AN estimated $2.51 billion per year was the estimated money value that the marine environment is actually providing to the country, says the Minister for Environment Samuel Manetoali.
Mr Manetoali was speaking at the national event to mark three important environmental days on Wednesday, in Honiara.
“….at the national scale, the ocean brings in revenue – estimations made for the tuna sector is over S$1 billion per year.
“Another example is our tourism sector, in which swimming, snorkelling and diving tops the list of why visitors are coming,” he highlighted.
He further stated that these ‘dollar values’ further signifies the value of oceans to the government.
“Other efforts are to collaborate, establish and maintain partnership with the regional and international community.
“This is evident with current government initiatives, programs and projects for example with SPREP, SPC, CTI, WWF, TNC, WorldFish, IUCN, PNA, FFA, to name a few.”
By RONALD TOITO’ONA