Since the 1990s, we have been leading the way on community-led, inclusive conservation that results in tangible benefits for people and nature. Central to our approach is combining community leadership, traditional knowledge and conservation science to protect the region's unparalleled biodiversity hotspots, while reinforcing the vital role of local communities as historical custodians of nature. 

We place people at the forefront of our area-based conservation work through a rights-based approach. This means we understand that conserving nature goes hand-in-hand with sustaining nature’s contributions to people, such as providing nutritious food, clean water supplies or widening access to natural resources that support local economies and livelihoods. 

With vital support from governments, corporations and multilateral development banks, combined with lasting relationships with communities across islands and coasts, we have tested innovative methods that are being scaled up and accelerated throughout the region.

An underlying principle of what we do across these priorities is to recognize and enhance the benefits of nature and healthy ecosystems as a way to implement conservation measures — using Nature-based Solutions to help ensure nature-positive outcomes. We also work closely with many diverse partners to support locally-led area-based conservation initiatives across the Pacific. These areas are being recognized through various means, including as "Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures" (OECMs).

As we look towards the future, the connecting ties of the blue Pacific Ocean, which have forged enduring bonds over time, continue to serve as the basis of community conservation efforts, supported by WWF-Pacific to strengthen resilience and have a measurable impact on Pacific lives. It is our shared vision to conserve the blue Pacific to ensure it continues to benefit its peoples through ongoing, inclusive engagement, deep connections, and equitable partnerships that echo the connecting and sustainable power of the ocean.