Masau: Global challenges can be addressed
GLOBAL challenges around the world could be addressed through new solutions driving better management of resources, highlighted director tourism Nanise Masau at the second Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum in Manado, Indonesia on November 1.
“Pacific Island countries and the Small Island Developing States are rich in marine resources and have great potential for economic development given the vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” said Ms Masau.
“Yet, we are also confronted by obstacles such as geographic isolation, lack of infrastructure and above all extreme vulnerability to climate change that can wipe out huge portions of our islands and gross domestic products.
“In the Pacific, Fiji played a leading role and encourages larger, developed economies to take urgent and dramatic action to combat climate change at the global stage.
“As we work together we will help each other understand our unique needs and vulnerabilities and together work on solutions to combat the global challenges that threatens our environment, systems and lives.
“Let us vigorously enhance practical co-operation and be good partners of a win-win cooperation,” she said.
She added the empowerment of local communities was also encouraged which was through ecotourism being the vehicle for economic development and sustainable management of local marine resources. The Fijian Government and industry stakeholders had taken steps to the protection of our blue economy which was highlighted at the forum.
According to a statement from the Department of Information this included the adoption of new or revised environmental laws and proper practices which includes a National Climate Change Policy, the Green Growth Framework and drafting of Fiji’s National Oceans Policy.
A lot of tourism operators were stated to have also taken initiatives to protect marine biosecurity through continuing activities which included coral planting, breeding and release of endangered turtles, protection of giant clams, mangrove planting and a lot more.
Ms Masau said with the discussions on “Marine Ecotourism”, the forum gave a platform where participants could discuss and share the promotion of a blue economy as well as further developments in the marine ecotourism industry.
“It is also an opportune time for leaders and policy makers to discuss regional issues, goals and aspirations,” she said.
The forum aimed to work on four areas of cooperation according to a statement.
These were namely climate change mitigation and adaptation, blue economy development, combating marine plastic debris and the promotion of good ocean governance.
With the summit aimed on discussions on fostering business opportunities and partnerships among startups, established and investment communities.
Representatives from 30 of the 47 participating countries attended the meeting and these were ministers, heads of organisations, the secretarygeneral of the Pacific Islands Development Forum and the director general of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
It was mentioned the meeting had been preceded by a two-day Startup and Business Summit from October 30 and 31.