Posted on March, 01 2025

March 1, 2025 – PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA – WWF, alongside key partners, commemorated World Seagrass Day on March 1st with a landmark event on Motupore Island, just off the coast of Port Moresby. Led by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and GIZ Pacific Management of Blue Carbon, the event brought together government agencies, NGOs, students, and community representatives in a collective effort to highlight the crucial role of seagrass ecosystems in marine conservation and climate resilience.

Seagrass meadows, often overshadowed by other coastal ecosystems, play a vital role in maintaining marine biodiversity, stabilizing water quality, and capturing carbon at a rate higher than terrestrial forests. The day's activities focused on educating stakeholders, restoring degraded seagrass areas, and fostering stronger partnerships for conservation.

Ms. Phelameya Haiveta, GIZ Pacific’s Marine Program Officer, emphasized the significance of seagrass within the blue carbon ecosystem, which includes mangroves and coastal wetlands. “Seagrass acts as a natural filter, a breeding ground for marine life, and a vital food source for coastal communities. Their ability to sequester carbon makes them crucial in the fight against climate change,” she stated.

CEPA’s Marine Project Officer, Ms. Marzena Ann Marinjembi, led a plastic audit during the event, categorizing and analyzing shoreline waste to assess the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. The audit revealed PET bottles, plastic shopping bags, and food packaging as the most prevalent pollutants, highlighting the urgent need for corporate accountability and sustainable waste management practices.

WWF-Pacific’s Youth Engagement Coordinator, Ms. Julien Pochimel, stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. “Bringing together government agencies, NGOs, and passionate young conservationists strengthens our collective impact. We must continue to advocate for policy recognition of the blue carbon ecosystem to drive long-term conservation efforts,” she said.

World Seagrass Day, officially recognized by the United Nations in 2023, serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect these invaluable marine habitats. WWF-Pacific remains committed to driving awareness, conservation action, and strategic partnerships to ensure a sustainable future for seagrass ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.