All member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are urged to unite and swiftly conclude negotiations aimed at tackling harmful fisheries subsidies, which significantly contribute to overfishing and overcapacity issues, especially affecting coastal communities.
This call to action was made by Fiji’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Luke Daunivalu, during a recent address to leaders and government stakeholders at the WTO Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. He emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that would benefit the global community, particularly for those whose livelihoods depend on fish and marine resources.
The ongoing negotiations, specifically known as ‘Fish 2’, focus on how to structure a meaningful outcome that forbids the subsidization of overfishing and overcapacity while also promoting development, livelihoods, and sustainability.
According to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6, there is a clear directive for the WTO to act on subsidies that lead to overfishing and overcapacity.
Daunivalu highlighted the necessity for the voices of Fiji and the Pacific region to be represented in these discussions. He expressed that these negotiations are of great relevance to the Pacific nations, which are impacted by large fishing vessels operating in their waters. He explained that foreign vessels frequently seek licenses and flags from Pacific countries to fish local stocks.
“It is essential that we participate in these fisheries subsidy negotiations, as our absence would mean our interests are neglected,” he stated in an interview.
When questioned about Fiji’s confidence in the WTO, Daunivalu expressed the need to maintain hope and engagement in the negotiations, asserting, “We cannot afford to concede.”
He further remarked on the integral role of the ocean in the identity and future of the Pacific and Fiji: “It represents our past, our present, and our future. We are committed to maintaining high ambitions to ensure that any outcomes contribute to sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities reliant on marine resources for their protein intake.”
Daunivalu concluded by affirming that they will not passively accept lower standards in these discussions, emphasizing the high aspirations held by the Pacific region and Fiji.