PNG to push climate and fisheries at PIF

Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will use this week’s Pacific Islands Forum [PIF] to call for stronger action on climate change and better control of fishing in the region.

In an interview with NBC News in Honiara, Mr Marape said PNG is an important part of the Pacific because of its size, population, economy, and location.

“By land, we are the second biggest nation outside of Australia. By population, we are also second biggest. By economy, we are the third biggest after Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

On climate change, the Prime Minister repeated PNG’s strong position against moving Pacific communities to other countries when their land is lost to rising seas. He said the focus should be on saving land.

“Papua New Guinea’s position has been not to relocate, but to reclaim land and allow island countries to remain in their own home,” Mr Marape told NBC News.

He also warned about the billions of dollars lost each year from illegal and under-reported fishing. He said Pacific countries must work together to protect the ocean.

“Every year, over two or three billion dollars’ worth of fish are taken from our waters. Together, we must police our oceans and protect our resources,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr Marape added that PNG will continue to support Pacific unity at a time when the world is facing many challenges. He is expected to return to Honiara on Wednesday to take part in the signing of the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty, the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, and the Leaders’ Retreat.