Pacific Ocean Commissioner in Vanuatu for Ocean Engagements

Port Vila, Vanuatu– Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Dr Filimon Manoni today met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Matai Seremaiah. This courtesy visit by the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, coincides with the invitation from the Government of Vanuatu for the Commissioner to join Vanuatu’s weeklong environment and ocean celebrations in Port Vila.

Dr Manoni congratulated Vanuatu on convening the weeklong event as a perfect way of getting the public and community take ownership and be part of these important days dedicated to the ocean and the environment.

Earlier in the week, Dr Manoni also had the opportunity to meet with the Vanuatu Special Envoy for Ocean and Maritime Boundaries, Mr Jotham Napat. The week also features high level panel events convened at the University of the South Pacific Emalus Campus where students and youth can hear directly from leaders about the national, regional and global efforts relating to the Ocean. Apart from the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC), the Pacific Community, Waitt Foundation and other stakeholders and partners were also present at the celebrations.

The weeklong environment and ocean celebrations will culminate in the launching of the Vanuatu revised National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Plan by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Hon Charlot Salwai. In addition to the appointment of the Vanuatu Ocean Envoy, Vanuatu is committed to establishing a dedicated Division under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Ocean. These efforts by the Government of Vanuatu allows us to give the ocean the attention it deserves says Deputy Prime Minister Seremaiah. In response, Commissioner Manoni reiterated that these steps taken by Vanuatu is living up to its legacy as a country where 14 years ago in Port Vila, Forum Leaders endorsed the Framework for the Pacific Oceanscape 2010 as the regional ocean policy. This regional ocean policy was significant for the ocean as it also established the position of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and the Pacific Ocean Alliance.

Deputy Prime Minister Seremaiah and Dr Manoni discussed potential areas of collaboration on the ocean moving forward, noting Vanuatu’s key role as the Chair of the Pacific Small Island Developing States PSIDS. Commissioner Manoni provided an update on the implementation of the Suva Agreement regarding the move of the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) to Palau.

Commissioner Manoni also had the opportunity to meet with the Melanesian Spearhead Group Director-General, Mr. Leonard Louma and discussed ocean issues of interest to the Melanesian Countries.