Historic declaration between Polynesian leader grants whales legal personhood

A unique declaration has been signed between leaders from around Polynesia that advocates for the protection of whales across the Pacific.

The He Whakaputanga Moana declaration calls for whales to be granted legal personhood, outlining a comprehensive plan for their protection.

The declaration also seeks to protect the rights of tohorā to migrate freely, conserve and grow dwindling populations, establish marine protected areas, and use mātauranga Māori alongside science for better protections and set-up a dedicated fund for whale conservation.

Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau te Wherowhere VII was part of the signing of the declaration, and in a declaration - he referred to the signing as part of a “hinemoana halo” over the ancestors (whales).

Kiingitanga spokesman, Ngira Simmonds elaborated on the concept.

“Hinemoana Halo is a movement, an organisation that is involved in several aspects of ocean protection, education and lifting the profile of the different needs of the ocean.

“One particular project that Hinemoana Halo brought to the attention of the world is this declaration He Wahakaputanga Moana.

“At the very forefront of this cloak of protection, is the primary principle that this protection in this part of the world has to come from the indigenous people of the various countries of the Pacific. It can’t be a western government led initiative.”

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