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Canada formalizes support for Aquaculture Training Program
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Posted on Mar 13 2001
SUVA, Fiji — Canada formalized its support for the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Aquaculture Training program today with the signing of a letter of agreement between the university and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the regional coordinating agency for the Canada-South Pacific Ocean Development (C-SPOD) Program.
The new funding, worth $420,000 Canadian (US$ 271,567), will enhance C-SPOD’s existing commitment to the university’s Marine Studies Program, as C-SPOD already contributes to the post-harvest fisheries program and graduate student scholarships. Dr. Kenneth T. MacKay, field program coordinator for C-SPOD, says today marks the beginning of an exciting new initiative.
“Through C-SPOD’s support, USP will now be able to add aquaculture training to its other training programs,” says MacKay. “This is not only a step in the right direction for the Marine Studies Program, but it’s a positive step to ensuring the future of the fisheries in the Pacific.”
The goal of the training program is to contribute to the development of a diversified, economically viable, and sustainable aquaculture industry, while improving the capability of private and public sector institutions.
Aquaculture is as much a key priority for Pacific islanders as it is for Canadians. Canadians have first-hand knowledge of aquacultural development and its impact on increasing livelihoods for coastal communities and the industry. Through the new training program, C-SPOD hopes to encourage this in the Pacific island countries.
This project is part of the Canada-South Pacific Ocean Development (C-SPOD) Program, Phase II, which is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and coordinated by the South Pacific Forum Secretariat and LGL Limited, Canada. C-SPOD projects are developed and implemented by the participating Regional Organizations, and are approved and managed by a Program Management Committee including CIDA, the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency, the South Pacific Forum Secretariat, the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and The University of the South Pacific.
All C-SPOD projects will ensure equity and balanced benefits for all Pacific Islanders including children, women, and men.
