ISLAND LEADERS UNIFY IN GOING BEYOND THE COMMITMENT TO PROTECT 30% OF THE OCEAN BY 2030

© Oceano Azul

(Lisbon, June 29, 2022) – Island nations gathered at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon to celebrate action toward the global target of protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Hosted by the governments of the Kingdom of Tonga, Maldives and Antigua & Barbuda, “Beyond the Commitment” featured governments who are leading the way in taking measurable steps for effective ocean action. 

As large ocean states, island nations are at the forefront of ocean action and effective marine protection to ensure that their resources are viable for generations to come. High level representatives from Tonga, Maldives, Antigua & Barbuda, and the United States State Department spoke about the actions each of their nations are taking to protect the ocean and sustainably manage their waters to benefit the environment, economy and community. 

Organised by the Waitt Institute, Local2030 Islands Network, and Oceano Azul Foundation, attendees heard from Tonga Prime Minister - Hon. Siaosi Sovalini, Maldives Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Technology - Hon. Aminath Shauna, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Health, Wellness & The Environment - Hon. Molwyn Joseph and U.S. Assistant Secretary - Monica Medina. 

Commenting at the event, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni of Tonga said: “Tonga is tied to the ocean. It is important to examine how we use the ocean so that we may plan for its sustainability for future generations. Tonga can set an example - in 2017 we committed to protect at least  30% of our ocean by 2020 and I am pleased to announce that we have achieved such protection. As well as protected areas, it is important to create a 100% sustainably managed ocean space. We need to ensure our ocean is used effectively and supports the balance of environmental health with economic benefits.” He credited the Waitt Institute and Blue Prosperity Coalition as a committed partner to his and many other island governments in implementing marine protected areas that are environmentally and economically sustainable. 

Maldives Minister for the Environment and Climate Change and Technology, H.E. Aminath Shauna echoed these sentiments. “As a large ocean state, we are doing everything we can. Protection is not just about environmental protection, it is the way we shape our economic future in a sustainable manner. It's how we create jobs and income for our people.”

Antigua & Barbuda, recently joined the Local 2030 Islands Network, in its capacity of Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), spoke about the importance of islands working together to implement SDG14.

Minister Molwyn Joseph of Antigua and Barbuda said: “Barbuda has been ahead of its time in ocean management for over a decade. In 2014, Barbuda went above and beyond the global vision of protecting 30% of its waters. Imagine what we can accomplish together sharing our successes. The Local2030 Islands Network provides a forum to share our knowledge and experiences with each other on topics important to us.”

U.S. Assistant Secretary Monica Medina praised island leaders for their pioneering efforts and encouraged other nations to follow suit. “We can all learn from island nations, their knowledge, attitude and ambition to excel in sustainable ocean management. There is such amazing leadership for the rest of the world to emulate in their work to protect the world’s oceans.”