King Charles III calls for urgent ocean protection

A message from King Charles III was officially delivered by Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae during the opening of the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit and Blue Security Initiative at APEC Haus on Tuesday.

In his message, King Charles described the Pacific Ocean as the “lifeblood” of Melanesian nations and warned that oceans around the world are facing unprecedented threats from environmental degradation and climate change.

The King praised Melanesian countries for their commitment to protecting 30 percent of their Exclusive Economic Zones through the proposed Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves initiative.

He also highlighted the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern science to strengthen marine conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable blue economy development across the Pacific.

King Charles further called on governments, donors, non-profit organisations, and the private sector to support sustainable financing for ocean protection efforts.

The summit brings together Pacific leaders, academics, conservation groups, and development partners to discuss regional cooperation in ocean management and blue security.

He concluded by officially declaring the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit and Blue Security Initiative open, while wishing delegates successful discussions and outcomes.