Government charts a new course for ocean data
Three-day workshop kicks off in Lami to tackle critical gaps in marine information and drive sustainable development
Tuesday 14 October 2025 | 02:30
Permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change Sivendra Michael at the national workshop on strengthening Fiji's ocean data systems at Novetel Conference Room in Lami on October 14, 2025.
Photo: Kaneta Naimatau
A three-day national workshop aimed at strengthening Fiji's ocean data systems began today as the Government works to address critical information gaps threatening sustainable development.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is leading the workshop at Novotel Conference Room in Lami, bringing together government officials, technical experts, academia, civil society and the private sector.
Permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change Sivendra Michael said quality data was essential for evidence-based decision-making on ocean management.
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"We will have some gaps and no data system will be perfect," Mr Michael said.
"But to design this comprehensive system, we must take into consideration the environmental, social and economic data to really support evidence-based decision-making."
The workshop focuses on ocean accounts, which captures the full value of Fiji's oceans in monetary, ecological and social terms.
Mr Michael said ocean accounts would inform planning, budgeting and investment decisions while tracking progress on policies.
"They reveal how our economy depends on marine ecosystems and how human activity impacts them," he said.
The workshop builds on Fiji's commitment to 100 per cent sustainable ocean management and 30 per cent marine protected areas by 2030.
Fiji Bureau of Statistics deputy chief statistician Apisalome Tamani said 42 per cent of Fiji's Sustainable Development Goal indicators could not be tracked because of data gaps.
"Many agencies hold important information but these are not always connected or accessible," Mr Tamani said.
He said at least 20 per cent of Fiji's economic activity, over $2 billion in Gross Domestic Product depends directly on goods and services from ecosystems.
The workshop is supported by the University of New South Wales, Global Ocean Accounts Partnership, UK Blue Planet Fund, Pew Charitable Trust and Plastics Bank.
Participants will develop a national work plan and agree on a coordination framework for ocean accounts.
