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Professor Transform Aqorau, Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), recently had the privilege of meeting with representatives from the Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF). The discussions centered on the OFCFโs 15 years of support to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in Solomon Islands, a partnership which has now concluded.
This collaboration has played a pivotal role in advancing fisheries management, infrastructure development, and technical assistance in the fisheries sector of the Solomon Islands. During the meeting, the importance of continued investment in capacity building was highlighted, with a focus on creating opportunities for SINU students to participate in internships through OFCF’s programs. This initiative will provide valuable, hands-on experience for SINU students in international fisheries cooperation, fisheries management, and sustainable resource governance.
In addition to reflecting on the past successes of the partnership, the meeting also revisited the legacy of the Japan Promotion Fund (JPF) at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), a groundbreaking initiative that continues to shape regional fisheries cooperation. Professor Aqorau, who played an instrumental role in establishing the fund, shared insights into the fundโs role in providing a stable financial mechanism to support Pacific fisheries development.
The Japan Promotion Fund was established in 2008 as a collaboration between the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Japanโs Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF). The fund was designed as a unique financial mechanism, where Japan purchased ยฅ8.3 billion (approximately USD $80 million) in Japanese government bonds, with the interest earned annually used to fund regional fisheries projects. This innovative approach has provided a consistent and long-term financial source of approximately USD $1 million per year for Pacific fisheries cooperation.
The Japan Promotion Fund has supported numerous high-impact projects across the Pacific, including maritime boundary delimitation, fisheries observer training, fisheries data and research, and the development of fisheries officers. Additionally, it has facilitated technology and knowledge sharing, public outreach, and investment facilitation for sustainable fisheries.
Key Achievements of the Japan Promotion Fund:
- Maritime Boundary Delimitation Support: Assisting Pacific nations in finalizing their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundaries to reduce territorial disputes.
- Fisheries Observer Training & Capacity Building: Supporting the Pacific Islands Regional Fisheries Observer Programme (PIRFO) to monitor tuna fishing vessels and collect scientific data.
- Fisheries Data and Research: Funding economic studies, stock assessments, and improvements in monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) systems.
- Training for Fisheries Officers: Running workshops to improve licensing, monitoring, and compliance capabilities across the region.
- Technology & Knowledge Sharing: Developing the FFA Training Portal to provide fisheries officers with access to training materials and research.
- Public Outreach & Investment Facilitation: Attracting investment in sustainable fisheries and supporting infrastructure projects like fish markets.
As SINU continues to strengthen its role as a center of excellence in fisheries and marine studies, partnerships like those with OFCF present invaluable opportunities for students, researchers, and the broader fisheries sector in Solomon Islands. The discussions emphasized the importance of developing internship programs that will allow SINU students to gain practical experience in fisheries management and sustainability practices.
Through continued collaboration with OFCF, FFA, and international fisheries organizations, SINU aims to provide cutting-edge research, training, and policy engagement for the future leaders of the fisheries sector in the Pacific.
Professor Aqorau expressed his gratitude and joy in welcoming the OFCF team, recognizing their visit as a reminder of the importance of long-term partnerships and investments in sustainable fisheries. The Japan Promotion Fund stands as a symbol of innovation, cooperation, and commitment to the future of Pacific fisheries. It is the hope of SINU that these efforts will continue to strengthen the universityโs role in fisheries education, research, and regional collaboration.
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