Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
04/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2024 21:16
LEADERS CALL FOR GREATER ACTION AND COMMITMENT
Athens, 15 April 2024
The Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, H.E Filipo Tarakinikini joined fellow SIDS leaders and development partners at the Blue Prosperity Leaders Roundtable to deliberate on the strategies required to achieve the protection of at least 30% of the world's ocean by 2030, as well as the recovery of our coastal ecosystems.
The roundtable hosted by the Waitt Institute and the U.S. State Department created an opportunity for like-minded ocean leaders to share successes and challenges to marine protection, Marine Spatial Planning, Blue Economy development, and sustainable finance.
While delivering the national remarks, H.E. Ambassador Tarakinikini reflected on Fiji's journey towards development of its National Ocean Policy, including the government's efforts in surveying marine ecosystems through the Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science Expedition last year, which was jointly implemented with NGO partners.
Ambassador Tarakinikini detailed "the findings from the expedition will greatly improve our understanding of the current condition of our coral reefs and provide us with the tools to better manage our ocean, and also provide communities, including qoliqoli owners with concrete information to understand what lies below our waters". Ambassador also referenced the proud history of active engagements that Fiji has had in the global arena aimed at protecting and preserving the oceans. "Our leadership in the development of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and having been the first country to sign and ratify it in 1982 was the beginnings of our journey in global ocean governance" stated Ambassador.
While acknowledging that climate change poses significant threats to the health of our oceans, he underscored, that the ocean has the largest potential for economic growth for maritime states like Fiji. Ambassador Tarakinikini also emphasized the issues of dealing with fragmented financing architectures and scaling ocean related initiatives as a result of limited science and robust governance frameworks. He also admitted the need to augment the capacity to engage with the present enthusiasm of global partners to help the Pacific.
Adding to the call for greater ambition, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Hon. Secretary John Kerry stated, "When we protect and restore the oceans, we're preserving waters that are literally essential for life on earth". Secretary Kerry indicated that the Our Ocean Conference movement was a galvanizing force for ambition. "Today, governments, philanthropies, storytellers, and NGOs are doing more than ever before, proven by 2,100 pledges valued at $128 billion.
But there's no time to rest because the scale and scope of the challenge has grown, and our commitment must keep growing just to meet the moment", said Secretary Kerry.
Mr. Ted Waitt, Founder & Chairman of the Waitt Institute and Waitt Foundation also asserted that the ocean continues to face compounding threats as 2030 draws near. He called upon leaders to step-up, be bold and take urgent actions to implement marine protection through designation and enforcement. Mr. Waitt mentioned "we all need to work together to make these commitments a reality."
Contributions were also made by representatives from National Geographic Pristine Seas, Oceano Azul Foundation, Blue Nature Alliance, Oceans 5, Dynamic Planet, Conservation International, and youth delegates from the Federated States of Micronesia and Portugal.
H.E. Tarakinikini was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Sivendra Michael, and Technical Advisor, Mr. Andrew Paris.
The Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, H.E Filipo Tarakinikini joined fellow SIDS leaders and development partners at the Blue Prosperity Leaders Roundtable to deliberate on the strategies required to achieve the protection of at least 30% of the world's ocean by 2030, as well as the recovery of our coastal ecosystems.
The roundtable hosted by the Waitt Institute and the U.S. State Department created an opportunity for like-minded ocean leaders to share successes and challenges to marine protection, Marine Spatial Planning, Blue Economy development, and sustainable finance.
While delivering the national remarks, H.E. Ambassador Tarakinikini reflected on Fiji's journey towards development of its National Ocean Policy, including the government's efforts in surveying marine ecosystems through the Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science Expedition last year, which was jointly implemented with NGO partners.
Ambassador Tarakinikini detailed "the findings from the expedition will greatly improve our understanding of the current condition of our coral reefs and provide us with the tools to better manage our ocean, and also provide communities, including qoliqoli owners with concrete information to understand what lies below our waters". Ambassador also referenced the proud history of active engagements that Fiji has had in the global arena aimed at protecting and preserving the oceans. "Our leadership in the development of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and having been the first country to sign and ratify it in 1982 was the beginnings of our journey in global ocean governance" stated Ambassador.
While acknowledging that climate change poses significant threats to the health of our oceans, he underscored, that the ocean has the largest potential for economic growth for maritime states like Fiji. Ambassador Tarakinikini also emphasized the issues of dealing with fragmented financing architectures and scaling ocean related initiatives as a result of limited science and robust governance frameworks. He also admitted the need to augment the capacity to engage with the present enthusiasm of global partners to help the Pacific.
Adding to the call for greater ambition, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Hon. Secretary John Kerry stated, "When we protect and restore the oceans, we're preserving waters that are literally essential for life on earth". Secretary Kerry indicated that the Our Ocean Conference movement was a galvanizing force for ambition. "Today, governments, philanthropies, storytellers, and NGOs are doing more than ever before, proven by 2,100 pledges valued at $128 billion.
But there's no time to rest because the scale and scope of the challenge has grown, and our commitment must keep growing just to meet the moment", said Secretary Kerry.
Mr. Ted Waitt, Founder & Chairman of the Waitt Institute and Waitt Foundation also asserted that the ocean continues to face compounding threats as 2030 draws near. He called upon leaders to step-up, be bold and take urgent actions to implement marine protection through designation and enforcement. Mr. Waitt mentioned "we all need to work together to make these commitments a reality."
Contributions were also made by representatives from National Geographic Pristine Seas, Oceano Azul Foundation, Blue Nature Alliance, Oceans 5, Dynamic Planet, Conservation International, and youth delegates from the Federated States of Micronesia and Portugal.
H.E. Tarakinikini was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Sivendra Michael, and Technical Advisor, Mr. Andrew Paris.