About MOS26

Four Broad Outcomes

1. By 2030, Melanesian countries, together with Indonesia and Australia, have established a formally recognized Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, achieving national and transboundary marine protection targets under the global 30x30 framework. This corridor is supported by joint governance mechanisms, mapped priority areas, and active cross-border MPA management, positioning Melanesia as a global leader in ocean conservation.
2. A self-sustaining Melanesian Ocean Research Hub connects regional and international universities, delivering a pipeline of trained Melanesian Ocean scientists, shared access to research vessels and equipment, and a recurring annual science symposium. The Hub directly informs policy and management for the Corridor, fisheries, and climate resilience, ensuring locally led, evidence-based decision-making.
3. Every Melanesian country has adopted and begun implementing a national Sustainable Fisheries Strategy covering tuna and all key non-tuna species. These strategies include ecosystem-based management, electronic catch traceability for tuna, and legally recognized co-management arrangements with coastal communities, leading to healthier fish stocks and more resilient coastal livelihoods.
4. A durable and transparent Melanesian Ocean Partnership Architecture is operational, comprising a multi-donor trust fund (≥USD 50 million initial commitments), active private sector and philanthropic co-financing, and an annual joint donor-country review process. This architecture continuously aligns financing with performance milestones for the Corridor, Research Hub, and Fisheries Strategies, ensuring long-term implementation beyond political cycles.

The Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026 is conceived as the first dedicated platform to elevate Melanesian leadership in ocean stewardship, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience and strengthened regional cooperation. As global attention intensifies on the health of our oceans, the role of Melanesian nations who are collectively stewards of one of the world's most biodiverse and resource-rich marine environments, has never been more critical and strategically significant.

Papua New Guinea as the Melanesian nation with the largest ocean estate in the region, is uniquely positioned to host this inaugural Summit. PNG carries both the strategic responsibility and the extraordinary opportunity to lead in shaping policies and forging partnerships that will safeguard the marine ecosystems and coastal communities for generations to come.