Melanesian Nations Create Vast Ocean Reserve

Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands are collaborating to establish the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a large marine protected area spanning their territorial waters in the southwestern Pacific. The initiative, announced at the Melanesian Ocean Summit, aims to protect the region’s exceptional marine biodiversity, including 75% of known coral species and iconic marine life. PNG has pledged to create the 214,000-square-kilometer Western Manus National Marine Sanctuary as part of the corridor, while Vanuatu and Fiji have also committed to expanding their protected areas.

The project builds on previous efforts to create marine reserves in the region, but details regarding MOCOR’s exact size, governance, and enforcement remain unclear. Experts note that while large corridors are ecologically beneficial, effective management and enforcement are crucial to prevent them from becoming ineffective “paper parks.”

A key question surrounding MOCOR is the integration of Indigenous stewardship and governance systems, as many communities have traditionally managed these waters for generations. The success of the corridor will depend on supporting local communities and recognizing their existing conservation practices.