Fiji has taken a significant step toward securing a sustainable and resilient ocean future with the official launch of the Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035, held today in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Blue Prosperity Fiji.
The Framework was officially launched by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, and provides a clear national direction for Fiji’s ocean-based development, ensuring economic growth goes hand-in-hand with the protection of marine ecosystems.
“Na vanua kei na kena iyaubula e isolisoli vei keda. Me da qarava vakamatua me baleti ira na noda kawa mai muri.”
It translates to “The land and living things in it are a gift to us. It belongs to those who come after us. Let us look after this gift wisely.
Minister Bulitavu emphasised the responsibility to safeguard resources for future generations.
The Minister highlighted that the Framework lays a strong foundation for growing Fiji’s ocean economy while protecting the marine environment and delivering long-term benefits for communities.
“This Framework provides a strong foundation for growing Fiji’s ocean economy in a way that protects our marine environment while delivering lasting benefits for communities and future generations,” he said.
The launch follows Cabinet’s endorsement of the Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035, which serves as a strategic roadmap for sustainable ocean-based economic development and inclusive prosperity.
While briefing stakeholders on the Framework, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael, explained that the Framework is a strategic roadmap for sustainable ocean-based economic development.
Dr. Michael clarified that the Framework is not an action plan nor an implementation plan, but rather a guiding document that sets out key principles and considerations to inform and shape Fiji’s Blue Economy development across sectors.
Developed by Fijians through extensive and inclusive consultations, the Framework provides overarching policy direction for all national Blue Economy initiatives, while allowing ministries, organisations, and sectors to implement tailored actions aligned with their mandates.
Aligned with Fiji’s National Development Plan, National Ocean Policy, and commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Framework aims to sustainably manage 100 per cent of Fiji’s ocean space and fully protect at least 30 per cent by 2030. It also recognises the vital role of communities, women, youth, and small enterprises as custodians of Fiji’s Blue Economy vision.
As a Big Ocean State, Fiji’s ocean area is more than 70 per cent larger than its landmass and supports the livelihoods of nearly 90 per cent of Fijians living along the coast. The Framework prioritises the protection of marine ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient tourism, renewable ocean energy, and conservation-led enterprises.
The Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035 marks a critical milestone in building a fair, resilient, and prosperous future for Fiji through the sustainable use and protection of its ocean resources.