Dear Editor – Believing in a creation theology, the Ocean is none other than a sanctuary of our well being.
Our Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest and is home to countless marine migratory and coastal marine species which are vital components in sustaining our vast underwater realm.
These natural inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean are part of our life, a source of income to some while a few being revered as totem in our customary Pacific society
Nevertheless our craving appetites are held to be the major contributor or causes of deteriorating conditions in our Ocean-sphere.
Laid-back obliviousness, marketing approach, additional needs and detrimental commercial means in the wider perspective are some causes to the rapid effects of our Oceans dilemma.
Fundamentally our forefathers’ traditional lifestyle and ordinary knowledge did pave a way out of Oceans perturbing, but today we are fighting a radical battle to stay afloat because of our negligence.
We the Pacific islanders, have also been long involved in domestic and international trade thereby leaving oceans creatures little time to reproduce or to reach maturity and as per scientific research, drop in numbers is witnessed.
There are threats, challenges and recommendation for our future in relation to this trade and if we look into the big picture who gains, who loses and who’s affected. What are the benefits or consequences from these trades!
While some nations are battling with fire-power, we the Pacific islanders are fighting a destructive environment war thereby contributing to both health and environmental stress.
As the impact of an unhealthy Ocean has many challenging approaches relating to our modern and daily lifestyle, we must first stalwartly act within our boundary to combat this pandemonium and more so it will strengthen our perception in pleading for consideration to our fellow Pacific Islanders and even to the World.
If there is going to be compromise for the health of our Ocean realm, then we the Pacific Islanders have to be willing to initiate the action that would bring preservation measures that can bring about marine sustainability.
The health of our Ocean will not substantively change for the better if you or I simply will wait for the Nation or Non-Government Organisations to take steps.
With integrity and ability we must take positive ownership action for a change not tomorrow but now.
We must act collectively for now to safeguard our Ocean for our younger Pacific Islanders to take pride in.
AREKI DAWAI
Suva Point
Fiji
