Delegates from the Pacific region are celebrating a pivotal achievement at the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, where Fiji successfully secured support for its groundbreaking resolution titled “Accelerating Global Action to Promote the Climate Resilience of Coral Reefs.” This significant development took place during negotiations on Wednesday night, marking a key moment among 15 resolutions currently under discussion at the assembly.
This accomplishment underscores the global recognition of Fiji’s proactive leadership in the realms of ocean and climate action. The resolution advocates for enhanced international collaboration and financial resources to protect coral reef ecosystems from growing threats such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Led by Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Sivendra Michael and Director of Environment Senimili Baleicakau, the Fijian delegation adeptly navigated the intricate landscape of scientific, environmental, and political challenges to align various nations on this critical matter.
Fiji expressed gratitude to all participating countries and partners for their constructive involvement and support, emphasizing the significance of multilateral initiatives in environmental diplomacy. Their statement noted, “This early success underscores Fiji’s leadership and reaffirms our commitment to preserving the world’s coral reefs and the livelihoods relying on them.”
Before achieving this milestone, Fiji had conveyed the resolution’s importance to the international community during the opening of the Seventh Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives. They highlighted the urgent need to address ocean health and safeguard the Blue Pacific Continent, cautioning that projections estimate a potential loss of over 90% of the world’s coral reefs by 2030 if current trends continue.
The Fijian communication stressed the importance of swift action in light of the alarming realities of the planet’s triple crisis, which involves climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. They reaffirmed their pledge to effective multilateralism as the most effective solution, grounded in robust science and inclusive of all stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Fiji collaborated with co-sponsors Palau, Kenya, Barbados, Colombia, and Australia, with support from the Pacific Small Island Developing States, to introduce the draft resolution focused on bolstering coral reef resilience. This coalition is anticipated to deliver significant economic and social advantages by bolstering local economies reliant on coral reefs through tourism, sustainable fishing, and food security, thereby promoting enhanced support for collective environmental initiatives.
UNEA-7 functions as a crucial forum for over 6,000 participants from more than 180 countries, engaging in discussions on sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges of environmental degradation. Convening every two years, the assembly plays a vital role in defining priorities for global environmental policies and advancing international environmental law. Although UNEA resolutions are not legally binding, they foster consensus among nations and have historically paved the way for landmark global agreements.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is playing an active role in these efforts, amplifying the voices of Pacific nations at UNEA-7, and reinforcing the collective commitment to a sustainable future. This moment reflects a hopeful outlook towards environmental conservation and resilience, inspiring collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.