisheries meeting and I wish you well in steering the meeting to a successful outcome.
By the same token, allow me to also express our sincere gratitude to the outgoing Chair – Wallis and Futuna under the stewardship of Mr. Joseph Gestin for his assistance and commitment in Chairing the 15th SPC Heads of Fisheries meeting.
Unfortunately, due to members’ pre-arranged engagement, I am unable to join you for this important gathering. Nevertheless, it is an honour to provide a few words on this occasion, that marks not just another year of collaboration but to refresh our deep commitment to our ocean, fisheries, and aquaculture, the backbone of our people’s livelihood.
This year, we will delve into the theme that is both critical and timely: “The impact of climate change on our fisheries, aquaculture, and marine ecosystems, and the pivotal role that digital transformation plays in access to and utilisation of data at the national and regional level, with a vision for regional integration of data systems and tools.” This theme, central to our discussions, underscore the interconnectedness of our challenges and the collective wisdom we bring to address them.
Reflecting on the outcome of 15th SPC Heads of Fisheries Meeting in 2023, it is inspiring to see the tangible progress of our collective efforts. The expansion of the Pacific Fisheries Professional Programme stands out as a testament to our commitment to strengthen capacity across our member states. This initiative continues to elevate capacity across the region and has also empowered individuals with the skills and knowledge essential for the stewardship of our marine resources.
Our concerted efforts in capacity building, data collection, and management have seen remarkable progress. The increase in support to members has been instrumental in enhancing national capabilities, ensuring that our data-driven approaches to fisheries management are both robust and sustainable.
The development of our flagship programmes is progressing, - they represent SPC’s value add across key areas of cross-cutting work by leveraging expertise, enhancing collaboration and amplifying collective impact. With significant resources, including funding support, our flagships on oceans, climate change, gender equality and food systems will be pivotal in addressing the critical challenges facing the fisheries and aquaculture sector today.
The progress on the Green Climate Fund project, "Adapting Tuna-Dependent Pacific Islands Communities and Economies to Climate Change," is another highlight. This project exemplifies our proactive approach to climate change, focusing on adaptation strategies that safeguard livelihoods, food security, and the economic resilience of our communities.
The agenda laid out for this meeting reflects the pressing challenges of today, this is where your leadership and input is required, how as a collective, can we work together to address these challenges. From updates on the implementation of our strategic plans and business plans to in-depth discussions on climate change vulnerabilities, the sessions are designed to foster dialogue, share insights, and transformative actions.
Distinguished delegates, your presence here is a reflection of your enduring commitment to the sustainable management and conservation of our marine resources. It is your insights, experiences, and collaborative spirit that will steer the discussions towards meaningful outcomes and transformative solutions.
As you embark on this week of deliberations, let’s be guided by a shared vision of resilience, sustainability, inclusivity, and transformation. Let us forge stronger partnerships, articulate clear strategies, and commit to actionable steps that will not only address the challenges of today but pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous Pacific for generations to come.
I wish you all a fruitful and productive week and I look forward to the outcomes of this meeting.
Thank you.
