Seven years of work culminated in New York today when Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amb. Berenado Vunibobo presented to the United Nations Fiji’s Claim on the outer limits of its Continental Shelf. The submission brings to an end an outstanding obligation by Fiji under the provision of Article 76 of the Law of the Sea Convention.

Speaking during the presentation, Amb. Vunibobo said that “the seabed is becoming an important area of economic interests and activities and it is therefore vital that Fiji meets its obligation and identify the boundaries of its Continental Shelf”. Vunibobo added that “that by presenting its claim now, one month prior to the deadline of 13 May 2009, Fiji reaffirms its commitments and confidence in International Law”.

Fiji was the 24th country to make submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. Argument proper is scheduled to be held in August 2009.

In a separate ceremony, Vunibobo joined his counterparts from Vanuatu Amb. Donald Kalpokas and Solomon Island’s Amb. Colin Beck to jointly submit claims over the Continental Shelf in the North Fiji Basin and in an area known as the Charlotte Banks Region. Joint submission between these countries is an exhibition of cooperation by Small Island States with limited resources to carry out substantive research required for such an exercise. 

Amb. Vunibobo expressed appreciation on behalf of the Fiji Government for the assistance provided by the United Nations in particular the provision of financial resources to enable Government to obtain technical expertise to assist in the preparation of Fiji’s submission.

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