Pacific Ocean Finance Fellows with OPOC and FFA team at their training in Nadi in November 2019.
Pacific Ocean Finance Fellows with OPOC and FFA team at their training in Nadi in November 2019.
Pacific Islanders graduate from first ocean finance fellowship
26th May 2020
Suva, Fiji– Twelve Pacific Islands nationals from 12 nations successfully completed their nine-month Pacific Ocean Finance Fellowship this week.
Representing the Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dame Meg Taylor, Peni Suveinakama from the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner officiated at the virtual closing ceremony and addressed the graduates saying “as every Pacific Islander has a stake in the ocean, I challenge you to test the waters and be innovative during this new normal. “We must invest in the ocean as it means investing in our future. Our large Economic Exclusive Zones are our most significant asset for future sustainable development, so this fellowship can never be more pertinent.”
This integrated programme of training, financial support and mentoring between June 2019 and March 2020 has increased the individual capacity of Pacific Islanders in ocean finance and will help scale up action on ocean finance initiatives in Pacific Islands Governments, institutions and communities.
The Fellows completed a programme of mentored projects in their home countries and professional development training in ocean finance and governance.
Fa’aui Ekapale-Telii of Tuvalu said “I now possess a greater knowledge of public and private finance for ocean health. I can use this to design and implement successful business models and contribute to better policies for ocean health in my country. Positive investment decisions are key to making the most of our precious ocean resources and I am looking forward to being a part of this.”
Mary McDonald of Cook Islands said “I believe the course content that was delivered was very informative. Also, future fellows would benefit from this kind of programme that is in a way new to the Pacific. The ocean is an important part of our culture, identity and heritage and it is up to us as Pacific Islanders to ensure we learn ways to ensure best conservation management practices are being carried out.”
The Pacific Ocean Finance Fellowships are fundamental drivers needed to meet the priorities of Pacific Islands Forum Leaders for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The Pacific Ocean Finance Fellowship Program is an activity under the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP). This is funded by the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility and implemented through the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC).
Media contact:
Mereseini Marau
Mereseinim@forumsec.org
Mobile or WhatsApp: +679 9985273
Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
