Page 23 - IB June 2019

Minister for Forestry Osea
Women’s voices and of International School
Naiqamu with the children
Suva who were part of the
public procession and the
celebration.
participation vital in our ocean

In our region,
women make

up 90 per cent
agement and governance is challenges that now confront stakeholders working in, on
of the informal vital if we are to secure the us. In particular, climate and for our ocean together.
employment wellbeing and potential of change which remains the The Pacific Ocean Alliance
our Blue Pacific continent
single greatest threat to the
sector which and if we are to bridge the livelihoods, security and provides an inclusive space
to work collectively to discuss
gap and ensure we leave no wellbeing of our people, our
includes one behind. place and of the planet. and identify solutions for
how we could and how
catching, Threats and deepening To guide our efforts we have we should optimise and
a longstanding commitment
share the benefits from the
collecting and our collective claim to to sustainable ocean man- sustainable management,
secure our Blue Pacific
selling of fish, Continent agement and conservation use and conservation of our
through a range of existing
Blue Pacific continent and its
crabs, shells and Later this year, Forum Leaders national, regional and global surrounding ocean area.
will meet in Tuvalu under the policies, where all sectors of Let’s take this opportunity to
sea weed – for theme ‘Securing our Future society, have a role to play. recognise World Oceans Day
their livelihoods in the Pacific’. Despite the In my capacity as Pacific and commending that we
immense opportunities and
think about the Ocean and
Ocean Commissioner, I am
By Pacific Ocean Commissioner - Meg Taylor DBE and well-being. prospects of our vast oceanic convening the next Pacific what we can do for it – be-
continent, we must also be
cause the ocean is us - every-
Ocean Alliance meeting in
vigilant and adaptive to the
ur Pacific Leaders work Gender and the Ocean livelihoods and well-being. -Meg Taylor DBE early October, to bring all day.
together under the Formally, women account
flagship of the Blue Pacific The theme for this World
narrative. The Blue Pacific Oceans Day is “Gender and the for less than 20% of fishery
identity emphasises our Ocean”. As we continue to ad- science and management
collective stewardship of the dress the issues so vital to our staff in administrations
Pacific Ocean to ensure peace, ocean’s health and wellbeing, across the Pacific islands. I
encourage our young girls
to protect the dignity and we must also emphasise the to be ambitious and improve
well-being of our people. wellbeing of our people who
are an inseparable part of our this statistic going forward
The ocean is the foundation oceanic continent. – explore and embrace the
of our common identity as opportunities in STEM fields,
Pacific Islanders, it is the com- The actions and knowledge that is, in the field of Science,
mon fabric that connects us of women are essential Technology, Engineering and
and upon which our cultures, to achieving Sustainable Mathematics. A wonderful
our traditions, our livelihoods Development Goal 14 - Life example that I return to time
and our well-being have been Under Water. Women are and again is that of Kiribati.
built. holders of knowledge and Fisheries forms the key
informal managers of our contributing sector to GDP in
L-R- Women from Galoa were also part of the Ocean Day activities.
This World Oceans Day gives marine resources. Indeed, in Kiribati and it is and has been, Teach them young- 4000 mangrove seedlings were planted that day to commemorate
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dame time for us to reflect on what our region, women make up for a few years now, been led World Ocean Day. It was part of Fiji’s 4 million trees initative.
Meg Taylor and Fiji’s Minister for we can do together in order 90 per cent of the informal by an all-female management
Forestry who was then acting Minister to secure the future of our employment sector which team.
for Fisheries Osea Naiqamu at the ocean continent. includes catching, collecting
World Oceans Day celebration at My It is our Blue Pacific, Our and selling of fish, crabs, Ensuring women’s voices and For enquiries, you can contact the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner on email: opoc@forumsec.org or call +679 7788251
Suva Place, Our Future. shells and sea weed – for their participation in oceans man-

Islands Business, June 2019 23