Fijivillage
20 February, 2026, 3:19 am
Central - 23°C Clouds
20 February, 2026, 3:19 am Central - 23°C Clouds

Environment Minister says Fiji’s marine ecosystem under strain

Environment Minister says Fiji’s marine ecosystem under strain

By Temalesi Vono
22/10/2025

Fiji’s ocean is under mounting pressure from climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss, and the government is taking action to reverse the trend through a new national strategy.

Speaking during the opening of the three-day finalisation workshop for the Blue Economy Framework 2025–2030 at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat today, Minister for Environment Mosese Bulitavu says the framework will redefine how Fiji views and uses its marine resources.

Bulitavu says the framework envisions an ocean economy that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable, one where growth is not pursued at the cost of ecological integrity.

Bulitavu also warned that the country’s 2024 Ocean Health Index score of 62 out of 100, which falls below the global average of 69, is a “warning signal” that Fiji’s marine ecosystems and industries are under strain.

Bulitavu says the Blue Economy Framework aligns with Fiji’s National Ocean Policy, the Climate Change Act 2021, and international commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the High-Level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy.

He says it advances Fiji’s pledge to protect 30 percent of its marine areas by 2030, and sustainably manage 100 percent of its ocean space.

FEATURE NEWS
EXCLUSIVE : I go to the FICAC office after hours to support my wife - Vakalalabure
Tevita Vakalalabure, lawyer and husband of Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika, has today confirmed that he goes to his wife's FICAC office when s...
10 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Fiji Airways says sexual harassment clause in Employment Bill sets ‘impossible legal standard'
Fiji Airways has warned that the Employment Relations Bill’s requirement for employers to eliminate sexual harassment imposes an unrealistic and ...
10 hours ago

5 out of 7 people charged in Rewa Street and Flagstaff drug bust case plead not guilty
The Chinese, Federated States of Micronesia, and Fijian nationals charged in three separate Rewa Street and Flagstaff drug bust cases took their ...
12 hours ago

Semo bypass to open from midnight tonight
The bypass along the Queen's Highway at Semo Village will be open to the travelling public from midnight tonight.The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) says ...
12 hours ago

$2.5B Emerald Bay Project advances with 184 residential lots
The $2.5 billion Emerald Bay Development in Nadawa is progressing well with the development of 184 residential lots as part of its first phase, ...
13 hours ago

Lautoka Central Head Boy advocating for drug-free and responsible living
Lautoka Central College Head Boy, Deevansh Singh is urging students to stay away from drugs and take greater responsibility in protecting the ...
13 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
14 days ago

Malimali and others filed for judicial review into COI
The application for leave for the judicial review has been made by former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung ...
14 days ago

Malimali’s legal battle against President, PM and AG
Another legal battle starts today as sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali takes her matter to court against the President, Prime Minister and ...
15 days ago

TOP