Conservation Organizations Emphasize Indigenous Leadership and Traditional Knowledge at Pacific Islands Conference

The IUCN participated in the 11th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation following its September 2026 gathering in Nouméa, highlighting the integration of Indigenous and local stewardship models with modern conservation approaches. A key side event titled "From Knowledge to Stewardship" brought together traditional leaders, scientists, and practitioners to discuss how Pacific communities' generations-old relationships with land and ocean inform contemporary conservation action. The discussions covered Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental DNA technology, nature-based solutions, and sustainable livelihoods alongside conservation finance and youth leadership.

The 11th Pacific Islands Conference brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders—governments, Indigenous leaders, researchers, and civil society groups—to address conservation challenges specific to island ecosystems. Held in September 2026 at a cultural centre in New Caledonia, the gathering reflected growing recognition that effective environmental protection in the Pacific requires integrating traditional governance systems and long-established ecological knowledge with contemporary scientific methods.

IUCN's participation centered on demonstrating how Indigenous stewardship and modern conservation tools can operate in complementary ways. The organization highlighted that funding directed toward community-based initiatives produces effects beyond immediate project boundaries, including ecosystem restoration, species protection, climate adaptation, organizational strengthening, and economic opportunities for marginalized groups like women and youth.