The University of the South Pacific (USP) hosted a seminar on 28th June, 2019 to share preliminary findings of the Marine and Fisheries Management training needs and gap analysis in 15 Pacific countries, conducted under the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme.
The USP is one of four key implementing partners of the PEUMP programme, which is funded by the European Union (EUR 35 million) and the government of Sweden (EUR 10 million). The USP is specifically addressing Key Result Area (KRA) 6, focusing on capacity development.
The seminar, which was attended by various representatives from NGOs, Government, regional and international partners and the USP, enabled stakeholders to learn of the specific regional and national needs of countries identified in the study and the opportunities that will frame the content of future capacity development activities.
The USP PEUMP programme engaged Lindsay Chapman to conduct the needs and gap analysis.
Mr Chapman presented his findings at the seminar which highlighted 13 recommendations, among which were the following:
• Development of accredited TVET courses for micro-qualifications (stand-alone units of study) in fisheries management, with appropriate partnerships with agencies such as Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), The Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) or other relevant institutions; and a
• A thorough review of the USP School of Marine Studies (SMS) academic programs including the development of a new post-graduate Fisheries Management programme.
“It was encouraging to witness the wide representation of stakeholders that attended the seminar and provided constructive discussions towards the common goal we all have of increasing the pool of trained and well-qualified Pacific Islanders in fisheries and marine management”, said Cherie Morris of the USP’s Institute of Marine Resources.
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; the need for improved education and training on the sustainable management of marine resources; and the need to mainstream a rights-based approach and promote greater recognition of gender issues to ensure inclusiveness and positive changes for Pacific island people.
Through the PEUMP programme, the USP aims to build the capacity of Pacific Islanders in fisheries and marine management, as well as increase employability for graduates; maximise linkages with existing regional bodies and institutions involved in fisheries and maritime education and professional development; and include gender, social inclusion and a Human Rights-Based Approach into the fisheries sector.
The PEUMP is a multi-partnership programme funded by the EU and the government of Sweden and implemented by the USP, Pacific Community (SPC), Forum Fisheries Agency (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and in close collaboration with several international and regional NGOs. The USP is implementing the capacity building component of the programme through education, training, research and development, targeted at key stakeholder groups in fisheries and marine resource management.