Koror, 18 April 2022 (TDI): The President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdullah Shahid, met Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni during the 7th Our Ocean Palau conference.
The meeting discussed the impacts of Climate Change, recent tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, and the MVI Index on Small Island Development States (SIDS). The panel also focused on the recovery of the tourism industry in SIDS.
The volcanic eruption in Tonga impacted 85,000 people and cost $90 million to the economy of Tonga. Several industries, crops, livestock, and fisheries are still crippled due to the massive impact of volcanic activity.
President UN-GA remarked that ‘the Ocean provides direct employment to 200 million people, encompassing a market valued at three trillion per year, or 5% of global GDP. Three billion people depend on the ocean for their livelihoods.” He was addressing the opening ceremony of the 7th Our Ocean Palau conference. He emphasized collaborative measures by the stakeholders to protect the Ocean.
Our Ocean Palau Conference
Our Ocean Palau is the key movement by the government of Palau to protect the biodiversity and indigenous species of the Ocean. The conference in 2022 closed with 410 commitments worth $16.35 billion in six thematic areas. The preliminary plan is centered around Marine Protected Areas, Tackling Marine Pollution, Confronting ocean-climate Crisis, creating Sustainable Blue Economies, advancing Sustainable small scale fisheries and aquaculture, and achieving a safe, just, and secure Ocean.
This year, the conference speakers have acknowledged the UN resolution to develop a legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution over the next two years.
Impacts of climate change on SIDS
2021 was recorded as the hottest year for the OceanOcean. The global rise in temperature is attributed to climate change. Despite having little impact on the worldwide temperature rise, Small Island Development States have little to do with it.
The organization of a global event in SIDS is critical for indigenous people. It highlights their contribution and leadership in protecting oceans and combating the climate crisis. Currently, SIDS is investing in the blue economy, renewable energy sources, and digital innovation to mitigate the impacts of climate change and achieve sustainable development.
