The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, leads Fiji's delegation to the Ocean Accounts Exchange: Building a Blueprint for Action, held this week in San José, Costa Rica (24-27 March).
Hosted by the Government of Costa Rica, the Ocean Accounts Exchange brings together global government representatives, development banks, donors, experts, and policymakers to advance ocean accounting practices ahead of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in June.
Fiji and Costa Rica have a strong shared commitment to ocean conservation, climate action, and sustainable blue economies, making this gathering a significant opportunity to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge and expertise.
Ocean accounting is an emerging priority for Fiji, offering a standardized approach to measuring the nation's ocean economy, marine ecosystem health, and social outcomes from ocean activities.
By integrating environmental, economic, and social data into a common framework, Fiji can move beyond traditional GDP measurements to better track sustainable ocean development and make more informed decisions that benefit Fijian communities and ecosystems.
UNOC 3 in June calls for accelerated global action to conserve and sustainably use ocean resources. As a leader in this space, Fiji remains committed to implementing its National Ocean Policy and achieving its 30x30 Marine Protection Area goal—protecting 30% of Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone by 2030.
Ocean accounting provides the essential evidence base for these commitments, enabling systematic measurement and valuation of Fiji’s ocean resources and ecosystems—fundamental tools for guiding sustainable development decisions.
Minister Bulitavu emphasised that ocean accounting is not merely a statistical exercise but a transformative approach to how Fiji understands, values, and manages its most precious natural resource.
"With Fiji currently undertaking a midterm review of its National Ocean Policy, ocean accounting is increasingly recognised as a vital focus area.”
“We have already seen progress in this space through collaborative efforts such as the mangrove ecosystem accounts developed with the University of the South Pacific and the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership. These initiatives allow us to quantify the true value of our marine ecosystems and strengthen evidence-based governance," he stated.
The four-day exchange provides valuable opportunities for Fiji to strengthen the connection between international commitments, such as the 30x30 initiative, and national implementation frameworks.
The integration of ocean accounting with marine spatial planning offers a powerful approach—providing both the data foundation that reveals the true value of Fiji’s marine ecosystems and the practical management tools needed to translate this knowledge into effective conservation and sustainable development outcomes.
Minister Bulitavu further highlighted that "Fiji’s leadership in ocean stewardship is built on our commitment to ensuring that the ocean is managed not just as an economic asset but as an integral part of our national identity, culture, and environmental security. We recognise that the health of our ocean directly impacts our climate resilience, biodiversity, food security; and the livelihoods of our people."
Fiji's participation in this global exchange underscores the nation's continued leadership in sustainable ocean governance. The Ministry for Environment and Climate Change remains dedicated to ensuring that ocean accounting, marine conservation, and sustainable development remain central to Fiji’s long-term environmental and economic strategy.