FIJI has recorded 15 domestic oil spills in the past five years — an average of three spills annually.
Assistant Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Naisa Tuinaceva highlighted this while speaking during the Pacific Regional Symposium on Marine Pollution Emergency Response in Lami yesterday.
He said with more than 1000 foreign vessels entering our waters every year, the risks were ever-present and increasing.
“That is why Fiji has taken deliberate steps to strengthen preparedness and response,” Mr Tuinaceva said.
“We are reviewing our National Oil Spill Contingency Plan to ensure it reflects modern realities and international best practices, laying groundwork for a Marine Oil Spill Strategy, setting out a clear path for prevention, preparedness, and response.”
He said the Government was also maintaining a dedicated national fund to support the procurement of vital equipment, training of responders, and readiness for action.
“This symposium is, therefore, both timely and vital.”
Mr Tuinaceva urged unity, the sharing of expertise, and coordinated efforts to address the issue.
“No Pacific Island nation can confront oil spill risks alone. They are transboundary threats that demand solidarity, shared expertise, and coordinated action.
“Over the coming days, this meeting will give us the opportunity to share lessons learned, strengthen interoperability, and build the partnerships that ensure our Pacific region stands ready to act together.”
He said the outcomes of the symposium would not only advance our national priorities in marine oil spill response but also give practical expression to our regional vision under the 2050 Strategy, Cleaner Pacific 2025, the PACPLAN, and the Ocean of Peace Declaration.
Pacific urged to protect oceans – ‘Oil spills threaten our peace’
OIL spills and marine pollution are direct threats to our people, our livelihoods, and our peace, says Assistant Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Naisa Tuinaceva.
Speaking during the opening of the week-long Pacific Regional Symposium on Marine Pollution Emergency Response in Lami yesterday, he said when the ocean was harmed, the peace and stability of our Pacific way of life was also under threat.
“Our ocean unites us, and protecting it is our shared duty,” Mr Tuinaceva said.
“The Ocean of Peace Declaration reminds us that the Pacific must remain a sanctuary of harmony and cooperation.
“But that vision can only be realised if we also protect our marine environment from threats such as oil spills.”
He urged stakeholders to take up the responsibility of guiding how our region prepares for and responds to threats to our marine environment, such as oil spills.
“The discussions, exercises, and partnerships we build here will strengthen our readiness and ensure that no Pacific nation faces these challenges alone.”
Mr Tuinaceva also told the symposium that in the Pacific, when we look at the ocean, we don’t see boundaries — we see family.
“That is why this gathering is so important. The work we do here is not just about contingency plans or equipment; it is about ensuring that the ocean our children inherit is clean, safe, and truly an Ocean of Peace.”
The symposium ends on Friday.
