Minister for Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya has called for Rights of Nature approaches that protect ecosystems while respecting the Pacific communities whose lives depend on them.
She made the call during a meeting with Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) Founder and Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake on the margins of UNGA81 in New York. WECAN, together with Ocean Vision Legal, is advocating for a UN Declaration on the Rights of Nature.
The meeting explored how legal protections for nature could strengthen ocean protection, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Minister Tabuya noted that, despite the many international agreements and bodies addressing environmental issues, comprehensive protection for the ocean remains a challenge.
“In Fiji, Vanua speaks to the deep connection between our people, land and ocean. Any new approach must respect customary ownership, traditional knowledge and community governance,” she said.
Minister Tabuya said Fiji’s Pre-COP31 in Nadi would bring climate decision-makers to the Pacific and provide an opportunity to put island nations’ realities and priorities at the centre of the discussion. Both sides expressed interest in continuing their engagement.