The Tiaki Moana Unconference opened yesterday, kindly hosted at the Centre de Reserches Insulaire Observatoire de L’Environment (CRIOBE). Fully respecting indigenous traditions, Tiaki Moana participants were honoured with a grand welcoming by a Marquesan cultural group. With the dramatic Fare Natura behind a marquee, and in beautiful tropical gardens, the formal proceedings to open the Unconference unfolded.

Purpose of the Event

Explore whether and how Marine OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) could contribute to a future where local communities can thrive alongside an ocean that is also thriving.

Unconference Format

The Blue Cradle Foundation chose an Unconference approach for the Tiaki Moana workshop to foster high participation and interactive discussions.
The format is designed to test, refine, and make sense of OECM opportunities in the Pacific.

What Makes an Unconference Different?

Based on the "Open Space" facilitation model.
Participants create the sessions by proposing topics they are truly passionate about.
Topics must be relevant to the conference purpose and themes.
Encourages active commitment and responsibility from attendees in shaping discussions.

“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.”

— With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.

The unconference marketplace where session topics are offered.

Initial topics emerging from thematics:

1. Defining and Implementing Marine OECMs

1.1 Shaping French Polynesia Artisanal Fishing Zones as OECMs – Exploring assessment tools, government roles, and indigenous sovereignty in shaping OECMs.
1.2 Pacific OECM Community of Practice – Building trust, ensuring transparency, and empowering communities in OECM implementation.

2. Indigenous and Local Knowledge

2.1 Indigenous Knowledge Informing Adaptive Management – Reclaiming Indigenous authority over conservation tools and ensuring flexibility in frameworks.
2.2 Dialogue Between Science and Culture – Strengthening collaboration between researchers and local communities for effective conservation.

3. Existing Marine Management Tools

3.1 Community Engagement in Management Tools – Integrating traditional enforcement systems and hybrid conservation approaches.
3.2 Current Marine Management Solutions in Practice – Promoting bottom-up, community-led initiatives for sustainable marine management.

4. Innovative and Sustainable Approaches

4.1 Ocean Weaving – Connecting Across Political Boundaries – Strengthening cultural ties and governance through shared oceanic heritage.
4.2 Sustainable Livelihoods Using Traditional Governance – Balancing conservation, food security, and economic sustainability through traditional practices.

5. Governance and Future Generations

5.1 Dedicated Intentional Relationships – Empowering youth and fostering leadership in marine governance.
5.2 Self-Determination and Human Rights – Promoting unity, indigenous rights, and inclusive decision-making in conservation efforts.