The International Union for Conservation of Nature‘s World Conservation Congress took place in Honolulu, Hawaii, from September 1 to 5. The annual World Conservation Congress brings together several thousand stakeholders, leaders, and decision-makers from governments, civil societies, indigenous groups, businesses, and academia, with the goal of “conserving the environment and harnessing the solutions nature offers to global challenges.”

Nereus Director of Policy Yoshitaka Ota attended the congress and organized a Knowledge Cafe on September 2 on the topic of governance of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction titled “What can indigenous peoples and local communities contribute to the governance of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction?”

Outlining the role of all human beings as stakeholders in the governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction in oceans around the world, the Knowledge Cafe explored the ways in which Indigenous peoples and local communities can apply their knowledge and practices in the governance of global ocean commons. The event also produced recommendations regarding whether or not, and how, indigenous peoples should participate in the United Nations debate over the topic.

More information about the Knowledge Cafe