THE Luapel House of Chiefs has called for the lifting of the ban on the harvesting and trading of sea cucumbers (beche-de-mers) as it affects the daily survival of the people of the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).
The call comes over claims the government, through the Ministry of Fisheries of Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police, plans to confiscate all illegally-harvested sea cucumbers in the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).
Speaking on behalf of the Luapel House of Chiefs to Solomon Star this week, Hugo Viauli expressed strongopposition to this proposed undertaking.
The ban, which was implemented to address concerns over the sustainability of population of sea cucumbers, has faced significant backlash from the local community who are dependent on marine resources for their daily survival.
The Luapel House of Chiefs, which consists of chiefs from Luaniua and Pelau, argued that the ban and the associated sea cucumber confiscations are adversely affecting the livelihood of families as they rely solely on the trading of these commodities as the primary source of income.
“Our people rely on these commodities as our major source of income.”
Mr Viauli said that a report circulating in Honiara and back in MOI has it that anytime soon, the MFMR and RSIPF will send over a police patrol boat to the islands to confiscate all the illegally harvested sea cucumbers to Honiara.
He said on behalf of the Luapel House of Chiefs, he would like to call on the responsible authorities to lift the ban to allow for harvesting.
Mr Viauli said the right thing that the government should do is to lift the ban rather than confiscate harvested sea cucumbers to allow people in MOI to harvest and trade these marine commodities to sustain themselves.
“It is evident that there is an ongoing illegal harvesting in places like Ontong Java, Pelau and other places in MOI as these communities rely on sea cucumbers to sustain their livelihood. They find it very hard to survive without harvesting and selling sea cucumbers. The cost of living is very high and is a pain to us those who rely on sea cucumbers for our livelihood,” he said.
Mr Viauli said the so-called illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers is all about meeting their daily needs, paying for school fees and addressing other basic needs.
“It is daily sustenance that has forced people into the harvesting of sea cucumbers. Life is very hard and we have nowhere and no one to turn to earn money. This is our last resort.”
Mr Viauli said the national government needs to conduct a consultation with MOI leaders, elders and chiefs on the issue.
Mr Viauli referred to the case this year whereby some chiefs from MOI were arrested by police for allegedly breaching the beche-de-mer ban but the court ruled in their favor and the Attorney General.
“We welcome any delegation from government to peacefully come and consult our chiefs and communities.This is to save the people of Luaniua and Pelau from the suffering and hunger they endure because of the beche-de-mer ban.”
Mr Viauli said the Cabinet needs to consider making a special declaration for the people of MOI to harvest sea cucumbers because they depend on this commodity for their daily sustenance.
He said there should also be a 50-50 percent revenue-sharing basis between the National Government and resource owners to allow the latter to also enjoy the benefits from their resources.
“If the ban is lifted, then it would be great and also beneficial for the country and the resource owners,” Mr Viauli added.
The call from the Luapel House of Chiefs comes amidst growing frustration among residents who feel that the current beche-de-mer ban is overly restrictive and does not adequately address the underlying issues for its breaching.
The community is hopeful that their plea will prompt a review of the ban and lead to more equitable solutions for the management of marine resources, including sea cucumbers.
Mr Viauli claimed that their new Member of the Parliament (MP) for MOI, Polycarp Paea is not helping them to address the beche-de-mer situation.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
