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Addressing an audience of international policymakers, Indigenous representatives, and global environmental leaders, Mr. Chand emphasized the need to fully integrate Traditional Knowledge into the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). He highlighted how Pacific Island nations, with their rich cultural and natural heritage, have long utilized Traditional Knowledge to sustainably manage their ecosystems and resources.

“Traditional Knowledge is not just a tool for conservation,” stated Mr. Chand. “It is a living, dynamic system, refined over centuries, enabling Indigenous communities to protect ecosystems in a way that is sustainable, equitable, and deeply connected to their cultural identity.”

Mr. Chand shared key case studies from the Pacific, illustrating successful Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in Vanuatu, Fiji, and Samoa. These initiatives contribute directly to the achievement of the GBF's biodiversity targets by reinforcing ecosystem resilience, preserving biodiversity, and protecting cultural landscapes through community stewardship.

The side event, titled “Traditional Knowledge and Practice Critical for Advancing the Implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF),” focused on the role of Pacific Island nations in demonstrating how Indigenous and local communities are vital to achieving the 2030 global biodiversity targets. The discussion also addressed challenges such as the need for policy coherence, respect for Indigenous rights, and the legal recognition of customary land tenure.

Collaborating with the Governments of Vanuatu and Fiji, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Oceania reaffirmed the importance of stronger partnerships between global policymakers and Indigenous communities to ensure that Traditional Knowledge is central to biodiversity conservation strategies moving forward.

In her opening remarks, Acting Director for the Vanuatu Department of Environment, Ms. Roleanas Rolenas Tavue Baereleo, highlighted: “The Global Biodiversity Framework will only succeed if it genuinely includes the knowledge, leadership, and rights of Indigenous and local communities. The world’s most biodiverse areas are in their hands, and without their full participation, we cannot hope to achieve our global biodiversity goals.”

She further added, “In Vanuatu, we have witnessed the power of Indigenous leadership in conservation. Our traditional practices, like rotational fishing zones and agroforestry systems, not only preserve biodiversity but also sustain livelihoods. By recognizing and integrating these systems into national policies, we are directly contributing to the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly in conservation and sustainable resource use.”

This side event at COP 16 reaffirmed the Pacific region’s leadership in incorporating Traditional Knowledge into global environmental policy and emphasized the crucial contributions of Pacific Island nations toward achieving global biodiversity goals.

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