The 56 countries with historical ties to Britain issued the Commonwealth's first Ocean Declaration at the conclusion of their summit in Samoa. The declaration states that Commonwealth leaders "affirm that members can maintain their maritime zones" under international law, and that the rights associated with these zones continue to apply, regardless of physical changes linked to climate change-induced sea level rise.

By fixing maritime boundaries, atoll nations can continue to benefit economically from extensive fishing grounds, even if much of the population is forced to migrate due to a significant reduction in dry land area.

This Commonwealth initiative follows a campaign by Tuvalu, where 60% of residents inhabit an atoll that scientists predict will be half submerged by tides by 2050, to secure statehood in perpetuity under international law.

The U.N. International Law Commission, which is set to release a report on sea level rise next year, indicated in July its support for a "strong presumption" that statehood would persist even if a nation's land is entirely or partially submerged due to climate change-related rising sea levels.

Among Commonwealth members, 49 have coastlines, and 25 are small island developing states. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland remarked that the declaration "will give real hope to many who are frightened and are feeling no one's watching."

Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa noted that the first ocean declaration by Commonwealth countries was adopted in a region where climate change poses the greatest threat to security.