Australia partners with Keto Seaweed Farm in Isabel to support seaweed production and local employment opportunities.
Australia has announced a partnership with Keto Seaweed Farm, an indigenous business based in Isabel Province, to support the expansion of seaweed production on Keto Island over the next 12 months.
According to the announcement, Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm will co-invest in the construction of a storage shed, the purchase of additional seaweed farming equipment, a new boat and engine, and improvements to staff accommodation.
Keto Seaweed Farm has operated for more than five years and employs local people, including women and young people, in seaweed planting, harvesting, drying and processing.
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, said the partnership is intended to support employment and income-generating opportunities through the expansion of seaweed farming.
“This partnership is helping the people of Gao and Bugotu earn more income and create better opportunities for their families and communities,” Schloeffel said.
“We are working with indigenous businesses like Keto Seaweed Farm across Solomon Islands to expand economic opportunities, boost incomes and generate more jobs.”
Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Polycarp Paea said seaweed production has growth potential in Solomon Islands, citing increasing global demand and the government’s commitment to developing the sector.
“Investing in production, transport and market access will help build a stronger and more competitive seaweed industry,” Paea said.
Keto Seaweed Farm representative Ruth Ririana said the investment would help address constraints affecting the business.
“Keto Seaweed Farm has been operating for more than five years and this investment will help us increase the volume and quality of the seaweed we produce,” Ririana said.
“It will also provide more opportunities for women and young people in our community.”
Gao/Bugotu MP Trevor Manemahaga welcomed the partnership and said it would support households and communities in the constituency.
“I am pleased to see this new partnership with an indigenous business in my constituency,” Manemahaga said.
“Expanding seaweed farming will benefit local families and communities by increasing incomes and creating more jobs for Solomon Islanders.”
Australia said the partnership forms part of its ongoing support for indigenous businesses in Solomon Islands through the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership.
Source: AHC Media Release
