Celebrating The World Ocean Day
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 4 June 2026
City Residents from all walks of life are invited to participate in the World Ocean Day Walk and Celebration on Sunday, 7 June 2026, from 5:00am to 10:00am, beginning at Ela Beach and concluding at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
The event is being jointly sponsored and co-hosted by Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong, and NCD Governor Powes Parkop.
The walk aims to draw national attention to the growing threats facing Papua New Guinea's oceans, coral reefs, and marine life, while celebrating the communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on healthy marine ecosystems.
Governor Parkop said Papua New Guinea has made significant progress in raising awareness about environmental threats on land, but equal attention must now be given to protecting the country's oceans and marine resources.
"Our oceans are under increasing pressure from climate change, rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, sea-level rise, pollution, and unsustainable commercial fishing practices.
This inaugural World Ocean Day celebration is an opportunity for all Papua New Guineans to stand together and advocate for stronger protection of our marine environment."
The event follows the successful hosting of the Melanesian Leaders Ocean Forum in May, which highlighted the importance of ocean conservation across the Pacific region.
Papua New Guinea is part of the globally significant Coral Triangle, together with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Solomon Islands.
The region contains some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth and supports millions of people through fisheries and tourism.
Coral reefs play a critical role in sustaining life by providing habitat for marine species, supporting tuna fishing, protecting coastal communities from storms and erosion, storing carbon, and contributing to global oxygen production.
"The health of our coral reefs is directly linked to the health of our oceans, our coastal communities, and future generations. Every effort must be made to protect, conserve, and restore these precious ecosystems and the marine species that depend on them," Governor Parkop said.
The celebration will feature cultural performances from coastal and island communities, highlighting the deep cultural and traditional connection between Papua New Guineans and the ocean.
Participation from atoll and coastal communities is particularly encouraged, while extending an open invitation to all residents of Port Moresby and visitors from across the country.
During the event, Minister Jelta Wong is expected to make several significant announcements relating to marine conservation, including proposed measures to strengthen protection of vulnerable marine species and details regarding the declaration of a major Marine Conservation Park stretching from the West Coast of Manus Province to Wuvulu and Aua Islands.
The World Ocean Day celebration will serve both as a day of recognition for the ocean's importance and as a call to action for stronger conservation measures to safeguard Papua New Guinea's marine heritage for future generations.
Join the walk, bring your families, wear blue, and stand in solidarity for the protection of our oceans, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity.
For enquiries, contact the Amazing Port Moresby Events Manager Ms. Melissa Brabar on
Phone: +675 7424 1055 or Email: events.apom@gmail.com