22/05/2026
🌊Celebrating International Biodiversity Day 2026 in Fiji 🇫🇯
Today, WWF-Pacific proudly joined the Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Fisheries, Fiji, Conservation International Fiji, Blue Prosperity Fiji, WCS-Fiji, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, GIZ Philippines and the Pacific Island Countries, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme - SPREP to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 under this year’s global theme: “Acting locally for global impact”
The Blue Corridors Dialogue highlighted the importance of collaboration and local action in protecting Fiji’s rich biodiversity and the wider Pacific Ocean.
Discussions throughout the forum explored how Fiji’s growing Blue Corridors initiative can strengthen marine conservation, protect migratory species such as whales, turtles, sharks and rays, and support ecosystem connectivity across the Pacific. 🐋 🐢🦈
In opening remarks on behalf of the Ministry for Environment and Climate Change, participants were reminded that biodiversity protection is about safeguarding Fiji’s future, resilience, culture, economy, and way of life. Fiji’s revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and national 30x30 commitments were also highlighted as important steps towards achieving global biodiversity targets.
Blue Prosperity Fiji Country Manager, Mrs Saras Sharma-Gounder, shared “Marine biodiversity is the foundation of Fiji's prosperity, supporting fisheries, livelihoods, and the coastal ecosystems that protect communities. Blue Prosperity Fiji works across levels between communities and government to protect that biodiversity, so the ocean can continue to provide for the people who depend on it."
WWF-Pacific’s Pacific Conservation Director, Alfred Ralifo, added “As Pacific Island countries continue to lead globally on ocean stewardship, strengthening blue corridors and ecological connectivity is essential to scaling conservation across our vast ocean continent. Initiatives like Blue Corridors offer a powerful way to protect biodiversity at the scale required connecting habitats, nations, and people while challenging us to work differently across boundaries, sectors, and communities. This connectivity is critical to safeguarding migratory species such as turtles and whales, sustaining healthy ecosystems, and maintaining the cultural ties that define our region. For WWF-Pacific, this work strongly aligns with our Pacific Pathway 2030 Strategy and our vision for a People and Nature Positive Pacific, where thriving oceans, resilient communities, and sustainable livelihoods prosper together.”
Vinaka vakalevu to all partners and participants who contributed to today’s important dialogue and shared commitment towards a connected and resilient Pacific Ocean for future generations. 🌏💙