𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝟐𝟑-𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) was honoured to host a significant meeting between Dr. Frank Griffin, Executive Director of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI), and the Chair of the SINU Council, Dr. Morgan Wairiu, alongside the Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau. The discussions focused on the critical work being undertaken by the CTI and the potential for collaboration in research on fisheries and coral reef systems.
The Coral Triangle Initiative, based in Indonesia, is a multilateral partnership of six countries working together to sustain extraordinary marine and coastal resources by addressing crucial issues such as food security, climate change, and marine biodiversity. This initiative is renowned for its comprehensive efforts in preserving coral reef ecosystems, promoting sustainable fisheries, and enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Professor Transform Aqorau emphasized the value of the meeting and the potential for SINU to contribute significantly to the CTI’s objectives. “This meeting marks a pivotal moment for both SINU and the Coral Triangle Initiative. By leveraging SINU’s research capabilities and local expertise, we can support the CTI’s mission to conserve coral reef systems and promote sustainable fisheries in the Solomon Islands. Our longstanding connections, dating back to our time at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in 1983, underscore the depth of our collaboration and mutual commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Also present at the meeting for SINU was Dr. Eric Katovai, Acting Pro Vice Chancellor Academic, and representing the Coral Triangle Initiative was Corzzierrah Posala. The discussions underscored the mutual interest in fostering research collaborations that would benefit both the Solomon Islands and the broader Coral Triangle region.

Coincidentally, Dr. Morgan Wairiu and Dr. Frank Griffin were classmates in the same science class at UPNG, and Professor Transform Aqorau was part of the same cohort of intakes in 1983. This lasting friendship and professional bond have cultivated a strong sense of shared vision for sustainable development in the Pacific region. Dr. Frank Griffin, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration, highlighting the potential for impactful research and knowledge exchange.

Background on the Coral Triangle Initiative:

The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) is a cooperative platform involving six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. It aims to safeguard the rich marine and coastal resources within the Coral Triangle, an area known for its exceptional biodiversity, including 76% of the world’s coral species. The CTI’s comprehensive approach encompasses various focal areas such as marine conservation, sustainable fisheries management, and climate change adaptation, making it a critical player in regional and global environmental conservation efforts.

SINU’s Role in Supporting the CTI:

As a leading research institution in the Solomon Islands, SINU is uniquely positioned to support the CTI through targeted research initiatives, capacity building, and community engagement. By harnessing the expertise of its faculty and students, SINU can contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the sustainable management of fisheries and coral reef ecosystems. Collaborative research projects, academic exchanges, and joint workshops are among the many avenues through which SINU can bolster the CTI’s mission and enhance the resilience of marine environments in the Solomon Islands.

Quote from Professor Transform Aqorau:

“This meeting marks a pivotal moment for both SINU and the Coral Triangle Initiative. By leveraging SINU’s research capabilities and local expertise, we can support the CTI’s mission to conserve coral reef systems and promote sustainable fisheries in the Solomon Islands. The Executive Director’s longstanding connections, dating back to our time at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in 1983, underscore the depth of our collaboration and mutual commitment to environmental stewardship.”

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