Vanuatu Leads Global Shift Toward Deep-Sea Science Cooperation at UNEA-7

Vanuatu has led the successful launch of a new global science initiative on deep-sea ecosystems at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), following two weeks of intensive negotiations and broad cross-regional engagement.

Although consensus could not be reached on the draft resolution tabled by Vanuatu, the country received remarkable support for bringing a strong resolution on the need for science on deep-sea ecosystems from across all regions, including the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Japan, the Dominican Republic, and fellow Pacific nations including Fiji, Tuvalu and Palau. After formally withdrawing its resolution, Vanuatu announced the launch of a next-phase independent science initiative which is a global synthesis of all available scientific knowledge, including Indigenous and traditional knowledge on deep-sea ecosystems, and an identification of critical knowledge gaps.

“We are deeply encouraged by the strong and diverse support expressed across this Assembly,” said the Head of Delegation, Director Osborne Melenamu. “Countries from every region recognised the urgency of strengthening deep-sea science. This next-phase initiative allows us to act immediately and collaboratively.”

Vanuatu confirmed that the initiative will be inclusive, transparent, and science-driven, undertaken in cooperation with a growing coalition of willing States, scientists, ocean institutions and philanthropic partners. The initiative with a renewed resolution will be brought back to UNEA-8 for Member States’ consideration. “This is the beginning of our journey,” Director Osborne said. “UNEA-7 has laid the foundation. Now we move into implementation with confidence, unity and purpose.” The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) met in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 5 to 12, 2025.