Conservation International convened Dialogue to strengthen the effective management of land and ocean resources by Indigenous Peoples, supporting resilience amidst accelerating climate change impacts and exploring sustainable financing pathways

Conservation International hosted a pivotal Pacific Inclusive Conservation Dialogue, gathering Indigenous leaders from the Cook Islands, Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, and Samoa. The leaders discussed traditional governance, how Indigenous leadership can enhance natural resource management, and ways to collaborate for sustainable conservation. 

In his keynote address, Dr Upolu Luma Vaai, Professor of Theology & Ethics at the Pacific Theological College, emphasised the importance of embracing ‘whole of life’ Indigenous philosophies, which center on the reciprocal relationship between people and nature where nature and people are one, and so caring for nature ensures that nature cares for the people. He highlighted the Pacific peoples’ holistic and integrated worldview, deeply rooted in their traditional relationality with the environment and communities. 

The President of the House of Ariki from Cook Islands, Kaumaiti Nui, Travel Tou, called upon participants to value traditions and customs and recognise the need to conserve this mana across the Moana nui a Kiva. 

This call was echoed by Ngātiwai Trust Board Representative and co-chair of Hinemoana Halo, Aperahama Edwards who shared how Ngātiwai is accelerating culture-based nature-positive impact in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The leaders visited the Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Viliame Seruvakuala and representatives of the Fiji Ministry of ITaukei Affairs where they presented a traditional greetings and explored opportunities for further collaboration among the Cook Islands House of Ariki, the Fiji Great Council of Chiefs and Māori leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Conservation International’s Vice President of the Pacific region, Susana Tuisese, shared her organization’s commitment to convene and strengthen the relationships and role of Indigenous peoples to protect nature, ‘Indigenous peoples play a vital role in safeguarding the Earth’s ecosystems, stewarding over a quarter of the planet’s land and seas while protecting 80 percent of global biodiversity. Through the GEF-7 Inclusive Conservation Initiative, Conservation International is committed to convening and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities across the Pacific, supporting their leadership in large-scale ocean and island stewardship efforts. Together, we are amplifying local conservation actions and ensuring these efforts align with global biodiversity goals for lasting impact.’

Young leaders from Fiji and Samoa were included to uplift their voices and foster intergenerational knowledge-sharing. Country Director of Conservation International Samoa, Leilani Duffy Iosefo highlighted the role of youth, noting that ‘Young people are key to achieving a more sustainable and healthier planet. Youth have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness and capacity to address environmental and climatic challenges through innovative ideas, demanding policy- and decision-makers for bolder action through advocacy. Meaningful and effective inclusion of young people in environmental action and decision is not only a duty as they represent an important part of the demography and disproportionately bear the consequences of the triple planetary crisis. Doing so ensures better, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable decisions that will have long-term impacts.’ Echoing similar sentiments; the Samoa High Commissioner to Fiji; Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, in his keynote speech on the second day talked about the important roles of traditional leaders ensuring conservation knowledge being passed on to the younger generations and ensuring continuity in conservation efforts.

Indigenous communities across the Pacific Islands region have strong cultural and economic ties to the ocean and its resources such as voyagers, fishers, and island dwellers. The Inclusive Conservation Dialogue provided a unique opportunity to share experiences, knowledge, and pathways to progress indigenous-led and culturally driven conservation efforts across the Pacific region. 

The Dialogue was made possible with support from the Global Environment Facility Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) and the New Zealand Government Manaaki Fund. 

This story was originally published at Conservation International on 30 September 2024.