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SeaWeb's Asia Pacific Program Convenes Panel for World Oceans Day 2011

Fiji depends on a healthy ocean for a wide range of essential needs, such as food, income, medicine and storm protection. When critical issues affect Fiji’s marine resources, they ultimately affect the health of its coastal communities and national economy. SeaWeb believes that a strong partnership between the media and conservation community can elevate the public’s understanding of their ocean environment and empower them to make informed decisions about its ongoing threats.

More than 60 people attended the panel discussion, from government representatives to community members and non-government organizations.

In his keynote address, Fisheries and Forests permanent secretary Viliame Naupoto described the role of media and ocean conservation experts as “the voice to the world.” Naupoto, who grew up in a coastal village, illustrated this idea by describing fisherman on a day without much catch. “It’s difficult to tell people, ‘stop fishing’ because they don’t know what’s happening under water,’” he explains. “They’ll say, ‘It’s just the wrong day to fish.’ It’s hard to get through to them, but that’s where the media comes in.” Naupoto believes that the media can package messages that will fit into the hearts and minds of people, inspiring greater awareness.

Dr. Stacy Jupiter, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Fiji Country Program, advised scientists and experts to develop clear and concise messages, remove scientific jargon, and communicate in a manner that is understood by the average person. Doing this, she says, will increase the understanding of our ocean and the role we can all play to protect it. “Making an informed decision on the use of our natural resources is dependent on the clarity, simplicity and accuracy of information presented to the public,” she says. 

Providing insight on behalf of his role as an educator, Randy Thaman, professor of Pacific Islands Biogeography at the University of South Pacific, gave this real-world insight: “This year I have 120 students in my class. I asked how many could swim—about a third of them. How many could snorkel—about 10. Keep in mind, these are Pacific Islanders,” he says. “Most people don’t know what’s happening because they can’t see it.”

For Edwin Nand, a senior journalist at Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited, the key to engaging the media is to take them to where the story is taking place. “Workshops, interviews and press releases are not enough to help journalists know what’s going on,” he says. “If we don’t know the names of fish, then take us to the reef.”

Additional panel members included Ilaitia Turagabeci, associate editor at The Fiji Times; Rachna Nath, journalist and news presenter at Fiji Television; Mesake Draniatu, community member and conservationist from Natokalau Village, Ovalau; Merewalesi Laveti, World Wildlife Fund SPPO Marine Species officer.

The event concluded with IUCN director Taholo Kim, who addressed the relationship between the community and the ocean. "For most Pacific people the importance of the ocean is acknowledged in our history, our culture and our very livelihoods,” he says. “World Oceans Day allows us to celebrate the gift of the ocean and its special role in our lives."

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