A five-day symposium, from September 15 to September 19, has brought together Pacific experts, governmental representatives, and various partners to enhance the response to marine pollution and strengthen regional resilience for future incidents. Hosted by the Government of Fiji at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre, the symposium’s primary focus is on protecting the livelihoods of Pacific coastal communities that rely heavily on healthy oceans, fisheries, and tourism industries.
This significant event is supported by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through both the Ocean Country Partnership Program (OCPP) and the Blue Planet Fund. The Symposium is organized in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).
British High Commissioner to Fiji, Kanbar Hossein, emphasized the UK’s dedication to ocean protection, highlighted by the £500 million Blue Planet Fund and the OCPP. He pointed out the critical need for regional preparedness in the face of escalating marine pollution risks and stressed the importance of collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and community involvement.
Mr. Hossein expressed optimism that the symposium would initiate significant Pacific-led actions to safeguard the ocean for future generations. The symposium features a comprehensive agenda including technical sessions, interactive discussions, and practical exercises aimed at equipping stakeholders with the skills required to tackle marine pollution effectively.
In previous related engagements, Fiji has been active in addressing marine pollution risks due to incidents such as domestic oil spills and foreign vessel activities in its waters. As part of ongoing efforts, Fiji has been revising its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan to align with international best practices, establishing a marine oil spill strategy that prioritizes prevention, readiness, and immediate response.
Past incidents, such as the MV Southern Trader grounding in 2019 and the Southern Phoenix incident in 2017, had detrimental environmental impacts, underscoring the necessity of international collaboration. The support from countries like New Zealand and Australia has proven invaluable in such emergencies.
The symposium illustrates an active regional commitment to reducing marine pollution threats and protecting oceanic ecosystems, ensuring sustainability for generations to come. By enhancing regulatory measures and fostering international partnerships, the gathering reaffirms the united effort required to create a safer and cleaner marine environment, benefiting the Pacific community broadly.
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