Fellow Cabinet Ministers,
Maritime Stakeholders,
Senior Officials of Governments,
Invited Guests,
Teachers,
Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and good morning to you all.
I am pleased to be here this morning to celebrate the World Maritime Day 2020.
This year’s World Maritime Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and its members, like Fiji are working to achieve the targets.
The theme “Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet” brings the focus to the work of IMO and the critically important role the shipping industry plays for a sustainable future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Climate change is the single, greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and global well-being of all, with disproportionate impact no Small Island Developing States including the Pacific. Island states around the world (and in the Pacific) are guardians of two-thirds of the world’s oceans and its resources. Fiji believes that the onus is on us to be proactive and take action, to ensure that the oceans are protected, not only for tourism, but for our future generations.
In October 2017, Fiji began its Conference of the Party (COP) 23 journey here in Denarau with a Pre-COP meeting.
It has been the Hon. Prime Minister’s leadership in the international arena that has allowed us to continue bringing the focus back to sustainable management of our oceans. Just two days ago, the Hon. Prime Minister reminded world Leaders at the UN that despite the current pandemic, we must not lose sight of a world of net-zero emissions and sustainably-managed oceans, amongst other things.
It has been 5 years since the Paris Agreement, yet the global temperature rise is still projected to be more than two or even four degrees, and our ocean ecosystems are acidifying. As we chart our economic recovery post pandemic, we must ensure that we are building back in a sustainable manner and protecting the health of our ocean, which is critical for the wellbeing of Fijians. Apart from being the source of food and employment, our oceans are the bedrock of our tourism industry.
So it is our responsibility to ensure that we protect our oceans. That is why we have national commitments, which include 100% sustainable management of Fiji’s 1.2 million square kilometers of ocean. That is why we are shifting to low-carbon shipping.
Ladies and Gentlemen
In fact, the pandemic has given an opportunity for Fiji to reset and review our way of doing business. Organising the World Maritime Day in the West speaks volumes itself. Although the West, has been deeply affected with the shutdown of international tourism, by preserving our ocean and incorporating sustainability in our recovery, we will be able to rebound stronger than before.
Our oceans are already playing a vital role in our recovery. The Blue Lane under the Fijian COVID Safe Economic Recovery Framework, has set the guideline for travellers to quarantine at sea when coming to Fiji, and only after a negative COVID test, the visitors can move around in Fijian waters. The Blue Lan initiative is an example of how we have been able to recommence maritime tourism, particularly for Denarau, whilst keeping Fijians safe.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The pandemic highlighted the professionalism and sacrifice of the two million global seafarers, who served the world by delivering vital medical supplies, food, and other basic goods. Despite the numerous humanitarian crisis encountered by seafarers, the overall resilience of the shipping industry during this pandemic has greatly been recognised globally.
Today, as the Minister responsible for maritime transport, I join the leaders in maritime to salute and pay tribute to our men and women who have toiled hard to make the maritime sector an important contributor to our nation.
At this juncture, I acknowledge the presence of our senior seafarers and retired mariners. I am informed that after the World Seafarers Day, you have newly formed the Institute of Maritime Officers Guild (Fiji). Congratulations to the newly appointed executive committee and office bearers.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Whilst the work of seafarers and ship workers is important, the rights of our travellers need equal attention. This financial year, the Ministry will work on the Maritime Travelers Rights. I look forward to you, our key stakeholders, to provide your views, as it will affect the “Rights of a Passenger” and the “Rights of a Seafarer”.
As we talk of rights, we, as a nation, need to uphold the Right of Persons with Disabilities”. Therefore, the shipping operators are strongly encouraged to invest in vessels that makes accessibility easier for persons with disability.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are resilient people as we have proven many times in the past. No obstacle that we face today is as strong as our will to endure it.
This year’s World Maritime Day is to remind all Fijians and businesses of the need to stand together and support one another in this time of crisis. We need work in more collaboration and adapt to the new norm.
I wish to convey my gratitude to all the stakeholders in the maritime sector and wish everyone an enjoyable World Maritime Day.
Vinaka Vakalevu
Thank You.