Fiji is calling for stronger legal protection of nature while ensuring that Pacific communities and their traditional relationships with the environment remain central to any new approach.

Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya raised the issue during a meeting with Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) Founder and Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake on the sidelines of UNGA81 in New York.

WECAN, in partnership with Ocean Vision Legal, is advocating for a United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Nature.

Discussions with Minister Tabuya focused on how legal recognition of nature could contribute to stronger ocean protection, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Minister Tabuya noted that while numerous international agreements and organisations already address environmental concerns, protecting the ocean in a comprehensive way remains a challenge.

She stressed that any Rights of Nature framework must reflect the Pacific’s longstanding relationship with the environment.

“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.

The Minister also highlighted Fiji’s upcoming Pre-COP31 in Nadi, which will bring climate decision-makers to the Pacific and create an opportunity for island nations to place their experiences, concerns and priorities at the centre of climate discussions.

Both sides expressed interest in maintaining dialogue on the issue and exploring opportunities for continued engagement.