A Policy Review: National Oceans Policy of Papua New Guinea 2020 – 2030

 

By John Rina Jr.                            21st March, 2025                                                                                                                   

 

In June 2020, The Papua New Guinean government finally launched its first-ever National Oceans Policy.

In the National Oceans Policy, it covers an astounding 3.12 million square km of PNG’s prime jurisdictional ocean space with a coastline of 17.110 million square km. This policy aims to offer strategic direction for planning, resource allocation, and to encourage conservation, reasonable resource use, and maritime security, aligning with international standards and commitments. Additionally, the primary purpose of the National Oceans Policy is to develop and corroborate an integrated management system within PNG’s national jurisdiction, while establishing a framework for regional and international cooperation and collaboration among diverse stakeholders in areas beyond its national Jurisdiction (Steven. D. & Depart of Justice and Attorney General, n.d).

In this review, I will be providing a mix of both positive and negative responses, and an unbiased evaluation and critique, on the ‘National Oceans Policy of Papua New Guinea 2020-2023. Outlining the policy’s key points, evaluating its strengths, weaknesses and notable features, and providing recommendations.

 

A Summary of Key Points

The ‘Marape and Steven government’ acknowledges the ocean (s) as a major contributor to all natural and physical systems that also has an impact on the environments or ecosystems of PNG, whether it be on Land or in the sea. This also consecutively impacts the socio-economic livelihoods of the people and their desires for sustainable development (Steven. D. & Depart of Justice and Attorney General, n.d).

The key points of the Policy, ultimately emphasizes on sustainable development and manage management of marine resources (Steven. D. & Depart of Justice and Attorney General, n.d). These key points include:

Integrated Ocean Management: Establishing a system for managing marine resources within and beyond national jurisdiction, such as creating a centralized database for monitoring biodiversity, and pollution levels.

Sustainability Principles and Biodiversity Conservation: Establishing marine protected areas to conserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable ecosystems, while strengthening measures to prevent pollution from land-based and sea-based activities, and ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.

Public awareness and education: Raising awareness about sustainability and the importance of marine ecosystems, such as community outreach programs.

Strengthened Regional and International Partnerships: working in a joint effort with neighboring countries and international organizations could lead to an effective ocean governance.   

The National Oceans Policy of Papua New Guinea 2020-2030, is a step towards balancing economic development with environmental sustainability in the country’s vast marine resources. A truly significant milestone for PNG since its independence.

 

Evaluation of Strengths, Weaknesses, and Notable Features with Recommendations

The National Oceans Policy of Papua New Guinea 2020-2030, comes along with strengths and notable features of its structure, as well as a few weaknesses of its own. However, we will be looking at one of each aspect.

Strength

A comprehensive framework is provided that integrates environmental, economic, and social dimensions, ensuring a complete approach management to ocean management Steven. D. & Depart of Justice and Attorney General, n.d). It lines with the international agreements of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1997 (Policy paper, n.d). The UNCLOS is the universal constitution that provides the rules regulating the rights and obligation of states in relation to the oceans. By international standards regarding UNCLOS, PNG must exercise sovereignty over its ocean space for the betterment of its people (Policy paper, n.d).

Notable Feature

One notable feature is the policy’s recognition of traditional knowledge. This incorporates local practices and community involvement in ocean management, by engaging local communities in marine conservation efforts.

Weakness

Despite, the favorable strength and notable feature of the policy, it seems to be lacking clear metrics and specific indicators to measure progress and success. The policy shows no detailed structure for assessing the impact of marine protected areas.


As for my recommendation, to ensure that the implementation and monitoring of the National Oceans Policy, weaknesses should be identified and its strengths acknowledged. A clear and specific metric system could be developed to assess its progression and success, while traditional knowledge and expertise of ocean conservation from locals can be leverage to foster a collaborative effort for the betterment of the people.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe that the National Oceans Policy of Papua New Guinea 2020-2030, is a remarkable step towards sustainable development for the country. However, the lacks a few details that I believe should be addressed as soon as possible to ensure its successful implementation.

Essentially, if the government are to address the missing links of this policy, along with the collaborate effort of its people that possesses the traditional knowledge and expertise on ocean conservation. I believe this would be an extraordinary milestone for the people and the country as a whole. 

 

 

 

 

References

·       Policy Paper. (n.d). Ministerial Statement on the PNG National Oceans Policy [Press Release]. http://www.paclii.org/pg/journals/PGAGLJ/2020/7.pdf

·       Steven. D. & Depart of Justice and Attorney General. (n.d). National Oceans Policy. In National Oceans Policy. https://png-data.sprep.org/system/files/NATIONAL_OCEANS_POLICY_2020-2030%20copy.pdf

 

 

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