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A transformative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) was formalized today in Qingdao between Isabel Province (Solomon Islands), Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Oceans University of China (OUC), and JQY Enterprise. The agreement establishes a state-of-the-art Mariculture and Aquaculture Research and Development Centre in Isabel Province, designed to drive sustainable marine resource management, foster economic growth, and strengthen global scientific collaboration.ย
Professor Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor of SINU, hailed the partnership as a milestone in aligning local and global ambitions: โThis initiative represents more than just a projectโit is a vision for what is possible when we combine local ambition with international expertise, academic rigor with private sector dynamism, and provincial opportunity with national development objectives. Let this Centre be a symbol of what we can achieve when we unite science with policy, knowledge with action, and passion with purpose.โย
The Centre will anchor applied research in aquaculture, marine ecosystem health, and climate resilience while integrating hands-on learning for students. Professor Aqorau emphasized its triple impact: advancing community-level research, embedding industry practices into academic curricula, and fostering global networks through collaboration with OUC.ย
Building on a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SINU and OUC, the PPP operationalizes joint research, student exchanges, and curriculum development. โThis Centre will be co-managed, co-utilized, and co-developed by SINU and OUC,โ Professor Aqorau explained. โWe envision joint graduate programs, Pacific-led contributions to global sustainability discourse, and intellectual property co-creation with industry partners.โย
JQY Enterpriseโs role in bridging innovation and market readiness was underscored, with investments in hatchery systems, mariculture infrastructure, and vocational training in aquaculture business management. โOur students will not just be job seekersโthey will be job creators,โ Professor Aqorau added.ย
Lawrence Hayward, Premier of Isabel Province, celebrated the agreement as a triumph of international cooperation and provincial leadership: โTogether, we are building bridges of friendship, knowledge, and prosperity that will stand as an enduring testament to our shared aspirations. This PPP exemplifies the power of uniting provincial vision, academic excellence, and private-sector innovation to create opportunities for our people and our planet.โย
The Centre will elevate Isabelโs economic profile through high-value marine species like beche-de-mer while empowering youth with practical skills in fisheries, mariculture, and environmental stewardship. Premier Hayward stressed the projectโs alignment with Isabelโs sustainable development goals: โOur youth will acquire expertise to lead in industries that protect our oceans and uplift our communities. This partnership is a blueprint for mutual respect and shared prosperity.โย
The Centre will focus on sustainable aquaculture systems, marine biosecurity, and habitat restoration, directly addressing food security and climate resilience. It aligns with Solomon Islandsโ national priorities and Chinaโs Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing green growth and capacity-building.ย
Key research areas include:ย
– Hatchery production and broodstock management,ย
– Low-carbon aquaculture systems,ย
– Marine spatial planning and coastal resource management.ย
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-SINU Press Release
