Melanesian Ocean Summit Adopts MOCOR Declaration for Regional Pacific Ocean Protection

The 2026 Melanesian Ocean Summit, held May 11–14 at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, concluded with the signing of the Melanesian Ocean Conservation and Resilience (MOCOR) Declaration and Framework on May 15, 2026. The summit brought together Pacific leaders, government officials, scientists, conservation organizations, and business representatives from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and other Melanesian nations. The MOCOR Framework creates a regional coordination mechanism for Melanesian ocean governance, addressing threats from climate change, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and coastal development. Its goals complement global treaties including the BBNJ High Seas Treaty (now in force since January 17, 2026) and the Kunming-Montreal 30x30 conservation targets. The Melanesian seas encompass significant portions of the Coral Triangle — the global center of marine biodiversity — as well as traditional Pacific fishing grounds critical to the food security and livelihoods of island communities.