PRIME MINISTER MARAPE ATTENDS 3RD UN OCEAN CONFERENCE TO CHAMPION MARINE SOVEREIGNTY AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Media Statement ~ 10 June 2025

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape is leading Papua New Guinea’s delegation at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, reaffirming PNG’s leadership and commitment to protecting ocean ecosystems, advancing sustainable fisheries, and addressing the climate crisis. Prime Minister Marape is expected to speak today.

The ocean is not only a source of biodiversity but the lifeblood of the nation central to identity, food security, and economic development. As an archipelagic and maritime country located in the Coral Triangle, Papua New Guinea possesses 2.8 million square kilometres of marine territory and is home to:

* Over 7 percent of global marine biodiversity,

* One-third of the world’s tuna stocks,

* The fourth-largest coral reef system, and

* Some of the most pristine mangrove ecosystems in the Pacific.

The ocean is central to who we are as a people. It is our cultural identity, our economy, and our food security.

*PNG's Achievements and Commitments*

Since the last Ocean Conference, Papua New Guinea has made significant progress in ocean governance:

* Enacted the Protected Areas Act 2024, with a goal to protect 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030.

* Declared two new Marine Protected Areas (Lovongai and Murat) covering over 17,000 km².

* Developed a National Oceans Policy (2020–2030) and established a National Oceans Office for integrated marine governance.

* Initiated a Blue Carbon Policy, with stock assessments underway across six provinces.

* Formally submitted its marine boundary coordinates under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to reaffirm sovereignty in light of rising sea levels.

* Signed the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Agreement, marking a milestone in protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond PNG’s national jurisdiction.

*Sustainable Fisheries and Blue Economy*

PNG is promoting sustainable fishing practices through zone-based management and the Vessel Day Scheme, under the Parties to the Nauru Agreement. To combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, PNG became a State Party to the Port State Measures Agreement in 2024.

Efforts are also underway to build a blue economy, with investments in Special Economic Zones such as the East New Britain Fisheries Hub, which supports local fish processing, creates coastal livelihoods, and enhances resilience to climate impacts.

Global Climate Leadership

Prime Minister Marape will also use this platform for PNG’s call for international solidarity on climate and oceans with reaffirmation and PNG’s support for:

* The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,

* REDD+ forest conservation mechanisms,

* A legally binding Plastics Treaty,

* And greater ambition under the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.

This will include a tailored, predictable, and scaled-up climate financing for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly through the Green Climate Fund, which PNG will host for its 42nd Board Meeting later this month. With Prime Minister, Hon James Marape's leadership, PNG is becoming a global voice for environment protection, climate change and sustainable development.