FIJI’S NATIONAL STATEMENT TO THE UNOC3 BY THE MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE, HON. MOSESE BULITAVU

Co-Chairs of UNOC3,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

all protocols observed

Ni Sa Bula Vinaka,

The Ocean is our lifeblood. For Fiji and the Pacific, it is essential to our way of life, our cultures and who we are.
 
The United Nations Oceans Conference gives us all a chance to build a shared future where our oceans thrive, and communities and economies prosper. This is our promise to our people and a commitment we, as ocean leaders and stewards, must fulfil.
 
We are in a race against time. The growing Escalating threats of climate change, overfishing, marine pollution, and rising seas are our daily reality, and they will only get worse.
 
As large ocean states, we bear the brunt of these crises. Yet we should be thriving from the vast ocean spaces under our national jurisdiction. Instead, our coral reefs are bleaching, and our communities face the erosion of their livelihoods and heritage.
 
Despite these impacts, our vulnerability does not weaken our resolve. Instead, it fuels a stronger determination to protect and conserve.
 
Mr. President Sir, Fiji is actively progressing towards sustainable management of 100 percent of its ocean area, a goal we are proud to lead among a few nations. This commitment is underpinned by robust science and data. For instance, last year, we undertook our first nation-wide marine expedition, completing scientific surveys across all of our reef systems, including the world’s third-longest barrier reef system known to us as Cakaulevu and named in English as the Great Sea Reef.
 
Fiji remains committed to its 30 by 30 target. To date, we have established 5 marine reserve areas as part of this commitment. This effort also includes the ongoing process of developing legislative and policy frameworks that carefully balance traditional ownership rights with the state interests.
 
In this respect, Fiji has taken bold steps. We ratified the BBNJ Agreement to help safeguard biodiversity beyond borders, recognizing that international waters are everyone’s shared responsibility.
 
We have implemented policies, including our National Oceans Policy, that combine traditional knowledge with scientific research. This allows for a holistic approach to ocean governance. We are developing ocean accounting frameworks. This allows us to measure the economic, social, and environmental values of our marine ecosystem.
 
We are investing in nature-based solutions, such as mangrove restoration and coral reef rehabilitation, to boost out coastal resilience.
 
We demand ocean-climate actions be integrated into the Paris Agreement and global finance mechanisms—we need urgent ambition, not complacency.
 
Excellencies, this is a battle we cannot win alone. The Pacific’s call to establish Ocean of Peace is a holistic plea to unite sovereignty, biodiversity, and justice. Imagine a world where treaties on climate, biodiversity and maritime security align rather than compete.

Where siloed thinking gives way to synergy. This is the foundation for our Pacific region’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and our Prime Minister’s vision for an ocean of peace.
 
For Fiji and the Pacific, our wealth isn’t measured solely by GDP. The health of the ocean, which sustains us, cannot be quantified in that way. We are custodians of some of the world’s last healthy ocean rich with benefits like thriving tuna stocks. But the reality is Fiji, and the Pacific are facing threats that we did not create. These crises demand genuine partnership from the international community.
 
To the global community – recognition of our plight is not enough. We need action. Commitments under SDG14 must move from concept to practice.
 
Climate finance must reach those on the frontlines through truly innovative finance frameworks that genuinely help Fiji protect its ocean, not just for us, but for everyone. The scope and concepts that define international engagement on maritime and national security must be expanded to stay relevant in our complex world.
 
Let’s be clear: empowering women, youth, and Indigenous stewards is not optional—their traditional knowledge and energy is our compass in uncharted waters.
 
Excellencies, the ocean is our common heritage. Its survival hinges on transparency, accountability, and partnerships that transcend borders. Fiji stands ready to collaborate, innovate, and lead. But we cannot do this alone.
 
Let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our collective responsibility, unite our efforts, mobilize resources, and commit to meaningful and lasting change.
 
Let’s sail forward—together. Vinaka vakalevu.