UNIC Canberra Interview for World Oceans Day
with
Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel, Resident Representative, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji
You noted in your recent OPED that 'Our oceans are not mere points on a map: our Pacific people live within them, embodying a culture that is expansive and interconnected’ Do you think that there is a general reluctance to identifying ocean communities as important to ‘land’ communities given most people don't live near or are directly reliant on the oceans?
The ocean is the beating heart of the Pacific; those communities that may live inland never find themselves far from the sea. Looking at Fiji alone, the country's Exclusive Economic Zone is 70 percent larger than its landmass and is ranked as the 26th largest sovereign ocean space in the world. Fiji is also home to 3.5 percent of the world’s coral reefs and over 65,000 hectares of mangroves that make up some of the many features of the country’s rich marine biodiversity – therefore when we talk about the ‘environment’ of the Pacific, protection of our ocean space remains just as vital as the work being undertaken on land.
Your call for the need to address ocean health 'comprehensively' what do you mean by that?
The health of our oceans is a critical issue, not just for marine life, but for the entire planet. A thriving ocean underpins our environment, regulates our climate, and sustains all living things. It's the backbone of the global economy, too. The Blue Economy continues to play an important role in providing food, jobs, and establishing livelihoods for millions of people around the world – particularly here in the Pacific – with our oceans estimated to generate up to US$3 trillion in economic activity each year at the global level by 2030. The key to a thriving ocean lies in finding harmony between using its resources and safeguarding our ocean’s rich biodiversity. We can achieve this by leveraging the ocean's economic potential while fiercely protecting its health for future generations.
Public awareness is crucial – the more we understand the ocean, the more we'll care for it. Implementing strong policies based on scientific research will be our guide, ensuring a healthy ocean that flourishes alongside responsible human activities. Without this rich biodiversity, future generations will inherit a barren wasteland, with few species barely clinging to survival. Coastal communities, intricately linked to the health of shoreline ecosystems, would be the first to feel the devastating effects. Industrial practices, like large-scale trawling, are dismantling these ecosystems at an alarming rate, and the harsh reality is that industrial practices are taking from the ocean far faster than the ocean can replenish itself.
What happens if we don’t?
When the water gets too warm, ecosystems suffer, such as coral reefs, which release their colourful microalgae and turn a skeletal white. More than 90 percent could perish by 2050 should we not act now. The ocean is a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change – therefore, saving our ocean means protecting our future.
This is why UNDP Pacific is supporting the Government of Fiji on strategic solutions such as the issuance of the country’s first Sovereign Blue Bond. With backing from the Government of the United Kingdom, Fiji is leveraging private sector funding for transformative ocean activities, while simultaneously supporting conservation and protection of the country’s marine environment.
It also demonstrates two critical components: firstly, the ability of development finance to helping to unlock and leverage larger private finance for sustainable development in Small Island Developing States. And secondly, it the successful issuance of the Fiji Sovereign Blue Bond has proven that there is strong investor interest in environmentally conscious ventures, signalling a critical shift in investor sentiment towards sustainable initiatives that not only yield financial returns but also contribute to planetary health.
The Blue Economy concept is a key part of UNDP’s advocacy - can you explain its dimensions and how it relates to the challenges noted above.
The Blue Economy picks up from the Green Economy and translates those principles to the marine environment. The sustainable use of ocean, seas, and marine resources, as set out in SDG 14, lies at the centre of a sustainable Blue Economy. In recent years, the concept of a Blue Economy has emerged as a significant potential driver of sustainable economic growth, especially for Small Island Developing States in the Pacific. As custodians of 19.1 percent of the world’s Exclusive Economic Zones, embracing the Blue Economy can help SIDS harness their unique advantages to address their structural challenges and common vulnerabilities.
The stakes in our region are incredibly high; failure to protect the world's largest and deepest ocean basin – the beating heart of our region – means that no one wins. Rising sea levels threaten our homes and infrastructure, while ocean acidification and warming waters disrupt marine life. Coral reefs, essential for protecting shorelines and supporting marine biodiversity, are particularly vulnerable.
Our work with partners in the Blue Economy aims to address the challenges the Pacific currently faces through being at the forefront of much of the climate emergency.
Is mainstreaming gender into the Blue Economy important, why and what does this involve?
The harsh reality is that climate change hits women and girls the hardest, especially when it comes to ocean resources. Rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion contaminate groundwater, leading to health problems like high blood pressure and kidney disease. But here's the problem: the very people most affected by these issues are rarely included in the conversation. Women and girls are frequently left out of decision-making processes and struggle to access resources and opportunities that could help them adapt.
To truly mainstream gender in the Blue Economy, we need to level the playing field for women and girls. This means giving them equal access to education, training, decision-making roles, and financial resources related to ocean-based jobs. Imagine the progress we could make if we had better data on women's contributions in small-scale fishing, aquaculture, and informal markets!
In many parts of the Pacific, women still do not have access basic rights to own property and land. This may exclude women from collective bargaining or decision-making within communities, especially when dealing with private sector investors. This creates power asymmetries or an imbalance in power, where those already marginalised are left further behind and in the case of the Blue Economy, shut out from their own shorelines, beaches, and vital lands. This is why we must focus on inclusion.
Inclusion doesn't stop there, however. We also need more women in leadership positions and policies that consider the different challenges and opportunities faced by women in the Blue Economy. This creates an environment where everyone can thrive, and investments can be made that truly benefit all.
Does this by association benefit all community members both economically and culturally?
When women have equal access to education, training, and resources, they can contribute more effectively to the Blue Economy. This can lead to increased efficiency, innovation, and overall economic growth for the community. And as numerous studies have shown, companies with greater gender diversity tend to outperform those without. When women have a greater role in the Blue Economy, it can lead to increased social equity and community well-being. Women can reinvest their earnings back into their families and communities, strengthening social structures.
What is your call to action to maintain ocean health and at the same time benefit the communities within them?
The Blue Pacific isn't just a place on a map, it's our sprawling ocean home, a tapestry of islands, and a shared legacy. We face a critical moment, and it demands action. We need to prioritize policies that safeguard our environment for the long haul, building resilience against the changing tides. This means weaving ecosystem protection into the very fabric of our development plans, strengthening environmental leadership, and bolstering our defences against climate change.
But sustainability isn't a solo act. We must ensure every voice is heard, especially those of women and girls, and that all communities are woven into the fight for a healthy planet. The challenges are daunting, but our resolve is even stronger. Together, we can chart a course towards a brighter future for the Blue Pacific.
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