Pacific Conservation Project: Largest in the World
- NICE, France—Twenty-two Pacific Island countries and territories have committed to sustainably manage the vast oceanic state known as the Blue Pacific Continent.
- Stuart Minchin, director general of the Pacific Community, highlighted the significance of this commitment.
- Speakers at the launch emphasized that this initiative marks a shift from short-term, donor-driven projects to long-term, Pacific-led solutions.
Twenty-two Pacific island nations have pledged to safeguard the Blue Pacific Continent,committing to sustainably manage their vast oceanic territory—the world’s largest conservation project—as announced at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice,france. This ambitious initiative aims to protect at least 30% of the area by 2030, marking a pivotal shift towards Pacific-led solutions, specifically the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity (UBPP) project. The project places a heavy emphasis on healthy oceans and thriving blue economies, which includes traditional wisdom and indigenous practices. The news Directory 3 team is optimistic about the groundbreaking work. The project encompasses conservation, food systems, and innovative financing.Discover what’s next as the UBPP initiative forges partnerships for long-term sustainability?
Pacific Island Nations Commit to Blue Pacific Continent Ocean Conservation
NICE, France—Twenty-two Pacific Island countries and territories have committed to sustainably manage the vast oceanic state known as the Blue Pacific Continent. The pledge, announced at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, includes protecting at least 30% of the area by 2030.
Dr. Stuart Minchin, director general of the Pacific Community, highlighted the significance of this commitment. He noted the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity (UBPP) project signals the Pacific region’s proactive approach to ocean conservation and blue economies.
Speakers at the launch emphasized that this initiative marks a shift from short-term, donor-driven projects to long-term, Pacific-led solutions. The commitment aims to foster healthy oceans, strong communities, and thriving blue economies, while integrating traditional wisdom and indigenous practices.
“That kind of commitment sends a clear message the Pacific is not waiting on the world,” Minchin saeid.
Tuvalu’s Minister of Climate Change, Maina Vakafua, described the project as “a gift from the Pacific to the world,” supporting global goals for biodiversity, climate action, and sustainable development. Vakafua also noted the importance of blended finance tools tailored to the needs of Pacific countries, which currently recieve less than 1% of global climate finance.
The UBPP initiative focuses on 100% conservation,robust food systems,and appropriate financing mechanisms,including grants,payments for ecosystem services,and loans. It seeks to establish a regenerative blue economy that supports marine protected areas, coastal stewardship, and nature-positive businesses.
“We are protecting our ocean, and we are helping to create a better future for everyone, especially those who depend on the oceans for their daily survival. We invite partners, donors, and friends of the ocean to join us,” Vakafua said.
Karena Lyons, Director of Partnerships, Integration, and Resource Mobilization, explained that Pacific leaders recognized the need for a region-led initiative to advance ocean stewardship. The project addresses the impacts of climate change on food security, water access, and livelihoods.
the launch concluded with the unveiling of a handcrafted tapa from Fiji, featuring a map of the Blue Pacific. This tapa will travel throughout the Pacific, gathering stories of ocean advocacy and action, before being auctioned to support ocean conservation efforts.
What’s next
The Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity initiative will now focus on building partnerships with investors and strategic partners to align capital with climate, conservation, and community outcomes, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Blue Pacific Continent.