Climate change remains the single greatest existential threat to Pacific people, according to SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra, who regrets the United States’ recent withdrawal from the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme.

In a statement issued yesterday, Nawadra said the US decision to withdraw from SPREP — one of 66 international bodies deemed to be “contrary to US national interests” — presents an early challenge for the year.

“A lot of questions were asked about the implications, especially in the face of a fiercely contested region, geopolitically. The biggest potential loss for us, apart from the political presence of the US as valued member, are the many strong working relationships we have built with US technical agencies and organisations,” he said.

Nawadra reiterated that Pacific leaders continue to view climate change as the region’s most serious threat.

“Our Pacific leaders have repeatedly stated that climate change represents the single greatest threat to our people, threatening livelihoods, security, and our very existence, we as a region remain in a state of climate emergency.”

He said climate change priorities of Pacific member countries would remain central to SPREP’s work.

“SPREP will continue to advocate strongly and unceasingly for all countries to rally together and deepen their commitments under the Paris Agreement ‘to ensure we are at the forefront of critical efforts to keep 1.5 to stay alive.’”

Nawadra also welcomed opportunities for the Pacific to host a pre-COP meeting and highlighted Australia’s role as “President of Negotiations.”

He described the entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) as a major victory following years of negotiations.

“It is a welcome positive outcome for Pacific ‘s continued global leadership on ocean and marine conservation,” he said, adding that the agreement would allow Pacific countries to extend stewardship beyond their EEZs and better protect migratory species through connected marine corridors.

“Our work to cushion our Pacific communities against the impacts of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and waste and pollution remains at the forefront of everything we do.”

Tonga visit

Nawadra said he visited Tonga in January at the invitation of MEIDECC, noting the country faces similar challenges to other Pacific nations.

“Tonga, like all Pacific countries, face an uphill battle to overcome the impacts of the triple planetary crises.”

He said SPREP’s support for Pacific engagement in multilateral environmental agreements and ongoing negotiations on a global plastics treaty would be a major focus this year.

“But together with our valued Members, development partners, donors, our CROP family, and all stakeholders, I am positive we can rise to the challenge to make a tangible difference in the protection of the environment, our people and the Pacific communities we exist to serve.”

The US was SPREP's second-largest financial backer in 2024, responsible for US$190,000, or around 15 percent of overall funding from member states. That number dropped from $200,000 in 2023.