THE Blue Economy Framework was officially launched on Thursday after it was endorsed by Cabinet last week Tuesday.
Minister for Environment & Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu, who officiated the event, announced the endorsement of the Fiji Blue Economy Framework (2025–2035) and affirmed Government leadership in advancing a sustainable Blue Economy.
The framework is a national plan to use our ocean and marine resources, like fisheries, tourism, and shipping, in a way that creates jobs and income without damaging the sea.
According to Mr Bulitavu, we need it because the ocean feeds our people, protects our islands, and supports our economy, and if it is overused or polluted, Fiji’s future livelihoods and food security are at risk.
“Yet no framework, however well written, can succeed by government alone,” Mr Bulitavu said.
“Its success will depend on cooperation across ministries, on partnership with communities, on trust between public and private sectors, and on accountability at every level. It will depend on our willingness to act not for short-term gain, but for long-term good.
“This framework is not the conclusion of our work. It is the foundation upon which the work must now begin.”
A guiding framework, not an action plan
Permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael explained that the Blue Economy Framework is not an implementation or action plan, but a strategic roadmap designed to guide decisions and investments across government, communities and the private sector.
“The Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035 is really just a strategic roadmap for sustainable ocean-based economy development,” Dr Michael said.
“It brings the balance we keep talking about — between conservation, protection and development.”
He said the framework outlines guiding principles and key considerations that should inform project development and long-term income-generating initiatives, while remaining flexible and responsive to change.
“It is not prescriptive, but principle-based, and it is designed to evolve with stakeholder input.”
“No guidance document is final. It is iterative in nature and will change as we move forward.”
Designed for communities, policymakers and investors
Dr Michael said a key priority during development was ensuring the framework could be understood by all levels of stakeholders, from community members who are meant to benefit from blue economy initiatives, to policymakers, investors and development partners.
“We understood that this framework should be designed to be understood by all.
“A major part of the process involved defining what the blue economy means specifically for Fiji, rather than relying solely on international definitions from development banks and multilateral partners.
“We took a moment to step back and ask, what does this mean in the context of Fiji?”
The framework includes an iTaukei translation and definition developed through stakeholder consultations, aimed at resonating with indigenous custodians of land and ocean spaces.
The definition reflects a Fijian and inclusive vision, emphasizing sustainable resource management from ridge to reef and into the high seas, while promoting livelihoods, safe communities and economic prosperity through a holistic approach.
A year-long co-design process
Development of the framework began in May 2024 through a co-design process involving more than 60 participants from government agencies, civil society, the private sector and international financial institutions.
Since then, the framework has gone through 12 key stages, including engagement with the National Ocean Policy Steering Committee and alignment with the ongoing review of Fiji’s National Ocean Policy.
A three-day finalisation workshop hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum brought together government and private sector stakeholders, with discussions on initiatives such as Blue Towns, green and blue shipping, and sustainable tourism.
To broaden participation, the draft framework was released for public review through an open call for comments, supported by videos and online surveys.
Feedback received during November and December was incorporated before final approval.
Pathways for sustainable development
The framework identifies seven thematic development pathways, including forestry and land, energy, marine resources and water, solid waste and pollution, education, tourism and other sectors.
He stressed that these pathways are not fixed and can expand as the framework evolves.
To oversee coordination and alignment, a Blue Economy Task Force has already been established and has begun meeting.
Government officials say the framework provides a strategic foundation to guide policy alignment, investment decisions and sustainable use of Fiji’s vast ocean resources over the next decade, ensuring that economic development goes hand in hand with environmental protection.
