Conservation in the Pacific Islands faces unique challenges, requiring approaches that acknowledge the deep interconnectedness of communities and their environments. Traditional conservation methods have sometimes overlooked unique socio-cultural contexts including the rights, needs and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, leading to unintended negative consequences.

Dr Sangeeta Mangubhai will explore the ethical, practical and legal imperatives for integrating human rights and rights-based approaches into conservation. She will delve into the responsibilities of duty-bearers (primarily state actors, but also including conservation organisations) to respect, protect, and fulfil the rights of rights-holders (every individual). Drawing from examples in the Pacific Islands, she will shed light on how to move beyond protectionism and fortress conservation towards inclusive and participatory conservation, which will result in more effective and enduring conservation.