Kingston – Fiji’s contribution to the United Nations Convention Law of Sea was commended at the 25th Anniversary of the International Seabed Authority.
Fiji through its former Ambassador H. E Satya Nandan led the complex negotiations throughout the 1970’s that led to the adoption of the law of the sea on behalf of Pacific Island Countries at a time when the Pacific was not well represented at the United Nations. Many of the Pacific Island countries were still colonies at that time. Many countries strongly opposed the 200 mile economic zone throughout these long drawn out negotiations.
The adoption of the United Nations Convention Law of Sea was a mammoth step for Fiji and all small island states of the Pacific. The Law of the Sea effectively gave Pacific Island Countries control of our respective 200 mile exclusive economic zone. This meant that Island countries gained control of fish and sea bed resources across our 200 mile zone as a result of the adoption of this historic convention.
Ambassador Satya Nandan went on to become the first Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority and retired after serving for two terms.
Yesterday, at the 25th Anniversary of the ISA Assembly in Jamaica, in the presence of Jamaica’s Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Andrew Holness, the President of Nauru H.E Baron Waqa, Ministers and distinguished guests; a standing ovation was accorded to Ambassador Satya Nandan for his contribution to the coming into force of UNCLOS and for the establishment of the ISA.
Moving tributes were paid to the Ambassador who is retired and currently resides in New York. Due to health reasons, Ambassador Satya Nandan was unable to attend the anniversary in person.
Meanwhile, the Fijian Government acknowledges and applauds the instrumental role of Ambassador Satya Nandan and reassures its commitment to the ISA.