At the recent opening of the Pacific Ocean Conference in Honiara, Dr. Filimon Manoni, Commissioner of the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, underscored the pressing need for the Pacific region to take a proactive role in global ocean governance. He warned against relegating ocean-related issues as secondary concerns, given their critical importance for future generations.
This significant week-long event convenes regional agencies, governments, scientists, civil society, and community leaders, all united by the goal of achieving 100 percent sustainable ocean management. Dr. Manoni recognized the Pacific’s pioneering efforts in conservation and resource management and urged for enhanced collaboration across different sectors, cultures, and generations. He stressed the necessity for a unified Pacific voice in international dialogues concerning conservation, climate, and sustainable management practices.
Dr. Manoni celebrated the region’s collective contributions, such as their involvement in the High Seas Treaty negotiations, highlighting the power of teamwork. He advocated for a policy approach that integrates indigenous knowledge systems, like seasonal fishing practices and celestial navigation, with modern scientific and technological advancements, ensuring they are rooted in the realities experienced by Pacific communities.
In a powerful message to the youth, Dr. Manoni called upon them to recognize their critical role as guardians of the world’s largest ocean. He emphasized the concept of the Pacific as a “sea of islands,” underscoring that the region’s united voice and leadership are crucial in shaping global ocean policies.
The conference showcases the unwavering determination of Pacific nations to address oceanic challenges collectively, fostering optimism for future governance that harmonizes traditional wisdom with contemporary methodologies. The Pacific’s assertive approach presents a hopeful trajectory toward sustainable ocean management that can serve as a global model for change.