The Blue Cradle Foundation, a marine conservation and ocean literacy NGO based in Aotearoa New Zealand, is proud to participate in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, from 9–13 June 2025. Blue Cradle will present outcomes from Tiaki Moana — a Pacific-led summit and workshop held in French Polynesia in March 2025 — through a side event, official engagements, and the launch of a dedicated report and documentary film.

The Tiaki Moana initiative brought together over 200 participants from 22 Pacific Island nations and territories, including 42 Young Pacific Leaders, to explore inclusive and community-informed pathways for marine protection, including the potential of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

Blue Cradle’s delegation to UNOC3 includes youth representatives, filmmakers, marine practitioners, and strategic partners from across the Pacific.

Through the release of the Tiaki Moana report and the premiere of the documentary film, Blue Cradle aims to amplify Pacific perspectives, share lessons learned, and contribute to international dialogues on equitable, locally informed, and regionally coordinated ocean solutions.

Our Delegation :

• James Nikitine – Founder & CEO, Blue Cradle Foundation

• Samantha Rowland – Chairwoman, Blue Cradle Foundation

• Ihirau Piton – Young Pacific Leader (Tahiti / Ra’iātea, French Polynesia)

• Mehdi Balamissa – Filmmaker

• Johnny Briggs – Director, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy

• Katie Murray – Chairwoman, Hinemoana Halo

This round table panel discussion explores the interplay between area-based marine management tools and the systems of governance that support them, with a focus on the Pacific region. From community-driven rāhui and locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) to emerging recognition frameworks like Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), Pacific nations and communities are at the forefront of reimagining marine stewardship.

How can bottom-up practices rooted in Indigenous knowledge and community leadership be equitably recognized within top-down conservation frameworks? What does “good governance” look like across diverse contexts and jurisdictions? And how can national policies align with local priorities to deliver long-term biodiversity outcomes and cultural resilience? Bringing together voices from research, governance, and lived experience, this session will explore innovative, context-driven solutions that elevate Pacific leadership and foster meaningful partnerships.

Moderator: Samantha Rowland, chairwoman, Blue Cradle Foundation

Speaker:

• Anuata Tetuanui, PhD researcher, University of French Polynesia

• Jenna Sullivan-Stack , Research Associate, Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University

• Linda Faulkner, Chief Scientist Māori Environmental Research, NIWA

• James Nikitine, Founder and CEO, Blue Cradle Foundation

Documentary premiere: Pacific Wisdom and Community Action for Ocean Protection

June 8, 6-7.30pm, La Citadelle, 17 Pl. Emmanuel Philibert, Villefranche-sur-Mer

This is an official UNOC3 Blue Zone side event that will amplify Pacific voices and contribute to the global dialogue at UN Ocean Conference.

As kaitiaki o te moana — guardians of the ocean — we stand together to shape the future of marine protection and achieve the 30x30 vision. It is with great excitement that we invite you to a very special avant-première of the Tiaki Moana documentary, during the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice.

Anuata and Ihirau are two young Tahitians for whom the ocean is both a vital source of life and a living connection to their ancestors. In March 2025, they join a landmark gathering that brings together youth from 22 Pacific nations — a rare opportunity to explore marine conservation efforts beyond their home island, forge connections and rekindle a shared sense of Polynesian identity. Deeply moved and inspired by the experience, Anuata and Ihirau return home with new friends and allies in their mission to protect their ocean.

This event will disrupt conventional ocean conservation by championing community and indigenous leadership to drive bold action beyond 30x30.

Join us to meet with the Pacific community and Young Pacific Leaders!

This event will be led in English.

Speakers:

• Government of French Polynesia

• Ihirau Piton, Young Pacific Leader, Tahiti

• IUCN Oceania

• SPREP

• Samantha Rowland, chairwoman, Blue Cradle Foundation

• James Nikitine, founder and CEO, Blue Cradle Foundation

• Mehdi Balamissa, Film director

Contact:

Sophie Woolcock - sophie.woolcock@imev-mer.fr

James Nikitine - james@bluecradle.org