Fiji has solidified its role in global environmental leadership with the recent launch of the Oceania Planetary Health Forum (OPHF) website. This new platform is designed to serve as a central hub for tackling climate and environmental health challenges within the region.
The website was inaugurated by Dr. Berlin Kafoa, the Director of Public Health at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). It emphasizes Fiji’s status as the Global Planetary Health Hub for Oceania, a designation earned with the establishment of the Pacific Planetary Health Research Centre (PPHRC) earlier this year. The PPHRC has been officially recognized by the Planetary Health Alliance, further cementing Fiji’s pivotal role in enhancing resilience throughout the Pacific.
The OPHF website aims to assist researchers, policymakers, and community leaders by disseminating localized knowledge, showcasing various initiatives, and supporting the 2025 OPHF Call to Action. A key focus of the site is to elevate Indigenous and local knowledge, ensuring that solutions are culturally relevant and grounded in the community’s lived experiences.
Professor Aaron Jenkins, Chair of the OPHF Committee, highlighted the urgency of this initiative, stating, “Our islands are on the front lines of the global ecological crisis. The OPHF website is more than just a resource; it is a shared canoe for our region to paddle in unison.” The aim is to transform disparate efforts into a cohesive movement that prioritizes the health of people, land, and oceans.
This collaborative forum unites experts across multiple disciplines, including health, environment, education, and governance, fostering equitable and sustainable development throughout the region. As Fiji leads this initiative, there is a hopeful outlook for addressing the pressing ecological challenges faced by the Pacific Islands.