Marine Atlas: Maximizing Benefits for Solomon Islands

FOREWORD While the ocean covers more than two thirds of the Earth’s surface, the oceanic territory of Solomon Islands is more than 47 times larger than its land territory. With an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 1.34 million km 2 , Solomon Islands is a large ocean state.

This island nation contains many marine ecosystems, from globally significant coral reefs to mangroves, seagrass areas, sea- mounts and deep-sea trenches supporting at least 1,019 fish species, including sharks and rays, as well as whales, dolphins and sea turtles. We are committed to conserving this unique marine biodiversity. Solomon Islands’ marine ecosystems are worth at least SI$2.6 billion per year—com- parable to the country’s total export value. We are strongly committed to sustaining these values to build an equitable and pros- perous blue economy. The country’s history, culture, traditions and practices are strongly linked to the ocean and its biodiversity. By sharing and inte- grating traditional and scientific knowledge, we are navigating towards holistic marine resource management. Traditionally, Solomon Islands’ coastal villag- es manage inshore marine resources. We are striving to work together to sustainably manage all of Solomon Islands’ coastal marine areas (traditional fishing grounds) for the benefit of empowered and resilient communities. At the same time, Solomon Islands is expe- riencing the direct effects of climate change on its ocean and island environments.

By strengthening global partnerships, we are proudly taking leadership in climate change policy and global ocean governance. Further, through integrated and participatory planning, we are aiming to balance economic, ecolog- ical and social objectives in this EEZ for the benefit of current and future generations. In doing so, we can maximize benefits from the ocean for Solomon Islands, its people and its economy. This is where the Solomon Islands Marine Atlas comes into play. Improvements in research over the years have enabled us to better understand the ocean system and to develop solutions with a sustainable approach. A lot of data have become publicly available, with this atlas compiling over a hundred data sets from countless data providers to make this treasure trove of marine and coastal information acces- sible and usable for the first time—as maps with narratives, as data layers and as raw data.

• On what levels and in which ways can we manage uses of, and threats to, our marine values? The atlas can help decision makers from all sectors appreciate the values of marine ecosystems and the importance of spatially planning the uses of these values. Practitioners can assist these planning processes by using the accompanying data layers and raw data in their Geographic Information Systems. While the atlas provides the best data currently publicly available, information about Solomon Islands’ waters is constantly increasing. Therefore, the atlas is an open invitation to use, modify, combine and up- date the maps and underlying data. Only by involving all stakeholders in a nationwide Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process can we truly maximize benefits for Solomon Islands. The e-copy and interactive version of the Solomon Islands Marine Atlas are available here: http://macbio-pacific.info/marine-atlas

In its three chapters the atlas sets out to illustrate:

• What values does the ocean provide to Solomon Islands, to support our wealth and well-being? • How should we plan the uses of these ocean values and best address conflicts and threats?

MARINE ATLAS • MAXIMIZING BENEFITS FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS

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