The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is currently hosting its Oceania regional conservation forum in Suva this week. Co-organized by the Fijian Government, the conference aims to share and celebrate successful conservation efforts while outlining future strategies.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica expressed the country’s pride in hosting the forum, noting that it presents a vital opportunity to address important issues affecting Pacific communities.
Dr. Grethel Aguilar, the IUCN Director General, emphasized the organization’s commitment to advocating for ecosystem protection and biodiversity conservation. She highlighted IUCN’s role in promoting leading scientific research along with traditional Indigenous knowledge, all strengthened by the collaborative efforts of its members.
The Pacific region is the largest for IUCN in terms of geography. By co-hosting the forum, the Fijian Government aims to enhance its effectiveness in conserving natural resources and protecting biodiversity.
Kamikamica stated that despite advancements in sustainable development initiatives in Fiji, significant challenges remain in securing consistent and adequate funding to implement solutions on a larger scale. He noted that similar financial challenges are faced by many Pacific Island nations due to their limited administrative capacities and the complicated financial structures involved.
The forum will conclude this Thursday.