BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Dr Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, has underscored the necessity for the Pacific Island states to assume a leadership role in the stewardship of their ocean.
“In the Pacific, we do not permit, particularly regarding the ocean, others to dictate to us the kind of ocean they desire. We must take the lead,” Dr. Manoni said during a PIFLM Side Event focused on Regional Integration and the Ocean of Peace, held at the Aquatic Centre on Thursday.
He addressed the inquiry regarding the connection between the ocean agenda and the delivery of the ocean of peace, as well as how to ensure synergies between the two areas.
“We take the lead. We contribute to the global discourse. We shape and influence the decisions emerging from the global core, because if you remain on the sidelines, your voice goes unheard, your contributions are overlooked, and decisions will pass you by,” he remarked.
He said that this would not represent the optimal scenario for leaders, as the stakes are excessively high for them to neglect this type of approach in their discussions concerning the ocean.
He said that the Pacific mobilized at the utmost political level to attend the conference in Nice and convey a robust, resolute message to the global community regarding their presence, the significant responsibilities they bear as leaders of the Pacific today, and their aspirations for the Pacific to ensure a legacy for future generations.
“They exhibited discipline, unwavering commitment, bluntness, and forthrightness towards our partners.
“We require these partnerships, and a portion of the efforts that leaders undertook in Nice was aimed at reinforcing existing partnerships, establishing new ones, and educating those polluters and individuals who persist in engaging in these deceitful activities in the ocean, emphasizing that the ocean is not merely for the enjoyment of watercraft and yachts. The ocean is the lifeblood for many of us in the Pacific. Seventy-five percent of national budgets are derived from our oceanic resources.
“Thus, the synergies surrounding our work with the ocean and the Declaration of the Ocean of Peace are exceedingly clear. The Declaration articulates the aspirations of the Pacific for the Pacific and the region of peace,” he said.
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