At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, Commonwealth countries adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future — a historic commitment to protect and restore the ocean in response to severe climate change, pollution, and over-exploitation.
This Declaration represents a unified commitment by all 56 Commonwealth nations to pursue ambitious, transformative action for shared ocean resilience, prosperity, and sustainability.
Key Commitments in the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration
- Protection of Maritime Boundaries in response to sea-level rise
- Ocean Conservation Goals: Protect at least 30% of the ocean and restore 30% of degraded marine ecosystems by 2030
- Global Plastics Treaty: Call for urgent finalization to combat ocean pollution
- Biodiversity Treaty Ratification: Support for the BBNJ Agreement on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction
- Coastal Climate Adaptation: Commitments to develop climate adaptation plans, nature-based solutions, and blue carbon strategies
- Sustainable Blue Economy: Comprehensive management of national waters to foster sustainable ocean economies
- Reduction in Maritime Emissions as part of global climate efforts
- Enhanced Marine Renewable Energy Goals to meet the global target of tripling renewable energy capacity
Samoan Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa emphasized the significance of the agreement:
“It is fitting that our first ocean declaration is adopted in the Blue Pacific continent given climate change has been recognised as the single greatest threat to the security and well-being of our people. The ocean makes up 96 per cent of our region; and where we are amongst the first to most immediately suffer the impacts of climate change.
“The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future must be a line in the sand from which the world collectively transforms ocean exploitation into protection and sustainable stewardship. We look forward to moving from words to action!”
Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC praised the progress achieved through the Commonwealth Blue Charter, which set the stage for the Declaration:
“The incredible progress we have made with the Blue Charter that underpins this declaration helps member states rise to today’s climate challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. I am confident that this declaration will have a profound and durable impact on the well-being of our people, ocean and planet.
“This document now sets the standard for forthcoming international meetings, generating momentum for ocean protection as we head towards COP29 in Azerbaijan in November, and next year’s UN Ocean Conference. We are immensely proud of this achievement and will leave no one behind as we advocate for stronger ocean protection.”
Representing one-third of the world’s population, the Commonwealth includes 49 coastal nations, 25 of which are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) bearing the brunt of climate impacts such as sea-level rise, rising temperatures, and ocean acidification—all of which threaten marine life, ecosystems, and dependent communities.
The Apia Declaration signifies a major step forward, signaling that the Commonwealth is united in transforming the future of ocean stewardship and sustainable development.
