The year 2026 is poised to be a significant turning point for environmental stewardship in the Pacific region, particularly in Fiji, where escalating environmental challenges pose serious threats to both lives and livelihoods. The urgent need for actionable responses was underscored during the ongoing Pacific Regional Dialogue on Cooperatives, currently held at the Tokatoka Resort in Nadi. This dialogue aims to promote a blue-green economy within the region as it grapples with these environmental issues.
Cooperatives are increasingly seen as crucial players in the economies of Pacific nations, and discussions at the dialogue are focused on their potential to achieve environmental objectives effectively. Over the past four decades, Fiji’s cooperative movement has experienced remarkable growth, with a 94 percent increase, indicating their capability to lead initiatives promoting environmental sustainability.
Esrom Immanuel, Fiji’s Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, highlighted the essential role of cooperatives in translating policies into tangible community projects that support the blue-green economy. He remarked that the cooperative movement is rooted in traditions of collective effort and shared ownership, which are vital for fostering sustainable development.
Immanuel emphasized, “Across key sectors, cooperative models demonstrate that economic development and environmental sustainability can be mutually reinforcing. I firmly believe cooperatives are in a unique position to help institutionalize the blue-green economy in the Pacific.”
The diverse activities of cooperatives in Fiji encompass various sectors, including agriculture, financial services, real estate, and service industries. The ongoing dialogue seeks to encourage cooperatives to adopt sustainable practices that enhance the blue-green economy by focusing on the sustainable use of ocean and land resources to create jobs, improve food security, and combat the impacts of climate change.
This dialogue not only outlines the pivotal role that cooperatives can play in tackling environmental challenges but also promotes a spirit of collaboration and collective action that is essential for achieving a resilient future in the Pacific region. Through these efforts, there is hope for a strengthened commitment to environmental stewardship that can lead to sustainable development and revitalized economies amid pressing global challenges.