Fiji is calling on world leaders to take united action to eliminate harmful subsidies that fuel illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while championing the rights of small-scale artisanal fishers to access vital marine resources.
His Excellency the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere stated this at the High Level Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Fiji is among the first nations to sign the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) and is diligently working through its national processes to ratify it by the end of 2024. This move underscores Fiji’s firm commitment to its "Oceans of Peace" principle, reflecting a renewed dedication to building a peaceful future through enhanced global collaboration.
President Katonivere highlighted that Fiji, in collaboration with Pacific neighbors, called for international binding agreements focused on reducing plastic production and tackling ocean pollution.
“We endorse the 100 percent Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Management, which is in line with the goals of our national ocean policy. We extend our appreciation to France and the World Resources Institute for their leadership of this worthy course.”
From a financing perspective, President Katonivere urged leaders, philanthropies and investors to bank initiatives such as the Global Fund for Coral reefs to safeguard the survival of our coral reefs and other coastal habitats.
“Fiji is investing sustainably by issuing a highly successful sovereign blue bond in November 2023 which helped mobilise much needed private capital for the development of our blue economy.”
“We urge other countries to explore such sustainable capital market solutions, and call upon development partners to structure innovative financial solutions to finance our national ocean plans.”
President Katonivere also added that Fiji applauds all environmentally responsible initiatives of Ocean Panel aimed at advancing the development and financing of the sustainable blue economy for the advantage of both humanity and the earth.