An exclusive workshop facilitated by the South Pacific Community (SPC), in partnership with the PNG Office of Ocean Affairs (OOA), the Department of Justice and Attorney General and the European Union is currently underway in Port Moresby. SPC through the European Union funded Pacific Solutions Integrated Ocean Management (PSIOM) Programme, is supporting PNG to review existing legislations and policies with the aim of progressing the implementation of the National Ocean Policy 2020-2030. This comes in line with Papua New Guinea (PNG) taking bold steps to safeguarding its ocean resources and ecosystems, to ensure sustainability for future generations. Acting Director of the PNG OOA Grace Kaue said the State had a responsibility to plan and manage its ocean space to ensure all its users can sustainably benefit from ocean resources. “Integrated ocean management is a holistic approach to manage and protect ocean resources, including ecosystems, biodiversity and human activities in a coordinated and sustainable manner”. “While the National Ocean Policy commits to an integrated approach to ocean management, effective implementation will depend on the harmonisation of sectoral legislation and regulations and improved collaboration between key stakeholders,” Ms Kaue said. She said a key objective of the Ocean Law and Policy Review will be to identify sectoral recommendations to enhance the implementation of collaborative approaches which the Oceans Office can support and facilitate, through its governance committees. PNG is among several countries to have developed National Ocean Policies (NOPs) to address the increasing challenges of managing the needs of multiple ocean users, including fishing communities, the fisheries industry and private sector among others. SPC Ocean and Maritime Deputy Director Jens Kruger said through the PSIOM program, SPC is committed to supporting member countries to sustainably manage and protect the Pacific Ocean. “A common aspiration within national ocean policies in PNG and the Pacific is the growing desire for Integrated Ocean Management (IOM).” “In the Pacific, IOM recognises that traditional knowledge and culture, advanced science and robust laws and policies are key to understanding the ocean and effectively implementing ocean policies through stakeholder consultation, engagement and participation,” Mr Kruger said. A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of findings and recommendations of the legal review to the PNG National Ocean Committee (NOC) and to establish the implementation status of PNG’s Ocean policy identify gaps and discuss opportunities. The Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science is leading the PSIOM programme and works with Pacific Island government, sub-national authorities, and regional agencies to implement holistic ocean management practices.