Current Event on Oceania Region Essay Example

The Oceania region is a geographical region comprising of Australasia, Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Most of the countries in the Oceania region borders the Pacific Ocean. As a result, countries in the Oceania region have formed a regional block which focuses to protect the Ocean and marines. Recently, the region had a current event which appeared in the article "Marine Spatial Planning- the way forward to a healthier Ocean." In the article, several suggestions from different regional leaders were stipulated. Specifically, the event focused on the challenge management, conversation measures of the Ocean, and economic development in the region.

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The event was attended by participants from different countries, NGOs, and other private partners. The event was held on 11 September 2018 in Nadi, Fiji. The meeting began by a speech from the director of IUCN, Mason Smith, who highlighted the importance and significance of implementing Marine Spatial Planning. In his speech, Smith highlighted how the Oceania region had implemented several policies improving the blue Pacific Ocean. However, Smith noted that there was still room for improvement for the region to accomplish its objective. Smith suggested that the region could do better in ocean management if they implemented the Marine Spatial Planning. Marine Spatial Planning is an approach involving organizing and balancing between human users and marine areas. The approach included defining human activities which could result in a healthier ecosystem.

While 98% of the Oceania region is covered by ocean, I think the ocean is an important source of income for the countries in the Oceania region. For example, countries and Islands in Oceania region depend on the Ocean for livelihood, economic growth, cultural development, and food security. According to statistics, The Oceania region has a population of over 40 million people depending on the Ocean as a source of living. As such, there are possibilities that human activities such fishing might exploit the Ocean thus endangering its future existence. The best way to maintain the sustainability of the Ocean is to implement a strategic plan which focuses on balancing between the human activities and marine preservation. I think the implementation of Marine Spatial Planning would ensure the Oceania region continues to enjoy the benefits of the Ocean.

Another leader who supported the Marine Spatial Planning was Ms. Bulai, a minister of waterways and Environment in Fiji. In her speech, Ms. Bulai reminded the participants that the Oceania region has always based its Ocean management policies on strategic plans. Ms. Bulai appreciated the fact that the region was incorporating ocean management policies in government's development agendas. I appreciate the fact that the Oceania region had prioritized in protecting the Ocean. From Ms. Bulai's speech, the governments in the Oceania region incorporates the issues of Ocean management in development programs. I think that the issues affecting the Ocean in the Oceania region can only be solved when individual countries play their role in implementing policies that protect the Ocean.

Consequently, the director of Marine and Coastal Biodiversity (MCBIO), Dr. Steffen addressed the event by firstly reflecting the collaboration between MCBIO and the Oceania region. Dr. Steffen argued that the success of Ocean management was as a result of togetherness in the region. Additionally, Dr. Steffen appreciated the countries who attended the event saying that their participation would broaden the ideas on how the region planned and managed their Pacific blue region. MCBIO is a non-governmental organization that helps other countries in Coastal planning and marine management. Currently, the MCBIO is helping countries like Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon IslandsVanuta, and Tonga to manage and plan Coastal conversation. I appreciate the efforts brought in by MCBIO to assist the Oceania region in managing their Coastal and marine features. Their tremendous efforts in the last five years had greatly impacted the Ocean management in the Oceania region. During the event, the MCBIO supported the implementation of the Marine Spatial Plan as it could assist the region in protecting the Ocean against exploitation.

Just like other agencies, working with government and non- governmental organizations, to manage grasslands, forests, and other natural resources, the Marine spatial Plan focuses to coordinate conservation activities in the Oceania region. The plan is designed in such a way that it improves planning, decreases cost, reduce conflict, and engage the communities living in the Oceania region. Additionally, the Marine Spatial Plan represent the ocean interest of all countries in the Oceania region thus providing a good platform to inform, guide, and make decisions that affect the environmental, economic, and cultural interests of the region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Oceania region faces challenges in protecting the Ocean surrounding the region. The article suggests that the Oceania region should implement the Marine Spatial Plan which will bring balance between human activities and marine areas. The marine Spatial Plan received a lot of support from both regional and international leaders. Also, I think that the strategic plan would play a great role in the conservation of the Ocean in the region. The collaboration and togetherness of the Oceania region to preserve the Ocean against exploitation challenges other regions to do the same.

References

Marine Spatial Planning- The way Forward to A Healthier Ocean. (2018). Iucn.org Retrieved from https://www.iucn.org/news/oceania/201809/marine-spatial-planning-way-forward-a-healthier-ocean