EIANZ Secretary Fiona Gainsford and Ecology Section Chair Kelly Matthews recently represented the Institute and CEnvP Scheme at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Oceania Regional Conservation Forum in Fiji. Here, Kelly provides a report on the Forum and how EIANZ members can be involved in shaping IUCN policy.

The recent IUCN Oceania Forum held in Fiji was a pivotal gathering for conservationists, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the region. This forum not only provided a platform for discussing pressing environmental issues, but also reinforced the vital role of collaboration in achieving conservation goals.

One of the central themes of the forum was the importance of member organisations, such as EIANZ, leveraging their expertise and influence to assist the IUCN in prioritising global conservation initiatives.

By sharing knowledge and resources, member organisations can enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts on a global scale.

How members can participate in IUCN’s policy cycle

The IUCN policy cycle involves motions, resolutions, and recommendations. These mechanisms empower member organisations to guide the policy and program direction of the IUCN and influence third-party stakeholders. By participating in this process, members can ensure their voices are heard and their priorities are addressed.

Member organisations have the opportunity to submit motions on various topics related to conservation, such as species protection, ecosystem management, and climate change adaptation. These motions are carefully reviewed and discussed during the World Conservation Congress (WCC), held once every four years. Once agreed upon, they are adopted as resolutions, providing clear directives for the IUCN's work and informing its strategic priorities for the coming years.

During the last WCC, held in Marseille in 2021, several significant resolutions were discussed and adopted. For instance, a resolution on biodiversity and climate change emphasised the interconnectedness of these two issues, urging member states to integrate biodiversity considerations into climate action plans. Another resolution recognised the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in conservation, calling for their rights to be respected and protected. Additionally, a resolution on marine protected areas (MPAs) highlighted the importance of establishing and effectively managing MPAs to conserve marine biodiversity.

EIANZ and other members can submit motions that can shape conservation policy at various levels – species, site, national, and global. The resolutions generated from these motions play a crucial role in setting the international conservation agenda, supporting the development of international conservation law, and identifying emerging issues that impact conservation. The next WCC will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in October 2025, and members are encouraged to engage in the voting process to influence the outcomes.

Participants at the forum were also encouraged to actively contribute their technical expertise to international databases, such as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and other conservation programs. By doing so, local data can inform global decisions, ensuring that conservation strategies are grounded in accurate and relevant information.

Oceania Forum priorities

Climate change emerged as the number one priority for Oceania’s conservation efforts, with its widespread effects on biodiversity, coastal communities, and ecosystems. The Forum underscored the urgent need for collective action to address climate-related challenges and to develop adaptive strategies that can mitigate its impacts.

The forum also emphasised the critical importance of oceans for sustaining life in Oceania. The unique challenges associated with ocean conservation were discussed, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to protect marine ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

The forum featured a range of innovative local conservation projects, showcasing the diverse approaches taken by various communities and organisations across the region. These initiatives not only highlight the creativity and resourcefulness of local stakeholders but also serve as inspiring examples of effective conservation practices.

The IUCN Oceania Forum in Fiji was a significant event that brought together diverse voices to discuss the future of conservation in the region. By emphasising collaboration, policy influence, and local initiatives, the forum reinforced the commitment to preserving Oceania’s unique ecosystems and communities.

As we look forward to the next WCC in 2025, the insights gained from this forum will undoubtedly shape the ongoing efforts to address the critical conservation challenges facing Oceania and beyond.

If you are interested in placing a motion or helping with the IUCN database, Redlist of Threatened Species or mapping, please contact Kelly Matthews MEIANZ, Chair of the Ecology SIS at ecology@eianz.org.