All countries that are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are urged to unite and expedite negotiations aimed at tackling the detrimental effects of harmful fisheries subsidies, which significantly contribute to issues of overfishing and overcapacity, especially in coastal communities.
Luke Daunivalu, Fiji’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made this appeal during a speech at the recent WTO Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. He emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that would benefit the global community, whose livelihoods rely heavily on fish and marine resources.
Ongoing discussions among WTO member states regarding fisheries subsidies, particularly ‘Fish 2′, are focused on exploring and proposing solutions that would not only prohibit subsidies for overfishing and overcapacity but also foster development, livelihoods, and sustainability.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 has clearly mandated the WTO to address subsidies that lead to overfishing and overcapacity. Mr. Daunivalu highlighted the necessity of ensuring that the voices of Fiji and the Pacific are represented in these negotiations.
He stated, “These negotiations on fisheries subsidies affect us intimately because foreign fishing vessels operate in our waters, seeking licenses and flags from Pacific nations to fish our stocks. It is crucial for us to be included in these discussions, or else our interests will not be adequately represented.”
When asked about Fiji’s confidence in the WTO, Mr. Daunivalu expressed the need for hope and active participation: “We must remain engaged at the negotiating table. We cannot afford to concede or give up.”
He further emphasized the cultural and economic significance of the ocean to Fiji and the Pacific region, asserting, “For us, the ocean is central to who we are, representing our past, present, and future. It is essential to maintain high ambitions in these negotiations to protect the livelihoods of coastal communities that rely solely on marine resources for their protein needs.”
Mr. Daunivalu concluded by asserting that they will not allow their ambitions to be diminished, stating, “Everyone comes with their aspirations, and for the Pacific and Fiji, we have high ambitions.”
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