Fiji, Aug. 21 -- Pacific small island developing States have called for clear funding guarantees to ensure their full participation in the new high-seas biodiversity treaty.

Speaking on behalf of the Pacific SIDS, a Papua New Guinea's representative told the Preparatory Commission in New York that "the voluntary funding mechanism must be made available to assist least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States in attending the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties."

He also pressed for a dedicated funding stream to support the participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities

He observed that the final form of the financial rules will depend on the agreed structure for the A...