HONIARA, 11th Nov 2024 – The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has successfully concluded a two-day validation workshop in Rennell Bellona Province, marking a significant milestone in the development of a Provincial Fisheries Ordinance tailored specifically to the needs of the province.
Supported by the World Bank-funded PROPER Project, the workshop brought together 16 participants, including seconded government officers and direct employees of the Renbel Province, who worked collaboratively to ensure the ordinance accurately reflects the unique fisheries landscape and requirements of their communities.
Earlier this year, a team from the MFMR, including a legal consultant, conducted an initial consultation workshop in Rennell Bellona. This recent validation workshop was conducted to confirm and refine the findings from that consultation, addressing critical areas for a draft ordinance. This ongoing effort is the first step in enabling the Province to implement its own fisheries management framework, with similar initiatives underway in other provinces.
The workshop focused on verifying data, making necessary adjustments, and identifying gaps in fisheries management practices, particularly in areas where conservation and management regulations are not yet in place. These discussions aim to establish a regulatory framework that aligns with both local needs and national legislation and policies.
John Lasi, from the Policy Division of MFMR, expressed appreciation for the PROPER Project’s support, noting that this partnership has been instrumental in enabling MFMR to undertake this essential program. “Thanks to PROPER’s support, we are working towards empowering each province to adopt locally relevant, sustainable fisheries management practices,” Lasi said.
He also expressed gratitude to the provincial participants and the Provincial Clerk, acknowledging their active involvement and valuable insights that helped shape the draft ordinance.
Similar work is ongoing in other provinces as MFMR aims to ensure each has its own local fisheries ordinance.
Meanwhile, the final report for Rennell Bellona Province, incorporating insights and recommendations from the validation workshop, will be compiled and made available for further review.
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-Francis Pituvaka, Communication Officer
