Majuro, Marshall Islands — January 20, 2025 — Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine welcomed Pacific Ocean Commissioner (POC) Filimon Manoni for a courtesy visit where key discussions were held on issues related to ocean governance and marine biodiversity protection, including upcoming regional and international ocean meetings.
Central to the discussions was the need for RMI to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) Treaty – a pivotal agreement designed to safeguard marine genetic resources and biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Although RMI signed the BBNJ Treaty, the country has yet to complete the ratification process. Several other Pacific Small Island Developing States have also signed the BBNJ agreement.
The meeting also touched on opportunities for Pacific collaboration on ocean-related initiatives such as the East-Britain Initiative. This emerging project, which seeks to increase exports to the U.S. market through partnerships with companies like Walmart, was highlighted as an important avenue for expanding trade and increasing revenues for the region.
The meeting, held at the Cabinet Conference Room, was attended by Natural Resources and Commerce Minister Tony Muller, Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko, Ambassador John Silk, MIMRA Director Glen Joseph, and officials from the Office of the President, MIMRA, and Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner.
