The Pacific chapter of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) is gearing up for 2026 with exciting initiatives following a successful planning session held at the end of 2025. This gathering marked a turning point for youth-led conservation efforts across the Pacific, reinforcing their commitment to environmental advocacy.
On December 3, 2025, in Suva, Fiji, the meeting coincided with the 28th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT), highlighting the focus on youth in the region’s biodiversity endeavors. Charles Nimanick, the GYBN Pacific Networking Lead from Vanuatu, emphasized the network’s role in empowering young people to connect and educate themselves, equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to advocate for the preservation of their islands’ biodiversity while celebrating their cultural legacy.
The discussions during the Youth Day were aimed at enabling young leaders to engage in strategic dialogues to boost youth involvement in regional biodiversity policies. They also focused on aligning local efforts with global biodiversity strategies, while addressing the specific challenges faced by Pacific communities. The hybrid format of the event allowed for an inclusive participation of young people from across the Pacific Islands, ensuring that even remote island nations had a voice in these critical conversations.
The planning session was vital in laying the groundwork for the GYBN Pacific Chapter, covering its vision, priorities, governance structure, and collaborative strategies. Participants expressed their appreciation for the chance to engage directly with regional conservation leaders, fostering an environment where youth perspectives can influence environmental policy-making.
This initiative benefited significantly from funding provided by the Pacific BioScapes Programme, supported by the European Union, and operated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Their dedication to youth involvement and biodiversity conservation has been pivotal in realizing the potential of the Pacific Chapter.
The Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation, through its annual meetings, enhances the collaboration between conservation organizations, aiming to tackle critical environmental challenges in a unified manner while minimizing redundancy. The youth involved in this movement displayed eagerness and optimism about their role in shaping future conservation strategies, contributing to building a resilient and biodiverse Pacific for generations to come.
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