King Charles Backs Pacific Ocean Protection at MOS26

In an official statement presented by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae at MOS26, King Charles III said the commitment of Melanesian nations to fast-track the protection of 30 per cent of exclusive economic zones through the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves was encouraging.

King Charles has been a long-standing and active proponent of protecting ocean resources, having advocated for marine conservation and sustainability since the 1970s. His support has led to numerous stewardship initiatives, including charities that facilitate private-sector engagement in establishing large-scale marine protected areas.

This was demonstrated in April, during an address to the United States Congress, where King Charles spoke on climate and pollution advocacy and the provision of secure resources to help save the ocean and its resources.

Throughout his work the King has advocated that a healthy ocean is essential for sustaining life, regulating climate and providing economic growth — encouraging collaboration between industry, governments and science to protect marine life.

He said sustainable protection was the engine of a resilient Blue Economy, and it was heartening to see how the Pacific was weaving together traditional knowledge accumulated over generations with the rigour of modern science.

"Nevertheless, we must also ask ourselves how international donors, philanthropic entities and the private sector, including the fisheries sector, can contribute to sustainable finance mechanisms, in order to support the effective implementation of your Corridor of Reserves, and the economic transition that accompanies it."

Source: The National (Papua New Guinea)