Tony Kabasi, the Team Leader for Ocean Management at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, has issued a critical appeal for Pacific nations to expedite the resolution of their maritime boundaries. This urgent plea was made during the Pacific Islands Ocean Conference in Honiara, where Kabasi underscored the vital importance of establishing finalized maritime boundaries in safeguarding the region’s sovereignty and natural resources, especially in light of the looming threats posed by climate change.
At the recent 54th Pacific Islands Forum held in September 2025, regional leaders reaffirmed their dedication to completing the outstanding maritime boundary delimitations and continental shelf submissions. This commitment is rooted in the landmark declarations made in 2021 and 2023, recognizing that formalizing maritime boundaries is fundamental to providing legal certainty for ocean zones, crucially important as the Pacific faces the perilous rise in sea levels.
Kabasi noted that out of 48 shared maritime boundaries, 36 have already been resolved, which positions the Pacific region well ahead of the global average completion rate of 60%. He highlighted the pressing necessity to address the remaining 25% to achieve full maritime ocean management, emphasizing that these defined boundaries would later be officially recorded with the United Nations in line with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Despite the challenges that arise in the boundary finalization process—including the complexities of negotiations, legal stipulations, and the need for strong political commitment—the Pacific Maritime Boundaries programme, with support from the Australian Government and various partners, continues to assist Pacific Island nations in advancing these efforts.
The Forum Leaders commended several nations, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, for their successful efforts in signing amended treaties concerning maritime boundaries. They encouraged all Pacific nations to integrate the 2021 Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones into their national legislation, thereby fostering a unified approach to protect the region’s oceanic resources.
This collaborative initiative not only aims to strengthen the legal frameworks surrounding maritime boundaries but also seeks to empower Pacific nations to sustainably manage their marine resources. These endeavors are reflective of a broader commitment to securing a resilient future for the Blue Pacific Continent, ultimately benefiting the communities that rely on these essential marine environments. By taking decisive actions today, Pacific nations can establish themselves as leaders in global ocean governance, shining as a beacon of hope and unity in the fight against climate change.