Fourth IUCN Oceania Regional Conservation Forum opens in Suva, Fiji

Hosted by the Government of Fiji, the ORCF serves as a preparatory gathering for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 and will involve high-level discussions on the region’s input into global conservation frameworks. The Forum will run from 16 to 19 September and serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among the Members and stakeholders of IUCN.  The ORCF is held every four years, making it a key event for sharing ideas and building partnerships. This year’s theme ‘Unite for Nature: Building a Resilient Oceania for Nature and People’ reflects the growing urgency of addressing the triple planetary crisis; climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

In his welcoming remarks, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica emphasised the importance of the ORCF, highlighting Fiji’s unwavering commitment to leading global efforts in environmental protection and sustainable development.

“Where there is crisis, there is opportunity for leadership, collaboration, and action. In co-hosting this forum, the Government of Fiji seeks to strengthen our effectiveness as a region when it comes to protecting our environment, conserving our natural assets, and buffering our people and their livelihoods from the increasing burden of biodiversity and climate crisis,” Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Kamikamica said.

“Let us be bold, visionary, and united in our actions. Let us build bridges of cooperation and foster a spirit of solidarity that extends beyond our shores,” Hon. Kamikamica concluded.

IUCN Director General Dr Grethel Aguilar spoke about the increasing pressures the Pacific was facing including the impacts of climate change.

“Today, we stand at a critical juncture in history. Despite our collective efforts, biodiversity loss and climate change continue to accelerate. The year 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar.

“The impacts of the changing climate – felt deeply here in Oceania – threaten whatever progress we have made to protect biodiversity and the well-being of people. There is much to do, but you can count on IUCN to stand with you in solidarity as we face these challenges together,” Dr Aguilar said.

Delivering her remarks, Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President reiterated: “We are not just planning for the immediate future, we are setting a course for a bold, impactful 20-year strategic vision that embraces all nations within a diverse and dynamic union.”

With over 150 participants from across Oceania gathering in Suva for the four-day event, this year’s forum will focus on a number of priority topics, including:

• Climate Change adaptation through Nature-based Solutions
• Species conservation
• Plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
• Indigenous peoples and local communities
• 30% x 2030 protected and conserved areas
• Gender-responsive approaches in conservation
• Sustainable agriculture

As the ORCF progresses over the coming days, the outcomes and recommendations will shape the future of conservation efforts in Oceania.