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Director General Kosi Latu remarks at the Nature Conference launch.

We as Pacific people have strong linkages with whales. They are entwined in our ocean voyaging history and our culture and we are grateful to SPREP and our sister islands across the region - for endorsing the SPREP Year of the Whale campaign that will focus attention on the need to protect and conserve these iconic animals for the next two years.

Opening statement from the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, for the Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference

The Waigani Convention was conceived by our members to ensure we are protected from such dangers as the unfortunate case in Beirut. While we may net be importing large amounts of chemicals and hazardous wastes on our lives as well as environment. Two weeks ago, the world observed the first anniversary of the 2020 Beirut chemical explosion, one of the largest industrial accidents involving chemicals and hazardous waste.

Some of the key issues that impacts on our environmental livelihoods, Deep seabed mining - Pacific Environment leaders are being urged to take action on mining our seabeds within the parameters of national jurisdiction and what is in the common heritage of mankind. Negotiations are ongoing on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) and areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) which the Secretariat provides to our Parties and SPREP Members the technical advice and assistance to these negotiations.