Melanesian programme wins award

THE Sea Women of Melanesia training programme won the prestigious Ocean Tribute Award 2020 at Boot Düsseldorf in Germany last Monday.
The award was sponsored by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation that recognises innovative programmes that support sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Director of the Sea Women of Melanesia programme and PNG’s first female scuba instructor Naomi Longa said the award and the international recognition that it brought to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands was of tremendous importance.
“Melanesian women are strong advocates for marine conservation and with the education and training we provide through the programme the women are better equipped to foster the community support that we need for successful marine conversation of the incredible coral reef ecosystems found in our countries,” she said.
The Sea Women of Melanesia was an initiative developed by Australia’s Coral Sea Foundation to provide women in PNG and the Solomon Islands with the knowledge, skills and equipment needed to be reef guardians and advocates for marine protected areas in their countries.