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 an updated Vemööre Declaration.
UpcomingHeld approximately every five years since 1975, the Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas 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 and Protected Areas, 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
Noumea / virtual
Hosted virtually from New Caledonia
Endorsed the Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas 2021–2025 and the Vemööre Declaration.
Framework 2021–20259th · 2013
Suva, Fiji
Regional nature conservation priorities
Strengthened regional action around protected areas, invasive species, climate resilience and community-based conservation.
6th · 1997
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 initiated1st · 1975
Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Established the rationale for a recurring Pacific regional forum on protected areas and nature conservation.
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.