Effective ocean management is essential for addressing the pressing ecological and climate challenges that threaten everyone, particularly small island nations. This perspective was shared by Professor Shaista Shameem, Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, during a workshop on Marine Spatial Planning held in Lautoka last week.
Professor Shameem emphasized the urgency of moving beyond discussions to decisive action. She highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the concept of “ecocide” related to the climate crisis has gained prominence among Pacific nations.
Countries such as Fiji, Vanuatu, and Samoa are taking a proactive stance, with their Prime Ministers advocating for amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, aiming to classify ecocide as an international crime.
Stressing the need for immediate action, Professor Shameem, who is also a lawyer, expressed her impatience for change, underscoring that the future of our planet and coming generations relies on the decisions made today. She called for nations to be examples of good stewardship for future generations, reflecting a sense of responsibility toward ecological preservation.