Senior officials from the World Bank held a meeting with FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop and senior FFA staff at the margins of the Development Partner Symposium in Suva to discuss opportunities for strengthened collaboration in offshore fisheries development.
The Director-General, on behalf of FFA Members, acknowledged the invaluable support provided through the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program – Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER), which supports improved sustainable management of oceanic fisheries across the region.
‘A recurring theme was the need for deeper partnership and coordination amongst all stakeholders – particularly with and amongst development partners – to ensure we not only maintain the sustainability of our tuna fisheries, but also deliver tangible economic benefits to our people. We welcome the World Bank’s continued support in helping Members address priority areas, including combating IUU fishing and maximising economic returns,’ he said.
World Bank representatives reaffirmed the substantial value of the Pacific tuna fishery to national economies and communities, emphasising the importance of ensuring benefits flow to the community level. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued dialogue and practical cooperation to advance sustainable tuna fisheries management and economic resilience across the Blue Pacific.
