From Fiji to Bali: Strengthening Collaboration for Ocean Resilience

On 1 February 2026, Coral Triangle Center had the honor of welcoming Alitia Bainivalu, Member of Parliament and Minister for Fisheries and Forestry of the Republic of Fiji, to the CTC Center for Marine Conservation. She was joined by Rachel Sapery James, Lead of the WWF Coral Reef Rescue Initiative. The visit created an opportunity to connect national leadership with global conservation initiatives while strengthening dialogue on ocean and fisheries governance. Both leaders bring extensive scientific and policy expertise to advancing sustainable ocean management.

Minister Bainivalu has been a strong advocate for integrating science into national policymaking, particularly to strengthen the resilience of island ecosystems and coastal communities facing climate change. Fiji continues to play an active role in international discussions on ocean valuation and climate resilience. The country champions recognition of the economic and ecological value of marine resources from a Pacific Island perspective where long term sustainability and climate resilience are closely connected.

Complementing this perspective, Rachel Sapery James brings nearly two decades of experience across government, sustainable finance, NGOs, research, humanitarian work, and teaching. Since joining World Wide Fund for Nature in 2021, she has led the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative by guiding strategy and collaboration across nature based solutions, community based fisheries, marine management, climate resilience, and policy advocacy.

Their visit to CTC followed their participation in the Bali Ocean Days Conference. The meeting provided a valuable space to exchange insights and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in protecting coral reefs and supporting resilient coastal communities across the region.

By bringing together national leadership and global conservation expertise, the visit highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing sustainable ocean solutions for the future.

Writer: Kayla Azzahra

Photos: Farhan Bachtier/CTC