Fiji is taking decisive action to advocate for enhanced ocean protection in the context of global climate policy, urging the COP30 Presidency to incorporate the Oceans Agenda as a central element in the upcoming UN climate negotiations. Environment and Climate Change Minister Mosese Bulitavu made this impassioned plea at the COP30 Special Event on the 2025 Ocean Dialogue Outcomes, where he represented the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), a coalition of 39 nations.
Minister Bulitavu emphasized that healthy oceans are crucial for climate stability and the survival of island nations that face escalating threats from climate change. “For Small Island Developing States, the ocean remains our frontline shield against climate impacts,” he asserted, highlighting the urgent need to integrate ocean-related concerns into the global climate dialogue.
This initiative aligns with discussions held at other international venues, such as the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where leaders from various Pacific nations echoed similar calls for action. During that conference, Bulitavu detailed the pressing challenges Fiji is enduring due to climate change, including coral reef degradation and the erosion of livelihoods, stressing the need for cohesive ocean-climate strategies within existing frameworks like the Paris Agreement.
Fiji’s commitment to fostering collaboration among Pacific nations is also evident in its endorsement of Australia’s proposal to host COP31 as the first “Pacific COP.” This event is expected to spotlight the distinct vulnerabilities of small island states. The urgency surrounding ocean health is further underscored by reports of communities in Fiji already being displaced by rising sea levels.
The collective plea from Pacific leaders for stronger climate initiatives and enhanced partnerships offers a promising prospect. By incorporating ocean priorities into climate negotiations, there is significant potential for advancements in addressing the issues faced by vulnerable nations. A unified voice from the Pacific could lead to practical solutions, reinforcing the idea that through ongoing collaboration, it is possible not only to navigate current challenges but also to secure future resilience for ocean health and the communities dependent on it.