08/18/2026
IINDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE MUST HELP SHAPE DECISIONS
Indigenous and local knowledge must have a meaningful place in decisions that affect communities, their land, resources and future. This was highlighted by the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Hon. Ifereimi Vasu, at the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) Regional Gathering for the Pacific, currently underway at Denarau, Nadi.
The LCIPP brings together Indigenous Peoples, local communities and other stakeholders to strengthen the sharing and integration of traditional knowledge in addressing climate change. Hon. Vasu stressed that combining traditional knowledge, built through generations of experience and understanding of place, with modern science can strengthen practical responses in areas such as coastal protection, mangrove restoration, sustainable fisheries, food security and disaster preparedness. He also emphasised that when community knowledge is shared beyond its traditional setting, it must be treated with respect, recognition and protection. The regional gathering concludes on Friday, 21 August 2026.