Fiji has followed robust and participatory processes involving multiple technical and conservation partners, agencies, Government, and the public in its marine protected area journey, says International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Oceania regional director Maria-Goreti Muavesi.
She said this while delivering her remarks at a meeting on marine protected areas (MPAs) areas (MMA) organised by the IUCN at the Holiday Inn in Suva on Tuesday.
Ms Muavesi said since 2018 Fiji’s MPA journey had followed through a robust and participatory process involving multiple technical and conservation partners, agencies, Government and the wider public.
“It has been through this rigorous process that IUCN has led and developed the 10 steps to marine spatial planning toolkit for the Pacific – a step-by-step approach to designing a Pacific country-level focused spatial plan recognising the aspirations and needs for all stakeholders,” she said.
“Almost eight years on since the beginning of this journey, IUCN alongside our other technical and conservation partners are proud to witness Fiji’s achievements in progressing our ambitious commitments of protecting 30 per cent of Fiji’s waters.
“We recognise that aspiring and upholding this commitment is no easy task that requires resources both financial and technical to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Ms Muavesi IUCN was grateful to have secured further funding at the end of the Marine and Coastal Biodiversity (MACBIO) project in 2018 through the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme from 2019 to 2023.
“The MACBIO project at the time was a direct response to the Fiji Government’s commitment in 2005 aiming for an ambitious target of protecting 30 per cent of Fiji’s marine areas at the time by 2020, the timeline for which since then has shifted to what we now collectively known as Fiji’s 30×30 commitment.
“PEUMP has not only strengthened the definition of “partnership” in the region, but it has also demonstrated what can be achieved through an effective and strategic partnership in marine and ocean spaces.
“Be this improving technical capacity in fisheries, delivering impactful communications and awareness to supporting national governments in continuing to implement its international, regional and national targets in the ocean space.”
