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.
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya highlighted this while speaking at the Neptune Forum in Paris, France as she called for genuine partnership, meaningful inclusion of indigenous voices in all ocean decision-making, respect for Free, Prior and Informed
Consent, and greater support for community-led ocean stewardship.
Tabuya says with World Oceans Day commemorated this month, it serves as a reminder that ocean is not just a resource to the people of the Pacific; it is our heritage, our provider, and part of who we are.
She says for thousands of years, Pacific peoples have lived in harmony with the ocean.
The Environment Minister says our ancestors navigated vast seas guided by traditional knowledge passed down through generations
She emphasised the need to include indigenous people in the decision-making process, stating that “decisions about our oceans must be made with us, not for us.”
Tabuya says as we work to protect our oceans, we must move beyond simply recognising indigenous knowledge, as we are not stakeholders in ocean governance — we are rights holders.
She says our knowledge systems have sustained marine ecosystems for centuries and deserve equal respect alongside modern science.
The Minister says today, she is calling for genuine partnership: meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices in all ocean decision-making, respect for Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and greater support for community-led ocean stewardship.
