Fisheries officials and delegates from the 17 Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), are gathering this week at the Millenium Hall in Alofi, Niue, for the 138th Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Annual Officials Meeting.
The five-day meeting offers an important opportunity for Members to shape the direction of sustainable tuna fisheries management in the Pacific region. Delegates will also work together to chart a strategic course that ensures our ocean resources deliver lasting benefits to our Pacific Island communities. In her keynote address, Niue’s Minister for Natural Resources, Hon. Mona Ainu’u, welcomed over 80 delegates and observers from across the region, including representatives of regional and international organisations.
Minister Ainuú, a longstanding advocate for ocean sustainability, is championing the Ocean Literacy Initiative – an effort rooted in her lived experience as an Ocean Mother, a politician, and a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) champion on climate issues. “My concern is that our people, especially our young people and children must understand how international and regional decisions affect their livelihoods. Our children will inherit the seeds we plant today. They will eventually take over from us, and so we need to invest now through our school curricula and outreach programs,” said Minister Ainuú.
