Oceans are vital for small islands developing states as they rely on it for a sustainable source of life.

Climate Change Champion Minister Inia Seruiratu highlighted this during the awards ceremony of the Global Youth Video competition that was held at the Education Day at COP23 in Bonn, Germany.

Seruiratu commended young and aspiring film makers for bringing to the attention of the world the impacts of climate change and the measures being taken to address them.

Presenting the prize for the “Oceans and Climate Change” category, the Minister said the category was chosen for this year’s competition to highlight and raise awareness on the importance of oceans and waterways when discussing climate change.

“We cannot continue with business as usual. We are already facing the impacts of climate change. The livelihoods and way of life of our communities who rely so much on the ocean are at peril."

Seruiratu thanked the young film makers for using their talent to highlight climate change impacts and measures through film making.