A regional symposium aimed at enhancing marine pollution emergency response and environmental resilience is taking place in Suva, Fiji, lasting five days. The event has gathered regional and international partners to discuss best practices and strengthen capacity and coordinated actions for marine protection. Co-hosted by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the symposium is supported by the UK Government’s Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) via initiatives like the Ocean Country Partnership Program (OCPP) and the Blue Planet Fund.
The opening was presided over by Naisa Tuinaceva, Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport Assistant Minister, who underscored the importance of sharing lessons learned and building partnerships to better prepare the Pacific region for unified action against marine pollution. The symposium aims to advance national priorities and reflect regional strategies, such as the Cleaner Pacific 2025 initiative and the Ocean of Peace Declaration.
Participants from numerous Pacific nations including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and others, along with technical partners from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and the UK, are engaging in technical sessions and hands-on exercises. These activities focus on improving preparedness and response capabilities to address marine pollution incidents, especially oil spills.
Fiji has faced several oil spills over recent years, highlighting the importance of improved response strategies and international cooperation. This commitment mirrors ongoing regional partnerships emphasizing shared threats and cooperative environmental protection measures. The reinforcement of strategies like the Pacific Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan indicates a strong dedication to preventing and mitigating pollution hazards effectively. Through educational and strategic alignment efforts, the symposium seeks to build a resilient and proactive stance on marine environmental challenges for the Pacific region.
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