The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has voiced its disappointment over the United States’ recent decision to withdraw from the organization, emphasizing that the Pacific region remains in a climate crisis. SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra highlighted the organization’s commitment to tackling the intertwined challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, stating, “Our work to cushion our Pacific communities against the impacts of these triple planetary crises remains at the forefront of everything we do.”
Nawadra described the U.S. withdrawal as an early setback for the year, especially against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions in the region. He acknowledged the potential implications of the U.S. leaving SPREP, including the loss of valuable relationships with U.S. technical agencies and organizations. “A lot of questions were asked about the implications, especially in the face of a fiercely contested region, geopolitically,” he noted.
Despite this setback, Nawadra asserted that SPREP will continue to operate within the mandate given to it by Pacific leaders, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action against climate change, which he called the “single greatest threat” to the region. He vowed to advocate firmly for all nations to enhance their commitments under the Paris Agreement, stressing the necessity of keeping global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius to ensure the survival of Pacific communities.
Nawadra reiterated that the climate priorities of Pacific member countries will remain pivotal to SPREP’s initiatives, including their involvement in global climate negotiations. He expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort between Australia, Pacific Small Island Developing States, and New Zealand in their bid to host the upcoming COP 31. While acknowledging that the previous COP 30 decision did not favor them, he remains optimistic about their role in the upcoming negotiations.
Moreover, Nawadra celebrated the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement, which he labels a significant accomplishment for the region’s leadership in ocean conservation. The agreement aims to protect marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, aligning with efforts to manage fisheries and protect migratory species. Nawadra views this as an opportunity to enhance stewardship across international waters, reflecting a continued commitment to global marine conservation.
SPREP’s ongoing work and advocacy present a hopeful outlook for Pacific nations as they navigate the complexities of climate change and international relationships, reinforcing their resilience and commitment to environmental sustainability.