A Community-Based Resources (CBR) Management Action Plan workshop was successfully held in Gizo, Western Province last week.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Fisheries, the Environment Division, and community leaders from across Western Province.
The workshop was conducted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and World Fish, with the aim of supporting the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources in local communities.
The two days workshop was held at the Women’s Centre Resources on Wednesday and Thursday.
Facilitator Peter Konilorea, Chief Fisheries Officer of CBR Management under MFMR, told the Solomon Star that the main purpose of the workshop was to facilitate the CBR implementation plan and scale it out to new communities across the province.
“This program is part of the national CBR strategy under the Solomon Islands Government. By the end of 2025, five provinces will have developed their own CBR action plans. Western Province will be the fourth to complete its plan, with Central Province next in line,” he explained.
He highlighted the importance of inclusive participation, stronger collaboration with government line ministries, and the development of clear action plans to address challenges faced by coastal communities in managing their marine resources.
Participants at the workshop were given the opportunity to review the current CBR framework and provide practical recommendations to improve its effectiveness at the provincial level.
The workshop also urged the Western Provincial Government to continue supporting the national CBR strategy under MFMR.
The activity was supported by WWF Netherlands.
Organisers confirmed that the workshop was a draft stage, with another workshop planned in the coming months to validate and finalise the CBR Management Action Plan.
Participants expressed their appreciation, noting that the workshop strengthened partnerships between stakeholders and set clear priorities for the sustainable management of marine resources in Western Province.
The finalized action plan will be shared with provincial authorities and partner organizations for endorsement and implementation.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
