Maritime technology co-operation centre launched
As an initiative to assist the maritime industry in climate change mitigation, the Maritime Technology Co-operation Centre (MTCC) in the Pacific was launched in Suva yesterday.
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Deputy Director/ Chief Aubrey Botsford said Fiji and the Pacific Islands played an important role in the fight against climate change and in pursuing efforts for a low carbon future.
Mr Botsford said the challenges faced by the Pacific Region were complex when one considers how dependent the Pacific Island States are on maritime transport on a daily basis.
He said the Pacific’s effort to mitigate climate change and promote energy efficiency in the maritime sector, through actions taken by governments and the maritime industry show the dynamic approach taken by the region.
He added that IMO strongly supports these efforts.
Deputy Director General SPC Audrey Aumua, said the regional conference and launch of MTCCPacific is one of the five centres that have been established around the world.
She said this is to help build the capacity of developing countries and in particular smaller island states and least developing countries, for both climate mitigation in the maritime and for sustainable development.
“Fiji is the host country of this MTCC –Pacific initiative and we really value the commitment of this government to support this initiative.”
Ms Aumua said the Government and member states support was welcomed.
Minister for Forestry Osea Naiqamu said Fiji was proud to provide support to the Pacific community and SPC as the host institution.