FAO, Partners Strengthen Local Fisheries Expertise in the Sepik Region of Papua New Guinea

Wewak, Papua New Guinea – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched an initiative to establish a durable foundation for Fisheries Extension Services in Papua New Guinea's Sepik region. Through the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, and in partnership with the East and West Sepik Provincial Administrations, the FAO is improving the skills of local fisheries experts. This program equips these experts to offer extensive training and support to coastal, riverine, and aquaculture fisheries.

The initiative, formalized through two Letters of Agreement with the two Provincial Administrations, focuses on the training and supervision of Fisheries Value Chain interventions. This ensures a structured and effective approach to fisheries management and development in the region. 

A key component of this initiative was a Trainers-of-Trainers (ToTs) capacity-building workshop held in Wewak. Attended by 22 local experts, including hatchery owners, lead farmers, government officers and technical school teachers, the workshop equipped participants with the necessary skills to effectively train others. These professionals were provided with specialized training manuals and materials developed by FAO fish experts, enhancing their ability to conduct extension training across the region.

Moreover, these local fisheries experts will oversee the utilization of various equipment, tools, materials, and facilities provided to the fishing groups by FAO under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. This supervision ensures that the resources are used effectively to support the ongoing development of the fisheries sector in the region.

The trained experts form a vital network of trainers and specialists across two Sepiks provinces. Their role is crucial in promoting best practices in fisheries training programs and ensuring sustainability development long-term benefits for the region's fisheries sector.

About the EU-STREIT PNG Programme 

The EU-STREIT PNG, being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme (FAO as leading agency and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as implementing partners), is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to ICT and digital financial services. It also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructures and renewable energy solutions. The Programme benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik. 

Fisheries