Call for more action
THE Pacific region has faced numerous challenges regarding ocean governance and marine resource management in the recent times, says Fiji National University vice-chancellor Professor Unaisi NaboboBaba.
While addressing a leadership seminar at FNU’s Nasinu campus two weeks ago, Prof Nabobo-Baba said threats to the ocean and problems such as climate change, marine pollution, poaching and poor marine resource management also threatened the lives and livelihood of people.
“As stewards of these vast maritime territories or large ocean states, it was incumbent upon us to engage in more robust dialogue and collaborative action to address these challenges effectively and efficiently so that our generations to come can enjoy the bountiful joys of our beautiful Pacific Ocean,” Prof Nabobo-Baba said.
“The ocean is like our mother — our culture, our identities and the origin of stories are intertwined within her millenniumold mysteries, that she has provided for our families for eons and continues to do so.
“The sustainability of our oceans is not only crucial for the livelihoods and wellbeing of our communities but also for the preservation of our rich cultural heritage and biodiversity.”
The FNU and Solomon Islands National University (SINU) in collaboration with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) have undertaken joint conferences and would be producing research papers and publications aimed at advancing Melanesian and Pacific models of sustainability, fostering innovation, and addressing shared challenges.
Prof Nabobo-Baba said that as they embark on this journey of collaboration, exploration and discovery, they would seize the opportunity to forge meaningful partnerships, inspire positive change, and chart a course towards a future where our ocean thrives, and our Pacific Island nations prosper together.
SINU vice-chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said the Pacific Islands, as custodians of the largest and most pristine oceanic expanse on Earth, held a position of great responsibility and privilege.
“Our ocean, affectionately referred to as our ‘blue continent’ is not only a source of life, culture, and economic prosperity but also a region facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the face of a rapidly changing global landscape,” he said.
As stewards of these vast maritime territories or large ocean states, it was incumbent upon us to engage in more robust dialogue and collaborative action to address these challenges effectively and efficiently so that our generations to come can enjoy... – Prof Unaisi Nabobo-Baba