Indigenous peoples have long held a deep connection to the land, waters, and territories they call home. For Native Hawaiians, this connection extends to the coral polyp, their oldest ancestor, and the revered Koholā, or humpback whale, which is seen as the manifestation of their god of the sea. These relationships with nature are central to their culture and survival.
Solomon Kahoʻohalahala, chairperson of Maui Nui Makai Network, emphasizes the importance of traditional ecological knowledge, values, and beliefs in conserving nature and its resources. Indigenous peoples do not view themselves as separate from nature but as integral parts of it, unlike the colonial perspective that seeks dominion over all things.
At the U.N. Permanent Forum in New York City, representatives of Indigenous and coastal communities gathered to advocate for their inclusion in the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the ‘High Seas Treaty.’ This agreement aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity and ecosystems in the vast oceans beyond any country’s jurisdiction.
Indigenous and coastal communities face escalating threats to marine ecosystems, from overfishing to ocean warming and acidification. These changes directly impact their livelihoods, food sovereignty, and cultural practices. Including Indigenous peoples in ocean governance and conservation efforts is crucial to ensure sustainable management of marine resources.
The High Seas Treaty aims to build ocean resilience, support sustainable fisheries, and promote the conservation of marine genetic resources. However, some environmental experts and Indigenous communities criticize the treaty for not addressing deep-sea mining and exempting it from environmental impact assessments. This omission could undermine conservation efforts and harm marine ecosystems.
To enhance the participation of Indigenous peoples in ocean conservation, Kahoʻohalahala suggests including them in all aspects of the treaty’s implementation. This would bridge existing gaps that exclude Indigenous voices from decision-making processes. Indigenous organizations also advocate for the integration of traditional knowledge and perspectives in scientific and technical bodies related to the treaty.
Capacity building and technology transfer must be a two-way process between Indigenous peoples and other stakeholders to ensure equitable sharing of knowledge and skills. Achieving parity between science and traditional knowledge is essential for effective conservation practices. The Inuit Circumpolar Council has developed ethical engagement protocols to hold scientists accountable to Indigenous peoples and their knowledge.
As the High Seas Treaty moves towards ratification, Indigenous peoples, environmental experts, and national representatives are working together to ensure the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices in ocean conservation efforts. By recognizing and respecting traditional knowledge, these communities can contribute valuable insights to marine conservation and sustainable resource management. The Ocean Conference held in June 2025 saw significant progress in the ratification of treaties aimed at protecting the world’s oceans. However, amidst these positive developments, there was a call for unity among Indigenous and local communities across the Pacific. Kahoʻohalahala, a representative at the conference, emphasized the importance of erasing boundaries within Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia to safeguard ancestral knowledge that is shared among Indigenous peoples and coastal communities.
Kahoʻohalahala stressed that despite the geographical divisions within the Pacific region, all communities are interconnected by the vast expanse of the ocean. By coming together and uniting their efforts, these communities can work towards preserving their collective heritage and ensuring the sustainability of marine resources for future generations.
The conference highlighted the need for collaboration and cooperation among Indigenous and local communities to address common challenges such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. By sharing traditional knowledge and practices, these communities can contribute valuable insights to global efforts to protect the oceans and promote sustainable development.
In addition to advocating for unity among Indigenous and local communities, Kahoʻohalahala also emphasized the importance of incorporating their perspectives and voices in decision-making processes. By ensuring that these communities are actively involved in shaping policies and initiatives related to ocean conservation, their unique insights and experiences can enrich and strengthen global efforts to protect marine ecosystems.
As the momentum for treaty ratification continues to grow, the call for unity among Indigenous and local communities across the Pacific serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all communities that rely on the ocean for their livelihoods and cultural identity. By working together and honoring their shared heritage, these communities can create a more sustainable and resilient future for themselves and for the oceans that sustain them.
