The Oceania Planetary Health Forum (OPHF) has convened experts for three days of insightful discussions and collaborative action to promote a healthier planet and population.

The forum is being jointly hosted by the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research (FIPHR), the University of Sydney, Monash University, and Wildlife Conservation Society.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Honourable Filimoni Vosarogo, has called on participants to unite in building a healthier, more resilient Pacific.

The theme of the OPHF is: “Embracing Vanua as a Planetary Health Principle.”

“Together, let us not only create policies but also pathways toward a flourishing future for our people, our land, and our planet. For us in Fiji and across the Pacific, the concept of Vanua—which embodies the sacred relationship between people, place, and identity—is not just a concept or philosophy, but a way of life,” Honourable Vosarogo said.

“Pacific Island nations are the guardians of vast ocean territories, stewards of unique ecosystems, and leaders in advocating for climate action. Our voice is crucial in shaping the various elements that constitute the global planetary health discourse. Our efforts must be rooted in both scientific rigor and cultural wisdom. For far too long, indigenous knowledge has been undervalued in mainstream policy frameworks.

“However, our ancestors navigated the vast Pacific, cultivated sustainable food systems, and nurtured biodiversity long before the modern conservation era. It is time we recognise that traditional ecological knowledge is not only relevant, but also essential to contemporary planetary health solutions.”

Former President of the Republic of Kiribati, Anote Tong, emphasised the commitments of the Pacific and Oceania to planetary health, and how regional strategies could benefit from a more coordinated planetary health approach.

FNU’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026 promotes Climate Change Adaptation, Resilience and Sustainability.

FNU recognises the adverse impacts of climate change experienced locally and globally. In support of Fiji’s contribution to the Paris Agreement, FNU, as a dual-sector University with a stronghold in TVET and Higher Education, is committed to playing a key role in contributing to the global target.

The event is currently underway at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort on Yanuca Island in Sigatoka and will end on Friday.