Press Release
6 May 2026
SINU signs agreement with New Zealand to strengthen community marine management research
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has signed a funding agreement with New Zealandโs Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to lead new research aimed at strengthening community-based marine management across several provinces in Solomon Islands.
Vice Chancellor of SINU, Professor Transform Aqorau, said the partnership reflects SINUโs commitment to producing research that directly supports communities, government, and national development priorities.
โThis partnership allows SINU to lead research that is grounded in the realities of our communities and focused on practical solutions. It strengthens our role in supporting the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, provincial officers, and the many communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy marine environments. It also builds our capacity as a university to train students and researchers who can contribute directly to the future of marine management in Solomon Islands,โ he said.
The research will focus on how communities manage their marine resources, what support systems are working well, and where improvements are needed. It will also examine governance, compliance, and the recognition of Marine Managed Areas (MMAs), and how these connect with broader Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) approaches.
Findings will help inform practical tools and training to support the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and provincial fisheries officers in working more effectively with communities.
The project will include field research in selected provinces, engaging communities directly and ensuring that gender, youth, and cultural perspectives are included in the findings.
New Zealand High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Curr, said the partnership reflects New Zealandโs support for locally driven solutions.
โStrong marine management depends on local knowledge and leadership. This partnership with SINU ensures research is based on community realities and can directly support better policy and practice for sustainable ocean management,โ he said.
The project will also strengthen SINUโs research capacity by building collaboration between social and natural sciences and supporting locally produced Solomon Islands research.
The initiative forms part of wider regional cooperation on climate and biodiversity-focused marine spatial planning across the Pacific.
ENDS//