Fisheries officials have given the green light for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) implementation plan for its Climate Change Strategy to strengthen resilience efforts in oceanic fisheries.
The endorsement of the Implementation Plan for the FFA Climate Change Strategy was made at the 133rd FFC Annual Officials Meeting (FFC133) that took place in Nauru earlier this month, with the aim of increasing the tuna fishery’s resilience to climate change in the Pacific and contribute to its mitigation.
This development marks the final steps of an outcome from the 21st Fisheries Ministers’ meeting (FFCMIN21) in Fiji last year. The FFCMIN21 endorsed a strategy to tackle the impacts of climate change on oceanic fisheries and called for the development of an implementation plan for the strategy.
The FFA Secretariat, led by Director General Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen, shared progress with the meeting including FFA’s first-ever participation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in December 2023, and the ongoing participation of the FFA in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings on the Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of climate change.
‘The FFC Officials’ endorsement of the Implementation Plan marks an important stage in our efforts over the past year to move forward with the climate change strategy,’ Dr Tupou-Roosen said.
‘It demonstrates our collective commitment and proactive approach to not only understand and mitigate the impacts of Climate Change, but also to strengthen the resilience of our vital oceanic fisheries. By embedding Climate Change into the heart of our strategies, we are setting a course towards sustainable, climate-resilient fisheries that will continue to provide for our communities and protect our oceans.’
Over the past year, the FFA worked with its Members to develop the Implementation Plan (IP) for the Strategy, engaging with key stakeholders to refine the approach.
This plan is designed to help FFA Members build new partnerships in climate change work, strengthen their engagements in climate change initiatives, advocate for climate-resilient fisheries, and push for broader climate action.
The plan elaborates on activities that implement the six high-level objectives of the Climate Change Strategy to increase the resilience of fisheries and contribute to mitigation efforts.
The Climate Change Strategy objectives are:
• Actioning Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: Ensuring fisheries are managed in an ecologically sustainable manner, securing and protecting rights, and maintaining socio-economic benefits despite climate changes.
• Achieving Climate Justice: Supporting solutions to minimize climate-induced economic and non-economic loss and damage.
• Accessing Climate Finance: Enhancing Members’ and the Secretariat’s capacity to mobilize climate finance.
• Contributing to Mitigation: Aiming for the offshore fisheries sector to reduce GHG emissions.
• Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening: Enhancing the capacity of national fisheries administrations and the FFA Secretariat.
• Advocacy and Engagement: Strengthening collaborative mechanisms and partnerships to advocate for resilient fisheries and influence change.
As the FFA moves forward with the endorsed Implementation Plan, the focus is on maintaining the momentum gained in international forums like the UNFCCC COP28 and the ICJ.
The proactive approach by FFA and its Members showcases their commitment to adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change on Pacific Islands offshore fisheries.
The ongoing dialogue and the structured approach to implementing the Climate Change Strategy highlight the Pacific’s resilience and dedication to securing a sustainable future for their oceanic resources.
