Our oceans are the Earth’s lifeblood, its beating heart. On the back of World Oceans Day and as the UN Ocean Conference commences this week in France, we are reminded of its essential role in sustaining life. Beneath its waves is a world teeming with life. Above the surface, its impact stretches even further – supporting ecosystems, economies, and communities across the globe. From tiny plankton to entire nations, we all rely on the steady rhythm of the ocean. Like a beating heart, the pulse of its waves, currents, and tides sustain life below water and on land.

This year’s theme for World Oceans Day was ‘Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us’. In the Pacific, this truth holds a deeper meaning. The ocean offers more than sustenance and livelihood – it is deeply woven into the Pacific way of life, stories and identities, heritage, and the unfolding of the past, present, and future.

The Pacific Ocean covers approximately one-third of our Earth’s surface. As Pacific Island nations sit on the frontlines of the world’s largest ocean, they also bear witness to the significant challenges we face – often enduring the harshest impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten to engulf entire communities, displacing families and disrupting ways of life that have persisted for centuries.

And the challenge does not stop at the shoreline. Beneath the surface, marine ecosystems are under siege. Ocean acidification, a warming planet, and pollution are placing immense stress on marine life, making it increasingly vulnerable and threatening the biodiversity that sustains both nature and people.

Likewise, unsustainable human activities continue to degrade the ocean’s health. Plastics choke marine species, while unregulated and overexploited fisheries undermine both ecological balance and the economic lifelines of the Pacific region.

For Pacific Island nations, protecting and managing the ocean means safeguarding life, culture, and identity – not only for the benefit of the region, but for all of humanity. As stewards of the Blue Pacific, these island states continue to lead and advocate strongly for the health of our oceans. This is because protecting the ocean is not merely a choice; it is a necessity to sustain life on Earth and secure the future of humankind.

Palau and its model of sustaining our oceans

The Republic of Palau, recognised for its leadership in ocean stewardship, continues to set a global example in marine conservation.

In 2024, Palau became the first nation to officially ratify the UN High Seas Treaty – an international agreement aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

This milestone reflects Palau’s enduring commitment to effective ocean governance in service of humanity. In 2015, Palau enacted the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), designating 80 percent of its waters as a no-take zone. This made Palau home to one of the world’s few Large-Scale Marine Protected Areas (LSMPAs), setting a global benchmark for marine conservation.

Building on its legacy of marine leadership, Palau has taken steps to further strengthen the PNMS. Through the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), and with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Palau implemented the project Strengthening the Palau National Marine Sanctuary for the Conservation and Management of Global Marine Biodiversity and Sustainable Fisheries.

Firmly aligned with Palau’s national priorities, the four-year initiative focused on reinforcing institutional and governance frameworks, enhancing monitoring, control and surveillance within PNMS boundaries, conducting ecosystem assessments and financial planning for long-term sustainability, and advancing knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation systems.

The project delivered significant milestones, including the development of the PNMS Science and Monitoring Strategy 2024–2034 and the PNMS Strategic Plan 2025–2030. These frameworks lay the foundation for a future of sustainable marine conservation, grounded in science, policy, traditional knowledge and community engagement. Beyond planning, the project generated long-term impacts by reducing environmental stress through scientific research, empowering communities, and deploying advanced monitoring technologies.

Another key achievement was the strengthening of governance and operational capacity at PICRC, ensuring that the institution remains a stronghold for marine science and policy. The project also placed a strong emphasis on communication and outreach – engaging youth, raising awareness, and fostering a new generation of ocean stewards.