Minister for Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya has called for urgent consideration of a new treaty to strengthen the protection of oceans within national jurisdictions.
Speaking at the Solutions Dialogue on Ocean Action and Leadership during UNGA81 in New York, Minister Tabuya said ocean governance remains fragmented across ministries, laws and international frameworks.
“Climate, biodiversity and ocean frameworks are still fragmented.
“Our oceans are connected, but the systems governing them remain divided. Fragmented policies produce fragmented action and the ocean pays the price.”
Drawing on Fiji’s Marine Spatial Planning experience, she said overlapping responsibilities between ministries can delay decisions and weaken implementation.
“The high seas now have the BBNJ Agreement, but what about the vast ocean areas within national jurisdictions? Large Ocean States and Small Island Developing States need a framework that strengthens national sovereignty while enabling coordinated regional action.”
Minister Tabuya called on the United Nations and ocean nations to begin serious discussions on a dedicated treaty or regional agreement.
“The UN Declaration on Sea level rise that will be launched this Thursday is a start. But we cannot protect one part of the ocean while pollution, climate impacts and ecosystem loss move freely across borders.”
“Our exclusive economic zones are sovereign, but the ocean is connected. It is time to build an agreement that reflects that reality.”
“The Pacific must not wait for further decline. We must lead the global conversation and act now to protect the ocean that sustains our people, economies and future generations.”