Accelerating Action for Gender Equality and Conservation in the Pacific
Warm Pacific greetings to you all.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible strength, wisdom, and resilience of women across the Pacific. This year’s theme, of Accelerating Action, calls upon us to move beyond words and take meaningful steps to accelerate and advance gender equality across all areas of our societies. From IUCN’s perspective, this involves the acceleration of action in biodiversity conservation and environmental management, where Pacific women continue to play a crucial role
In our region, women have long been the stewards and guardians of our environment including our traditional knowledge on the protection of our lands, forests, and oceans that sustain our communities. Their role in conserving biodiversity is deeply embedded in our cultural practices and traditions. Whether it is the women of Fiji leading mangrove restoration efforts, the women in Samoa championing sustainable waste management, or the female rangers in Papua New Guinea protecting endangered species, they are at the forefront of conservation.
Despite the notable role of women in conservation and environmental management, challenges remain. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation disproportionately impact women and their livelihoods. This is why IUCN, through our Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), is committed to ensuring that gender equality is embedded in all our conservation initiatives. Our projects across the Pacific strive to create inclusive opportunities, ensuring that women’s voices and leadership are at the heart of decision-making processes.
We recognise that true change requires action - accelerated action. It is no longer enough to acknowledge the value of women’s contributions; we must invest in them, empower them, and remove barriers that prevent them from leading in environmental governance. IUCN is working with governments, local communities, and regional organisations to ensure that policies and programmes are gender-responsive and that women have access to the resources, training, and support they need to thrive.
Our relational identity as Pacific peoples reminds us that we are all connected - our environment, our cultures, and our people. When women are empowered, entire communities benefit. When we accelerate action for gender equality, we strengthen our ability to protect the rich biodiversity of our islands and oceans for future generations.
Today, as we honour the contributions of Pacific women, let us also commit to taking bold, collective steps toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Vinaka vakalevu, thank you, faafetai lava and let us continue to accelerate action - together.
Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago
Regional Director
IUCN Oceania Regional Office
