The year 2026 is set to be significant for environmental stewardship in the Pacific region, including Fiji, as communities confront escalating environmental challenges that jeopardize lives and livelihoods.
This urgent call for action was emphasized during the Pacific Regional Dialogue on Cooperatives, which is currently taking place at the Tokatoka Resort in Nadi. The dialogue highlights the role of cooperatives as pivotal contributors to the blue-green economy in the Pacific, focusing on how these organizations can support environmental objectives across the region.
Significantly, Fiji has witnessed a remarkable 94 percent increase in the number of cooperatives over the past 40 years, underscoring their essential role in promoting environmental sustainability. Esrom Immanuel, Fiji’s Minister for Finance, Commerce, and Business Development, delivered a keynote address advocating for cooperatives as a practical approach to implementing blue-green economy policies at the community level.
He noted that the foundational principles of cooperatives, which center around collective effort and community ownership, position them uniquely to contribute to both economic development and environmental sustainability. Immanuel stated, “I firmly believe cooperatives are in a unique position to help institutionalize the blue-green economy in the Pacific.”
Cooperatives in Fiji span a vast array of sectors, including agriculture, financial services, real estate, and various service industries. This extensive involvement offers a robust platform for encouraging sustainable practices that align with the Pacific’s blue-green economy goals.
The blue-green economy emphasizes the responsible utilization of ocean and land resources to generate jobs, enhance food security, and safeguard the environment against climate change impacts. As Fiji and its neighbor nations strive towards sustainable futures, the engagement of cooperatives stands out as a beacon of hope in addressing these pressing environmental challenges.
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