Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, alongside Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat, have officially signed the historic Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOROR) Declaration at APEC Haus during the Pacific Ocean Summit.
The MOCOR is a landmark subregional network of connected Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It unites five Pacific territories, PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia to establish joint border governance, enforcement, and marine science frameworks.
The landmark declaration reflects a strong united Melanesian commitment to protect and sustainably manage the Pacific Ocean for future generations by strengthening regional cooperation on, Climate Action, marine conservation, ocean governance Pacific Regional Solidarity
The initiative aims to align national and regional priorities, enhancing maritime conservation and climate resilience across their shared marine corridors.
The 2026 Inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit, Pacific leaders stand united with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Marape in advancing regional collaboration and sustainable ocean governance.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson.
Although Solomon Islands was unable to participate due to its ongoing Prime Ministerial election process, leaders expressed confidence that Solomon Islands will soon join this important regional vision.
Prime Minister Marape said, “Together, we stand as custodians of the Pacific Ocean — united for our people, our environment, and our future.
“Together, we champion the protection of our Blue Pacific and the prosperity of Melanesia through shared leadership and action, PM Marape said.
