It is impossible for any one country or one organisation to address all of the challenges the ocean faces, says Attorney-General and Minister responsible for Climate Change Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
He made this comment on Friday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Fijian government and the Waitt Institute.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum while commending the partnership said this was another fundamental step towards that better, bluer and more sustainable future.
“We all understand that the greatest good we can achieve in our lifetimes is to protect the Earth, the one home we have and undo the decades of reckless damage done to the natural world,” he said.
“From the ice caps to the islands of the Pacific. It is impossible for any one country or one organisation to address all of the challenges the ocean faces. But through a global blue coalition for action, we stand a chance.
“We have the plans and the potential to be that beacon for sustainable innovation and responsible blue development. Thanks to the Waitt Foundation, we now have another key partnership as well.”
Founder and chairman of the Waitt Institute Ted Waitt said only Fijians knew what was best for Fijian oceans.
“We recognise the immense amount of work that has been done to manage Fiji’s oceans, thus, far and are proud to support the government, non-government organisations, and communities in their efforts to protect 30 per cent of Fiji’s waters,” he said.
“The MOU signing launches a six-month work planning process with Government agencies to determine key goals, objectives, and collaborators.”
The MOU aims to implement 30 per cent of protection of Fiji’s waters from 0-200 nautical miles and support ocean management in three core areas; Marine Spatial Planning, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Fisheries to support sustainable ocean management.
