PS FOR ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE DR SIVENDRA MICHAEL'S SPEECH AT THE PRISTINE SEAS FIJI EXPEDITION LAUNCH

Ni sa bula vinaka, and a very warm welcome to you all.

It is a privilege to be with you today as we gather to celebrate Fiji’s proud and ongoing journey of ocean stewardship. We are here for a very special moment—the launch of the Fiji Expedition, an important milestone in our shared commitment to sustainably manage 100% of Fiji’s ocean and designate 30% as protected areas by 2030.

Today, we also reflect on the recent expeditions to Rotuma and Gau—two places that hold unique significance for ocean conservation in Fiji. Rotuma, with its rich marine biodiversity, and Gau, home to the mysterious Fiji Petrel, remind us of how much remains to be discovered in our waters. I am certain I speak for everyone when I say we are deeply excited to hear the powerful stories, findings, and insights that have emerged from these remarkable journeys.

The films you will see today are more than just visual stories. They are reminders of why this work matters—for our ecosystems, for our people, and for the generations who will inherit our moana. And if there is one organization that knows how to tell such stories with power and purpose, it is National Geographic’s Pristine Seas.

I have no doubt that you will witness the extraordinary biodiversity of our waters in ways that will inspire awe and ignite hope. It will truly blow us all out of the water—pun intended.

Friends, our ocean connects every aspect of our lives. It is our livelihood, our food security, our culture, and our climate resilience. It is at the heart of Fiji’s identity and survival. This is why our National Ocean Policy places the ocean at the core of our development agenda.

But to achieve our ambitions we must address critical knowledge gaps, particularly about our deep-sea biodiversity. Without this knowledge, we cannot make informed, science-driven decisions that balance conservation with development.

This is where partnerships become truly invaluable.

If “Partnerships are the tide that lifts all boats in ocean conservation,” then indeed, “Collaboration must be the current that drives lasting change for our seas.”

Through partnerships with National Geographic Pristine Seas, Blue Prosperity Fiji, and many other important stakeholders, we are harnessing cutting-edge scientific tools—from deep-sea cameras and eDNA sampling to submersible explorations—that allow us to uncover and understand the unseen. Importantly, these expeditions are not conducted in isolation. They are aligned with the aspirations of our communities.

As we expand protections offshore, we are deeply mindful that conservation must work hand-in-hand with building sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that our people benefit—whether through the spillover effects of thriving ecosystems, sustainable tourism, or blue economy initiatives that secure long-term prosperity for Fijians.

The islands and offshore sites we are focusing on—Rotuma, Gau, Kadavu, and cakalulevu or the Great Sea Reef—have long been identified as ecologically and culturally significant. I am particularly pleased to see that the sites we collectively prioritized that we collectively brainstormed through stakeholder consultations are well reflected.

The data collected during these expeditions will directly feed into Fiji’s National Marine Spatial Plan, strengthening the case for protection while honouring our cultural traditions of ocean guardianship. And it doesn’t stop there. This knowledge will also inform Fiji’s Blue Economy Framework, the ongoing update of our National Ocean Policy, and our National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

But beyond data and policy, these expeditions inspire action. They help us tell the story of why our oceans matter, galvanizing collective conservation efforts at the community, national, and international levels. They remind us that science and traditional knowledge must work together to protect what sustains us.

Ladies and gentlemen, Fiji has always been a custodian of the ocean. From our ancestors who understood sea in ways we have not realized, to today’s leaders and communities who continue that deep and enduring legacy. But today, more than ever, we must summon collective action, grounded in sound science, traditional wisdom, and strong partnerships, to secure the future of our blue planet.

The work we launch today is part of a bigger vision—a vision where healthy oceans support thriving communities, resilient economies, and a sustainable future for all.

In closing, I hope the short films we will see today bring to life the beauty, complexity, and diversity of our waters. May they remind us why we must safeguard these fragile ecosystems—not only for ourselves but for the generations who will inherit our moana.

Vinaka vakalevu, and I wish the entire team a successful and impactful expedition ahead.