Nikhil Aiyush Kumar 
[Supplied: Participants at the Ocean Agenda Forum during Pre-COP 31]
Fiji is calling for the ocean to take a central place in global climate negotiations, as Pacific countries push for stronger action ahead of COP31.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya says the Pacific cannot separate climate action from the health of its oceans, with rising sea levels, coastal erosion and threats to food security already affecting communities.
Tabuya reiterated that the ocean and blue economy must be central to climate negotiations, with Pacific priorities reflected in decisions that will shape the region’s future.
“The ocean and blue economy must be central to our climate negotiations, and we must integrate the ocean-climate nexus into those negotiations.”
Tabuya also explained that Pacific communities depend heavily on the ocean for food, livelihoods and economic activity, making greater investment in ocean protection and sustainable development essential.
She adds that Fiji will also push for stronger action on clean shipping, renewable energy, sustainable fisheries and ocean conservation.
“Our ocean is central to the climate solution and climate action cannot succeed without that being front and centre.”
The Pacific Pre-COP31 meeting is being held in Nadi this week, bringing together climate leaders and senior representatives ahead of COP31 in Türkiye.
Fiji is also pushing for the 1.5-degree target to remain within reach and for climate finance to reach vulnerable communities faster and more fairly.
