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Four countries in the southwestern Pacific Ocean announced plans for an area of protected waters under Indigenous leadership, called the Melanesian Ocean Reserve. The initiative is led by the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, alongside the Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI), and supported by Nia Tero. 

Read Variety’s review of "Yanuni," which premiered at Tribeca on closing night, and is a testament to Indigenous Peoples’ enduring relationship with land, story, and guardianship. Nia Tero is proud to support the documentary, which brings the powerful movement of Indigenous Peoples' guardianship into clear focus for audiences around the world. 

During the UN Ocean Conference, the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu announced their intention to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve. The area is one of the world's most biodiverse marine regions. Protecting it will secure the economic and cultural vitality of hundreds of distinct Indigenous Peoples while furthering global climate, biodiversity, and ocean goals. 

During the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Nia Tero’s CEO, ‘Aulani Wilhelm, and Pasifik Director, Lysa Wini, discussed ocean guardianship and Indigenous Peoples’ role in protecting the ocean, citing inspiring examples across the Pacific Ocean. They explained that Indigenous Peoples’ guardianship is “about people who have lived for centuries with place and have that deep connection and have built knowledge and systems.”   

On April 22, a special event parallel to the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) gathered Indigenous leaders from the Wayfinders Circle network to share experiences and discuss challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

Indigenous leadership is increasingly recognized as essential in advancing equitable and impactful nature finance. Organizations like Nia Tero are advocating for greater direct access to funding by Indigenous communities. Beyond advocacy, actions are focused on embedding Indigenous rights and knowledge systems into financial mechanisms.