Tabuya represents Pacific voice at critical global oceans forum

Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya has called for stronger recognition of Indigenous rights and greater support for community-led ocean stewardship while representing Fiji and the wider Pacific at the Neptune Forum in Paris, France.

The visit was fully funded by the Neptune Forum, with no cost to Fijian taxpayers, reflecting the importance placed on ensuring Pacific voices are represented in global discussions on the future of the world's oceans.

The Forum brings together government leaders, policymakers, experts and development partners to discuss ocean governance, conservation and financing at a time when Pacific Island countries are seeking increased international support to address the growing impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Speaking at the Forum, Minister Tabuya emphasised that Pacific peoples have managed and protected their ocean resources for generations through traditional knowledge systems and that Indigenous communities must be included in decisions affecting the future of the ocean.

"The future of our oceans depends on embracing all forms of knowledge and ensuring that those who have cared for these waters for generations have a rightful seat at the table," she said.

The Minister stressed that Indigenous peoples should not simply be viewed as stakeholders in ocean governance but as rights holders whose knowledge systems have sustained marine ecosystems for centuries.

She also called for meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices in ocean decision-making processes, respect for Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and greater investment in community-led conservation initiatives.

Minister Tabuya said Pacific peoples have lived in harmony with the ocean for thousands of years and that decisions affecting the future of the world's oceans must include those whose lives, cultures and livelihoods remain most closely connected to them.

Fiji's participation at international forums such as the Neptune Forum ensures Pacific perspectives are represented in discussions that help shape future priorities around ocean conservation, climate resilience, sustainable ocean management and international support for vulnerable island nations.

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