How Pacific Nations are Joining Forces to Achieve Ocean Sustainability

The Albanese Government is dedicated to working with Pacific nations to protect and manage our oceans. Recently, leaders from these countries gathered at the 6th Pacific-France Summit, held alongside the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. They discussed important topics like regional stability, sustainable development, and the resilience of both communities and ecosystems.

At the summit, Pacific leaders shared their efforts on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific continent. A healthy ocean is crucial for our economy and the environment, ensuring future generations have what they need.

Australia is supporting Pacific leadership in addressing ocean and climate challenges. This includes the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity initiative and a $100 million investment in the Pacific Resilience Facility. This facility aims to deliver climate finance directly to communities in the region.

A key focus for Australia is the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, also known as the UN High Seas Biodiversity Treaty. The government plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming Spring session to facilitate this process.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, emphasized the pivotal role Pacific island countries play in international ocean policy. "As Pacific nations, we share an ocean and a future," he noted. The ocean is essential for our economies, cultures, and overall health.

Watt highlighted the urgent challenges the region faces: climate change, sea level rise, plastic pollution, and coral reef degradation. Addressing these issues requires collaboration and a commitment to a sustainable ocean economy.

Australia is pleased to work alongside the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner to enhance regional governance and support Pacific representation at UN events. The government is also eager to strengthen ties with these island nations, including its candidacy to host the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in 2026.

According to a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Pacific region is among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, highlighting the need for immediate action. This ongoing commitment from both Australia and Pacific nations aims to forge a sustainable future for their oceans and communities.

For more information on ocean governance initiatives, visit UN Environment Programme.

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