Latest news with #FeletiTeo
RNZ News
14 hours ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Cook Islands announces protection zone for migrating Oceania humpback whales
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown arrives at Tuurangawaewae Marae Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown has announced the creation of a zone to protect the migratory corridors of the endangered Oceania humpback whale. Brown made the announcement at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France . "We can apply our traditional Ra'ui practice at ocean scale," Brown told the conference. "Spanning over 400,000 square kilometres, this zone will adapt with the seasons and respond to emerging threats. Its purpose is not only conservation; it is recovery." The Cook Islands set up Marae Moana in 2017 . Brown said Ra'ui To'ora reflects a growing global truth that traditional knowledge and science can work together to shape powerful solutions. "With regional cooperation, this could become the foundation of the Pacific's first transboundary whale corridor. "To support this, we are further exploring the establishment of the Institute of Blue Ocean Sustainability and Science, a national initiative to advance ocean governance, foster applied research, and strengthen partnerships across government, academia, industry, and traditional leadership. "These are not radical ideas; they are overdue. This is sovereignty matched with stewardship." Also, at the Ocean Conference, Tuvalu prime minister Feleti Teo has called for an international treaty on sea level rise . Before the conference, French Polynesia's president, Moetai Brotherson, announced his administration's plan to establish a network of highly protected marine areas (MPAs). The conference wraps up on Friday, Nice time.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Australia opens resettlement to Tuvalu citizens
The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens. The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens. The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens. The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Australia opens resettlement to Tuvalu citizens
The first Tuvaluans to resettle in Australia under the groundbreaking Falepili Union treaty can apply from next week. Citizens of the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation are being encouraged to apply to move to Australia by the High Commission in Funafuti. The migration pathway will allow 280 applicants - who will be selected at random, rather than on the basis of skills or other criteria - through an online ballot, to move to Australia. Tuvalu is a clutch of reef islands and atolls roughly halfway between Brisbane and Hawaii and home to just over 10,000 people. It is the world's most at-risk nation to sea level rise, with a highest point of under five metres. Fears of being subsided by sea prompted the discussion of the immigration pathway between Australia and Tuvalu. "The opening of the Falepili Mobility Pathway marks a significant moment for our elevated partnership and demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to the government and people of Tuvalu," Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu David Charlton said. Given the small population, it is possible that all citizens could use the pathway to relocate in Australia by mid-century, however Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he believed most would stay, and others would return. "The Falepili Mobility Pathway is not just a one-way traffic," he said. "Tuvalu stands to benefit greatly from those that return to Tuvalu after exposure to work, study and life in Australia." Applications open on Monday June 16, and will remain open until Monday July 18. Ballot winners will be afforded rights to work or study as permanent residents, with access to benefits like Medicare. It is expected to be popular among locals, given opportunities for higher-paid work in Australia. Announced in late 2023, the Falepili Union is a multi-faceted pact with the climate change-threatened Polynesian nation which positions Australia as Tuvalu's primary security partner. In exchange, Australia has promised Tuvalu assistance in response to disasters, development assistance, and the migration pathway. The treaty - named after a Tuvaluan word meaning good neighbour - has been criticised as neo-colonialist, given Australia's influence over Tuvalu's sovereignty and absorption of citizens.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Tuvalu Calls For Sea Level Rise Treaty At UN Oceans Conference
Article – RNZ 'Tuvalu calls for the development of an international treaty on sea level rise, to enshrine the legal rights of affected states and people.' RNZ Pacific Tuvalu prime minister Feleti Teo has called for an international treaty on sea level rise at the UN Oceans Conference in France. Speaking to delegates in Nice, Teo said the ocean is critical to his country's economy, culture and survival. He said he supports the UN Secretary-General's call for all nations to deliver on the 1.5 degrees Celsius promise in order to halt the rate of sea level rise. 'In that regard, Tuvalu calls for the development of an international treaty on sea level rise, to enshrine the legal rights of affected states and people, including the principles of statehood continuity and the permanency of maritime boundary,' he said. 'For Tuvalu, building the resilience and adaptability of our coastlines against the impact of sea level rise is our top adaptation program.' Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele used his speech to condemn the pursuit of deep sea mining in the Pacific. Addressing delegates in Nice, Manele said his country has placed a moratorium on deep sea prospecting and mining. He said the world's oceans face three planetary crises: biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change. 'Despite this, some are pursuing deep sea mining with minimal regard for scientific understanding, environmental risks and global consensus,' he said. He said the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 – to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources – is off track and underfunded. 'We must move beyond rhetoric to concrete actions that matches the scale and urgency to address today's crisis. 'We must also reform our global ocean governance architecture and shift from harmful exploitation to sustainable use of the ocean.' Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape said his national government does not support deep sea mining due to potentially devastating environmental consequences. However, his stance on the issue is opposite to the one the governor of his country's New Island Province has taken. Governor Walter Schnaubelt recently issued a statement backing Niu Solwara, the company planning to launch the controversial Solwara 1 seabed mining project in the Bismarck Sea by late 2027. Governor Schnaubelt said the new mining techniques employed by Niu Solwara are environmentally safe. Meanwhile, Palau's president Surangel Whipps Jr said financing is key to ensure a sustainable ocean economy that works for the planet. He said the mechanism must include grants for science and governance, patient capital for community-led enterprises, sustainable revenue mechanisms for marine protected areas, and robust local financial systems supporting nature-positive businesses. French Polynesia's president, Moetai Brotherson, spoke of his administration's plan to establish a network of highly protected marine areas (MPAs). This was met with applause. 'Why do we do it? We do it because we are not just looking at the ocean; we are not just seeing it at some place that we can fish. We are part of the ocean, and the ocean is part of us.'
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Tuvalu Calls For Sea Level Rise Treaty At UN Oceans Conference
'Tuvalu calls for the development of an international treaty on sea level rise, to enshrine the legal rights of affected states and people.' RNZ Pacific Tuvalu prime minister Feleti Teo has called for an international treaty on sea level rise at the UN Oceans Conference in France. Speaking to delegates in Nice, Teo said the ocean is critical to his country's economy, culture and survival. He said he supports the UN Secretary-General's call for all nations to deliver on the 1.5 degrees Celsius promise in order to halt the rate of sea level rise. 'In that regard, Tuvalu calls for the development of an international treaty on sea level rise, to enshrine the legal rights of affected states and people, including the principles of statehood continuity and the permanency of maritime boundary,' he said. 'For Tuvalu, building the resilience and adaptability of our coastlines against the impact of sea level rise is our top adaptation program.' Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele used his speech to condemn the pursuit of deep sea mining in the Pacific. Addressing delegates in Nice, Manele said his country has placed a moratorium on deep sea prospecting and mining. He said the world's oceans face three planetary crises: biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change. 'Despite this, some are pursuing deep sea mining with minimal regard for scientific understanding, environmental risks and global consensus,' he said. He said the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 – to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources – is off track and underfunded. 'We must move beyond rhetoric to concrete actions that matches the scale and urgency to address today's crisis. 'We must also reform our global ocean governance architecture and shift from harmful exploitation to sustainable use of the ocean.' Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape said his national government does not support deep sea mining due to potentially devastating environmental consequences. However, his stance on the issue is opposite to the one the governor of his country's New Island Province has taken. Governor Walter Schnaubelt recently issued a statement backing Niu Solwara, the company planning to launch the controversial Solwara 1 seabed mining project in the Bismarck Sea by late 2027. Governor Schnaubelt said the new mining techniques employed by Niu Solwara are environmentally safe. Meanwhile, Palau's president Surangel Whipps Jr said financing is key to ensure a sustainable ocean economy that works for the planet. He said the mechanism must include grants for science and governance, patient capital for community-led enterprises, sustainable revenue mechanisms for marine protected areas, and robust local financial systems supporting nature-positive businesses. French Polynesia's president, Moetai Brotherson, spoke of his administration's plan to establish a network of highly protected marine areas (MPAs). This was met with applause. 'Why do we do it? We do it because we are not just looking at the ocean; we are not just seeing it at some place that we can fish. We are part of the ocean, and the ocean is part of us.'
