The 2023 Udaune Declaration (UD) marked a pivotal regional commitment by member states of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to strengthen climate action and safeguard communities from the impacts of climate change.

This policy review highlights the urgent need for regional and international commitments made by MSG countries and the wider Pacific region to be backed by strong domestic legal frameworks. It also highlights the urgent need to translate ocean commitments into enforceable national laws, particularly in relation to deep-sea mining (DSM), where concerns over environmental, social, and ecological impacts continue to intensify.

The review concluded that the Udaune Declaration was ahead of its time. It is worthy of clear, unambiguous recommitment and reinvestment to deliver a regional moratorium on DSM, upholding the international duties, made clear by the ICJ Advisory Opinion, as well as recognising the unique relationships and duties we as Melanesian peoples have with our ocean and marine environment.