In June 2025, the International Congress on Conservation Biology (ICCB) was held in Brisbane, Australia, bringing together conservation scientists, Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world. For Melanesian communities, ICCB 2025 marked a moment of visibility, connection, and collective realisation.
Under the theme “Conservation through Collaboration: Science, Communities, and Policy in a Rapidly Changing World,” Melanesian representatives from Papua New Guinea, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia came together to host a symposium titled “Conservation Is Not a New Thing in Melanesia.” It was the first time Indigenous organisations from across the region stood together on such a global stage.
The symposium intentionally departed from conventional conference formats. Melanesian delegates sat in a circle on woven mats, sharing knowledge through storytelling rather than slides. Elders spoke alongside youth. Ministers and policymakers listened before responding. This approach reflected Melanesian values of dialogue, respect, and collective decision‑making, and reminded audiences that conservation in Melanesia is deeply embedded in culture, customary law, and everyday life.
Across presentations and conversations, a clear message emerged: Melanesian communities have long protected biodiversity through kastom, tabu areas, clan governance, and intergenerational responsibility. Yet these systems are often overlooked or under‑supported in global conservation and climate frameworks.
ICCB 2025 created a space where Melanesian leaders recognised the strength of speaking together rather than separately. It also highlighted a gap — the absence of a dedicated, Indigenous‑led regional platform to connect communities, coordinate action, and amplify Melanesian voices in policy and global forums.
From this shared understanding, the Melanesia Bio‑Cultural Network (MBCN) was formed.
MBCN carries forward the spirit of ICCB 2025 by strengthening Indigenous leadership, supporting biocultural conservation, and positioning Melanesia as a region of solutions. What began as a symposium has become a network grounded in culture, guided by community, and committed to caring for land and sea for generations to come.
