The year 2026 is set to be pivotal for environmental stewardship in the Pacific region, particularly in Fiji, where increasing environmental challenges are threatening both lives and livelihoods. The urgency for concrete actions was emphasized during the ongoing Pacific Regional Dialogue on Cooperatives, aimed at fostering the blue-green economy within the region, which is currently taking place at the Tokatoka Resort in Nadi.
Cooperatives are emerging as vital players in the economies of Pacific nations, and the dialogue is exploring their potential to meet environmental objectives effectively. In Fiji, the cooperative movement has seen a remarkable growth of 94 percent over the last four decades, highlighting their capability to spearhead initiatives toward environmental sustainability.
Esrom Immanuel, Fiji’s Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, emphasized in his keynote address the significant role cooperatives play in translating policy into actionable community projects to advance the blue-green economy. He noted that the cooperative movement thrives on traditions of collective effort and shared ownership, which are crucial for driving sustainable development.
Immanuel stated, “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 operations of cooperatives in Fiji span various sectors, including agriculture, financial services, real estate, and service-based industries. The ongoing dialogue seeks to inspire cooperatives to embrace sustainable practices that bolster the blue-green economy in the Pacific, emphasizing sustainable utilization of ocean and land resources to generate employment, enhance food security, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
This dialogue not only highlights the central role cooperatives can play in addressing environmental challenges but also fosters a spirit of collaboration and collective action that is essential for a resilient future in the Pacific region.