The Honiara Summit on Sustainable Fisheries officially concluded with a renewed commitment from Pacific leaders to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.4—ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources.
The three-day summit brought together government representatives, regional fisheries organizations, and international partners, all focused on addressing the challenges in fisheries management and resource sustainability.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, in his closing address, highlighted the significance of regional collaboration in protecting and managing the Pacific’s fisheries.
“Throughout the summit, I have observed the regional and international community working together with our Pacific Island countries towards achieving the goal of sustainable fisheries,” said Prime Minister Manele.
“As I mentioned at the outset, we can only achieve SDG 14.4 by working together.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the progress made in identifying data gaps, strengthening partnerships, and aligning SDG 14.4 goals with international environmental agreements.
“The challenge before us is to improve the current assessment for the SDG 14.4.1 target,” Manele stated.
“Trends for fisheries resources of commercial importance must improve, and it is incumbent upon us to increase the percentage of such stocks to fall within biologically sustainable levels,” he added.
Strengthening Regional and Global Cooperation
Mr Manele also emphasized the essential role of regional fisheries management and advisory organizations in supporting Pacific Island states.
“One major reason the Pacific region is a leader in fisheries surveillance and management is the important role played by these organizations,” he said, while urging for greater recognition of their contributions.
The summit also considered emerging governance initiatives, particularly the need to align SDG 14.4 efforts with the United Nations Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Montreal Framework.
“In the plenary sessions, various reports were provided on progress in achieving sustainable fisheries. This summit has also identified knowledge and data gaps and suggested ways to close those gaps.”
Political Commitment to Sustainable Fisheries
The summit concluded with the adoption of a High-Level Political Declaration, reaffirming the collective commitment of Pacific Island nations to SDG 14.4.
“I am pleased to announce our political commitment through a high-level declaration, demonstrating our agreement with the summit’s outcome communiqué,” Manele said.
“We call on the international community to accord greater recognition and higher levels of support to Pacific countries in strengthening their efforts towards sustainable fisheries,” the PM of the host nation added.
The Prime Minister extended gratitude to all co-hosts and supporting organizations, including the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thompson, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Pacific Community (SPC), the European Union, and the Sasakawa Foundation.
As the summit closed, Manele also looked ahead to upcoming regional engagements, including the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which will be hosted in the Solomon Islands in September.
“If there are issues that we have not delivered according to expectations, forgive us for that,” he told delegates. “Leave those behind and take with you the good memories of Solomon Islands.”
With the summit now concluded, leaders and stakeholders will work towards implementing the commitments made in Honiara, ensuring that Pacific fisheries remain a sustainable resource for future generations.
The Honiara Summit Communique can be accessed here