More than $10 billion has been pledged to save our seas and ensure more sustainability of the region’s blue economy.

Announced at the 52nd Asian Development Bank’s Board of Governors meeting in Nadi last week, the ocean health action plan will include financing and technical assistance to develop sustainable tourism and fisheries, protect marine ecosystems, reduce pollution and improve the sustainability of coastal infrastructure like ports.

ADB President, Takehiko Nakao says it’s in line with their strategy to implement a resilient future where human and oceans thrive together.

The Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies targets maritime welfare in the Asia-Pacific.

Of the world’s 10 rivers carrying the most plastic pollution to the ocean, President Nako says eight are in the region.

Without immediate action, he says about 90 percent of the regions coral reefs could be dead by 2050.

The subsequent collapse of fish stocks would threaten food security and livelihoods, especially in Pacific countries.

The Ocean life action plan is earmarked for the next six years and will run from 2019 to 2024.