The Environment Ministry of Fiji is taking decisive action to address the growing concern of abandoned vessels in Suva Harbor, according to Mosese Bulitavu, the Minister responsible for the initiative. During a recent statement in Parliament, Bulitavu highlighted a significant financial commitment has been secured to remove derelict ships that have long been an eyesore and environmental threat in the harbor.
A new fund has been established in partnership with Blue Prosperity Fiji and backed by the Wake Institute, allocating over one million dollars for the removal of these deteriorating vessels over the next year. The initiative focuses on eliminating 17 high-risk derelict ships identified as posing severe risks to Fiji’s marine environment. The committee leading the removal efforts has been proactive, collaborating with philanthropist Ted Wake to bolster support for tackling this issue.
“We must act urgently to remove what no longer serves or restore what has been damaged,” Bulitavu emphasized, reinforcing the importance of preserving Suva Harbor as a vibrant maritime hub for future generations.
This initiative has garnered support from Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who emphasized the necessity for coordinated efforts towards sustainability and protecting future generations. Additionally, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific will contribute $90,000 to fund a local consultant tasked with assessing abandoned vessel conditions and providing recommendations for their safe and efficient removal.
Efforts in the past have indicated a growing commitment from the Fijian government to not only remove these vessels but also ensure environmental health is preserved. Previous similar initiatives have seen significant progress, with past reports showing the number of derelict vessels in Suva Harbor significantly reduced through committed actions from the Marine Environment Joint Committee. They removed eight abandoned ships within a year, which shows a promising precedent for collective action moving forward.
With this proactive stance, it is clear that Fiji is on a positive trajectory toward ensuring the ecological integrity and navigability of its waters. The multifaceted approach involving government, community support, and international collaboration signals an optimistic future for the environmental health of Fiji’s marine environments.
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