Op Ed by Lagi Toribau, Technical Advisor & Lead Negotiator for Vanuatu on Deep-Sea Ecosystems
When I arrived in Nairobi for UNEA-7, I carried with me the hopes of a country whose identity is woven into the ocean. I also carried a responsibility to help advance a resolution that could bring the world closer to understanding the deep-sea not through politics, but through science.
For two weeks, we negotiated in good faith. We simplified the text, held bilateral meetings across regions, and responded to every concern raised. And we were lifted by extraordinary cross-regional voices who understood what was at stake – Norway, the EU, Switzerland, Japan, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay, the UK, Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Singapore, the Dominican Republic, and fellow Pacific countries like Fiji, Tuvalu, Palau.
But politics is rarely linear, and consensus did not emerge.
In that moment, we faced a choice. We could continue pushing a process that was blocked or we could choose the path of momentum, agency, and innovation. We chose the latter.
With the direction of the Minister and the leadership of the Director, we executed a strategic pivot. We withdrew the resolution and launched a next-phase science initiative.
This was not a retreat. It was an advancement. The deep sea cannot wait for political comfort. The gaps in our knowledge cannot wait for perfect consensus. And the Pacific cannot wait for others to decide when our future becomes a priority.
Vanuatu’s new initiative is an independent, global synthesis of scientific information and Indigenous knowledge on deep-sea ecosystems. Will move forward immediately. Already, philanthropic partners and States have expressed interest in funding the work.
As negotiators, we measure success in terms of adopted text. This experience reminded me that success can also be measured in direction, momentum, and coalition-building.
Vanuatu leaves UNEA-7 with a credible scientific pathway, growing political support, donor alignment, and a long-term strategy that strengthens our Pacific voice.
For me personally, this is why I do this work. Because small island nations like Vanuatu should never be confined by the limits others set for us. Our responsibility is to speak for the ocean when others avoid discomfort. Our duty is to insist that knowledge must precede irreversible action. And our power lies in choosing new pathways when old ones close.
UNEA-7 is the beginning of this great story that is about to unfold. It is the start of a new chapter. And Vanuatu, guided by Pacific values, scientific integrity, and unshakeable resolve will continue to lead.
Lagi Toribau
Environment and Development Consultant
Toribau Consultancy
Ph: +679 9300950 (accessible on WhatsApp and Signal)
LinkedIn: Lagi Toribau
