Fiji has taken a major step towards securing a sustainable and resilient ocean future with the official launch of the Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035, unveiled on January 15 in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Blue Prosperity Fiji.
The Framework was officially launched by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, and sets out a clear national direction for ocean-based development, ensuring economic growth is balanced with the protection of marine ecosystems.
In his address, Minister Bulitavu underscored the responsibility of safeguarding Fiji’s natural resources for future generations, drawing on traditional values.
“Na vanua kei na kena iyaubula e isolisoli vei keda. Me da qarava vakamatua me baleti ira na noda kawa mai muri,” he said, which translates to: The land and the living things in it are a gift to us. It belongs to those who come after us. Let us look after this gift wisely.
The minister said the Framework lays a strong foundation for growing Fiji’s ocean economy while protecting the marine environment and delivering long-term benefits to communities.
“This Framework provides a strong foundation for growing Fiji’s ocean economy in a way that protects our marine environment while delivering lasting benefits for communities and future generations,” Bulitavu said.
The launch follows Cabinet’s endorsement of the Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035, which serves as a strategic roadmap for sustainable ocean-based economic development and inclusive prosperity.
Briefing stakeholders, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Sivendra Michael explained that the Framework is not an action or implementation plan, but a guiding document that outlines key principles and considerations to inform and shape Fiji’s Blue Economy development across sectors.
Developed through extensive and inclusive consultations, the Framework provides overarching policy direction for all national Blue Economy initiatives, while allowing ministries, organisations and sectors to design and implement actions aligned with their respective mandates.
Aligned with Fiji’s National Development Plan, National Ocean Policy and commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Framework aims to sustainably manage 100 per cent of Fiji’s ocean space and fully protect at least 30 per cent by 2030. It also recognises the critical role of communities, women, youth and small enterprises as custodians of Fiji’s Blue Economy vision.
As a Big Ocean State, Fiji’s ocean territory is more than 70 per cent larger than its landmass and supports the livelihoods of nearly 90 per cent of Fijians who live along the coast. The Framework prioritises the protection of marine ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient tourism, renewable ocean energy and conservation-led enterprises.
The Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035 marks a significant milestone in advancing a fair, resilient and prosperous future through the sustainable use and protection of the country’s ocean resources.
