The University of the South Pacific (USP) hosted an inaugural talanoa session to discuss the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme at its Lower Campus in Suva on 17 May, 2019.
PEUMP is a multi-partnership programme implemented by USP, the Pacific Community (SPC), the Forum Fisheries Agency (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and in close collaboration with several international and regional NGOs.
USP is implementing the capacity building through the education, training, research and development component of the programme, targeted at key stakeholder groups in fisheries and marine resource management. PEUMP is funded by the European Union (EUR 35 million) and the government of Sweden (EUR 10 million).
“The talanoa session was aimed at informing stakeholders and guests about the PEUMP Programme and also USP’s key role in implementing the capacity building component of the PEUMP,” said Ms Cherie Morris of USP’s Institute of Marine Resources.
She stated that through education, training and research, USP will strengthen the capacity of key stakeholder groups to effectively govern and manage coastal marine resources at national and community level.
Attended by various representatives from NGOs, Government and USP, the session allowed participants to network and find synergies with their own projects.
"Participants also contributed ideas to the training and research needs and gaps analysis in the Pacific, which is pivotal to identify weaknesses and opportunities to frame the content of future capacity development activities,” said USP Consultant, Megan Streeter.
The PEUMP programme provides direct assistance through regional organisations to support regional and national level activities in the Pacific and addresses some of the most serious challenges faced by the region.
Among these are the:
• increasing depletion of coastal fisheries resources;
• threats to marine biodiversity, including negative impacts of climate change and disasters;
• uneven contribution of oceanic fisheries to national economic development;
• need for improved education and training on sustainable management of marine resources; and
• need to mainstream a rights-based approach and promote greater recognition of gender issues to ensure inclusiveness and positive changes for the Pacific island people. .
Through the PEUMP programme, USP aims to increase the pool of trained and qualified Pacific Islanders in fisheries and marine management, as well as employability for graduates.
USP also aims to maximise linkages with existing regional bodies and institutions involved in fisheries and maritime education and professional development; and include gender, social inclusion and Human Rights Based Approach into the fisheries sector.