Fiji aiming to put together an Ocean Policy by the end of 2019

Fiji is aiming to put together an Ocean Policy by the end of 2019 that will look at integrating what government does to manage and govern our ocean space.

This was highlighted by Ministry of Economy Special Representative for Oceans, Taholo Kami while speaking at the opening of the “Incorporating the Oceans in Nationally Determined Contributions Workshop”.

Nationally Determined Contributions is an agreement where every government comes out with national targets in terms of what they do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Kami says Fiji has led the way in signing a declaration towards a 30 percent commitment on inshore protected areas and adds that Fiji now has the possibility to go into the UN Oceans Conference next year with a clear commitment around what we have set aside and how we manage our oceans.

Kami highlighted that Fiji is also looking to invite six to seven Pacific Island Countries next week to discuss ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels in domestic shipping and the possibility of a Blue Shipping Bond and a blended finance package that has never been done before.

Kami also pointed out that Fiji launched the Ocean Pathway at COP23 and now with Chile as the new President announcing a BLUE COP, Fiji might be able to get a lot of head way going into COP25 next year.

He also stressed that in the Pacific while we do not contribute much to climate change and the crisis, we can be part of the solution adding that action for healthy ocean is action for healthy climate.

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