The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in Fiji is making strides to involve young Fijians in discussions about the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty. This treaty, associated with the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, aspires to create a global framework for sustainable management of marine resources in international waters.
Deputy chair of the committee, Rinesh Sharma, emphasized Parliament’s dedication to civic engagement, inviting stakeholders to both in-person consultations and written submissions. Recognizing that many young people found their participation avenues limited, the committee is encouraging written input from youth organizations, which represents a broader vision to enhance diverse perspectives.
Sharma noted that the committee wishes to empower youth voices, especially after previous surveys indicated a minimal involvement from young demographic groups in treaty discussions. He mentioned that organizations have started reaching out within their networks to gather more widespread input, resulting in a richer submission process for the Parliament.
This development comes at a crucial time, as the BBNJ Treaty is viewed as vital for addressing Fiji’s environmental concerns. With calls from several stakeholders, including youth organizations and environmental advocates, the potential benefits of the treaty could pave the way for enhanced marine biodiversity protection, support for sustainable ocean management, and bolster Fiji’s stance in international marine governance.
Reflecting on the ongoing dialogues, there is a hopeful outlook that Fiji’s proactive approach in incorporating the voices of younger generations will lead to more robust environmental policies and sustainable utilization of ocean resources. The collective efforts to bring attention to the importance of marine conservation inspire optimism for the future of Fiji’s oceans and the well-being of its coastal communities.
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