The ocean serves as a crucial resource for many Pacific island nations, yet it does not hold official status on the agenda for the Conference of the Parties (COP).
Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Environment, expressed hope that the issue of the ocean can be incorporated into various negotiation areas at the World Climate Conference.
“There are several agenda items at the COP, and the ‘ocean’ has never been a standalone topic. What we usually do is integrate ‘ocean’ considerations into different negotiation tracks,” Dr. Michael explained.
He emphasized that adapting to the evolving complexities of climate change necessitates a revised approach to how ocean and marine resources are utilized. “While we aim to bring this cross-cutting issue into negotiation discussions, it is not currently an item on the agenda as a standalone topic,” he noted.
Dr. Michael underlined the necessity to spotlight the ocean’s essential role in climate systems and global environmental sustainability.
“We’re striving to establish and clearly define our positions as a Pacific region. This ensures that during these meetings, we can engage in genuine and meaningful discussions with our negotiation partners and advocate for our priorities to be reflected in the negotiations,” he said.