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Blue Prosperity Fiji Newsletter: 2024 at a Glance

  • Writer: Waitt Institute
    Waitt Institute
  • Feb 3
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 13

3 February 2025


From sharing insights from Fiji’s largest Ocean Science Expedition to advancing the nation’s Blue Economy efforts, 2024 was a year of strengthening Blue Prosperity Fiji’s partnerships and advancing initiatives to create a healthy ocean and thriving communities.

Communities are at the heart of Fiji’s ocean, and this past year Blue Prosperity Fiji and partners mapped Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) to enhance marine conservation efforts and gathered information to better understand how coastal communities use their ocean space.


With the Hon. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to 100% sustainable ocean management and 30% full protection—alongside a historic voyage of the Uto Ni Yalo from Fiji to Tonga—Blue Prosperity Fiji and its partners are setting sail into 2025 with even greater ambitions. 


Fiji has made significant strides in ocean management this year - and we are incredibly thankful for the close collaboration and partnerships that have made all of this work possible. We look forward to working together to make 2025 a year of continued collaboration and success for Fiji’s ocean and its people.


2024 Highlights

Commitment to Sustainable Ocean Management Reaffirmed


On 5 August, the Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with the Waitt Institute Founder and Chairman Ted Waitt to reaffirm Fiji’s commitment to 100% sustainable ocean management and 30% full protection of its waters. Their discussion centered on Fiji’s leadership in ensuring a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and a brighter future for all Fijians.


🔗 Read more: Blue Prosperity Fiji





Findings from Fiji’s Largest Ocean Science Expedition Shared


Blue Prosperity Fiji, in partnership with National Geographic Society Pristine Seas, hosted a workshop to share preliminary findings from the 2023 Blue Prosperity Fiji Ocean Science Expedition—the largest nationwide assessment of Fiji’s coral reefs to date.


The preliminary science report is available on the Blue Prosperity Fiji website and provides key insights from the expedition, which surveyed 272 sites to assess coral health, fish populations, invertebrate communities, and water quality. Prior to the expedition, the research team engaged with 100 communities to obtain permissions to survey their waters. The expedition was made possible through the support of local communities, government agencies, and scientific partners. Their collaboration is essential to advancing ocean conservation efforts in Fiji.


Key Findings:

  • 272 sites surveyed to collect ecological and environmental data

  • 647 fish species recorded, including 11 threatened species

  • 92 invertebrate species identified

  • 91 temperature loggers installed to record ocean temperature conditions



Historic Voyage Completed to Champion Pacific Ocean Protection


Blue Prosperity Fiji team members joined the Uto Ni Yalo, a modernised version of a traditional Fijian sailing vessel, on its historic international voyage to the Kingdom of Tonga as a Pacific goodwill ambassador for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. The voyage served as a powerful reminder to Pacific leaders of the urgent need to fully protect 30% of the Pacific Ocean and delivered a vision of peace, prosperity and resilience in the Pacific region.



National Workshop Held to Advance Fiji’s Blue Economy


Blue Prosperity Fiji, in partnership with the Fiji Government and the United Nations Development Program, hosted a Blue Economy Workshop to convene stakeholders from various sectors. The workshop promoted a shared vision for Fiji’s Blue Economy, addressed key challenges, and explored opportunities to drive sustainable economic growth.


Participants collaboratively drafted a definition for Fiji’s Blue Economy, developed a shared understanding of Fiji’s Blue Economy profile, and identified priority opportunities and needs to support the National Ocean Policy. The workshop also established roles and oversight mechanisms to ensure effective implementation.



Locally Managed Marine Areas Enhanced for Stronger Conservation


The iTaukei Affairs Board, in partnership with Blue Prosperity Fiji and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), hosted a Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) Mapping Workshop with Provincial Conservation Officers. The workshop aimed to enhance marine conservation efforts by updating the boundaries of Fiji’s locally managed marine areas (LMMA). LMMAs are a grassroots network dedicated to advancing locally-led natural resource management.



Ocean Use Survey Piloted in Vanua Navakavu to Inform Marine Management


Blue Prosperity Fiji piloted an Ocean Use Survey in Vanua Navakavu in the Rewa Province. Ocean Use Surveys are designed to fill knowledge gaps about how communities use and value the ocean, allowing policymakers to better understand the needs and priorities of communities and to inform marine management decisions. 


As part of the survey, 136 respondents mapped their ocean activities, representing how 359 individuals use and interact with the ocean. These mapped patterns provide valuable insights into local ocean use, supporting data-driven conservation efforts.



Big Thinkers Talanoa Convened to Shape Fiji’s Ocean Strategies


Pacific experts and the Waitt Institute’s Pacific Strategic Advisor, Taholo Kami, convened the first Fiji Big Thinkers Talanoa on Oceans. This talanoa brought together leaders with deep and diverse experience in community engagement, policymaking, and governance to share insights and shape strategies for sustainable and prosperous ocean-based regional economies.



Global Partnerships Strengthened at Our Ocean Conference


At the Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece, the Fiji Government, represented by H.E. Filipo Tarakinikini, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations, and the Waitt Institute reinforced their shared commitment to ocean conservation and strengthened bilateral ties. Discussions focused on Blue Prosperity Fiji and its role in implementing Fiji’s National Ocean Policy.



📢 Stay Connected & Get Involved!

For updates on Blue Prosperity Fiji and our efforts to improve ocean health, support communities, and build brighter futures, visit our website and follow us on social media:


🗣️ Meet the Team: Blue Prosperity Fiji Team

📲 Follow us on Facebook: @BlueProsperityFiji

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @BlueProsperityFiji

 
 
 

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