Chapter 3: Climate Change and Ocean Governance in the Pacific: Challenges of Sovereignty and Political Agency

Authors

Vaha Milla, Falefou Tapugao, Kensen Matthew

Abstract

Chapter 3 looks at governance of the climate/ocean nexus in the Pacific region. It focuses on Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs) as global norm entrepreneurs in international and regional frameworks to successfully manage the threats to their sovereign rights at the time of climate crisis. The chapter begins with examples of international ocean and climate regimes in which PICTs have played an influential role as political actors, framing the norms of global governance and international law. It then looks at sea level rise as a threat to state sovereignty in the Pacific region. Furthermore, the chapter looks at the work done by the Pacific Islands Forum to protect regional state sovereignty and maritime boundaries, as well as the innovative national approach adopted by Tuvalu. Finally, the chapter discusses ocean management by looking at the examples of Pacific engagement with critical marine resources.

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