Ocean Diplomacy: Integrating the Navigational Heritage of Polynesian Women into Environmental Security Strategies

In numerous Pacific societies, women are acknowledged as key holders of navigational expertise. They mastered advanced techniques of celestial navigation, relying on the positions of stars, the sun, and the moon, as well as piloting skills that involved interpreting and utilizing local and seasonal weather patterns. Polynesians also had a profound understanding of their surroundings, recognizing plant and animal species unique to particular islands. This knowledge enabled them to predict the type of land they were approaching and gauge its distance. By identifying these biological signs, they could foresee the characteristics of the land ahead and navigate with impressive accuracy. This deep ecological understanding not only guided their voyages but was also vital in managing resources and practicing environmental stewardship.

This presentation will delve into how, as global environmental challenges grow more pressing, incorporating the principles of Ocean diplomacy alongside the rich navigational traditions of Pacific cultures—especially the knowledge and contributions of Indigenous women—can provide a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing environmental security issues on a global scale. By showcasing and integrating these traditional practices and holistic worldviews, this presentation seeks to enhance international strategies, creating solutions that are culturally sensitive and more effective in dealing with environmental conflicts and safeguarding ocean security.