11th · 2026
Noumea, New Caledonia
Tjibaou Cultural Centre · 7–11 September 2026
Delegates will adopt the next regional Framework for Nature Conservation 2026–2030 and a new Declaration.
Upcoming
Held approximately every five years since 1975, the Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation is the region's most important gathering for biodiversity policy and practice. Each Conference adopts a regional Framework that guides Pacific conservation work for the cycle ahead.
11
Conferences
51
Years
22
Pacific countries & territories
10
Framework cycles
The Conference series
The first Pacific Islands Conference on National Parks and Reserves was convened in 1975 to provide a regional voice for Pacific biodiversity. The series later expanded into the Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation, reflecting the full breadth of Pacific ecosystems, threatened species, marine and terrestrial areas, and the connections between nature and Pacific cultures.
Timeline · 1975 to 2026
10th · 2020 - Theme: Nature Conservation Action for a Resilient Pacific
Noumea / virtual
Hosted virtually from New Caledonia
Endorsed the Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas 2021–2025 and the Vemööre Declaration. More about the 10th Conference: pacificnatureconference.com.
9th · 2013 - Theme: Natural Solutions: Building Resilience for a Changing Pacific
Suva / Fiji
2-6 December 2013
Strengthened the regional action around protected areas, invasive species, climate resilience and community-based conservation. Adopted the Laucala Declaration on Conservation in Oceania..
8th · 2007 - Theme: Conservation Serving Communities in a Rapidly Changing World
Alotau, Papua New Guinea
Adopted the Action Strategy for Nature Conservation (2008-2012). Put communities at the centre of Pacific conservation
7th · 2002 - Theme: Mainstreaming Nature Conservation
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Adopted the Action Strategy for Nature Conservation (2003-2007). Endorsed a shared 30-year vision for Pacific conservation
6th · 1997 - Theme: Tools for Conservation
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Pacific Island countries and territories initiated the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation as the implementation partnership for the Conference decisions.
PIRT initiated
5th · 1993 - Theme: Community Involvement in Conserving Biodiversity in the South Pacific
Nukualofa, Tonga
Placed communities at the centre of Pacific biodiversity through the Action Strategy for Nature Conservation in the South Pacific (1994-1998)
4th · 1989 - Theme: The Role of Protected Areas in Sustaining Pacific Island Societies.
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Advanced regional partnerships for protected area management and biodiversity conservation.
3rd · 1985 - Theme: Traditional Conservation Knowledge and Practice.
Apia, Samoa
Elevated protected areas, traditional knowledge and community participation as regional conservation priorities.
2nd · 1979 - Theme: National Parks and Reserves
Sydney, Australia
Strengthened regional cooperation on protected areas and wildlife conservation.
1st · 1975 - Theme: National Parks and Reserves
Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Established the rationale for a recurring Pacific regional forum on protected areas and nature conservation. Laid the foundation for regional conservation and cooperation.
What each Conference leaves behind
- A regional Framework or Action Strategy for the next cycle.
- A State of Environment evidence base and shared priorities for implementation.
- Partnership commitments carried by PIRT working groups, member organisations and Pacific governments.
