Voice of the Ocean

In these critical times it is essential to examine core concepts in our decision-making processes. Unlike Western mindsets which consider the natural world to be something to exploit, indigenous people have always considered themselves as part of nature, with a responsibility to care for flora, fauna, and physical entities. The people of Oceania have a relationship with the Ocean that involves both a practical stewardship and a spiritual connection. The Ocean to them is an ancestor, a sacred space, and a partner in survival. This presentation will discuss this relationship from an indigenous point of view and suggest that this philosophy is a way forward for conservation and management of the oceans.