At the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape led the national delegation and announced that PNG will host a side event focused on “Climate-Resilient Coral Reef Conservation.” This initiative underscores the country’s proactive role in global ocean governance and climate action.
Leaders from 148 countries and international organizations gathered to discuss the future of global ocean conservation.
In his address, Prime Minister Marape emphasized, “Papua New Guinea is a significant maritime nation, located within the Coral Triangle and home to one-third of the world’s tuna resources.”
He reiterated PNG’s longstanding commitment to sustainable marine resource management and its active efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14) under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
According to a national plan released during the conference, PNG has already passed legislation for the establishment of the Marine Protected Areas Act, aiming to place 30% of its marine territory under protection by 2030. To date, over 17,000 square kilometers have already been formally designated as marine protected areas.
Meanwhile, PNG is stepping up its efforts in fisheries management and the fight against illegal fishing to promote sustainable ocean use.
One of the key outcomes of the conference was PNG’s formal signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. Adopted in June 2023, the agreement is regarded as a historic step forward in improving the governance of the high seas and protecting marine biodiversity.
“Papua New Guinea is proud to support the BBNJ Agreement, which reflects our firm commitment to preserving the ocean for future generations,” said Prime Minister Marape at the signing ceremony.
Additionally, PNG’s planned side event on climate-resilient coral reefs will showcase the critical role coral ecosystems play in the context of climate change and call for greater support for building resilient marine ecosystems.
During his speech, Prime Minister Marape also expressed concern over the lack of tangible international support for forest conservation. He pointed out that, although PNG has been actively advancing forest protection and carbon reduction under the REDD-Plus mechanism, “we have yet to receive real financial returns from the international community.” He urged major carbon-emitting countries to “honor their obligations under the Paris Agreement and provide genuine support to developing countries most affected by climate change.”
To strengthen international cooperation and expand PNG’s global presence, Prime Minister Marape is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders during the conference, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to discuss sustainable development, ocean governance, and climate finance.
Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, this conference serves as a vital platform for developing countries to amplify their voice on ocean and climate issues.
PNG’s delegation includes several key cabinet ministers, highlighting the nation’s strong commitment to the global climate and ocean agenda.
