NICE, France – Monday, 9 June 2025 — At the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele highlighted the country’s strong commitment to protecting vital blue ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves.
Prime Minister Manele emphasized the importance of these ecosystems to the health of the ocean and the wellbeing of coastal communities. He referenced the recent scientific discovery of the world’s largest standalone coral, Pavona clavus, located near the Three Sisters Islands in Makira-Ulawa Province. The coral measures approximately 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and 5.5 meters high, with a circumference of 183 meters, and is estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old.
Unlike coral reefs made up of many coral colonies, this is a single organism consisting of nearly one billion genetically identical polyps, making it a unique and significant natural feature.
Prime Minister Manele said the scientific discovery of the world’s largest standalone coral highlights the country’s rich marine biodiversity.
“We reaffirm our commitment for the protection of key blue ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves.”
The government is advancing policies to conserve these habitats while promoting sustainable use of marine resources in partnership with traditional knowledge and local communities. The protection of these blue ecosystems is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14—Life Below Water.
[ENDS]
[PM Press Secretariat]
