Prime Minister James Marape has called on Pacific nations and global leaders to unite in protecting the world’s oceans, warning that destroying the oceans would ultimately destroy planet Earth.

Speaking at the opening of the Melanesian Oceans Summit in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape said the conference was historic and timely as Pacific leaders gather to discuss ocean conservation and climate action.

The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea takes its role in the Pacific seriously, describing the country as one of the world’s largest island nations with rich biodiversity both on land and at sea.

He said PNG shares the same concerns as other Pacific Island nations, especially the growing impacts of climate change and environmental destruction.

“Ocean sustains life. Without ocean we would not be where we are today,” Mr. Marape said.

He stressed that conversations about preserving oceans are not only important for Melanesia or the Pacific, but for the entire world.

Mr. Marape said scientists have found no other planet in the observable universe with oceans like earth, making the protection of marine ecosystems critical for humanity’s survival.

He also highlighted the importance of the Pacific Ocean, describing it as the largest ocean on Earth and saying Pacific nations are the custodians of one of the planet’s most important natural resources.

The Prime Minister said Melanesia contains some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and important seascapes linked across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

He said the summit discussions would focus on conserving oceans, protecting marine life and ensuring the ocean economy remains sustainable for future generations.

Mr. Marape urged world leaders to listen to Pacific voices, saying although Pacific nations may not have large economies or military power, they have the power to speak out on climate change and ocean protection.

He said Pacific countries continue to suffer the effects of global carbon pollution despite contributing very little to global emissions.

The Prime Minister also announced PNG’s plans to transition away from fossil fuels, saying the country aims to increase the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy over the next decade.

He called on the wider Pacific region to follow similar pathways towards cleaner energy and sustainable resource management.

Mr. Marape said protecting the oceans is directly connected to protecting the future of humanity.

“Ocean is our way of life. Ocean is our supermarket. Ocean is our highway. Ocean is our livelihood,” he said.

He concluded by urging summit participants to amplify the Pacific’s message to the world that oceans must be preserved for future generations.