Iwi Māori Tribes Join Forces to Formalize the Hinemoana Halo Initiative
In early June, Iwi Māori tribes from the coastal areas of Aotearoa, along with the House of Ariki of the Cook Islands, gathered in Gisborne and signed an agreement formalizing their endorsement of the Hinemoana Halo Initiative.
These leaders represent the Indigenous peoples of most of New Zealand's coasts and the full ocean area of the Cook Islands. Additionally, seed funding of USD 2.5 million has been secured.
Launched at COP27 Hinemoana Halo Initiative is a blended finance initiative to equitably deliver and sustain an Indigenous-led ocean conservation and restoration initiative in Aotearoa and the Pacific. The initiative represents Aotearoa's first Indigenous-led voluntary blue carbon project, setting a new standard for a blue carbon economy in the Pacific based on traditional knowledge and customary ocean management.
In the coming months, Conservation International Aotearoa will work towards implementing a sustainable mechanism for the initiative that will directly benefit Māori Tribes who will use the funding to create employment opportunities, develop essential infrastructure and foster inter-indigenous economic relations and trade across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
The Hinemoana Halo Initiative will be presented at the 2023 Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 19-22 October. This platform will allow us to share our progress, collaborate with global partners and further raise awareness about the importance of Indigenous-led conservation efforts. Additionally, Iwi leaders representing the initiative will join Earthshot Week in Singapore in November.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Hinemoana Halo Initiative as we continue our journey toward a sustainable future for our oceans and communities.