Cabinet Endorses Fiji Blue Economy Framework to Guide Sustainable Ocean Development

Blue Prosperity Fiji
6 days ago
3 min read

Suva, Fiji – 15 January 2026 – The Fiji Cabinet has endorsed the Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035, establishing a national policy framework to guide sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development of the ocean-based economy.

The Framework provides a coordinated national approach for developing Fiji’s Blue Economy, recognising the ocean as a critical driver of economic growth, food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity. It sets strategic direction across priority sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, ocean tourism, maritime transport, renewable ocean energy, and marine conservation, while ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems.

As a Big Ocean State, Fiji’s ocean territory spans more than 1.3 million square kilometres,

supporting the majority of the population who live along coastal areas and depend directly or indirectly on ocean resources. The Framework responds to increasing pressures on marine ecosystems from climate change, ocean warming, coral bleaching, declining fish stocks, and

extreme weather events that threaten economic stability and community wellbeing.

The Fiji Blue Economy Framework 2025–2035 was developed through an inclusive, multi-stakeholder process, involving government ministries, civil society organisations, customary resource owners, the private sector, academia, youth representatives, and development partners. A national public consultation process allowed government agencies and Fijians nationwide to contribute to shaping the final strategy.

The Framework establishes national principles, strategic objectives, and priority opportunity areas without mandating specific projects or timelines. This flexible approach enables ministries, organisations, and sectors to develop initiatives aligned with national Blue Economy objectives while responding to local and sector-specific needs.

Key focus areas of the Framework include:

• Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods

• Climate-resilient marine tourism that supports long-term economic returns

• Low-emission and efficient maritime transport

• Renewable ocean-based energy opportunities

• Marine conservation and ecosystem-based management as the foundation of economic

resilience

Hon Mosese Bulitavu, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, in his opening address during the launch, said the Framework sets a clear national direction for Fiji’s ocean-based development.

“This Framework provides a strong foundation for growing Fiji’s ocean economy in a way that protects our marine environment while delivering lasting benefits for communities and future generations,” Minister Bulitavu said

Furthermore, Mr. Ted Waitt, Founder and Chairman of the Waitt Institute, underscored the

importance of long-term ocean protection in achieving sustainable economic growth.

“The key to Blue Economy success lies in long-term ocean protection, which safeguards the

resources themselves and allows for sustained economic growth. Healthy oceans are the bank account that pays dividends over time, providing food security, livelihoods, and resilience,” Mr. Waitt said.

Marine spatial planning, science-based decision-making, and the integration of traditional knowledge to balance development, conservation, and community interests will be critical in advancing the initiatives outlined in the Framework.

Development of the Framework was supported through the partnership between the Fiji

Government and Blue Prosperity Fiji. The partnership has played a key role in advancing marine spatial planning, strengthening ocean governance, and supporting Fiji’s long-term vision for sustainable ocean management.

The Fiji Blue Economy Framework complements Fiji’s National Development Plan and National Ocean Policy, and supports the nation’s international commitments, including the goal to sustainably manage 100 percent of its ocean and fully protect at least 30 percent by 2030.

By endorsing the Framework, Cabinet affirms that Fiji’s ocean is both a source of economic

opportunity and the foundation of the nation’s social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing.