JT’s Reflections on UNOC 3, Nice

By John Taukave

“If we trust the Ocean, then she will do the same.”

When Mia Kami storylived these words, I was reminded of the sacred reciprocity between people and the Ocean. As custodians, we are called to care for her, and in turn, she sustains us. We voyage, navigate, trade, and connect across her waters—but we also extract and exploit. Too often, we take without giving back.

The maritime shipping industry plays a major role in shaping the health of the Ocean. It connects us, supports economies, and moves goods across the globe. But it also carries responsibilities. Attending the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice with my colleagues from the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST) deepened my understanding of just how vital the Ocean is—not just as a highway for trade, but as a life force that nurtures ecosystems, cultural identity, and community ties.

Together with John Kautoke and Eldine Glees (my fellow JET News anchor), I joined oceans advocates, scientists, governments, and communities at UNOC3. This global gathering focused on accelerating action to conserve and sustainably use the Ocean. It aimed to advance SDG 14: Life Below Water, and to build momentum for the High Seas Treaty, also known as the BBNJ Agreement.

The High Seas make up 64 percent of the Ocean. Until now, this area has remained largely unregulated because it lies beyond the jurisdiction of nation-states. The BBNJ Treaty would allow for Marine Protected Areas to be created in international waters and support the goal of protecting 30 percent of the Ocean by 2030. With 50 countries already having ratified the treaty and more pledging support by year’s end, it is well on its way to entering into force. That would make it one of the fastest ratified treaties of its kind; a clear sign of how seriously many countries are taking the Ocean crisis.

This comes at a time when multilateralism is under pressure. Climate talks, including those at COP and the International Maritime Organization, continue to produce weak commitments that fall short of keeping us within the critical 1.5-degree limit—essential for the survival of Pacific atoll nations. The Ocean remains our best hope. As the planet’s largest carbon sink, it absorbs enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, but this also leads to ocean warming, acidification, and the potential collapse of vital ecosystems. Add to that destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling and growing pressure to mine the deep seabed, and it’s clear that we are at a tipping point.

This relationship of overconsumption reflects a flawed ideology, that endless growth and limitless appetite are signs of success. But the truth is, the Ocean may be vast, but it is not boundless.

Throughout the week, I heard from Indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the Ocean for generations. “People protect the Ocean, not lines on a map.” That wisdom shaped the opening ceremony of the Peoples of the Ocean event at La Baleine in the Green Zone. I want to thank Nia Tero for curating that powerful space for Indigenous voices to share their work, experiences, and truths.

It was an honour to co-host the ceremony with the incredibly talented Mia Kami. We opened with a Rotuman sua composed by youth advocate Moiro Hereta, a deeply personal moment for me and my hanua of Rotuma. Singing Mia’s song Rooted during the opening made the moment even more special. That song, and its message of groundedness and resilience, carried us into the rest of the week.

Later, Mia reflected that she once thought Rooted had run its course, but sharing it again in this space reminded her that our stories never expire. Art created by Pacific poets, singers, and storytellers is how we understand our ancestors, our joys, our grief, and our strength. It lives on, even when we no longer walk this Earth.

Another standout moment was the screening of Remethau, directed by Dan Lin and co-produced by Anne Quidez. The film follows Dr. Nicole Yamase, who became the first Micronesian and first Pacific Islander to descend into the Challenger Deep. It was moving, powerful, and necessary. I first met the Nia Tero team in 2018, and that connection led to a storytelling fellowship that brought me back to Rotuma with Rako Pasefika. That journey helped deepen my own sense of belonging.

Watching Remethau felt like a reclamation. Through Dr. Yamase’s eyes, we saw the depths of the Ocean and the depths of identity. It is a story of Micronesian brilliance and resilience. It is also a must-see film for anyone wanting to understand the Pacific worldview. After the screening, I had the joy of co-hosting the reception with Mia Kami, John Kautoke and Lorine Tevi—and yes, we activated the space, Oceania style.

Every evening, we held space as Oceanic peoples, through talanoa, kava ceremony, and music. These gatherings were a chance to connect with friends from back home, from university, from IMO, and from different walks of life. These spaces created warmth and belonging in the midst of intense negotiations and high-level events.

I could write a whole paper about this experience, but as the kava saying goes, “one bilo at a time”—so this is my one bilo for now.

If the world truly wants to learn how to live in harmony with the Ocean, it must listen to the voices of those who have done so for generations. Take care of her, and she will take care of us. Simple.

Thank you to Nia Tero, MCST, Oceans 5, Taholo, Mia Kami, and all our Oceanic communities for everything you do for our Blue Pacific.

Faiakse’ea ‘e hanisi/ Malo Aupito

 John Taukave

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