BY NED GAGAHE
The Pacific region is setting a global benchmark in ocean diplomacy, with 75 percent of shared maritime boundaries concluded through signed treaties significantly above the global average of 60 percent.
Speaking at a sideline event yesterday on “Securing the Blue Pacific Continent: Finalising Maritime Boundaries and Advancing 100% Ocean Management”, Director General of the Pacific Community (SPC) Dr Stuart Minchin reaffirmed the region’s leadership in ocean governance, commending Pacific Island countries for their unwavering commitment to settling maritime boundaries and adopting forward-looking ocean policies.
“The Pacific is leading the world in ocean diplomacy,” Mr Minchin, cited progress made over two decades of sustained technical cooperation, political will, and regional solidarity.
Since the launch of the Solomon Islands’ National Ocean Policy in 2018, the region has witnessed a surge in national efforts to finalise maritime boundaries and secure sovereign rights over vast ocean spaces.
To date, eight Pacific countries have adopted National Ocean Policies, a figure that continues to grow.
The SPC, which serves as the technical custodian of the Pacific Maritime Boundaries Project, has played a key role in facilitating boundary agreements, extended continental shelf submissions, and the development of digital governance tools.
Among recent successes, Tuvalu and Kiribati finalised their maritime boundary treaty earlier this year.
The Cook Islands received a positive recommendation on its Manihiki Plateau submission, an effort 16 years in the making.
Minchin revealed that three new Extended Continental Shelf submissions were advanced to the United Nations in July.
These milestones not only strengthen national sovereignty and resource management but also represent the Pacific’s growing influence in international ocean law.
“Boundaries are not just lines on a map. They are anchors for sustainable development, climate resilience, and food security,” he said.
“Certainty in these spaces gives confidence to investors and protects the livelihoods of our communities,” Minchin said.