The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is hosting its Oceania regional conservation forum in Suva this week, alongside the Fijian Government. The conference aims to gather, exchange, and celebrate conservation successes while charting a path for future initiatives.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica expressed Fiji’s enthusiasm in hosting the forum, highlighting its importance in addressing key issues relevant to the Pacific community.
IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar emphasized the organization’s commitment to advocating for the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. She stated, “IUCN is proud to be among the strongest advocates for the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, through world-leading science and deep traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples, all amplified through the collective voice of our Members.” She noted that the Pacific region is the largest for IUCN in terms of geography.
The Fijian Government’s co-hosting role seeks to enhance its effectiveness in conserving natural resources and protecting biodiversity. Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica mentioned ongoing efforts in Fiji to promote environmentally sustainable development, citing valuable home-grown solutions. However, he pointed out the significant challenges the country faces in securing stable, adequate, and timely financing necessary to implement large-scale solutions. He remarked that this issue is common across many Pacific Island countries, largely due to their small administrations and the complexities of existing financial systems.
The forum is scheduled to conclude this Thursday.