Fiji, May 14 -- France has thrown its support behind Melanesian efforts to protect the Pacific Ocean, with French Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Pierre Fournier telling leaders at the the Melanesian Ocean Summit that the Pacific will play a decisive role in implementing global ocean commitments.

Speaking at the summit in Port Moresby, Fournier said France remains committed to the preservation of the ocean and backed stronger regional cooperation on marine protection, fisheries management and maritime security.

"Our joint action to reverse the dreadful degradation of the health of the ocean with our joint commitment to protect at least 30 percent of the ocean by 2030, and the adoption of the High Seas treaty, or BBNJ agreement, are a tru...