Fiji became the first country in the world to launch the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy yesterday.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama joined 13 world leaders and kicked off a process which would lead to an ocean where protection, production and prosperity go hand in hand.

Fiji was able to boast its effectiveness in controlling COVID-19 as the world watched through video conferencing a Suvavou House conference room filled with leaders, diplomats and scientists.

Mr Bainimarama said there was an existential crisis facing oceans and the life contained in it. He said with the global pandemic focus may have shifted.

“And perhaps most frighteningly, the world is seemingly becoming numb to this crisis, precisely when it needs to be addressed most,” he said.

“In many developed nations, many people are more focused on Christmas shopping than containing the growing catastrophe at their doorsteps.”

He said many of the consequences that have come to light during the pandemic were consequences of a changed climate and to an ocean under siege.

He said the global oceanic emergency was worse than COVID-19.

“In this room and joining us virtually, are some of the country’s, the region’s, and even the world’s most well-versed experts in the health of our ocean, and what it will take to save them,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“And as the Ocean Panel kicks off a series of these discussions around the globe, you have the privilege of starting things off on the right foot.”

He said Fiji’s National Ocean Policy would serve as a compass towards sustainable oceans management.

According to Mr Bainimarama, a blind eye must not be turned to the climate just because the world was rebuilding itself from COVID-19’s impact.
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By building back better, and building back bluer, we are giving the ocean a fighting chance –– and in doing so, it can fight for the health of our planet for generations to come,” he said.

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