Fiji, Sept. 11 -- Pacific youth are calling for a permanent and funded role in biodiversity decision-making, warning that the choices made over the next five years will determine whether the region's young people inherit healthy ecosystems or a legacy of environmental loss.

Pacific Biodiversity Coordinator for the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation, Claire Oiire, delivered the Pacific Youth Declaration at the 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Noumea.

Speaking on behalf of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network - Pacific Chapter, Oiire said young people make up a large share of the Pacific population and will be responsible for carrying forward commitments made by leaders today....