BY SAPT STAFF
PACIFIC Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna, has emphasized the urgent need for increased action and stronger partnerships at all levels to protect the Pacific Ocean.
Puna stated that for the people of the Pacific, their natural environment is inseparable from their identity and way of life. He explained that the effectiveness of innovative solutions depends on collective efforts, including knowledge and experience sharing across the region, as well as engagement, advocacy, and empowerment.
“We require more than mere recognition; we need substantial investments in nature, accompanied by concrete and tangible efforts to preserve our ecosystems. It is imperative to witness a global shift in production and consumption patterns in order to halt the degradation of our natural world,” expressed Puna.
He emphasized the necessity for revitalized partnerships at all levels to mobilize financing and, more importantly, political will. Puna emphasized that the Pacific’s future and prosperity are intertwined with the ocean that surrounds the islands and the abundance it provides. Generations of communities and livelihoods have been established, cultivated, and nurtured along the coasts and ecosystems.
Puna pointed out that the world has long prioritized economic gains at the expense of recognizing that the condition of the natural systems profoundly impacts the future. He highlighted that with the passage of time, modernization, and a desire to emulate others, Pacific communities have increasingly neglected the wisdom and traditions of their elders in favor of development practices that harm the natural environment.
The future of the Pacific region is not solely determined by political leaders, but rather by the innovative approaches and policy implementations of individuals attending forums and workshops. Puna emphasized that each stakeholder has the potential to actively participate and contribute to shaping a sustainable and resilient future for the Pacific region.
