SUVA, Fiji – The Fiji National University (FNU) is calling for greater collaboration, research, and policy action to help safeguard biodiversity and secure the future of Pacific marine ecosystems, amid growing environmental threats.
Biodiversity plays a vital role in supporting Pacific Island livelihoods, culture, and economic growth and FNU is urging for stronger national efforts to protect these natural resources, while also recognising the importance of existing regional and global initiatives.
In a recent presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, FNU representatives stressed the urgent need to strengthen conservation work at all levels.
The presentation was led by Professor Nii-K Plange, Dean of the Centre for Graduate Studies, together with Associate Professor Dr Kaliova Ravuiwasa, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Assistant Professor Dr Shalini Singh, Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching at CAFF.
“Pacific Island states must not only support but also raise their voices in global biodiversity discussions,” said Professor Plange.
“We must ensure that indigenous knowledge and traditional practices are respected and integrated into sustainability frameworks.”
FNU commended the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) for its significant role in supporting the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and for its continued work under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Locally, Fiji’s National Oceans Policy (2020–2030) and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2020–2025) were recognised as key steps towards a more sustainable marine future.
FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) is working closely with SPREP, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, and other stakeholders on coastal restoration and biodiversity initiatives. These include community-led sustainable tourism, the establishment of marine protected areas, and research into Fiji’s deep ocean, which comprises 97.2% of its Exclusive Economic Zone.
“The deep ocean, once largely unregulated, is now under the scope of the new Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty,” said Professor Plange.
“Fiji must take a leading role in shaping how this treaty is implemented.”
The team expressed strong support for the BBNJ Treaty and presented a series of recommendations to the Fijian Government, including:
With the ocean under increasing pressure from illegal fishing, waste dumping, plastic pollution, and the threat of deep-sea mining, FNU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing marine research, community education, and policy advocacy.
“The time to act is now,” said Professor Plange.
“Protecting biodiversity is not only an environmental concern, it is essential to the survival of our islands and the well-being of future generations.”
ENDS