We are in a race against time, said Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, as he delivered Fiji’s national statement at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France.
He said the recognition of “our plights are not enough; we need action.”
“The growing Escalating threats of climate change, overfishing, marine pollution, and rising seas are our daily reality, and they will only get worse,” said Mr Bulitavu.
“As large ocean states, we bear the brunt of these crises. Yet we should be thriving from the vast ocean spaces under our national jurisdiction.”
“Instead, our coral reefs are bleaching, and our communities face the erosion of their livelihoods and heritage.”
“Despite these impacts, our vulnerability does not weaken our resolve.”
“Instead, it fuels a stronger determination to protect and conserve.”
“We demand ocean-climate actions be integrated into the Paris Agreement and global finance mechanisms—we need urgent ambition, not complacency.”
“This is a battle we cannot win alone.”
