Fiji is set to host its inaugural seascape symposium tomorrow and is anticipated to host a discourse that aims to strengthen information and cooperation among experts and stakeholders from four vital seascapes around the country.
The three-day event draws partners to highlight conservation efforts implemented in the four sites – Great Sea Reef, Vatu-i-Ra Seascape, the Great Astrolabe Reef, and the Lau Seascape; and how it is aligned to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and related targets.
SDG14 states to “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”
In a statement issued this week, Conservation International (CI) Programme Director Pacific Susana Waqainabete-Tuisese said the Fiji Seascape Symposium would include discussions on the implementation status of the United Nations Ocean Conference 2017; a closer look at Fiji’s national voluntary commitments especially in extending the large-scale marine reserves across Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ); climate change and securing sustainable partnerships and funding necessary to the administration of large marine reserve areas in Fiji.
“Fiji contains a high biodiversity that ranges from coastal habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass and open ocean habitats like seamounts, canyons, hydrothermal vents and ridges, many of which host very high rates of species endemism and their biodiversity is being threatened by overuse and unsustainable practices in addition to climate change,” Ms Waqainabete-Tuisese said.
The symposium is also expected to guide and innovate conservation and protection within Fiji’s four largest scale seascapes areas committed under the Voluntary Commitment (VC’s) and secure sustainable partnerships and funding on the maintenance and administration of the large marine reserve areas in the country.
The three-day Fiji Seascape Symposium will be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva from April 20-22, and will be officially opened by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Some 250 people are expected to attend.
