Honiara Summit
Iumi tugeda delivering on SDG14.4: Achieving Sustainable Fisheries.
24 - 27 February 2025
The Friendship Hall, Honiara, Solomon Islands
About the summit
Oceans and seas are vital to human well-being and the health of our planet.
Globally, marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture employ about 60 million people and support the livelihoods of 600 million people along the entire value chain.
More than 3 million people rely on fisheries and aquaculture products for over 20 percent of their animal protein intake.
The consumption of aquatic foods is also increasing in all countries, growing at twice the rate of population growth, with average global consumption hitting 20.7 kg/capita/year in 2021. Asia is the region with highest consumption of aquatic foods (24.7 kg/capita/year), followed by Oceania with 21.8 kg/year.
The 2025 Honiara Summit will focus on meaningful action and innovation towards achieving SDG14: Life Below Water with a dedicated focus on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources for our sustainable development.
Fishing for cash – village attitudes towards fish exports in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands - SPC
Fishing for cash – village attitudes towards fish exports in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands - SPC
SDG 14.4 specifically addresses the sustainability of marine fishery resources and this will be a central focus of the 2025 Honiara Summit.
Discussions and action will focus on key challenges and opportunities across the sector including:
1. The worsening trends globally that show fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels in decline sitting at 62.3% (2021 data) from 90% in 1974.
2. Positive trends for fishery resources such as commercial management systems and learnings in the case of tuna fisheries, where 85% of commercial catch comes from sustainable stocks with healthy abundance levels.
3. Reflect on the challenges faced by the sector in terms of data, science, analysis and monitoring of coastal fishery resources and capacity gaps present in predominantly Small Island Developing States.
Learn more about the focus of the summit by registering to attend virtually or in-person below and watch this space for updates over the coming weeks.
Objectives
Examine progress to date on SDG 14.4.1 status and reporting progress, at global, regional and national level, based on FAO Reports and custodianship data, updates in the FAO Stock Status methodology, and ongoing RFMOs/RFABs analyses.
Share knowledge and experience on fisheries sustainability, management and development.
Identify knowledge and data gaps, challenges to close these gaps, and strategies and policy actions to do so, including for coastal fisheries.
Provide an opportunity to align narrative, strategies and relevant policy actions at all levels in the build-up to the 3rd UN Ocean Conference.
Align SDG14.4 messages and priorities in relation to the implementation of the UN BBNJ Agreement, The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and the CBD Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework.
Reaffirm the need for engagement of all stakeholders, their respective roles and a strong call for collaboration among all actors.
While the meeting is global by design, it will have a particular focus on fishery stocks from the Pacific Ocean, a region that provides 58% of all global marine catches (2022 data). A Technical Declaration, with a specific focus on the status of fisheries sustainability, representing the views of a global community of authoritative/relevant stakeholders, is planned and will inform UNOC3.
Agenda
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MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2025 |
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18:00 - 21:00 |
Welcome dinner |
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TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2025 |
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09:00 - 10:00 |
Opening of the Summit |
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10:30 - 12:00 |
High-level session. Coordinator: Solomon Islands Government |
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13:30 - 15:00 |
Session 1: Progress in the implementation of SDG14.4. (Coordinator: FAO) |
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15:30 - 17:00 |
Session 2: Role of Regional Fisheries bodies in supporting implementation of SDG14.4 - regional perspective. (Coordinator: RFBs Secretariats Network (RSN)) |
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WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2025 |
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08:30 - 10:00 |
Session 3: Pacific Islands region response to SDG14.4. (Coordinator: FFA) |
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10:30 - 12:00 |
Session 4: Supporting fisheries sustainability through science. (Coordinator: SPC) |
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13:30 - 15:00 |
Session 5: Supporting fisheries sustainability through effective monitoring, control and surveillance. (Coordinator: FFA) |
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15:30 - 17:00 |
Session 6: Supporting coastal fisheries sustainability through management action. (Coordinator: SPC) |
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THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 |
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08:30 - 10:00 |
Session 7: Supporting fisheries sustainability through implementation of international instruments. (Coordinator: FAO) |
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10:30 - 12:00 |
Session 8: Strengthening Partnerships to Implement SDG14.4. (Coordinator: UNSG Special Envoy) |
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13:30 - 15:00 |
Session 9: Honiara Summit Outcomes. (Coordinator: FAO/ FFA/ RSN) |
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15:00 - 16:00 |
Closing of Conference. (Coordinator: Solomon Islands government/ OPOC) |
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18:00 - 21:00 |
Closing Dinner |
Welcome to the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is one of the world's pristine environments where indigenous Pacific cultures and traditions have maintained and protected our vast ocean for centuries.
Learn more about our host of the 2025 Honiara Summit and how Solomon Island culture will support and inform this global event towards Sustainable Fisheries.
The story behind the logo
The logo for the Honiara Summit is more than just a design; it’s a symbol of Pacific unity, culture, and identity. Every element in the logo tells a story, representing the Pacific people's rich heritage, shared resources, and collective aspirations.
The Fish - Represents our marine resources and the diverse marine ecosystem on which we depend for our livelihood.
The tail of the fish - is an abstract depiction of a traditional sail canoe mostly used by the native Solomon Islands people and others in the Pacific region for fishing and voyaging.
The coconut island represents a universal icon used to identify our Pacific identity and neighbouring countries of the Pacific region, more commonly referred to by people outside (of the Pacific region) as 'The Islands'.
The silhouettes around the logo represent our people in the Pacific, diverse cultures and races that come together to work together to achieve a common goal. This ties in with the 'Iumi Tugeda' aspect of the Honiara Summit 2025 theme.
The motifs—These represent the cultural identity of the Solomon Islands through our traditional pattern and design.
The Logo was designed as part of a logo competition, providing an opportunity for graphic designers and artists to share their creative representation of the Honiara Summit.
Honiara-based graphic artist Kurt Kuper was named the winner and was amongst 41 other applicants. His design was selected by the Honiara Summit Steering Committee.
Pacific stories
Solomon Islands PM Manele announces hosting of SDG 14.4 summit
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele announced that the Solomon Islands will co-host the Honiara Summit on Sustainable Development Goal 14.4 from 24–27 February 2025.
The summit, organised in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean, will focus on monitoring and sustaining tuna fish stocks at national, regional, and global levels.
Speaking at the closing of the 23rd Annual Ministerial Forum Fisheries Committee Meeting in Honiara, Prime Minister Manele highlighted the summit's significance in addressing tuna sustainability within the Blue Pacific region.
"This summit will provide a platform to review the status of tuna stocks and discuss strategies to ensure the resource's long-term viability for our peoples’ economic and social benefits," he stated.
The announcement follows the successful conclusion of the Forum Fisheries Ministerial Meetings, where fisheries leaders endorsed the Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Strategy to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
This decision was described by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister as a critical step in safeguarding the region's ocean resources.
As the Solomon Islands prepares for the upcoming Honiara Summit, the government is calling on Pacific leaders to unite in addressing the challenges and opportunities of managing tuna fisheries.
Prime Minister Manele extended an invitation to all fisheries ministers and stakeholders, emphasising the shared responsibility to protect the Pacific’s tuna stocks.
The summit is expected to attract global attention, serving as a milestone in the Pacific’s efforts to lead sustainable fisheries management and support the livelihoods of millions across the region.
For more information on the Honiara Summit or the outcomes of the Ministerial Meetings, please contact the FFA Secretariat or the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Towards healthier and more nutritious diets in Pacific Small Island Developing States
Five new approaches and innovations that can help promote quality diets
The waters that surround the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Pacific are home to remarkable marine ecosystems. The fish and other marine species they host are deeply intertwined with many Pacific peoples’ cultures, livelihoods and food. But while the communities of these islands continue to consume fish in significant quantities, the diversity of Islanders’ diets is declining, and their nutrition is deteriorating.
So, what are some new approaches and innovations that can help reverse this trend?
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and WorldFish has some suggestions. Click the link to continue reading:
Blue Transformation – A vision for resilient, equitable and sustainable aquatic food systems
Join us in this video that outlines "Blue Transformation", a vision aimed at enhancing aquatic food systems and expanding their potential to sustainably feed the world’s growing population, while protecting aquatic ecosystems and the resources that underpin them.
Can livelihoods be hidden in a shell?
In the Pacific Islands, fisheries are not only vital for local economies but also deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of communities. As climate change and overfishing continue to challenge the sustainability of these resources, innovative, nature-based solutions are gaining momentum. One such initiative took place in Suva, Fiji, where a hands-on workshop introduced participants to environmentally sustainable and cost-effective mangrove oyster farming—a practice that promises both environmental and economic benefits for local communities.
Oysters are a natural, cost-effective solution for a number of challenges. As filter feeders, they improve water quality by removing excess nutrients, contributing to the health of surrounding ecosystems. Moreover, oyster reefs act as natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion and mitigate the effects of storm surges—critical in a region increasingly affected by climate change. These environmental benefits translate into cost savings as communities invest less in artificial infrastructure and remediation efforts.
It is important that more women in the communities are trained in oyster farming because it is easy to manage and it can be a very successful business. Oyster farming gives us a sustainable way to earn an income and protect our environment,” shared Anamaria Raicoki from Vutia.
Peter, bringing sea cucumbers, trochus, and clams back
Peter grew up with a love for the ocean but saw the resources he cherished start to decline. His community took action, implementing sustainable practices that are bringing sea cucumbers, trochus, and clams back. 🐚✨ "I’m optimistic about our resources coming back", Peter shares. Discover his journey toward a sustainable future for his community and beyond.
PM Manele's address at FFA's side event of the 53rd PIF Leaders meeting in Tonga, reiterating the hosting of the Honiara Summit
Sustainably managing the world's healthiest tuna stocks
Registration
For full details on the Summit, please visit the official website:
Register to attend the Summit
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