Pacific region through the Pacific Islands Forum has in place the Framework for Pacific Regionalism which serves as a conduit through which regional issues including climate change, increasing economic returns and ensuring the sustainable management of fi
Minister for Foreign Affairs Rimbink Pato highlighted these issues at the “2016 Our Ocean” conference in Washington DC, USA.
Pato thanked the US Government for convening the Conference as the issues discussed under the various sub themes resonates well with efforts that the Small Island States are undertaking in the context of SDG 14, particularly to forge alliance with like-minded states with a view to work together to ensure sustainable use of the ocean resources.
He added that during the COP 21 meeting in Paris in December 2015, the world witnessed the passion and effectiveness of the small Pacific Island Countries as they pushed and challenged the international community towards the most ambitious outcome.
“The Paris agreement reflects the triple threats that confront this region; of climate change, extreme weather vulnerability, of oceanic despoliation, and socio economic disruption.
“These existential challenges face these countries now, and not sometime in the future.”
Pato urged the international community of development partners, philanthropic organizations, NGOs and creative minds gathered to give due heed to the Pacific region.
“Our small nations have limited resources and institutional capacity but our historic vulnerability has resulted in strong and effective community and national systems to cope with modern pressures and have resulted ¡n a strong and effective framework of regional cooperation and unity,” he said.
He further called on international partners to work with these communities through national and regional frameworks in ways that are appropriate for and considerate of their constraints.
Pato pointed out that the vast sums of money and help being revealed are useless to these communities if the funding processes are too burdensome.
“Well intentioned interventions which are not incorporated into our systems are actually disruptive and unsustainable in the long term.
“The most fragile and vulnerable populations of the Pacific facing sea level rise sea surges cyclones loss of livelihood loss of economic development right at this moment.
“It is not tomorrow but NOW. Additionally, cyclones which are more frequent and destructive can devastate entire island economies in hours.”
The conference was convened by the US Secretary of State H.E. Mr. John Kerry from Sept 15-16.
The 3rd Our Oceans Conference held at the Ministerial level was attended by representatives from all coastal/maritime states, includìng international non-governmental organizations and scientific experts to deliberate and identify appropriate measures to conserve the oceans and sustainably use the gradually depleting marine resources.
The Conference focused on four (4) key ocean issues of this time; marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, and climate-related impacts on the ocean.
The President of the United States, Barack Obama delivered the key note Address.