All member nations of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are urged to unite and expedite negotiations aimed at addressing the pressing issues of harmful fisheries subsidies, which significantly contribute to overfishing and overcapacity, especially in coastal communities.
Luke Daunivalu, Fiji’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized this point while speaking to leaders and government representatives at the recent WTO Public Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland. He highlighted the crucial opportunity to establish an agreement that would be beneficial for the global community, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on fish and marine resources.
The ongoing discussions among WTO member countries regarding fisheries subsidies, particularly under the ‘Fish 2’ agenda, involve stakeholders working together to find a viable path forward. This aims to prohibit subsidizing overfishing and overcapacity while simultaneously promoting development, livelihoods, and sustainability.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 mandates the WTO to take decisive action against subsidies that drive overfishing and overcapacity. Mr. Daunivalu stressed the importance of the voices from Fiji and the wider Pacific region being heard during these negotiations.
He stated, “These negotiations on fisheries subsidies affect us intimately because we have large fishing vessels that come to fish in our waters; we grant licenses to foreign vessels that seek flags from Pacific countries to exploit our stocks. If we are not part of the discussions on fisheries subsidies agreements, our interests will not be represented.”
When asked about Fiji’s confidence in the WTO, Mr. Daunivalu responded, “We need to maintain hope, stay engaged, and actively participate in negotiations. We cannot afford to back down.”
For Fiji and the Pacific, the ocean embodies their identity, shaping their past, present, and future. Mr. Daunivalu concluded, “It is our responsibility to uphold our ambitions and ensure that the outcomes sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities that rely on fish as their primary source of protein. We will not allow the ambition level to diminish. Our aspirations for the Pacific and Fiji remain high.”