The outgoing director of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement says Pacific countries should work with each other to take control of the ocean's resources, and end dependency on larger countries.
Speaking at the Pacific Islands Development Forum Summit in Honiara, Transform Aqorau said the region must manage ocean resources to promote self-determination and not perpetuate dependency.
Outgoing CEO of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, Dr Transform Aqorau. Photo: Giff Johnson
Dr Aqorau said since the introduction of the PNA's Vessel Day Scheme, countries such as Tokelau and Kiribati have taken control of their resources and are now making millions of dollars more a year.
He said the Pacific should do more, and move away from donor dependency and subserviency to others who reaped the benefits of the small states' resources.