Vanua Values Should Guide Policy, Says Bhagwan

The Pacific Conference of Churches, through its General Secretary Reverend James Bhagwan, is championing a crucial shift in how we approach environmental protection. Bhagwan argues forcefully that the unique worldviews of Pacific cultures, which inherently see humanity and nature as one inseparable system, must be at the forefront of policy-making. Concepts like 'Vanua' encapsulate this profound relationship between land, ocean, and all living things, viewing them not as mere resources but as a 'sacred household of life.'

This perspective challenges the often anthropocentric and extractive approaches seen in global environmental discourse. Bhagwan's call for 'environmental guardianship' over 'stewardship' is particularly significant. Stewardship can imply a degree of separation, a management from a distance, whereas guardianship suggests a deeper, more integrated responsibility rooted in belonging. This aligns with the ancient wisdom that recognizes humanity's intrinsic connection to the natural world and the understanding that damaging the environment ultimately harms ourselves.

While international bodies often focus on technical solutions and resource management, the Pacific's indigenous knowledge offers a holistic framework. This framework, described by Bhagwan as 'ancient intelligence,' emphasizes respect, interconnectedness, and a spiritual relationship with the environment. The Fijian government's efforts, as noted by Director of Environment Senimili Baleicakau, to incorporate this wisdom through broad consultations are vital steps in translating these invaluable traditional systems into actionable national policies and legal responsibilities. This approach is not just about conservation; it's about preserving a way of life and a fundamental understanding of our place within the Earth's systems.

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And is not just a resource. Ocean is not just territory. Forest, rivers, reefs, soil, plants, all of this belong within one sacred household of life. And we cannot divorce ourselves from creation because we are a part of it.