Oslo, Norway– Palau President Tommy Remengesau is looking forward to showcase their National Marine Sanctuary when they host the Our Ocean Conference on August 17 to 18 next year.
Tagged as one of the world’s largest no take Marine Protected Areas which is 400,000 square kilometres, President Remengesau said the National Marine Sanctuary would move from blue print to the blue ocean early next year after four years of preparatory work.
“In Palau, we are on the cusp of a new era in transitioning towards a sustainable blue economy.”
“When you come to Palau for next year’s Our Ocean Conference, I hope that you will also take the opportunity to see this in progress for yourself.”
President Remengesau made this announcement at the recent Our Ocean Conference in Oslo, Norway.
Meanwhile, the Pacific region has around 300 marine protected areas and have adopted a number of ocean related communiques and declarations and take pride in our leadership on ocean governance arrangements.
Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa shared at the conference that as a region the Pacific have established a ban on driftnet fishing; invested in key partnerships to help address Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing; have continued to prioritise the implementation of the SDG Goal 14 on Oceans and continue to call for its effective implementation.
“Our Pacific leaders have also endorsed the development of a 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent recognising the need for a long term vision, a carefully considered regionalism strategy coupled with collective commitment to secure the future of our Blue Pacific. This is especially relevant given the escalating climate change impacts. Thus, advancing climate change action, protecting our ocean’s health and the sustainable management of our island and oceans resources are seen as cornerstone priorities of this long term strategy,” said Hon Mata’afa.
“As guardians of the largest portion of the Pacific Ocean, our committed leadership as the Blue Pacific matters. We recognise the geostrategic, economic, cultural and ecological importance of the world’s largest ocean continent as well as the importance of securing the wellbeing and potential of the Pacific Ocean. As people of the Blue Pacific continent, we have much to contribute and also gain from the vision of this Conference, which is – to learn, share and act for a clean, healthy and productive ocean,” said Hon Mata’afa.
President Remengesau and host Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg convened the High level Panel for a Sustainable Economy at the margins of the conference.
“If the oceans are to provide for the needs of future generations, ocean protection and the sustainable use of ocean resources must go hand in hand,” said Prime Minister Solberg when addressing the conference.
The other Pacific representatives included Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau, Nauru’s Minister for Fisheries Wawani Dowiyogo.
The other Forum Members were represented by their permanent missions in New York and London.
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Director General Kosi Latu, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Deputy Secretary General Cristelle Pratt and representative from the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner actively participated in the conference.
