Protected Area Working Group

The Protected Areas Working Group (PAWG) was rebranded as the Pacific Area-based Conservation
Network (PACoN) following a proposal at the 24th meeting of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for
Nature Conservation (PIRT) in November 2021. This change was driven by the need to strengthen
regional collaboration, increase impact, and encourage greater member engagement and contributions.
PACoN now functions as a regional coordination and learning platform, uniting stakeholders involved
in protected areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) across the
Pacific.

PACoN’s core role is to promote knowledge sharing, support the adoption of best practices, and assist
in delivering national and regional conservation priorities. The network operates under the Pacific
Islands Framework for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas 2021–2025, which is in the process
of being updated to reflect new global biodiversity priorities and regional needs.

Learn more at: www.pacificislandsroundtable.com