The Blue Pacific

The “Blue Pacific” seeks to re-capture the collective potential of our shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean based on an explicit recognition of our shared “ocean identity”, “ocean geography”,and “ocean resources”. It aims to strengthen
collective action as one “Blue Pacific Continent” by putting “The Blue Pacific” at the centre of the policy making and collective action for advancing the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Vision for our Region.

Samoa Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. UN Oceans Conference, 5th June 2017, New York.

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Feature Articles

Know our ocean – An Opinion-Editorial by Meg Taylor, DBE on World Oceans Day
08/06/2018
This week we are all encouraged to know our ocean as the world marks World Ocean Day on the 8th June. As Pacific Islanders, we have a strong connection to our oceanic continent. Our totems are largely sea or land animals, and our coastal communities practiced ‘taboo’ over their fishing grounds way before the outside world entered our sphere. We can be proud of our intimate connection with the natural world around us. However, humanity has not treated our oceans well. They are in great trouble and urgent action is required. As stewards of the Pacific Ocean, the largest of the planets ocean systems, we have a great responsibility to take up this challenge – for ourselves and for our children and future generations. To the children and youth of our Blue Pacific continent, I say know your ocean. It is the source of life for so many of us. Human activity is damaging our marine resources and we must act now. Garbage in our ocean Each year, humanity pours its trash into waterways and rivers without a second thought of what happens after they discard their rubbish. Much of this ends up in the ocean, where, for example, more than eight (8) million tonnes of harmful plastic waste ends up annually. The world’s five ocean systems have been likened to “lungs” for our planet. For our community of ocean states, the Pacific Ocean is a source of both food and income; it has connected us in the past, and continues to do so today. The ripples of our ocean reach the shores of four continents. These connections are essentially pathways through which rubbish end up in our ocean of islands.

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The Blue Pacific

The Blue Pacific

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Advancing Pacific Fisheries Interests

Speeches

Introductory Remarks delivered by Mr Shiu Raj, Director Programme & Initiatives at the Forum Trade Officials Meeting (Samoa)

Introductory Remarks by Dame Meg Taylor at the Public Lecture by the Right Hon. Peter O’Neill, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Pacific Islands Forum Observer Statement to the 15th Annual Forum Fisheries Ministerial Meeting by Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor

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AT A GLANCE

Sustainable Development

Economic Growth

Governance

Prime Minister Of Samoa At The Opening Ceremony Of The 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting

Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor Speaking At The Opening Ceremony Of The 48th Pacific Islands Forum

Security

President Christian of Federated States of Micronesia remarks to SIG PIF RAMSI meeting

WHAT’S AHEAD