A seminar aims to safeguard Vanuatu’s oceans through ocean accounting for innovative monitoring and decision-making policy.
Vanuatu is taking significant steps to protect and sustainably manage its marine resources through the adoption of this system. This innovative monitoring system, led by the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, plays a critical role in advancing the country’s sustainable development goals aline with the country’s national ocean policy. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding marine ecosystems, the initiative supports efforts to preserve the nation’s oceanic wealth.
Ocean accounting serves as a tool to evaluate the use and value of marine resources while monitoring sustainable management practices for the benefit of the future generation. Recently, the South Pacific Community (SPC) collaborated with Vanuatu on a project aimed at finding solutions to save the vast ocean with integrated ocean management program. This effort builds on the foundation set by Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Plan.
Mr. Tony Kabasi, Team Lead for Ocean Management and Literacy, described the project as essential for integrating ocean management and providing accurate economic data about the country’s marine resources.
The Global Ocean Accounting Partnership, which facilitates this initiative, emphasizes the need to combine scientific, economic, and traditional knowledge to address the challenges faced by marine ecosystems.
Dr. Ben Milligan, Executive Director of the partnership, underscored the importance of blending data and traditional insights. He noted that this approach strengthens food security, cultural resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for communities closely connected to the ocean. “If we can bring together scientific and economic data about how important the ocean is for communities, combined with traditional knowledge, it reveals what truly matters to them,” Dr. Milligan explained.
Tony Tevi, Head of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division, highlighted the critical role of ocean accounting in monitoring and evaluating ongoing efforts. “This system ensures we track whether our ocean management activities are sustainable and economically sound. If not, it raises questions for the government to address,” he stated.
The initiative includes collaboration among government ministries and departments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
