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SHARE This piece comes to us from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). To honor Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, WCS and Nature are bringing you nine stories in the fields of nature and conservation. WCS Fiji Country Director Sangeeta Mangubhai at work. Photo credit: Emily Darling/WCS Though there have been bright spots, coastal communities that rely on the ocean economy have been hit hard over the last year by the global COVID-19 pandemic. In Fiji, these challenges were exacerbated by severe tropical cyclones that damaged homes, farms, infrastructure, and fishing gear essential for coastal communities. As the first vaccines begin to roll out globally and nations plan their economic recovery, many including the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), the Pope, and 350 health organizations are calling for a “green” COVID recovery that prioritizes tackling climate change. However, 2021 also marks the start of the UN’s Decade on Ocea ....
February 11, 2021 12:55 pm Fiji’s National Ocean Policy will be enshrined into law through the upcoming Climate Change Bill. Speaking in Parliament, Economy Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, says the ocean health cannot be compromised as it’s critical for the economy, Fijian livelihoods and culture. Sayed-Khaiyum says the ocean needs to be protected along with the bounty it provides. Article continues after advertisement “Given that 20% of the Fijian population lives within 1km of the coastline and 76% within five kilometres. NOP recognizes the intrinsic connection Fijians have with the marine biosphere. In doing so, it places consistent community engagement and correlation at the heart of its implementation plan. This is exemplified by the establishment of the annual Talanoa dialogue on oceans which will be a forum to discuss matters of importance in the ocean sector and provide accountability to the public.” ....