Polynesian leaders sign Oceans Declaration at Tahiti

Papeete, Tahiti – Polynesian leaders re-affirmed their important role as stewards of the Pacific ocean by signing the Te Moana o Hiva - Declaration on the Ocean in Tahiti yesterday. (The complete Declaration is here.)
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The PLG Chair, Ulu o Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Afega Gaualofa (left) and the President for French Polynesia, Mr Edouard Fritch
 
“Today in signing the Declaration on Oceans or Moana o Hiva, we reinforce that we are the Ocean. It is the Ocean that binds us,” stated the PLG Chair, Ulu o Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Afega Gaualofa.

The climate is changing. The situation is serious and it is time for urgent action according to the leaders.

“The Polynesian Leaders Group (PLG) has again demonstrated its will and courage to navigate the ocean of global issues.  Last year we delivered the Taputapuatea Declaration that reinforced our identity of the people of the great vaka.”

This year Te Moana o Hiva declares, “We are the people of the Ocean and it is a common heritage that Polynesia must carry the message throughout our region and beyond.”

President for French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch congratulated the Ulu o Tokelau for his astute leadership in navigating leaders to sign the declaration.

The President re-emphasised the importance of Te Moana o Hiva in providing a common voice to the importance of the oceans to Polynesia and beyond.

“Earth health depends on ocean health”, he stated, pointing to the Paris Agreement referencing the ocean’s role in “sustaining life on earth by producing 50 per cent of the oxygen that humans breathe.”

The French Polynesia president noted the importance of the Second Special Session of PLG ahead of its annual meeting later this year.

“Last year we signed the PACT on climate change. This year we signed the PACT on oceans. I think next year we should again hold another special session and sign another PACT. If you agree, French Polynesia is offering to host it again.”
 
PLGplenary-600 The PLG pleanary session