EU ambassador justifies investment

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European Union head of Delegation to Fiji and the Pacifc Sujiro Seam at his office. Picture: JONA KONATACI/FILE

The large investment of the European Union (EU) in the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) program is justified, says EU ambassador for the Pacific Sujiro Seam.

Speaking at the award ceremony for the Beqa Island Training on Traditional Canoe Building and Sailing, Mr Seam highlighted why the 45 million euro ($F111 million) PEUMP program was justified.

His first point was on the importance of the Pacific Ocean in the EU and Pacific Island states relationship.

“We recognise that the small ocean island states of the Pacific are big ocean states and we have to put the oceans in the centre of the relationship between the EU and the Pacific,” Mr Seam said.

The second point was the more severe impact of climate change in the Pacific relative to the lower carbon emissions.

“This region is the most exposed region in the world to climate change. Tropical cyclones have become more frequent and more severe.”

His third point was on the pride taken in reviving, promoting and transmitting traditional knowledge.

“I think some things were better before, if you compare fibreglass boats powered by outboard motors to the drua, there’s no dispute which one is better.”

His fourth was the recognition of the difficulties in the tourism industry brought about by COVID-19.

“With this knowledge you have the chance to make a better living for yourself, your family and your village.

You have the chance to provide at a time when it is difficult to put food on the table.”

The fifth point was because of the program’s focus on youths and to build resilience.

“The EU in the Pacific works to strengthen resilience, which is the capacity of the communities to face whatever life throws at them, with their own resources.

“You learn how to build and how to sail a traditional canoe, you now have the capacity to transmit that knowledge and it will remain for generations.”

The last point was the partnership with the other stakeholders of the program.

“We are proud to partner with the University of the South Pacific, the Uto Ni Yalo Trust and the vanua of Beqa.

This is how we work; we never impose anything on anyone. All of our projects are the result of agreements, we do things together.”

He also said the EU is the single largest entity committed to carbon neutrality and is determined to lead the fight against climate change.

The PEUMP program is funded by the EU and the Swedish government.

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