PM Manele sets high expectations for ‘Honiara Summit’.

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, this morning, officially opened the ‘Honiara Summit Iumi Tugeda: Delivering on SDG14.4 – Achieving Sustainable Fisheries,’ marking the beginning of important discussions focused on sustainable ocean governance and fisheries management in the Pacific.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Manele expressed high expectations for the Summit’s outcomes, emphasizing the importance of collective regional action to address the challenges and opportunities facing sustainable fisheries.

Among the key outcomes anticipated, Prime Minister Manele called for the provision of a concise progress report on SDG 14.4.1, specifically regarding the proportion of marine fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels. He also stressed the need for the Summit to reaffirm the commitment to accelerating the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Prime Minister highlighted the identification of knowledge, technology, and data gaps as a critical area for discussion, urging participants to seek science- and nature-based solutions to close these gaps, alongside strategies and policy actions, particularly in relation to coastal fisheries.

Additionally, Prime Minister Manele underlined the necessity of greater recognition of the unique needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as articulated in both international and regional fisheries treaties, including sustainable fisheries development initiatives.

A key outcome sought by the Prime Minister is a recommendation on ways to align SDG14.4 priorities with international frameworks, such as the UN Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, the World Trade Organisation, Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and the Convention on Biological Diversity Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework.

Prime Minister Manele encouraged Forum members to use this Summit as an opportunity to strengthen engagement among all stakeholders and promote broader collaboration across sectors. He stated, the technical outcomes of the Summit will be considered during the final session and will contribute to the discussions at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference.

He also urged Forum members to collectively finalize outstanding maritime zones and claims and to reaffirm the commitment of Pacific Island Leaders to safeguard the integrity of maritime zones as defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), especially in light of rising sea levels.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the current challenges facing SDG 14.4.1, noting a worrying trend in the proportion of marine fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels. In 2021, only 62.3% of fish stocks were within these levels, compared to 90% in 1974. However, he pointed out positive developments for commercially important fishery resources, such as tuna, where 85% of the catch is sourced from sustainable stocks, many of which are managed by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations.

“By working together, we strengthen our stewardship of the Ocean, uphold our sovereign rights, and advance sustainable ocean management and fisheries to protect our Blue Pacific Continent for future generations.”

Pacific Heads of State and Government, along with High-Level representatives, are expected to adopt a declaration affirming key decisions taken during the Summit.

Ends///.

Traditional gift presentation

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP arriving at the friendship Hall for the Honiara Summit opening

Leaders watching cultural entertainment