Edgar from Solomon Island – one of the first Indigenous Led Ocean Reserve on Earth

The Melanesian Ocean Reserve is the first indigenous led, multi-national Ocean reserve on Earth. It is important, because it demonstrates that indigenous people can come up with initiatives to steward and guard and protect our planet. Edgar calls for action at this year’s COP.

Together with the indigenous peoples of Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, Edgar and others in the Solomon Islands have founded the Melanesian Ocean Reserve. It is the first project of its kind led by indigenous peoples, and the goal is to create the largest marine reserve on Earth.

‘This is important for the world because it shows that indigenous peoples can come up with their own initiatives that manage, guard and protect our planet,’ says Edgar.

This report is part of the documentary ‘Voices of our Ocean’, which is being shown in connection with the UN’s ongoing climate summit in Brazil. In their own words and with selected images, they talk about their relationship with the sea, the urgent need to protect it and how climate change is affecting and transforming their lives. Hear each of them share their story.