Twenty-one Archipelagic Island States met in Manado, Indonesia earlier this week for the first Ministerial meeting of AIS with the aim of addressing common development challenges that inhibit their ability to live and grow prosperously and sustainably.
AIS are facing existential threats that include climate change, natural disasters, marine pollution, marine plastic debris, unsustainable fisheries and ocean sustainability, all of which seriously risk the survival of these nations.
In his address, Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau called on AIS member states to remain committed in adopting innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt new, innovative solutions to safeguard the ocean resources.
Koroilavesau also shared Fiji’s commitment as current chair of COP23 and Co-President of the first UN Oceans Conference in New York in 2017.
The Minister says Fiji speaks for every Fijian and AIS member countries, and for the billions of climate-vulnerable people globally.
