Fiji is part of a coalition of 14 countries that will benefit from a substantial grant and co-financing initiative totaling US$156.8 million, aimed at protecting the socio-economic advantages derived from tuna amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
The financial package includes a US$107 million grant from Conservation International and the Pacific Community (SPC), with an additional US$49.3 million in co-financing. This funding is set to assist the member countries in adapting to the adverse effects of ocean warming on tuna stocks, a crucial resource for Pacific economies that significantly supports food security.
The countries involved in this initiative include Fiji, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—all responsible for managing one-third of the global tuna catch sustainably for several decades.
Niue’s Minister for Natural Resources, Mona Ainu’u, emphasized that this considerable funding will ensure communities continue to rely on tuna, which plays an essential role in providing food, income, and cultural importance. Ainu’u remarked, “By adapting now, we can protect our people’s livelihoods and strengthen our resilience to climate change.”
The significance of tuna extends beyond nutrition; it is the backbone of economic stability for many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific. The tuna industry supports tens of thousands of jobs regionally, with tuna access fees making up an average of 34% of government revenue in nine of the 14 nations. As coastal fish stocks dwindle due to environmental change, dependency on tuna to fulfill protein needs is set to increase.
Research indicates that ongoing ocean warming could threaten to drive tuna stocks away from the maritime zones of these nations into international waters, hampering economic gains from tuna fishing. Projections show a potential 10-30% decrease in average tuna catch by 2050, translating to an annual loss of US$40-140 million for these economies, which could represent a 8-17% deficit in government revenues.
Past efforts highlight the ongoing commitment of Pacific nations to sustainable tuna management, demonstrating a proactive approach in the face of rising climate challenges. The funding represents a collaborative and essential response to ensure that these nations can continue to thrive, adapt, and foster resilience against climate change.
This initiative not only serves as a lifeline for the fishing communities reliant on this vital resource but also stands as a testament to international cooperation and the shared commitment to sustainable marine stewardship in the Pacific region. By investing in these strategies, hope remains that the collective resilience of these nations will lead to a brighter and more secure future for their economies and communities.
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