BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The newly redeveloped Pacific Ocean Portal was launched at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara yesterday.
It is a transformative and user-friendly digital platform that offers open access to historical, real-time and predictive ocean data tailored to Pacific needs.
The launching event was attended by the representative of Solomon Islands’ Government, together with participants at this year’s Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Conference (PIOC) in Honiara.
The Conference this week brings together governments, scientists, and stakeholders to strengthen sustainable ocean management.
Leaders stressed the urgency to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution while ensuring that Pacific voices remain central in global ocean debates.
Speaking at the event, Zulfikar Begg, Project Manager, Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac), said that the launching event speaks directly to the priorities and conversations during the Conference this week.
“Throughout our discussions this week, one message has been clear. Pacific Island countries need timely, accessible and reliable ocean data and information and products to guide our discussions, from managing our fisheries and protecting our coastlines, to building resilience against climate change. What we are launching tonight is a direct response to that goal,” he said.
Jens Krüger, SPC’s Deputy Director Ocean and Maritime Programme, said that the Pacific is 98% ocean and only 2% land, and the ocean is the region’s lifeline, identity and shared responsibility.
The Pacific Ocean Portal began under the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific, COSPPac, with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and it transitioned to the Pacific Community SPC in 2016.
“The portal is now a regional public good. It’s grounded in our understanding of what the blue Pacific continent needs, enabling our countries, partners, and projects to share data and products through a single platform. By that we reduce duplication, we increase efficiency and ensure reliability, and we are addressing the real needs of the Pacific Island countries.
“So, I’m really proud to launch this ocean portal here today. What you see here today really demonstrates the scientific and technical excellence that exists in our Pacific region. It’s by the Pacific, for the Pacific,” he said.
Deputy Secretary Corporate of the MECDM, Karl Kuper, on behalf of the government through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, warmly welcomed participants to the important occasion and the launch of the revamped Pacific Ocean Portal.
He extended the Government’s appreciation to the Pacific community and the enduring support of the governments of Australia and New Zealand, working through the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and GNS Science in New Zealand, whose commitment has helped make this vision a reality.
“Today, we are not just launching a website. We are celebrating a transformative digital platform that embodies Pacific innovation, cooperation and resilience. And that’s the redevelopment of the Pacific Ocean Portal,” he said.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
