SPREP webinar series- Transitioning to a post-pandemic Pacific
June 12: “OUR OCEAN JOURNEY FOR A BLUER PACIFIC AS WE NAVIGATE THROUGH COVID19”
PACIFIC OCEAN COMMISSIONER STATEMENT
By Dame Meg Taylor, SG,
Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Ocean Commissioner
Thank you for the opportunity to offer a few reflections in my capacity as the Pacific Ocean Commissioner.
Earlier this week I reflected on the importance of continuing to observe and celebrate World Ocean Day, in spite of the chaotic and uncertain environment we now find ourselves in because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
The Ocean, for the Blue Pacific, is more than just a vast body of water – it is a representation of us; the interconnectedness of people, place and prospects. The Ocean is our shared resource and our shared responsibility. Indeed, I echo the words of Epeli Hau’ofa:
“No single country in the Pacific can by itself protect its own slice of the oceanic environment; the very nature of that environment prescribes regional effort and to develop the ocean resources sustainably, a regional unity is required.”
COVID-19 has exacerbated our vulnerabilities as individual economies and as a region.
Robust and timely public health and border protection measures have, for the most part, protected our home and our people from the worst of COVID-19. Today, the focus of all our national economies is on reviving economic activity and production in our island economies, with many already facing the grim prospect of recession.
COVID-19 has also presented the world with a valuable opportunity. The opportunity to link global recovery efforts with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Yes, COVID-19 may be dominating the global policy and political agenda but there is an opportunity to concertedly work toward progressing the Forum Leaders’ priorities, particularly that of Climate Action and Ocean Governance.
Indeed, the postponement of the key multilateral meetings now provides the region the opportunity to strengthen our strategic approach and preparations to ensure strong coherence and consistency across three separate but related multilateral fora: the COP 26, the 2nd United Nations Ocean Conference and COP 15 on Biodiversity.
With strong regional cooperation and collaboration, we can and will continue to achieve and progress our priorities. An example of this was the region’s establishment of the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway on COVID-19 (PHP-C) – high-level, political mechanism to expedite assistance and cooperation between Pacific countries in preparing for and responding to COVID-19.
I cannot emphasise the importance of regional coordination to ensure a strong advocacy and negotiation position to find solutions to our ocean plight.
We the Regional Agencies, have a responsibility, as technical advisers for our region, to use this time to think differently and innovatively. We must act differently, creatively, constructively and collectively with our Members, and together make this oceanic continent Bluer. The health and the wellbeing of the Blue Pacific depends on us all.
We can no longer rest on our laurels – we must work together to realise the full potential of our ocean, which is our greatest natural asset. We can be agents of change whilst ensuring the sustainable governance of our Ocean. This is only possible if we build on existing capacities and encourage innovation.
But first our approaches as a region must be harmonised, not just from the ridge to reef, but from highland to high seas.
Our ocean is our responsibility.
Media Contacts
Mereseini Marau
Mobile or WhatsApp: +679 9985273
Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
