Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau says the challenges facing the ocean require a multi-stakeholder approach.

Mr Koroilavesau, who is also known as the Oceans Champion, adds that it requires the commitment and engagement at all levels.

Fiji should lead the way as it prepares to co-host with Sweden the United Nations Oceans Conference in New York, next month, he said, yesterday at the opening of a national multi-stakeholder consultation on our oceans at the Holiday Inn Suva.

The consultation will lead up to the conference.

The core objective of the consultation is to set the agenda for the conference.

Firstly, participants are deliberating Fiji’s national Partnerships and Voluntary Commitments that will be showcased at the conference.

“I cannot emphasise enough the importance of ensuring that as the co-president of the conference, Fiji should be leading the way in terms of coming up with commitments that will enhance the implementation of SDG14,” Mr Koroilavesau said.

Secondly, discussions will take place on the formulation of Fiji’s national oceans policy framework ahead of the conference.

The need for an overarching Oceans policy was an outcome of a workshop in March.

Mr Koroilavesau who has been leading the charge locally on the Oceans Conference has called for focus and determination as the countdown begins for the conference.

“Now is the time to make a difference. We all carry the hopes of the Fijian people to the Ocean Conference. Let’s do justice to them and to the process we have dedicated an immense amount of time and resources to.

“We cannot afford to achieve less.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj