July 8, 2026
Pacific leaders unite to strengthen traditional governance, intergenerational knowledge transfer and community-led solutions for climate resilience
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS (8 July 2026) — Indigenous leaders, traditional authorities, youth representatives and conservation practitioners from eight Pacific nations have concluded a landmark Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange, reaffirming the critical role of traditional governance, Indigenous knowledge and intergenerational leadership in addressing the region's environmental and climate challenges.
Convened by Conservation International, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Ui Ariki Ngateitei o te Kuki Airani (UANKA), the NGO arm the House of Ariki), the week-long Exchange brought together participants from the Cook Islands, Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to share experiences, working solutions, and strengthen Indigenous-led conservation across the Pacific.
Participants recognised that many Pacific communities face similar challenges, including the loss of traditional knowledge as younger generations spend more time away from their customary lands and waters. The Exchange created space for leaders to discuss practical ways to keep knowledge alive through culture, governance, hands-on education and community-led stewardship.
Of interest was the establishment of UANKA and how the Indigenous trust entity, established by the House of Ariki, integrates customary leadership values within a self-determined legal framework. Participants were inspired to hear how UANKA is directly helping its communities deliver on-the ground action – advancing culture-based environmental education and intergenerational knowledge transfer, customary leadership and governance as well as community and environmental wellbeing.
Separately, chiefs visiting from the Lau islands of Fiji shared how they have collaborated to produce a culturally grounded governance training manual to support biodiversity protection across generations, – capturing spoken traditional knowledge in written form, ensuring this ancestral knowledge is not lost and it can continue to guide customary leadership, conservation practice and community decision-making.
The Exchange highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for elders, traditional leaders and youth to work together and ensure cultural knowledge continues to guide the stewardship of lands and seas.
Mr.Leausalilo Schannel van Dijken, Senior Director of Marine and Heritage at Conservation International , said the Exchange demonstrated that the Pacific's greatest strength lies in its people. "Across the Pacific we are connected by generations of knowledge, stewardship and responsibility. This Exchange has shown that while every island has its own culture and traditions, we share many of the same aspirations for our people and our environment. By strengthening relationships, sharing knowledge and investing in the next generation of Indigenous leaders, we are building a stronger foundation for nature, climate resilience and community wellbeing across our shared ocean."
Held during the 60th anniversary of the Cook Islands House of Ariki, the Exchange reinforced the importance of customary leadership in shaping the future of conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development in the Pacific.
The Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange was supported through the Global Environment Facility Inclusive Conservation Initiative, New Zealand's MFAT Manaaki Fund and the European Union-funded COLORS Project.
ENDS
LINKS:
Exchange Launch Press Release, June 30, 2026| Conservation International
Kura Tapu Manifesto inspires indigenous education | Cook Islands News | 21 March 2026
Cook Islands Advances Culture-Based Education Reform Through Inclusive Co-Design Initiative | March 20, 2026 | Pacific Scoop