Commonwealth nations made history by adopting their inaugural ocean declaration at a summit in Samoa, the first to be held in the Pacific island nation.
The Apia Ocean Declaration was unveiled at the conclusion of the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
It urges all 56 Commonwealth nations to safeguard the ocean against serious challenges such as climate change, pollution, and overexploitation.
The Declaration emphasizes the importance of acknowledging maritime boundaries in the face of rising sea levels.
It aims to protect 30% of the oceans and restore damaged marine ecosystems by 2030, while also prioritizing the swift completion of the Global Plastics Treaty.
Additionally, it advocates for the ratification of the high-seas biodiversity treaty, the creation of coastal climate adaptation strategies, and enhanced support for sustainable blue economies.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa stated in a release from her office that it was appropriate for “our first ocean declaration” to be made in the Blue Pacific continent, as climate change is acknowledged as the foremost threat to the safety and welfare of our people.
