By JOHN HOUANIHAU
Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Dr Filimon Manoni, urges Pacific leaders, scientists, policymakers, and communities to work collectively to safeguard the region’s ocean.
Delivering his keynote address in this week’s Pacific Islands Ocean Conference in Honiara, Manoni described collaboration as “not just important, but essential”.
Reflecting on what he described as a good year for the ocean, he highlighted Pacific leadership at global forums such as the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France and strong regional advocacy at the UN General Assembly in New York.
“Pacific leaders understand the burden they carry today in preparing future generations for the stewardship of the ocean.
“The Pacific has not been sitting idle. We have taken steps at the regional and national levels through conventions, treaties, and marine policies to sustainably manage our ocean,” Manoni said.
He acknowledges that global progress has been uneven, pointing to the stalled negotiations for a plastics treaty.
Manoni calls for renewed momentum at the upcoming UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) in December, pressing for an agreement robust enough to address the full cycle of plastics and provide meaningful support for small island developing states.
He also highlighted the need to balance science, technology, and policy with traditional Pacific knowledge and values.
“Our traditions of celestial navigation, sacred marine spaces, and seasonal fishing calendars reflect our deep ecological intelligence. These must remain at the centre of ocean governance,” he said.
He said that the Pacific voice must remain united on the global stage.
“We are not islands in a far sea, but a sea of islands,” he said, invoking the late Pacific scholar Epeli Hau‘ofa’s famous words.
Addressing young people, he reminded them of their role as future custodians of the ocean.
“Do not let the size of the ocean intimidate you. It is your home, your heritage, and your identity. Your responsibility is to ensure it maintains its bountifulness into the future.
“Pacific solutions are global solutions. Only through collaboration, science, traditional knowledge, and shared responsibility can we secure the ocean for generations to come,” he concluded.
Photo: Supplied
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