By Leilani Reklai, at the UN COSP10 in Atlanta, US, for the Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network
ATLANTA – Rising seas aren’t the only threat to Pacific islands. Kiribati President Taneti Mamau warned at a global anti-graft gathering that corruption is plundering the region’s vital Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), imperiling fisheries and sustainable development.
“In Kiribati, our vast EEZ brims with biodiversity and resources,” Mamau told the UN Conference of State Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (CoSP10). “But it’s a magnet for corruption risks, jeopardizing everything from climate resilience to fish stocks.”
Mamau painted a stark picture of illegal fishing, overfishing, and mislabeling plaguing the Pacific’s waters. He called for urgent action, citing Kiribati’s proactive deployment of the UNODC’s Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) tool to identify and tackle vulnerabilities within its EEZ management.
“Corruption isn’t just stealing money,” Mamau declared. “It’s stealing our future. It fuels environmental degradation, diverts resources from climate adaptation, and worsens the impact of rising sea levels and extreme weather.”
The CoSP10, drawing over 150 countries and 1,000 participants, seeks to bolster global anti-corruption efforts. Mamau’s plea resonated with delegates, highlighting the need for robust governance frameworks to safeguard the Pacific’s fragile ecosystems and livelihoods.