Quarterly meetings
Each group meets at least quarterly, usually online, with in-person workshops when regional gatherings make that possible.
See upcoming meetings →6
Working Groups
30+
Co-chairs & Secretariats
16
Contributing PIRT members
Open
To new members
The six groups
Choose a working group
Each group is mandated to address an urgent topic for nature conservation in the Pacific Islands. Members come from across the 16 PIRT organisations and beyond — the only requirement is expertise in the area of the group.
3 co-chairs
Nature-based Solutions WG NbSWG
Mainstream nature-based solutions for biodiversity, climate and disaster-risk reduction at scale across Pacific Islands. Quarterly meetings, each on a specific NbS topic.
Co-chairs SPC · SPREP · IUCN-OROView group →
Est. 2022
Nature Culture WG NCWG
Integrate cultural approaches into conservation programming, policy and activities — Pacific peoples view nature and culture as one, and this group ensures conservation work reflects that.
Chair Elise HufferView group →
2 co-chairs
Pacific Area-based Conservation Network PACoN
Support Pacific Island countries and territories to achieve their protected and conserved area aspirations, including implementation of GBF Target 3 (30x30). Formerly PAWG.
Co-chairs WCS Fiji · SPREPView group →
3 co-chairs
Pacific Species Working Group SWG
A network of Pacific Island species specialists advocating for species conservation and supporting regional recovery strategies aligned to GBF Goal A and Target 4.
Co-chairs SPREP · NFMV · BirdLifeView group →
Est. 2015
Pacific Network for Environmental Law PacNEL
Promote legal frameworks and governance systems that advance environmental conservation, environmental justice and sustainable development across the Pacific.
Co-chairs Maria-Goreti Muavesi · Patricia ParkinsonView group →
PRISMSS-aligned
Pacific Invasives Partnership PIP
Coordinate, develop and track regional efforts to advance invasive species management in PICTs, including action aligned with PRISMSS.
Chair Patty Baio (Island Conservation)View group →
How they work
How working groups operate
A predictable rhythm of meetings and workshops, with shared documents and a working group secretariat that keeps the group moving between gatherings.
Topical webinars & workshops
Working groups co-host technical sessions on Pacific priorities, from NbS standards and area-based conservation to invasive species and environmental law reform.
Browse events →Regional knowledge hub
Each group curates working documents, technical guidance and member updates for the wider Pacific conservation community.
Open documents →
Get involved
Join a working group
Working group membership is open to anyone with expertise in the area of the group — not only PIRT member organisation staff. Reach the secretariat to express interest.