MINISTER BAINIVALU EMPHASIZES COLLECTIVE ACTION...

The Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu, highlighted the crucial need for collaborative efforts to safeguard and sustainably manage the Pacific Ocean, a vital part of the identity, culture, and livelihoods of Pacific island nations, while officiating at the International Conference on Ocean Governance and Blue Economy Development today.

Hon. Bainivalu expressed deep gratitude to the conference co-organizers, including the Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Fiji National University, the South Pacific Island Countries Institute of Asian Studies, and the Sino-Australian Research Consortium for Coastal Management. She underscored the significance of international partnerships in advancing ocean sustainability.

The Hon. Minister emphasized that in Fiji and across the Blue Pacific, the ocean is more than a resource-it embodies the spirit of community, cultural heritage, and spiritual connection to the land and sea. She reaffirmed the traditional Pacific wisdom that positions communities as custodians of the ocean, entrusted with safeguarding it for future generations.

Addressing the mounting environmental pressures-climate change, coastal degradation, marine biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource exploitation-Minister Bainivalu stressed that ocean governance and blue economy development are not mere policy issues but are integral to the region's resilience, food security, and survival. She called for unity, echoing the Pacific adage: "we paddle the same canoe," urging nations to collaborate, share knowledge, and mobilize collective action.

The Hon. Minister's remarks also celebrated the longstanding relationship between Fiji and China, marking 170 years since the first Chinese community arrived in Fiji. She highlighted how Chinese descendants have contributed significantly to Fiji's social, cultural, and economic fabric and how this enduring friendship exemplifies the values of cultural harmony and mutual respect that underpin current ocean partnerships.

Recent collaborations with China have yielded tangible outcomes, including advancements in aquaculture, marine conservation, fisheries management, capacity-building initiatives, and technological support for coastal monitoring and compliance. Minister Bainivalu announced the launch of a two-day Training Course for Marine Resources Utilization, supported by China's Island Research Center and the China Ocean Development Foundation, emphasizing the importance of empowering local communities through skill development.

Looking ahead, she outlined key areas for deepening cooperation: joint climate and ocean research, marine ecosystem restoration, sustainable aquaculture, digital innovation in fisheries management, and youth capacity-building programs. She reaffirmed Fiji's commitment to a holistic stewardship approach that integrates traditional indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation, recognizing the ocean as a living system intertwined with culture and community wellbeing.

In closing, Minister Bainivalu urged participants to embrace the Pacific way of partnership-built on respect, listening, talanoa (dialogue), and shared responsibility. She called for a unified effort as "ocean guardians," committed to safeguarding the ocean for generations to come. She expressed hope that the conference would inspire bold ideas, strengthen international cooperation, and translate into tangible actions to preserve the Pacific Ocean.

The Hon. Minister extended warm wishes for productive discussions and meaningful experiences in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the Blue Pacific.