The Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is leading two significant in-country missions this week in Tuvalu and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. These missions are focused on advancing National Workshops on the Agreement under the Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and supporting the development of Tuvalu’s National Ocean Policy.
The National BBNJ Workshop in the Republic of the Marshall Islands aims to enhance the understanding and capacity of RMI officials and stakeholders on the BBNJ Treaty. The workshop will provide a platform for discussions on the importance of the Agreement. The consultations will bring together the stakeholders at the technical and departmental level to work through the components of the Agreement and to enhance understanding by the RMI of the implications of the Agreement. High level consultations and briefings were also provided to the political leadership in anticipation of ratification.
In Tuvalu, the OPOC is also conducting a three-day national BBNJ Workshop. In addition, a team of OPOC partners, including representatives from the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP), Ocean experts and various Ocean Philanthropic Organizations, will collaborate with Tuvaluan officials to carry out the first scoping consultation on Tuvalu’s National Ocean Policy. This two-day consultation marks a significant step towards the development of a comprehensive and sustainable ocean policy for Tuvalu, ensuring the protection and sustainable management of its marine resources.
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Filimon Manoni highlighted the importance of these missions, stating, “Our efforts in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu are key for building the capacity of these two Members to effectively contribute to the objectives of the BBNJ Agreement in the conservation and management of biological diversity within EEZs and in areas beyond national jurisdiction. We are committed to supporting all Forum Island countries in their endeavours to ratify the BBNJ Treaty.”
As tasked by Leaders, OPOC remains dedicated to coordinating and delivering support to all Members as they navigate the complexities of the BBNJ Agreement and the implications on national capacity in terms of ocean governance and conservation of biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. OPOC urges all national focal points to reach out where such consultations may be required.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner
Email: opoc@forumsec.org
