Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua has called on Pacific nations to strengthen regional unity and work together to protect the Pacific Ocean from the growing impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the Melanesian Oceans Summit in Port Moresby, Lord Fakafanua praised Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape for hosting the inaugural conference and for his leadership on ocean conservation and climate advocacy.
The Tongan Prime Minister said the summit comes at a critical time as Pacific nations face rising sea levels, coral bleaching and increasingly severe tropical cyclones linked to climate change.
He said climate-related disasters do not recognise national borders, noting that cyclones formed near the Solomon Islands can impact countries across Melanesia, Polynesia and beyond.
“Sea level rise is disproportionately higher in the region than the global average,” Lord Fakafanua said.
He also revealed that Tonga is currently monitoring coral bleaching caused by sustained above-average ocean temperatures, describing the environmental threats facing the Pacific as both real and visible.
The Prime Minister stressed that Pacific countries must respond together through coordinated regional action.
“Our response must therefore be collective, coordinated, and united,” he said.
Lord Fakafanua described the summit as both timely and important, saying the decisions made during the conference would shape the future of ocean governance and marine protection across the Pacific region.
Quoting renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle, he reminded delegates that the survival of humanity depends on healthy oceans.
“If the oceans die, we die,” he said.
The Tongan leader said Pacific nations are custodians of the world’s largest ocean continent and share a responsibility to protect it for future generations.
He welcomed the proposed Melanesian Ocean Corridor Reserves initiative, describing it as a strategic opportunity to strengthen ocean governance, protect critical marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries and ocean economies.
Lord Fakafanua thanked Prime Minister Marape for creating a platform that brings Pacific leaders together to discuss practical solutions for ocean conservation and climate resilience.
He said the summit should move beyond discussions and lead to meaningful implementation and action across the region.
“Let us align our voices, strengthen our partnerships and reaffirm our shared responsibility to our Pacific people for future generations,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing Tonga’s appreciation for being included in the summit and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working alongside Pacific neighbours to safeguard the region’s oceans and environment.
