08/06/2026
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2026
"Sustaining What Sustains Us"
On World Oceans Day, we celebrate the vast ocean that connects our islands, nourishes our communities, and sustains life on Earth.
For generations, Indo-Pacific communities have lived in harmony with the ocean, guided by deep indigenous and traditional knowledge and stewardship. Since 2000, The LMMA Network has supported communities across Fiji, the Pacific and beyond to lead the way in protecting marine biodiversity, strengthening food security, and building resilience for future generations.
There is a growing recognition that, when we peel back the layers of global ocean ambitions and commitments and regional and national policies related to Blue Pacific, one fundamental principle remains clear: effective implementation must be community-focused and community-led if we are to achieve a truly sustainable and resilient ocean.
For the LMMA Fiji Program, the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme supported Fiji Blue Fishing Project aims to demonstrate exactly that in six LMMA communities across Fiji - Navakavu, Vunaniu, Ucunivanua (Verata), Mau, Vabea (Kadavu), and Daku (Kadavu). Through strong community partnerships, LMMAs and tabu areas are being revitalized, local governance systems strengthened, fishers' and women's cooperatives established and empowered, community-based monitoring re-established, and sustainable livelihood opportunities enhanced through value-added fisheries and marine products. These efforts demonstrate that healthy oceans and thriving communities go hand in hand when local people are empowered to lead.
As we reflect on the importance of our oceans, LMMA Executive Director, Mr. Alifereti Tawake, reminds us:
"Effective ocean conservation begins and ends with empowered communities. When communities are entrusted and supported to care for their marine resources, they become the strongest guardians of our blue planet."
Today, the LMMA Network International and country partners (Indonesia, Philippines, PNG Centre for Locally Managed Areas PNG CLMA, FSM, RMI, Palau, Solomon Is, Fiji, etc.) and strategic/donor partners reaffirms its commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples and local/coastal communities across the Indo-Pacific and beyond in safeguarding the ecosystems that sustain livelihoods, cultures, and future prosperity.
🌱 Protect & Restore our reefs.
🐟 Sustain our fisheries.
🌊 Strengthen our communities.
🤝 Empower local stewardship.
Healthy Oceans. Thriving Communities. A Sustainable Future.
Marshall Islands Conservation SocietyConservation Society of PohnpeiEU SWITCH-Asia ProgrammeCNR Consiglio Nazionale delle RicercheAlifereti TawakeInoke TuiwainunuIRISS - Istituto di Ricerca su Innovazione e Servizi per lo SviluppoWayne Andrew LaGene JosephRebecca Hipetahat SamuelJimmy KeresekaVeronica LovobalavuJone BaleAulani Wilhelm MortonKaty Soapi
