The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has successfully launched new Community Fisheries Management Plans (CFMPs), Marine Managed Areas, and Alternative Livelihood projects across three Central Islands Province communities — Nagotano (Buena Vista), Niu Uvu (Big Ngella), and Saraikodo (Small Ngella).
The launch events, held between 15–21 September, were led by MFMR’s Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) Section. They represent years of consultation and collaboration between MFMR, local leaders, and development partners to protect marine resources and improve rural livelihoods.
“This program reflects our long-term vision for sustainable coastal fisheries,” said Mr. Valentine Hubert Telena, MFMR Team Leader at the launch events.
“It is the product of deep community engagement and provides a blueprint for resource management across the Solomon Islands,” he added.
Each community’s CFMP sets rules for sustainable fishing, habitat protection, and community-led enforcement, while also supporting alternative income sources. Tailored livelihood projects were also introduced, piggery in Nagotano, poultry in Niu Uvu, and tailoring in Saraikodo.
The Premier of Central Province, Kenneth Sagupari, and Deputy Premier, Percival Vaga’a, joined the MFMR team at the launches. They praised the Ministry’s collaborative approach and committed to expanding similar initiatives into neighbouring wards.
Community leaders, women’s groups, and youth also welcomed the plans, expressing pride in taking ownership and committing to safeguard marine resources for future generations.
The Ministry also acknowledged the financial support of the World Bank through the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROPER) Project, which made the implementation of these initiatives possible, along with the technical support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in developing the alternative livelihood projects.
MFMR regards the Central Province launches as a model to be replicated in other provinces as part of its national strategy for sustainable coastal fisheries.