On the margins of the Global Ocean Meeting in Lisbon, Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya had the honour of meeting with Portugal’s Secretary of State for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Salvador Malheiro, to deepen cooperation between Fiji and Portugal on ocean protection.
Portugal has a strong track record in marine litter monitoring, enforcement frameworks, and port based “fishing for litter” initiatives. Fiji is now seeking Portugal’s support to help design a Marine Litter Action Plan grounded in clear, measurable indicators and firm enforcement triggers, ensuring that our ocean protection efforts deliver real, accountable results for our people.
Implementation of the High Seas (BBNJ) Treaty, which both Fiji and Portugal have ratified was also discussed. As stewards of the Blue Pacific, Fiji is keen to learn from Portugal’s institutional arrangements and explore capacity building, including training on high seas marine protected area proposals and environmental impact assessments beyond national jurisdiction.
Opportunities under the UN–Portugal Ocean Fellowship Programme were also explored, with Fiji seeking dedicated fellowship placements and tailored training for Fijians in high seas governance, enforcement, marine pollution and blue finance.
As Fiji progress the Maritime Spatial Planning regulations, Portugal’s experience, particularly its advancement of large-scale Marine Protected Areas and “30 by 30” commitments in the Azores, offers valuable lessons for Fiji’s own conservation goals.
Further views were exchanged on offshore renewable energy governance and how to balance clean energy development with strong environmental safeguards through effective marine spatial planning.
These engagements reaffirm Fiji’s commitment to working with likeminded ocean nations to ensure global commitments translate into measurable outcomes for island states on the frontlines of climate and ocean impacts.
Partnerships like this ensure that ambition is matched with implementation and accountability.