THERE is a need for a paradigm shift in the way natural resources are managed in the Pacific region.
UN under-secretary-general Gyan Chandra Acharya said this would require efforts from stakeholders to ensure those resources were sustainable. He was a guest at the 2014 Trade Pasifika trade show in Suva.
Addressing the issue of climate change and its impact on Pacific economies, Mr Acharya said there were many ways to combat issues such as overfishing or depleting tuna stocks.
"Don't overfish if it is in danger. What is required is awareness, public involvement and ownership by the private sector," he said at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
"This means having a sense of responsibility. If you really protect the fish you could be doing the business a success for a long time to come.
"In a larger framework, if fish stocks deplete everywhere, where will you go?"
He said Fiji had some initiatives to address those issues such as declaring marine reserves.