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RESF 2016 Closing Ceremony Remarks

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RESF 2016 Closing Ceremony Remarks Bula! First and foremost, I would like to recognize all who made this event possible. To our co-sponsor, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, and the Republic of Fiji; Commodore Ian Murray of the ADF; Commodores from Sri Lanka; to all of our participants, support staff, hotel staff, and event planners… On behalf of ADM Harry Harris and United States Pacific Command, I would like to extend our most sincere “Thank you” and appreciation to our co-sponsor, RADM Naupoto and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). Together, we enjoyed the collaborative discussions & exchange of ideas, opportunities, and some challenges that we all face associated with environmental security…as described this week by civilian authorities and experts, military and police from across 19 different countries. Perhaps what is most important to take away, aside from actions and future opportunities for collaboration, is “Why?” we meet in these forums. It’s always important to start with “Why?” – We want a better environment for our children, and our children’s children – they are our legacy and it is incumbent upon us and our respective nations to take actions today so that future generations will not have to face the same environmental security challenges associated with depleted natural resources that impact food, water, and energy security. We must act together (in accordance with international law) to address these monumental issues where capability and capacity may be lacking individually. Through the sharing of best practices, lessons learned (both good and bad), and the collaboration between both civilian and military expertise from across the international community, we all recognize the global significance of the Oceania region and understand that challenges are best met together. We’ve shared numerous examples this week of “How?” to respond when environmental crises occur or what local communities are doing to address the protection of their natural resources at the grass root levels. We’ve been inspired by and also reviewed the complementary actions that are required for holistic environmental programs from “Ridge to Reef” and requisite actions necessary by all levels of government from “Community to Cabinet.” We’ve been informed and again shared lessons learned about tools & resources available for all of our use that will lend to improved disaster preparedness and resiliency. Speaking of resiliency, and though much recovery work is still ongoing here in Fiji, I must offer my heartfelt compliments to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces for co-sponsoring this event and two other international events – so soon after Tropical Cyclone Winston’s devastating impact. We have learned much and shared much over this past week, reinforcing the importance of “Why” we host these environmental security forums. Now, we transition from a community of interest into a community of action – honing in on topics of direct action and future focus areas of potential civil-military cooperation & collaboration – including oil spill response, waste management, alternative energy solutions, maritime security, disaster risk reduction, and integrated water resource management. As best described by Chris Sholes, Environmental Program Manager for USPACOM, “We are going to take the great ideas developed from this forum, prioritize them, and move out with implementation in the coming months.” In closing, we must work together, civil and military, to promote environmental security. We must continue to share tools and build response and resiliency capacity. Environmental security is a global problem whose impacts do not recognize national borders. As such, Environmental Security remains a fundamental priority for the United States and USPACOM to continue enhancing our alliances and building partnerships so that all nations benefit from an environment that safeguards security, stability, prosperity, and peace for the entire region. We remain committed to broadening ties with all of our Indo-Asia-Pacific partners. As I began, I offer our most sincere “Thank you” and appreciation to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Cabinet representatives, participating nation Civilian, Military, and Police representatives. Mahalo nui loa and Vinaka vaka levu! .
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