Fiji is urging stronger international action to tackle plastic pollution, saying Pacific communities should not be left to shoulder the financial and environmental burden of products manufactured outside the region.

The issue was among five ocean priorities raised by Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya during Fiji’s address at the Leaders Plenary of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Palau this week.

For Pacific island countries that rely heavily on imported goods, Fiji says dealing with plastic packaging after products reach their shores can create significant costs.

The Government is therefore advocating for a comprehensive, legally binding global agreement that addresses plastics throughout their entire life cycle, from production through to disposal.

Fiji also backed the creation of a mandatory and harmonised Regional Extended Producer Responsibility framework.

The proposed approach would require producers to take greater responsibility for the packaging they place into Pacific markets, rather than leaving recipient countries to manage the associated waste.

The call formed part of Fiji’s wider discussions on protecting the Pacific Ocean.

Other priorities included the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Ocean Statement, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, fisheries management and unresolved maritime boundaries.

Fiji endorsed the 2026 Ocean Statement, reinforcing the region’s collective position on ocean protection, climate change and biodiversity while stressing the importance of keeping the 1.5-degree target within reach.

The country also supported regional preparations for the first Conference of Parties to the BBNJ Agreement and strengthened fisheries cooperation through the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035.

Fiji further encouraged Forum members to finalise outstanding maritime boundary agreements.

Tabuya says achieving these commitments will depend heavily on access to finance that is additional, predictable, Pacific-led and available directly to countries and communities.

Fiji maintains that Pacific nations already have the determination to protect their ocean resources.

What remains critical, it says, is ensuring the financial support reaches the region at the scale and speed needed to turn those commitments into action.