The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has pledged to support the efforts of the Government of Fiji to develop its pearl industry in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. This follows a recent meeting in Hong Kong between CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri and Semi Koroilavesau, the Minister of Fisheries of the Republic of Fiji.

Fiji is a relative newcomer to the South Pacific pearl industry, but it has a rapidly growing perliculture sector, under the purview of the country's Ministry of Fisheries, which in 2017 is forecast to produce about 30,000 pearls. The government is keen to ensure that development of the sector takes place in an environmentally sustainable manner and has wide-ranging positive social impacts.

During the meeting, the minister outlined the Fijian government's long-term plan for its pearl sector, and reiterated its goal that the country becomes a significant producer of high-quality pearls, of distinctive appearance and character, with a brand identity that has the principles of social and environmental sustainability as an integral component.

"Fiji is as exciting prospect for our industry, and not only because of its already proven ability to produce pearls of exceptional quality," said Dr. Cavalieri. "Its pearl industry will flourish also through the respect its shows for the marine environment, and through the support it provides the farming communities and their stakeholders. CIBJO is proud to be associated with such an enterprise."

Mr. Koroilavesau invited Dr. Cavalieri to join the Fijian delegation at the World Oceans Day Session at the United Nations in New York on June 8, where its plan for an environmentally and socially sustainable national pearl sector will be publicly presented.

Pic caption: CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri (left), meeting in Hong Kong with Semi Koroilavesau, the Minister of Fisheries of the Republic of Fiji.