The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has received the Margarita Lizárraga Medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recognising the collective leadership of Pacific Island countries in responsible fisheries management.
FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu presented the medal to FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop during the opening of the 37th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI37) at FAO headquarters in Rome.
Mexico's representative, José Luis Delgado, whose government supports the award, attended the presentation.
The Margarita Lizárraga Medal is awarded every two years to a person or organisation that has demonstrated distinction in applying the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
Accepting the award on behalf of FFA's 17 members and its secretariat, Pakop said the recognition belonged primarily to the Pacific nations that had worked collectively to safeguard their fisheries resources.
“For more than four decades, they have demonstrated what can be achieved when Pacific nations stand together, share responsibility and act collectively to safeguard their sovereign fisheries resources,” Pakop said.
He also credited generations of Pacific fisheries leaders, officials, scientists, observers, enforcement officers and communities for their efforts to ensure the region's ocean continues to sustain its people.
Pakop acknowledged past and present FFA Secretariat staff for their technical expertise and commitment, as well as the contributions of the Pacific Community (SPC), the region's fisheries science provider.
He also recognised the partnership of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement.
The Pacific is home to the world's largest tuna fishery, which supports national economies, food security and livelihoods and is closely linked to the cultures and identity of Pacific peoples.
Through regional cooperation and sustained investment in fisheries data, science, monitoring and enforcement, FFA members have worked to maintain the health of the region's major tuna stocks.
Over its 47-year history, FFA has supported its members in developing cooperative approaches to tuna fisheries management, strengthening monitoring, control and surveillance, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and upholding their sovereign rights over fisheries resources.
Pakop said the award recognised the region's achievements but also highlighted the challenges ahead.
“Climate change, economic pressures, emerging technologies and increasingly complex maritime threats require us to remain vigilant and united,” he said.
“FFA accepts this honour with humility and renewed determination. We remain committed to working with FAO, our regional partners and the wider international community in support of sustainable fisheries and the wellbeing of our people.”
Pakop said he hoped the recognition would strengthen international commitment to protecting oceans and fisheries and advancing the principles of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
“On behalf of the FFA Membership and Secretariat, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Committee and FAO for this distinguished honour,” he said.
“Iumi tugeda – together we can.”
The FAO established the Margarita Lizárraga Medal in honour of Margarita Lizárraga, a Mexican fisheries specialist who played a central role in promoting the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
The medal is presented every two years to an individual or organisation that has served with distinction in applying the Code.
