Marape: ‘Ocean is not only a source of biodiversity but our lifeblood’

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s deep connection to the ocean, describing it as the nation’s lifeblood during his address at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

In delivering Papua New Guinea’s Country Statement, Prime Minister Marape emphasized the vital importance of marine ecosystems to the nation’s identity, economy, and food security.

“As an archipelagic and maritime nation located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, Papua New Guinea spans 2.8 million square kilometres of ocean territory,” he told global leaders.

“We host over seven percent of global biodiversity, a third of the world’s tuna, the fourth-largest coral reef system, and some of the most pristine mangrove ecosystems in the Pacific.

“For us, the ocean is not only a source of our biodiversity but our lifeblood — central to our identity, economy, and food security,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that PNG’s Constitution mandates the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources for future generations, a principle embedded in national development strategies.

“Our 2023–2027 Fourth Medium Term Development Plan places the environment–oceans climate nexus at the centre of our sustainable development strategy,” he said.

He highlighted key achievements, including:

The enactment of the Protected Areas Act [2024], which targets protecting 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.

The establishment of two major marine protected areas, Lovongai and Murat, covering over 17,000 square kilometres with community-led management.

The designation of PNG’s waters as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area by the International Maritime Organization in 2016, to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

The United Nations’ recognition of PNG’s marine zone boundaries in September 2024, which Marape said reaffirms national sovereignty amid rising sea levels.

The Prime Minister also spoke of the continued implementation of the National Oceans Policy [2020–2030] and the establishment of a National Oceans Office to ensure coordinated and sustainable marine governance in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS].

Marape's address echoed PNG’s commitment to balancing environmental conservation with economic development and its ongoing leadership role in Pacific Ocean governance.