In a significant gathering, Commonwealth leaders from 56 nations convened in Samoa to address urgent ocean emergencies and climate action. During this meeting, they issued the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, titled 'One Resilient Common Future'. This declaration aims to protect and restore 30% of marine ecosystems by the year 2030, reflecting the dire need for collective action against rising ocean temperatures and acidity that threaten the existence of Pacific Island nations, including Samoa. Local chief Lenatai Victor Tamapua reported alarming changes, noting a 2-3 meter rise in tides over the past 20 years, highlighting the vulnerability of these communities as 96% of Pacific Island countries are ocean. Kiribati, for instance, has 4000 times more sea than land, underscoring the critical nature of these discussions [f354f0d5].
The Commonwealth leaders' meeting also saw New Zealand pledging $20 million and Australia committing $100 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, aimed at bolstering the region's capacity to withstand climate impacts. The conference concluded with Ghana's Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey being elected as the new secretary general of the Commonwealth. Additionally, the UK announced plans to discuss reparations with Caribbean nations, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate justice and ocean protection. Notably, the meeting was successfully hosted in Samoa without major incidents, showcasing the nation's capability to facilitate such significant international dialogues [f354f0d5].
In a related initiative, delegates from over two dozen countries recently signed a 'declaration of peace with the ocean' in Costa Rica during a preparatory meeting for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference. This declaration, signed by nations including Germany, Spain, and Canada, emphasizes sustainable ocean management and the protection of marine ecosystems, aligning with the goals set forth in Samoa [2940d18c].