Pacific youth leaders unite to tackle ocean health challenges

More than 40 participants from the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) programme are preparing for the Tiaki Moana Summit and Workshop in Pōrīnetia Farāni (Tahiti, Mo’orea, and Ra’iatea).

The events will take place from 24 to 28 March 2025 and will focus on enhancing marine conservation efforts and addressing ocean health challenges.

Representing 23 Pacific countries, 44 YPL participants have been selected for their leadership in marine conservation.

The group recently held a virtual meeting to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a part of the YPL programme.

“They will have the opportunity to explore the potential for other effective conservation measures (OECMs), integrating Indigenous knowledge and interdisciplinary science,” says Mara Hosoda Su’a, the United States-Pacific Regional Engagement Specialist.

The programme includes collaboration with Pacific, international, and US experts in marine conservation.

Su'a adds that participants will engage in hands-on activities to explore innovative strategies, policy development, and community engagement, contributing to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation while making life-long connections.

The YPL initiative, which has been active since 2013, promotes leadership development, regional partnerships, and US-Pacific ties.

Participants, averaging 28 years old, are passionate professionals or students in marine-related fields.

The programme empowers them to tackle critical issues such as climate change, overfishing, and deep-sea mining.

For more details, visit the Tiaki Moana and YPL websites.