Fiji, April 10 -- Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa today welcomed Ocean ministers from the region in their first ever meeting as they chart their course towards the upcoming third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

The Pacific Ocean Ministers Preparatory Meeting for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference this week, Waqa said should consider how the Pacific positions itself not just as a region at the frontline of ocean challenges, but as a leader in solutions.

Gathered as the custodians of nearly 20 percent of the Earth's surface, Pacific Ministers reaffirmed their role as global stewards of ocean health.

Waqa reminded Ministers that this is more than a political gathering-it is a defining moment in a collective journey to safegua...