Countries that are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are being urged to unite and expedite negotiations to tackle the urgent issues surrounding harmful fisheries subsidies, which significantly contribute to overfishing and overcapacity, particularly impacting coastal communities.
Luke Daunivalu, Fiji’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made this appeal while addressing leaders and stakeholders during the recent WTO Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. He emphasized the immediate opportunity for reaching an agreement that would benefit the global community, whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on fish and marine resources.
The ongoing discussions among WTO member countries regarding fisheries subsidies, specifically under ‘Fish 2’, involve stakeholders working to establish a framework that would effectively ban subsidies fostering overfishing and overcapacity, while also promoting development, livelihoods, and sustainability.
Mr. Daunivalu pointed out that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 mandates the WTO to address subsidies contributing to overfishing and overcapacity. He stressed the importance of Fiji and the Pacific representation in these negotiations.
He noted, “These negotiations on fisheries subsidies deeply affect us due to the presence of large fishing vessels operating in our waters, as well as foreign vessels that seek licenses from Pacific nations to fish our stocks. It is imperative that we participate in these discussions to ensure our interests are considered.”
When asked about Fiji’s trust in the WTO, Mr. Daunivalu replied, “We must remain hopeful, engaged, and ensure our presence at the negotiating table. Giving up is not an option.”
He further stated, “For us in the Pacific and Fiji, the ocean defines our identity. It holds significance in our history, our current reality, and our future.”
He reiterated the need to maintain high ambitions in negotiations to protect and sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities, which often rely solely on marine resources for their protein needs.
“We will not passively accept a decline in ambition levels. Each of us comes with our own aspirations, and for the Pacific and Fiji, those ambitions are set high.”