Cabinet has endorsed the Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035, setting out a national policy approach for the development of Fiji’s ocean-based economy while addressing environmental pressures.
The framework was launched by outgoing Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu, who said it “provides a clear national direction for Fiji’s ocean development.” He said the policy aims to support economic activity linked to the ocean while protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.
“The sea feeds our people, sustains communities, connects islands, and protects Fiji’s shores,” Bulitavu says.
Nearly nine out of ten Fijians live along the coast, with thousands of livelihoods dependent on healthy marine environments. Bulitavu noted that when marine ecosystems are protected, the wider economy benefits.
“When the ocean thrives, Fiji thrives,” he says.
Coastal and marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass support fisheries, tourism, shoreline protection and rural livelihoods, particularly in Fiji’s outer islands and maritime provinces.
Founder and Chairman of the Waitt Institute, Ted Waitt, highlighted the economic risks of failing to protect ocean resources.
He said the success of the Blue Economy “depends on protecting ocean resources so they can continue supporting livelihoods and food security.”
“Healthy oceans are like a bank account that pays dividends over time,” Waitt adds.
The framework outlines a coordinated approach across fisheries, aquaculture, ocean tourism, maritime transport, renewable ocean energy and marine conservation. As a Big Ocean State, Fiji’s ocean territory covers more than 1.3 million square kilometres.
The policy also responds to climate change, coral bleaching, declining fish stocks and extreme weather events. It was developed through consultations involving government agencies, civil society, customary