Monitoring the EEZ is a costly task for Fiji - Sharma

Fiji faces significant challenges monitoring its Exclusive Economic Zone due to limited access to advanced technologies such as AI and drones.

Deputy Chairperson for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Rinesh Sharma highlighted this as they have been conducting public consultation on the Convention on the Law of the Sea Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Sharma says the Republic of Fiji Navy earlier informed that 14-day monitoring costs them more than $80,000.

He says to fill these gaps and challenges, this treaty allows nations to work together and monitor the high seas.

Sharma also highlighted the importance of safeguarding indigenous knowledge, marine ecosystems, genetic information sharing, and exploration into the deep seas and Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Deputy Chairperson further says after Fiji ratifies this treaty, it would be a win for Fiji to have a stronger position towards its commitment to ocean governance, restoration and conservation.

He says the response to the consultation has been great with honest opinions, reviews, ideas of what should be done, what the solutions are and how to address the issue.

Sharma adds consultations are important to policymakers to ensure that people are heard in the process of scrutiny, leaving no Fijian behind.