Ocean Accounting Workshop to advance Vanuatu’s Ocean Initiatives and Oceans Policy goals
November 25, 2024 9:47 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara.
Vanuatu is hosting a pivotal workshop on Linking Ocean Accounting for Sustainable Ocean Development this week.
The event aims to strengthen Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy by clarifying data needs and aligning data systems with practical policy goals.
The workshop seeks to provide an overview of ocean accounting and its implementation across the Pacific and Asia-Pacific region while identifying essential requirements for organised social, economic, and environmental data to support Vanuatu’s policy priorities on sustainable ocean development. Additionally, it aims to determine capacity-building and international collaboration needs to accelerate data integration and ocean accounting in support of the nation’s objectives.
Dr Ben Milligan, Director of the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP), commented on the importance of data in sustainable ocean management.
He said oceans are among Vanuatu’s most valuable assets, providing food, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
To ensure these resources are well-managed for future generations, he stressed the need for organised and reliable data.
According to Dr Milligan, this workshop focuses on integrating data from various institutions to establish a national ocean accounting system that aligns with Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy.
Toney Tevi, Head of Vanuatu’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division, stressed the nation’s progress in ocean governance.
Following the completion of the National Ocean Policy review and the launch of the Marine Spatial Plan in June 2024, he noted that this workshop represents a step toward implementing these frameworks.
He said understanding Vanuatu’s oceans and seas better will not only boost government revenue but also foster sustainable development.
Tevi mentioned that ocean accounting would enhance accountability and ensure sustainable practices, safeguarding resources for future generations. He explained that this tool would help assess human activities’ impact on the sea, enabling informed decisions that balance development with conservation.
Tevi also noted the urgency of addressing environmental challenges, such as pollution caused by inadequate drainage systems, which threaten marine life and ecosystems. He pointed out that initiatives like ocean accounting are crucial to ensure that activities today do not compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy and benefit from the ocean’s resources.
The workshop reflects Vanuatu’s strong reliance on the ocean, which constitutes 98% of its territory. The ocean supports local livelihoods through subsistence fishing, marine tourism, and other economic activities. Vanuatu’s 2nd National Ocean Policy (VNOP2), launched in June 2024, reflects this reliance and sets ambitious conservation targets. These include protecting 30% of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by 2030 through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other conservation measures, as well as managing 100% of its ocean space sustainably to ensure the long-term health and resilience of marine ecosystems against climate change and biodiversity loss.
These commitments align with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the SAMOA Pathway, as well as regional initiatives such as the Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Dr Milligan noted the growing regional momentum for ocean accounting, citing similar initiatives in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Palau.
He praised Vanuatu’s inclusion in this effort, describing it as a significant step forward. He explained that by measuring the value of the ocean, governments and communities can make better decisions for the future of these vital ecosystems.
The workshop has attracted participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Environment, and Statistics departments, as well as Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) such as World Vision and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Donor partners, including the University of New South Wales and the Pacific Community (SPC), have played a key role in supporting the event, reflecting the collaborative effort required for effective ocean governance.
