Ocean guardians unite, Bainivalu champions Pacific partnership

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, has called for a unified effort as “ocean guardians,” committed to safeguarding the Pacific Ocean for generations to come.

She made the comment at the opening of the International Conference on Ocean Governance and Blue Economy Development last week.

Ms Bainivalu shared about the Pacific Ocean’s central role in the identity, culture, and livelihoods of island nations, describing it as “more than a resource, it embodies the spirit of community, cultural heritage, and spiritual connection to the land and sea.”

She reaffirmed traditional Pacific wisdom that positions communities as custodians of the ocean, entrusted with its protection for future generations.

Addressing mounting environmental challenges such as climate change, coastal degradation, marine biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource exploitation, the Minister stressed that ocean governance and blue economy development are integral to the region’s resilience, food security, and survival.

“We paddle the same canoe,” she said, urging nations to collaborate, share knowledge, and mobilise collective action.

Ms Bainivalu thanked the conference co-organisers, 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, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in advancing ocean sustainability.

The Minister also celebrated the longstanding relationship between Fiji and China, marking 170 years since the first Chinese community arrived in Fiji.

She said that Chinese descendants had contributed significantly to Fiji’s social, cultural, and economic fabric, and that this enduring friendship exemplifies the values of harmony and mutual respect underpinning current ocean partnerships.

Recent collaborations with China have delivered tangible outcomes, including advancements in aquaculture, marine conservation, fisheries management, and coastal monitoring technology.

Ms Bainivalu announced the launch of a two-day Training Course for Marine Resources Utilisation, supported by China’s Island Research Centre and the China Ocean Development Foundation, aimed at 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 programmes. She reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to a holistic stewardship approach that integrates traditional indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation.

Ms Bainivalu urged participants to embrace the Pacific way of partnership built on respect, listening, talanoa (dialogue), and shared responsibility.

“Let us stand together as ocean guardians,” she said, “to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the Blue Pacific for generations to come.”