BY LORETTA B MANELE
Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu together have presented a joint submission of Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) areas to the United Nations, a move considered historic.
According to a recent statement from SPC, (The Pacific Community), the three countries have taken a major step to secure 453,400 square kilometres of shared ocean heritage.
“The countries submitted three Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) submissions to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS),” said SPC.
As stated, the submissions, cover the North Fiji Basin (Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu), the Melanesian Borderland Plateau (Fiji and Solomon Islands) and a national claim for the extended continental shelf (Fiji) of the Lau-Colville and Tonga-Kermadec Ridges.
SPC said international recognition is sought for seabed areas beyond 200 nautical miles under Article 76 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“They are crucial to securing Pacific sovereignty, protecting ocean resources for sustainable development, safeguarding entitlements against sea-level rise and ensuring clear jurisdiction for managing ocean spaces,” said SPC.
SPC stressed that establishing ownership of extended continental shelves and their resources is important for the wellbeing and political stability of Pacific Island States.
“Until these “gaps in the world map” are closed, coastal states cannot fully protect their interests or effectively manage their ocean resources,” said SPC.
With support from a consortium of partners, The Pacific Community (SPC), has been instrumental in assisting countries with these submissions.
These submissions as mentioned by SPC, will ensure ownership of the extended continental shelf areas to unlock marine resources for economic growth, strengthen sovereignty, create jobs and help safeguard the ocean for future generations.
SPC’s Maritime Boundaries Advisor Malakai Vakautawale, said this is important for Pacific Island countries because it enables them to benefit from natural resources vital for marine conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development.
He also stated that these submissions align with global efforts to secure climate-resilient maritime boundaries that protect sovereignty and preserve entitlements against sea-level rise.
“They also support SDG 14, Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions and the vision of a thriving Blue Pacific Continent,”, said Vakautawale.
Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga, expressed that the submission was about ensuring that ocean wealth supports national development and environmental protection.
“This achievement is about safeguarding the future of our people. By securing these rights, we can ensure that the wealth beneath our ocean contributes to national development while protecting our marine environment,” he said.
Solomon Islands Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Collin Beck, raised importance of national sovereignty and community benefit.
“This submission strengthens our sovereignty and our ability to manage ocean resources in a way that benefits every Solomon Islander, today and in the future,” he said.
Vanuatu’s Head of Maritime and Ocean Affairs, Toney Tevi, reflected on what the joint effort means for Pacific solidarity.
He highlighted that our ocean is the very foundation of our livelihoods, sustaining our communities and cultures.
“This collaborative effort exemplifies the powerful outcomes that can arise from Pacific unity. Together, we are committed to safeguarding the marine environments that nourish us and future generations,” he said.
The joint ECS submissions were able to make way with support from the Pacific Community (SPC) Maritime Boundaries Programme.
This programme is a multi-year initiative funded by the United Kingdom Government, in collaboration with regional and international partners and technical consultancy provided by GeoLimits Consulting.
SPC stated that during their submissions, the governments of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu expressed their deep gratitude to the United Kingdom government for their generous financial support which was core for the multi-country effort to succeed.
The Pacific Community noted that the submissions demonstrate Pacific leadership in global ocean governance and contribute to shared regional goals, including the 100 percent ocean-managed Pacific vision and Sustainable Development Goal 14.
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