Solomon Islands' National Launch of the Pacific Year of the Dugong

Honiara, 10 May 2011 – Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology organized the Solomon Islands National Launch of the Pacific Year of the Dugong 2011. The National Launch was formally opened on behalf of Minister Mr. John Moffat Fugui by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Rence Sore. In the audience were also partners, government staff, conservation NGOs, school teachers, students and public. The event programme included quizzes and awareness talk from Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) officers, which drew a lot of interest from the schools and invited participants.

The campaign is expected to continue in the future with many more awareness programs and activities including conducting surveys, population development planning and having national priorities that may be reflected in relevant legislations. The program has seen the success through the cooperation and support Ministries, NGOs, schools, media and interested individuals.

The campaign affirms the Ministry’s programmes in protecting and conserving marine mammals, especially dugong. It also calls for leading organizations to provide more support to do ground work with the rural communities. It is anticipated that any further activities of the campaign should reach the communities in order to achieve best outcomes with regards to dugong conservation and management.