Fiji has experienced 15 domestic oil spills over the past five years, averaging three incidents annually. This statistic was emphasized by Assistant Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport Naisa Tuinaceva during the Pacific Regional Symposium on Marine Pollution Emergency Response held in Lami. He pointed out the increasing risks associated with the over 1,000 foreign vessels entering Fiji’s waters each year.
To mitigate these risks, Fiji is actively updating its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan to align with international standards and practices. This involves crafting a comprehensive Marine Oil Spill Strategy focused on prevention, readiness, and swift responses. Furthermore, the government maintains a dedicated national fund to secure essential equipment, train responders, and ensure proactive readiness.
Tuinaceva stressed the need for Pacific Island nations to unite in tackling the transboundary threats posed by oil spills. He noted the symposium’s critical role in strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging valuable lessons to boost the collective response capacity of the Pacific region. The dialogues over the coming days aim to translate national priorities into action under regional frameworks like the 2050 Strategy and Cleaner Pacific 2025.
Previously noted incidents such as the grounding of MV Southern Trader in 2019 and the Southern Phoenix incident in 2017 have underlined the importance of international cooperation. The symposium underscores the continuous partnership with nations like New Zealand and Australia, vital for addressing marine pollution emergencies.
These efforts reflect a strategic push towards enhanced maritime safety and environmental preservation, demonstrating a regional commitment to minimizing pollution risks and protecting marine ecosystems. The collective action and regional solidarity further strengthen the resolve to safeguard the Pacific’s marine environment, sustaining it for future generations.
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