MELCOR Project to Support Five Communities in Torba

Five communities on Motalava in Torba Province are set to benefit from a three-year Melanesian Corridor (MELCOR) project aimed at developing sustainable livelihoods, supporting economic activities and protecting marine resources.

The project will work with local organisations to strengthen communities and improve environmental management, while supporting cooperation between Torba Province and Temotu Province in Solomon Islands.

Protecting Marine Resources

Mia Raimond, an adviser with the Department of Ocean and Maritime Affairs (DOMA), said Torba was selected because of its commitment to marine conservation.

She said protecting and conserving marine areas could help fish populations recover and ensure marine resources remain available for future generations.

Raimond explained that Torba, together with the national government, had put forward its support for the establishment of a large national marine protected area covering 71,000 square kilometres.

A signboard marking the Torba Maritime Protected Area, which aims to protect marine resources and regulate fishing activities within Torba’s ocean boundaries.

“And the reason why Torba is chosen is because Torba, together with the national government, put their hand up to host the first big national marine protected area of 71,000 square kilometres, which the Honourable Prime Minister, after getting the approval from COM, announced at the Melanesian Ocean Summit in May of this year in PNG.”

Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations

Acting Director of DOMA, Toney Tevi, said the ocean was an important part of the Government’s priorities and that current efforts should benefit future generations.

“We’re doing this for our people in the coastal areas and not doing this for ourselves here in Vila, but the population out there needs us. So whatever we do here, we need to leave a legacy.”

The project is expected to support sustainable economic activities while helping communities strengthen their ability to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Community Ownership Is Key

Thomas Putunleta, a councillor with the Torres Area Council, said the province would continue working with partners and stakeholders to ensure the project achieved its objectives.

He stressed that communities needed to take ownership of the activities introduced through the project so they could continue after the project ended.

“At the provincial level, especially in Torba, one of the most important things we want to see is ownership. When we implement this programme, I want the community to own it so that when the project finishes, we can ensure the activities we introduce continue.”

The MELCOR project brings together government departments, local communities, non-government organisations and development partners to support sustainable livelihoods, strengthen community resilience and protect marine resources.