Outgoing FFA Director-General highlights vital role of Fisheries in Pacific Agrifood Systems at FAO PSIDS Solutions Forum

Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director-General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen participated in the FAO PSIDS Solutions Forum held in Nadi last week, showcasing the vital role of fisheries in transforming the food systems of the Blue Pacific Continent.

As a leading advocate for Pacific fisheries, Dr Tupou-Roosen engaged in key discussions and activities, underlining the importance of partnerships, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions to support food security and economic prosperity in the region.

Dr Tupou-Roosen took part in a high-level plenary panel titled Partnerships for the Blue Pacific Continent’s Agrifood Systems Transformation.

In her remarks, she emphasised that the Pacific Islands are surrounded by vast oceanic resources, with the Blue Pacific Continent being 96% ocean.

“Fisheries must be at the heart of food system transformation discussions in the Pacific. The ocean, and the fisheries it supports, provide a cornerstone of food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity for our communities,” says Dr Tupou-Roosen.

She further highlighted the need for collaborative partnerships between Pacific Island nations, regional organisations, and global stakeholders to foster sustainable fisheries management, build resilience, and advance the region’s agrifood systems in the face of climate change and other challenges.

A significant moment at the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FFA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The MOU sets the pathway to accelerate collaboration between the two organisations to promote sustainable fisheries across the Pacific. Dr Tupou-Roosen thanked the FAO Director-General Dr QU Dongyu and expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This MOU strengthens our shared commitment to supporting FFA Members in their efforts to develop resilient and sustainable fisheries sectors, and in securing food sovereignty for future generations.”

In celebration of the 45th anniversary of FFA, Dr Tupou-Roosen invited the FAO DG to join in a tuna tasting ceremony, where the freshly cut tuna was shared with Ministers and delegates. The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to taste the rich, sustainable fisheries resources of the Pacific while reflecting on the agency’s achievements over the past four and a half decades in advancing the region’s fisheries priorities.

In addition to her plenary contributions, Dr Tupou-Roosen participated in a breakout session entitled Building a Blue Pacific Continent through Fisheries and Aquaculture, where she advocated for the importance of strengthening the region’s fisheries management systems, advancing sustainable aquaculture, and harnessing innovative technologies to drive economic growth and food security.

NADI, 14 November 2024

Media Contacts: Emily V. Moli FFA Communications Manager e: [email protected] Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected] Priscilla Ragu FFA Communications Officer e: [email protected]

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int