The third United Nations Ocean Conference ended on Friday in Nice, France, after five days of high-level discussions and negotiations. Key outcomes of the meeting included renewed support for the High Seas Treaty and international calls for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining.
Palau was among the countries that signed a new pledge to protect climate-resilient reefs. The other nations that pledged were the Bahamas, Belize, France, Indonesia, Madagascar, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, and Vanuatu.
In a statement, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr stated that when it signed a new pledge, Palau is home to some of the most diverse and climate-resilient coral reefs on Earth.
“Our reefs host over 400 species of corals and more than 1,300 species of reef fish. We’ve long worked to protect them, relying on cultural knowledge and practices like the bul and scientific data. But even our reefs are under growing threat from climate change and human pressures. “
He said that Palau is joining the global commitment to protect climate-resilient coral reefs.
This commitment reinforces our national priorities and connects them to a shared global vision for resilient ocean futures – one that ensures healthy oceans for future generations. We urge the international community to act decisively – with science, with urgency, and with equity.”
In the conference, Palau has also reiterated its stance against deep-sea mining.
As of 2022, 33 countries have called for a precautionary pause, moratorium, or ban on deep-sea mining. This number has now increased to 37 with the addition of Slovenia, Latvia, Cyprus, and the Marshall Islands.
“We cannot afford to miss the ocean’s capacity to absorb our carbon,” President Hilde Heine of the Marshall Islands told reporters in a press briefing on June 10. “A ban is the safest choice for nature [and] marine life.” (By: Bernadette Carreon)