Pacific Ocean Commissioner

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Reflecting on the Pacific Islands Forum Climate Justice and Sea Level Rise Week in Suva, Fiji last week.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni spoke at the session for the Pacific Legal & Policy Architecture on Protection of Persons Affected by SLR, delivered a timely message highlighting the urgent need to strengthen awareness and action on the protection of persons affected by sea level rise (SLR).

Dr Manoni emphasised the importance of unpacking the International Court of Justice Opinion and ensuring communities understand its implications, while calling for a unified regional approach moving forward.

Guided by the 2050 Strategy as the Pacific's North Star, he urged stakeholders to collectively map practical pathways that safeguard Pacific peoples.

A key takeaway: this issue must remain front and centre across all regional and international discussions—whether on climate change or governance.

🌊 The Pacific voice is clear: protecting our people is not optional—it’s imperative.

24/05/2026

Vinaka vakalevu Fiji's Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for the strong collaboration in hosting the Diplomatic Reception on Blue Pacific Ocean Cooperation.

Your partnership and leadership in creating this space for meaningful dialogue on governance and regional collaboration are truly appreciated. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts toward advancing a resilient and sustainable Blue Pacific.

19/05/2026

🌊 Pacific Voices Leading Ocean Governance 🌊

Bula vinaka from Suva, Fiji.

Today, Pacific leaders, partners, and the International Seabed Authority gathered to open the Pacific SIDS Regional Workshop on the Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative—a critical step in shaping the future of our shared ocean.

The workshop was officially opened by Fiji's Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo. " The ocean has sustained Pacific peoples for millennia. It has been our highway, our food source, our spiritual home, and our shared inheritance. As we consider the governance of what lies beneath its surface, we carry not only legal obligations—but a deeper responsibility," he said.

Organised by the International Seabed Authority, the keynote speaker was ISA Secretary General Leticia Carvalho.

This workshop underscores a powerful message:
The Pacific is not just a region on the map—we are custodians of the Blue Pacific Continent, deeply connected to and responsible for the global ocean commons.

Key highlights of the three day workshop:
🔹 Strengthening Pacific capacity to navigate deep seabed governance
🔹 Launch of practical tools to guide sponsoring States in legal and commercial decision-making
🔹 Advancing environmental protection, science-based policies, and accountability
🔹 Promoting inclusive participation, including opportunities for Pacific women in ocean research
🔹 Reinforcing alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent

While perspectives on deep-sea minerals differ across the region, Pacific nations remain united in their commitment to:
✅ Sustainability
✅ Strong governance
✅ Intergenerational equity
✅ A rules-based international order under UNCLOS

Pacific Islands Forum Acting Secretary General Desna Solofa said that as Pacific nations, while we have different views on exploring the development of deep-sea minerals within and outside of national jurisdictions, we remain collectively committed to rules-based international order and adherence to the 1982 UNCLOS.
"Our diverse perspectives reflect our sovereign choices, our varied capacities, and our shared desire to protect the health of our Pacific ocean for generations to come. And for this, we believe that open dialogue, trust, and respect are critical when it comes to discussing deep sea minerals. We remain guided by our collective values, as articulated in the 2050 Strategy," said Ms Solofa.

This gathering is more than dialogue—it is a collective effort to ensure Pacific voices are prepared, coordinated, and influential in global ocean decision-making.
Vinaka vakalevu to all partners and participants committed to protecting our and securing a resilient future for generations to come.

14/05/2026

🌊 Day 3 | Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni took part in today’s plenary on “Ocean Governance and Maritime Boundaries,” aimed at strengthening understanding of legally defined maritime boundaries and the exercise of State sovereignty within these jurisdictions.

Moderated by former Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dame Meg Taylor, the session brought together distinguished speakers from the Governments of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Pacific Community (SPC).

Dr Manoni highlighted the significance of the BBNJ Agreement—the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS—in addressing critical gaps in global ocean governance. He also underscored its relevance to maritime boundaries and its alignment with the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) vision for a transboundary, collaborative marine conservation effort.

Strengthening governance, protecting biodiversity, and advancing regional cooperation remain central to securing a sustainable ocean future.

13/05/2026

🌊 Day 2 | Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026

High-level engagements continue on the sidelines of the Summit as Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni and UNSG Special Envoy on the Ocean, Peter Thomson, met with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Honourable James Marape and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu Honourable Feleti Teo.

During a plenary on Ocean Finance, Commissioner Manoni shared key insights and lessons from the Pacific Ocean Finance Exchange, highlighting the importance of innovative financing to support sustainable ocean management and resilience across the region.

Discussions also advanced through the Ocean Toktok on “Connected Blue Corridors”, emphasizing collaboration to protect and sustainably manage our shared ocean spaces. 🌐🐟

Together, we continue to strengthen partnerships for a healthier, more resilient Pacific Ocean.

12/05/2026

Leaders Unite for the Pacific

At the Melanesia Ocean Summit 2026, Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Filimon Manoni proudly moderated Plenary 2 on Leaders’ Pledges, Commitments & Ambitions.

Bringing together Heads of Government from Micronesia and Polynesia, alongside partners from Australia, New Zealand, France, and Indonesia, the message was strong and united:
💙 The ocean is at the heart of Pacific life, identity, and prosperity
🤝 Regional solidarity is essential for lasting ocean protection
🌏 Strong endorsement for the Melanesia Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCoR) Framework
💰 A clear call for sustainable and long-term ocean financing

Together, Pacific leaders are shaping a bold, collective vision to safeguard our for generations to come.

06/05/2026

We are looking forward to be part of the Melanesia Ocean Summit 2026.

We are pleased to welcome OPOC as a Regional Partner for the Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026 (MOS26).

OPOC’s participation reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring ocean protection through sustainable ocean economies across the Melanesian region. Together, we advance collaboration, innovation, and action for a resilient Blue Pacific future.

Visit our website for more details and to register. www.melanesianoceansummit.com

16/04/2026

🌊 The BBNJ Agreement has entered into force, creating new global obligations to protect biodiversity on the high seas.

Join us and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme - SPREP on Monday, April 27 for a webinar exploring the Environmental Impact Assessment provisions and what they mean for Pacific Island Countries in practice.

Scan the QR code in the poster to register.

12/04/2026

🌊 Strengthening Regional Ocean Governance

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni was pleased to connect with SPREP Director for Environmental Governance, Mr. Jope Davetanivalu, for a meaningful discussion on advancing our region’s shared ocean priorities.

In their meeting last week, they discussed the importance of working together to support the implementation of the Agreement, while aligning collective efforts with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Partnership and collaboration remain key to safeguarding our for current and future generations.