The Fiji Blue Economy Framework (2025–2035) was officially launched on Thursday, following its endorsement by the Cabinet the previous week. The event was officiated by Minister for Environment & Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu, who underscored the necessity of effective management of ocean and marine resources, which include fisheries, tourism, and shipping. The framework seeks to create job opportunities and generate income while ensuring the protection of the marine environment.
During his remarks, Mr. Bulitavu stressed the crucial role the ocean plays in sustaining the population, safeguarding the islands, and bolstering the economy. He cautioned that the overexploitation and pollution of these resources could threaten Fiji’s future livelihoods and food security. To ensure the successful execution of the framework, he called for collaborative efforts among governmental ministries, partnerships with local communities, and accountability from both the public and private sectors.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael, explained that the Blue Economy Framework should be viewed not as an actionable plan but as a strategic roadmap designed to guide decisions and investments in sustainable practices. He assured stakeholders that the framework is adaptable, evolving through input from various parties and adjusting to new circumstances.
A key element in the development of this framework was to make it accessible and comprehensible for everyone involved, from community members to policymakers and investors. This approach included creating translations and definitions that resonate with the indigenous population, focusing on sustainable resource management that spans both land and sea.
The development process took a year, beginning in May 2024, and involved over 60 participants from diverse sectors, including government bodies, civil society, and international financial institutions. The framework underwent numerous consultation phases, engaging the National Ocean Policy Steering Committee and aligning with ongoing reviews of Fiji’s National Ocean Policy.
This comprehensive framework delineates seven thematic development pathways, covering areas such as forestry, energy, marine resources, and sustainable tourism. These pathways are designed to adapt and evolve over time, reflecting a commitment to growth and evolution as the framework matures. To oversee the implementation and coordination of this initiative, a Blue Economy Task Force has been established, aiming to balance economic development with environmental stewardship over the next decade.
This initiative holds the promise of steering Fiji toward a sustainable and prosperous blue economy, striving to harmonize economic advancement with the protection of its precious natural resources.