PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says harnessing the wealth of the ocean and guaranteeing its health would require zone based management of our oceans resources.
PM Sogavare was speaking at the occasion of the closing of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) pre-summit at Mendana Hotel Conference room in Honiara, Tuesday.
”I concur with our experts that harnessing the wealth of the ocean and guaranteeing the health of the ocean would require zone based management of our oceans resources,” he said.
He said that the empowerment of Pacific Islands Countries and promotion of self-reliance of coastal states and people are keys to harnessing ocean wealth and guaranteeing ocean health.
“Let us agree that our ocean must be properly managed for the betterment of our present and future generations.
“In saying this, I mean that we must stand tall and take ownership in the management of our oceans and resources because we are the people of the ocean, we are the people of the Pacific, we are the guardians of the largest ocean in the world.
“It is by no mistake we were rightfully chosen to protect this largest portion of creation and we have an obligation to take charge of this responsibility,” he said.
At the close of his remarks, Sogavare make a reflection that the Ocean is so vast and our Vakas are so small.
“But living with our oceans and from our oceans in a sustainable way can be achieved through stewardship of this gift and cooperation with the neighbour.
“We are all responsible for harnessing the ocean wealth and guaranteeing ocean health.”
By STEPHEN DIISANGO
