The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is conducting its Oceania regional conservation forum in Suva this week, in collaboration with the Fijian Government. The conference aims to gather insights, share successes in conservation, and plan for the future.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica expressed Fiji’s pleasure in hosting the forum, highlighting its importance as a platform to address critical issues facing the Pacific communities.
Dr. Grethel Aguilar, the IUCN Director General, emphasized the organization’s commitment to advocating for ecosystem protection and biodiversity conservation. She noted that IUCN combines pioneering scientific research with the profound traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples, unified through the voices of its members.
Dr. Aguilar pointed out that the Pacific region is IUCN’s largest area geographically. By co-hosting the forum, the Fijian Government aims to enhance its efforts in conserving natural resources and protecting biodiversity.
Kamikamica stated that while Fiji continues to progress in promoting environmentally sustainable development with innovative, locally developed solutions, it faces considerable challenges in securing reliable and timely funding to implement large-scale solutions. He remarked that many Pacific Island nations encounter similar financial obstacles due to their small administrative capacities and the complexities of existing financial systems.
The forum will conclude this Thursday.