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11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas

11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas
Co-hosted by SPREP, the Government of New Caledonia and PIRT. 800+ delegates across protected areas, species recovery, nature/culture/people and law/finance streams.
Event date
Event location
Tjibaou Cultural Centre, Noumea, New Caledonia

Co-hosted by SPREP, the Government of New Caledonia and PIRT. 800+ delegates across protected areas, species recovery, nature/culture/people and law/finance streams.

28th PIRT Annual Meeting

28th PIRT Annual Meeting
Annual gathering of PIRT member organisations to review 2025-2026 implementation of the Pacific Islands Framework.
Event date
Event location
Apia, Samoa

Annual gathering of PIRT member organisations to review 2025-2026 implementation of the Pacific Islands Framework.

Newsletter

Subscribe to the Pacific Conservation Digest — quarterly updates from PIRT members.

Apply to join PIRT

PIRT welcomes new member organisations committed to Pacific nature conservation. Reach out via the contact form to start the application process.

Jacqueline Evans

Jacqueline Evans is a Cook Islands marine conservationist and Goldman Environmental Prize laureate (2019), recognised for leading the campaign that established the Marae Moana marine protected area covering nearly 2 million km² of ocean.

Events Calendar

Upcoming Pacific conservation events — workshops, conferences, working group meetings. Sorted chronologically.

Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT)

Acronym
PIRT
Category
Country
Samoa
Role at PIRT
Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT) is a founding member (PIRT) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT) operates across the Pacific from a base in Samoa, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT) aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT) contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

PIELA Laureates

The Pacific Islands Environmental Leadership Award (PIELA) celebrates outstanding contributions to Pacific nature conservation. Browse past laureates below.

Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association

Acronym
PITIA
Category
Country
Fiji
Role at PIRT
Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association is a founding member (PITIA) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association operates across the Pacific from a base in Fiji, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

Acronym
SPREP
Category
Country
Samoa
Role at PIRT
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is a founding member (SPREP) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) operates across the Pacific from a base in Samoa, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

Society for Conservation Biology — Oceania

Acronym
SCB-O
Country
Australia
Role at PIRT
Society for Conservation Biology — Oceania contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

Society for Conservation Biology — Oceania is a founding member (SCB-O) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. Society for Conservation Biology — Oceania contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

Society for Conservation Biology — Oceania operates across the Pacific from a base in Australia, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, Society for Conservation Biology — Oceania aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; Society for Conservation Biology — Oceania contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)

Acronym
SPTO
Category
Country
Fiji
Role at PIRT
South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is a founding member (SPTO) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) operates across the Pacific from a base in Fiji, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Acronym
TNC
Country
United States
Role at PIRT
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a founding member (TNC) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) operates across the Pacific from a base in United States, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; The Nature Conservancy (TNC) contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

Tonga Community Development Trust

Acronym
TCDT
Country
Tonga
Role at PIRT
Tonga Community Development Trust contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

Tonga Community Development Trust is a founding member (TCDT) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. Tonga Community Development Trust contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

Tonga Community Development Trust operates across the Pacific from a base in Tonga, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, Tonga Community Development Trust aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; Tonga Community Development Trust contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

Vanuatu Environmental Science Society

Acronym
VESS
Country
Vanuatu
Role at PIRT
Vanuatu Environmental Science Society contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

Vanuatu Environmental Science Society is a founding member (VESS) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. Vanuatu Environmental Science Society contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

Vanuatu Environmental Science Society operates across the Pacific from a base in Vanuatu, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, Vanuatu Environmental Science Society aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; Vanuatu Environmental Science Society contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

Acronym
WCS
Country
United States
Role at PIRT
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a founding member (WCS) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) operates across the Pacific from a base in United States, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

Acronym
WWF
Country
Switzerland
Role at PIRT
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative.

Role at PIRT

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is a founding member (WWF) of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) contributes regional expertise and networks to PIRT working groups, partner programmes and the Pacific BioScapes initiative — supporting the four-year Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation across all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the organisation

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) operates across the Pacific from a base in Switzerland, contributing to nature conservation through capacity-building, technical assistance, partnerships with member states and civil society, knowledge management, and direct programme delivery on the ground. As a PIRT member, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) aligns its regional priorities with the Roundtable framework agreement and reports against pan-Pacific biodiversity targets.

Active programmes that intersect with PIRT

  • Pacific BioScapes — EU-funded action managed by SPREP; World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) contributes regional or thematic expertise across the workstreams.
  • NBSAP coordination — supports member countries' updates of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • GBF Target 3 (30×30) — area-based conservation work, including marine protected areas, indigenous-led conservation areas and trans-boundary corridors.
  • Conference 2026 — co-delivers the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Working group involvement

View all PIRT working groups →

PIELA awards

About the Awards

The Pacific Islands Environmental Leadership Awards (PIELA) recognise outstanding contributions to nature conservation across the Pacific. Established in 2018, PIELA celebrates the people and projects whose work safeguards Pacific biodiversity, builds climate resilience, and advances Indigenous-led stewardship.

Awards are decided annually by a panel of PIRT member organisations, drawn from open public nominations. Past winners include leaders from Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea.

Four awards · one regional programme

Each award category targets a different dimension of Pacific conservation. Nominations open to individuals and organisations across the 22 PICTs.

🏆

Excellence in Environmental Law

Recognises significant contribution to environmental law reform and enforcement at national or regional level.

Previous winner: Sir Ronald Toito'ona (2024)

🌊

Policy Innovation

For an innovative policy or programme that advances Pacific Islands biodiversity and climate resilience.

Previous winner: Vanuatu Department of Forestry (2024)

🌱

Youth Environmental Leader

Honours an outstanding young Pacific Islander leading biodiversity work in their community or region.

Previous winner: Aisha Tukuoa (2023)

Lifetime Contribution

Recognises sustained contribution to Pacific nature conservation over a decade or more.

Previous winner: Dr Sina Tagaloa (2022)

PIELA 2026 — key dates

  • 1 June 2026 — Public nominations open
  • 30 June 2026 — Nominations close
  • 15 August 2026 — Shortlist announced
  • 10 September 2026 — Awards ceremony at the 11th Pacific Conference, Noumea

Submit a PIELA nomination

Nominations open 1 June 2026 and close 30 June 2026. Use the nomination form linked from the PIRT contact page during the open window.

Contact secretariat for nomination form →