Former participants of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) met with the visiting JICA Okinawa team Monday to review ongoing collaboration in coastal fisheries development.
Deputy Director Inshore, Ms. Faye Siota, welcomed the delegation and underscored the socio-economic importance of strengthening partnerships with JICA Okinawa.
She emphasized the need for deeper collaboration to advance coastal fisheries initiatives through institutional capacity-building.
Responding to the remarks, Mr. Tohru Yoshida, course leader of the JICA Okinawa Training Implementing Organization, outlined the history and objectives of the KCCP.
He explained that the team’s visit aimed to assess the status of sustainable coastal fisheries management in Solomon Islands, follow up on former participants’ activities, and explore potential areas for improvement in future training courses.
The mission will also look at opportunities for supplementary programs in Solomon Islands, foster stronger ties with other development partners, and expand stakeholder networks.
Since 2006, JICA Okinawa has provided specialized training courses for island nations, focusing on the sustainable use of fishery resources and improving livelihoods in coastal villages.
To date, 11 officers from MFMR have participated in the program, including this year’s nominee. Many have since applied their knowledge to address local fisheries challenges, with their experiences now informing ongoing discussions on expanding JICA’s support through complementary initiatives closer to home.
As part of their field program, the JICA team visited the Honiara Central Market Monday afternoon to observe fish vending operations and review MFMR’s data collection processes and engagement with fishers and vendors. Later in the day, the delegation departed for Auki, Malaita Province, where they will assess fisheries-related activities before returning to Honiara on August 21 for further consultations. The team will conclude their mission and return to Japan over the weekend.
The visit reflects JICA Okinawa’s continued commitment to supporting Solomon Islands in advancing sustainable fisheries management and community development. Consultations with MFMR and other stakeholders this week are expected to strengthen institutional collaboration and identify new opportunities for future cooperation under the Knowledge Co-Creation Program.
– MFMR
AloJapan.com