Fiji will launch its first Blue Bond to fund ocean-centric projects later this year.

Speaking at the 7th Our Ocean conference, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the issuance would focus on raising capital market finance.

This will support projects in:

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  • blue shipping to reduce emissions, sustainable fisheries to expand aquaculture and protect natural fish stocks;
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  • a blue investment fund to provide affordable blue debt to non-government organisations in the ocean space; and
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  • sustainable waste management to build a second sanitary landfill and recycling facility in Fiji’s Western Division.

“These are small steps on the journey to the blue economy we’re building by 2030,” he said.

“Much of this work will require partnerships, including in the Pacific to decarbonise our regional shipping sector.

“To deliver on these commitments, and open possibilities for ocean-generated energy in the future, we need significant and urgent expansion in blue concessionary finance.”