Nia Tero 2022 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 30
Indigenous guardianship of islands and oceans is vital to the health of the Pasifika region, and
in 2022 we furthered our work to elevate the influence of Pasifika identity in shaping policy
and action on guardianship. The Sky Islands Pledge has continued to resonate in subnational
expressions of Indigenous agency across the domains of education, regulation, and investment
in Solomon Islands. At the same time, the Mt. Panie Kauri reserve in Kanaky/New Caledonia has
expanded, and traditional learning centers were established at Hatahobei (Helen Reef) and the
Hatahobei community in Koror, Palau. Additionally, plans are in place to establish partnerships
and centers in six more communities in Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia over the
next two years, furthering our commitment.
In addition to the specific guardianship work in the rich reef systems in remote areas of
Koror, Palau, our Pasifika team has been active on the Palau National Marine Spatial Planning
Steering Committee. Through our direct support of pelagic fisheries and marine planning
reform as part of maintaining Palau's leadership in large-scale ocean guardianship, our team is
ensuring that lessons learned across Indigenous-led Pacific Island States directly inform largescale Marine Spatial Planning.
Solomon Islands Ocean Guardianship side events at UN convenings in Lisbon, New York,
and Egypt helped garner support for Pasifika values-based ocean mapping processes in the
Solomon Islands. These efforts have helped to influence regional policy, including deep-sea
mining moratoria, Indigenous values being considered in large-scale ocean conservation
planning, and direct access to climate finance for Indigenous communities. We sustained our
firm commitment to Sepik River communities in opposition to the Frieda River mine in
support of guardianship of the river, and with backing of the provincial government. Save the
Sepik campaign lodged a complaint with the Australian National Contact Point for Responsible
Business, which was signed by over 2500 Sepik River people to increase pressure on mining
company, Pan Aust. We’re hopeful for a favorable ruling affirming the importance of Free,
Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
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2022 NIA TERO ANNUAL REPORT
