The South Pacific is distinguished by its unique approach to resolving conflicts, often relying on cultural values rather than violence. This perspective was emphasized by Anna Naupa, a PhD scholar at the Australian National University, during her address at the Pacific Regional and National Security Conference held in Suva. Naupa stressed the importance of cultural security as a critical but often underappreciated component of the region’s resilience.
“What we do is defend a way of life through our actions, our words, and through inter-generational continuity,” Naupa asserted, highlighting that cultural security extends beyond mere identity. It incorporates traditional knowledge systems, customary land tenure, governance structures, and the sacred relationships that Pacific peoples maintain with land and sea.
One key issue raised by Naupa was the significance of customary land tenure in preserving cultural continuity. She warned that as discussions progress toward collective security frameworks like the “Ocean of Peace,” it is essential not to overlook established commitments under the Boe Declaration, which advocates for a comprehensive understanding of security, embedding human, environmental, and cultural dimensions into the fabric of Pacific security strategies.
Support for Naupa’s insights came from Senior Sergeant Peter Ririvere of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, who pointed out that remnants of World War II, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO), represent a significant security threat that carries both cultural and developmental ramifications. Ririvere noted, “We typically remove between 6 to 200 items each week,” highlighting the reactive nature of UXO clearance, which often only occurs when land is prepared for development, presenting dangers particularly to children and rural communities.
He called for enhanced cooperation across the Pacific, emphasizing the need for donor support, improved regional maritime security partnerships, and better resources for local clearance teams. Efforts to integrate UXO remediation into broader environmental security and ocean conservation frameworks are vital as the region navigates the complexities of modern security challenges.
This proactive stance echoed sentiments expressed at the recent Pacific Islands Political Studies Association conference, where experts underscored the need for a unified response to external pressures, including geopolitical tensions and climate change. Regional leaders are increasingly committed to fostering collective security, underlining the continuous importance of dialogue and cooperation in creating a stable, resilient Pacific.
Overall, Naupa’s insights, combined with those from Ririvere and other leaders, reflect a hopeful vision for the Pacific region—a commitment to prioritizing cultural values and collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges while nurturing the unique identities and traditions that bind Pacific communities together.
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