Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni has called on Pacific nations to honour the legacy of their ancestors by taking bold and urgent action to protect the ocean, saying the region’s future depends on it.
Speaking at the Pacific Voyagers Talanoa, Dr Manoni drew a powerful connection between the seafaring heritage of the Pacific and the region’s modern responsibilities as stewards of the ocean.
“It is both a privilege and an honour to gather today to reflect on a legacy that spans thousands of years, bound not by borders but by the boundless blue — the legacy of Pacific voyaging,” he said.
Dr Manoni reminded participants that long before technology guided their journeys, Pacific peoples were already skilled navigators who relied on nature, courage, and deep knowledge to chart courses across vast waters.
“These were not aimless drifters, but intentional explorers — scientists of the sea, philosophers of the horizon, and stewards of ancestral knowledge,” he said.
“Voyaging was never just about reaching another shore. It was — and remains — a powerful act of courage, resilience and identity.”
Dr Manoni urged that the same sense of purpose and responsibility guide the region’s response to today’s ocean crises, from climate change and biodiversity loss to pollution.
“It is our duty as stewards of this vast ocean space to do our part to save our Ocean and our resources. It is our duty as navigators and voyagers to do our part to impart knowledge and wisdom about why the health and resilience of the Ocean matters so much to all of us,” Dr Manoni said.
He called for early ratification of key global agreements, including the BBNJ (biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction) Agreement, a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, and support for the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.
“Let us also encourage compliance with our very own regional treaties and conventions, such as the Rarotonga Treaty, the Noumea Convention, the Waigani Convention, the Wellington Convention, and the fisheries-related regional and subregional agreements, that help maintain order and governance that extend to the limits of our Blue Pacific heritage,” he added.
Dr Manoni also highlighted the importance of transferring traditional knowledge and maritime wisdom to younger generations to ensure the survival of both Pacific identity and marine conservation efforts.
“I truly believe that from the perspective of our own history that that will be the most courageous act of our generation in keeping this ‘flame’ burning for the next generation,” he said.
Although unable to join the gathering in person, Manoni reaffirmed his and OPOC’s (Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner) commitment to supporting regional ocean efforts.
“I regret that I am not able to share this moment with all of you in person in Suva, but rest assured of my own personal commitment and that of OPOC in supporting this noble cause.”
He also acknowledged the support of development partners and the ROC/Taiwan through OPOC for making the Talanoa possible.
