Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi has called for sustainable and predictable financing to support long-term ocean protection, as the Pacific nation opened its COP31 engagements in Türkiye.
Tagelagi delivered a keynote address at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, highlighting Niue’s progress in implementing its Niue Ocean Wide (NOW) initiative and Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs).
He said Niue was pursuing a country-led and community-driven approach to ocean stewardship, recognising that effective conservation required long-term financial support.
Through the NOW Trust, the OCCs support the protection of the 127,000-square-kilometre Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area, while strengthening climate resilience, community stewardship and sustainable development.
The session also featured a panel discussion involving Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, Tofia Niue President and NOW Trustee Coral Pasisi, Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni, Global Environment Facility (GEF) Senior Climate Change Specialist Rawleston Moore, and Deputy Secretary to Government and NOW Trustee Gaylene Tasmania.
The panel discussed ways to advance ocean conservation, strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable development across the Blue Pacific.
The discussions provided an opportunity for Niue to share lessons from its conservation efforts and explore partnerships to advance Pacific-led approaches to ocean protection and climate action.
Niue’s participation at COP31 will continue with a programme of high-level meetings, bilateral engagements and official events throughout the week.
The delegation is also expected to advocate for the priorities of Small Island Developing States and the wider Blue Pacific region, including stronger international support for climate action and ocean protection.
