First fisheries, aquaculture training launched
THE first Certificate IV in Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Compliance face-to-face training session for the Pacific region was launched yesterday.
According to the SPC co-ordinator of the PEUMP programs Project Management Unit (PMU), Martin Chong, marine resources was the backbone of the Pacific region’s economy.
“Integrating and mainstreaming gender and human rights-based approaches across the program runs through the core of the PEUMP program with the PMU leading on this and working with our key partners,” he said.
He added the overall objective for PEUMP was to improve the economic, social and environmental benefits for 15 Pacific Island countries arising from stronger regional economic integration and the sustainable management of the resources and environment.
“Specifically, the program aims to support the sustainable management and development of our natural fisheries resource for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and the conservation of marine biodiversity.
“The program, as a collective, believes in you and trusts that you will take the knowledge that you have gained and will continue to give back to your families, your communities and your nations to share because knowledge is wisdom.
He added this course had been made possible with the support of the European Union and the government of Sweden through the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) program and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign affairs and Trade.
Dr Francis Mani from the Pacific Community said the EU PUEMP project not only addressed high-level scientific research but it involved a whole spectrum of stakeholders which included the local grassroots communities and it was mostly about capacity development.
“This would not be possible without establishing partnerships at many levels to ensure sustainable livelihoods of our communities.
“As the premier training provider in the region, USP is pleased to be part of the PEUMP program partnership focusing on the much-needed collaborative approach by regional organisations towards the common goal of supporting sustainable management and development of fisheries food security and economic growth in the 150 PacificACP states while addressing, climate change resilience and conservation of biodiversity,” he said.
According to him under the project, USP was working with the regional partners and fisheries stakeholders across the region.
This included building on the existing marine and fisheriesrelated TVET/Continuing professional development courses and the SMS academic program.
As well as developing new courses to meet the needs identified in the completed needs and gap analysis.
It would also include the building of a pool of Pacific researchers in the region through eight postgraduate scholarships, according to Dr Mani.
There were 27 participants from across the Pacific Region participating in the training session.
The program, as a collective, believes in you and trusts that you will take the knowledge that you have gained and will continue to give back to your families ... – Martin Chong