PORT VILA, VANUATU (7 June 2021): The Melanesia Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has begun virtual discussions on an MSG Climate Change proposal with Numer8 Analytics, a geo-data science company in an effort to promote the sustainable use of the region’s marine ecosystem.

Acting Director General, George Hoa’au, said the talks were timely given that the MSG Secretariat has an existing agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to support the implementation of the objectives of the MSG Roadmap for Inshore Fisheries Management and Sustainable Development 2015 – 2024, a standing mandate of the MSG Leaders.

Ms Devleena Bhattacharjee, Chief Executive Officer of Numer8, in her presentation talked about how the OFish app worked, which can help fishermen not only fish sustainably but track the supply chain, buy and sell to markets around the world and have access to real-time weather data, among a few features.

Further discussions are expected to take place to identify the best way forward in which the MSG Secretariat can secure this initiative, for the sustainable use of the marine ecosystem in the region.

The talks were initiated by Prof Ravindra Chandra Joshi, an Independent Consultant on invasive species, climate change, biodiversity loss, and food and nutrition security, based in the Philippines. He has previously worked as senior advisor to the SIs Ministry of Agriculture, SPC and University of the South Pacific.

Caption: MSG Secretariat staff led by the ADG George Hoa’au in virtual talks with Numer8 Analytics on options available for the sustainable use of the region’s marine ecosystem.