Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu have collectively made significant strides in securing their oceanic heritage, with the recent submission of three Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) claims to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). This ambitious initiative aims to safeguard an expansive area of 453,400 square kilometers encompassing vital ocean resources.
The submissions include areas such as the North Fiji Basin and the Melanesian Borderland Plateau, as well as a national claim for Fiji’s extended continental shelf over the Lau-Colville and Tonga-Kermadec Ridges. These applications seek international recognition for seabed territories that extend beyond the standard 200 nautical miles, in accordance with Article 76 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Securing rights over these areas is crucial for enhancing Pacific sovereignty, protecting essential ocean resources, supporting sustainable development, and managing the impacts of sea-level rise.
The Pacific Community (SPC) has played a pivotal role in supporting these nations through technical expertise and partnership efforts to navigate the complex submission process. Malakai Vakautawale, SPC’s Maritime Boundaries Advisor, conveyed that these submissions align with global initiatives aimed at securing resilient maritime boundaries, contributing not only to national development but also to the urgent climate resilience goals set by the United Nations.
Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Raijeli Taga, highlighted that establishing these rights would ensure that the economic potential beneath the ocean can foster national development and protect the marine environment. Solomon Islands Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Collin Beck, emphasized that this strengthens national sovereignty and promotes communal progress. Vanuatu’s Head of Maritime and Ocean Affairs, Toney Tevi, reflected on how this effort embodies Pacific solidarity and the commitment to sustaining the communities dependent on marine resources.
This collective move is seen as a significant step toward asserting the leadership of Pacific nations in global ocean governance, aligning with shared regional goals and Sustainable Development Goal 14 focused on life below water. Recent discussions during maritime conferences and workshops across the region reveal a unified commitment to uphold marine biodiversity and coastal applications against emerging threats such as climate change.
The participation and collaboration of these nations signify a hopeful trajectory for the Pacific as they strive to harness their oceanic resources responsibly. By reinforcing their maritime boundaries, these countries not only protect their ecological heritage but also ensure the well-being of future generations who depend on these marine ecosystems.
Leave a comment