The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is holding its Oceania regional conservation forum in Suva this week, in collaboration with the Fijian Government. The conference aims to bring together participants to share successes in conservation efforts while planning for future initiatives.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica expressed Fiji’s pride in hosting the forum, noting that it presents a vital opportunity to address key issues relevant to Pacific communities.
Dr. Grethel Aguilar, IUCN’s Director General, highlighted the organization’s strong commitment to advocating for the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. She emphasized the role of both advanced scientific research and traditional Indigenous knowledge in these efforts, which are amplified through the collective efforts of IUCN members.
The Pacific region stands out as the largest for IUCN in terms of geography. The Fijian Government’s collaboration in hosting the forum aims to enhance its capacity for conserving natural resources and biodiversity.
Kamikamica stated that Fiji is making strides in promoting sustainable development, with several innovative local solutions recorded. However, he pointed out the ongoing challenges in securing reliable and adequate financing to implement solutions effectively, a common issue faced by many Pacific Island nations due to their smaller administrative structures and complicated financial systems.
The forum is scheduled to conclude this Thursday.