Launch of the 2021 Coastal Watch Program

January 26, 2021

The Interim CEO - Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Mr. Jonetani Vuto

Acting CEO - Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Mr Suren Pratap

Development Partners

Ladies and gentlemen

Bula Vinaka to you all

Its been a pleasure and honour to participate in the launch of the 2021 Coastal Watch Program.

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy International Customs Day. Let us appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of customs officials and agencies who play a pivotal role in maintaining border security for Fiji. Through their efforts, Fiji’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems are protected from the threats posed by Invasive Alien Species.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the prevention and control of Invasive Alien Species is a collective responsibility involving all parties and individuals - from members of communities, national government ministries, statutory organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

Secondly, the continued efforts of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji in executing the Fiji Invasive Alien Species Project is commendable.

Thirdly, through the goodwill and partnership between the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and BAF, I am pleased to say that the Coastal Watch Program will be extended to parts of Fiji including Taveuni, Qamea and surrounding islands.  

The awareness raising and capacity building aspects of the Coastal Watch Program adopts an inclusive approach so that communities on remote areas and isolated islands are  involved and play an active role in protecting our borders, from plants and animals which can cause harm to our ecosystems.

This Program will extend eyes and ears out in the communities. More importantly, community members will become better aware of their roles and have contacts for respective border control agencies.

I am told that the Coastal Watch Program has taken a step further from previous efforts. It adopts a multi stakeholder approach, including agencies such as the Fiji Revenue Customs and Customs Service, BAF, Provincial Offices, Maritime Safety Administration Authority of Fiji and the Fiji Police Force.  Border security is an ongoing effort. Funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) supports capacity building through continued collaboration and cooperation.

At this occasion, I would like to acknowledge the commitment of stakeholders in the Fiji IAS project. I am informed that the stakeholders consist of National Government Ministries, Non- Governmental Organisations, Statutory organisations, academia and communities. Their continued participation is encouraging and there is a strong sense of ownership.

Ladies and gentlemen, I humbly request your continued support as our combined efforts is critical to the success of the IAS project, including the Coastal Watch Program.

Our collective efforts will ensure sustainability beyond the life of the IAS Project.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is perhaps the first Coastal Watch Program of its nature in the Pacific. Lessons learnt would be of value to IAS management across the Pacific.

I look forward to updates in future, especially the participation of men, women, youth and children.

I reassure you of UNDPs commitment to the IAS Project.

Vinaka vakalevu.