‘Beating heart’ is giving up – Bainimarama

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Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting at GPH yesterday. Picture: RAMA

Less than 3 per cent of the Earth’s oceans are fully protected at present, a grossly clear indication that change was needed, says Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum chair Voreqe Bainimarama.

“Business as usual is spelling disaster in real-time right before our eyes,” he said.

Speaking to the Pacific Island leaders at their 51st meeting on Monday in Suva, he said everyone regarded the ocean as the beating heart of their island economies, culture and way of life, however, that “beating heart” was giving up.

“This is the significant part of why we developed the 2050 strategy for the blue Pacific continent.

“We find ourselves on the cusp of catastrophic and cascading impacts of climate change on our oceans due to fossil fuel-addicted nations.

“Rising seas, affecting our low-lying islands, ocean acidification, devastating coral atolls, sea life and the increasing frequency and strength of cyclones devastating our countries are just some of the adverse impacts linked to the ocean climate change nexus.

“Despite not being responsible for the relentless abuse of planet Earth, we alone are responsible for ensuring the survival of our people.”

Mr Bainimarama said nobody would advocate for their people as they would.

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