Marape calls for global action to save the earth and oceans
Prime Minister James Marape has urged world leaders to take stronger action to protect the planet’s forests, oceans, and biodiversity, warning that humanity is “borrowing our children’s future” through unsustainable living.
Speaking at a high-level side meeting during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr Marape reminded the global community of Earth’s uniqueness and fragility.
“There is no other planet like ours,” he said. “It is better to save this planet than to search for life elsewhere.”
The Prime Minister said human activity had already pushed the earth close to irreversible damage. He warned that if current lifestyles continue, future generations may not inherit the same environment enjoyed today.
Mr Marape also grounded his message in faith, stressing that humans were given a duty by God to care for creation and not destroy it.
He highlighted Papua New Guinea’s critical role as custodian of one of the world’s last great rainforests and rich marine biodiversity.
“Papua New Guinea is almost 80 per cent forested, and our coral reefs are among the richest on Earth,” he said. “These forests are not just a PNG asset; they belong to humanity.”
The Prime Minister said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during his recent visit to PNG, was amazed to witness the country’s vast intact forests. He added that these resources act as vital carbon sinks, oxygen producers, and biodiversity homes, making their protection essential for the balance of the Earth.
The Prime Minister also outlined PNG’s domestic efforts, such as higher taxes on logging and plans to dedicate up to 72 per cent of its landmass to rainforest preservation. But he stressed that without global partnerships, the temptation of quick cash would remain strong for landowners.
“Ninety-seven per cent of our land is owned by our people. They want to protect it, but they are tempted by immediate gains,” he said. “We need investors and sponsors to work with us so that preserving forests becomes more valuable than cutting them down.”
He concluded with a strong message to world leaders:
“This is our one planet. If the balance is broken, we are not just losing trees or oceans, we are losing Earth itself. Across 96 billion light years of the universe, there is no other home for humanity.”