A five-day symposium (from September 15 to September 19) has united Pacific experts, governments, and partners to boost marine pollution response and build regional resilience for future incidents.
The symposium, hosted by the Government of Fiji at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre, aims to directly protect the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on healthy oceans, fisheries, and tourism.
Supported by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through the Ocean Country Partnership Program (OCPP) and the Blue Planet Fund, the symposium is organised in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).
The British High Commissioner to Fiji, Kanbar Hossein, while making his opening remark, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to ocean protection through the £500million ($F745m) Blue Planet Fund and its flagship Ocean Country Partnership Program (OCPP).
He highlighted the urgent need for regional preparedness in the face of growing marine pollution risks and emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement.
Mr Hossein expressed optimism that “the symposium would mark a turning point for Pacific-led action in safeguarding the ocean for future generations”.
The symposium’s comprehensive program included technical sessions, interactive discussions, and practical exercises.
