Fiji's Minister says oceans conference will be 'game-changer'

Fiji says it's crucial that members of the United Nations reach a consensus at this year's Ocean Conference, saying it could be a game-changer for the future of the Pacific.

Sweden and Fiji are co-hosting the conference in June at the United Nations' Headquarters in New York.

Fiji just held a regional meeting in Suva to prepare, which was attended by small island states, New Zealand and Australia.

Its Fisheries Minister, Semi Koroilavesau, said the meeting went well and he was feeling hopeful about what the UN's conference can achieve.

He said Fiji and other small Pacific islands would be the first to suffer from ocean pollution and rising sea levels and there needs to be global consensus on what action to take.

"We have no choice. What is the alternative? There is no other alternative and I think the world will come together in June to support this," Mr Koroilavesau.

 

Photo: sprep