The Declaration

1. Recognizing the inherent mana and wairua (spiritual essence) of all living beings, including whales, as taonga (treasures) interconnected with the wellbeing of Moana Nui a Kiwa (Pacific Ocean).

2. Affirming the deep cultural and spiritual connection of Polynesian peoples to whales, woven into traditions for generations.

3. Recognizing the interconnectedness of Te Ao Māori and Polynesian cultural values with the health of the ocean and its inhabitants, this declaration affirms the crucial role of customary protection measures like dynamic rahui and marae moana zones in safeguarding whale populations.

4. Upholding the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in protecting cultural identity, knowledge, and practices related to ocean stewardship and whale wellbeing.

5. Whales, as legal persons, possess inherent rights essential for their existence, thriving, and flourishing in healthy marine ecosystems. These include:

• Freedom of movement and migration: This encompasses the right to safe passage within their established distribution and migratory routes, requiring respect and conservation of these areas.

• Development of natural behaviours and integrity: Whales have the right to engage in their natural behaviours free from anthropogenic harm, protecting them from physical, emotional, and mental suffering caused by human activities.

• Cultural expression: Whales express complex social structures and behaviours that hold cultural significance. This· right acknowledges and protects their unique cultural identities.

• Healthy environment: Like all living beings, whales have the right to thrive in a healthy and balanced marine ecosystem free from pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, ship strikes, habitat degradation, ocean acidification, offshore windfarms, sonar testing and climate change.

• Restoration and regeneration: As populations recover from past threats, whales have the right to witness the restoration and regeneration of their habitats and ecosystems.

Implementing Whale Rights in Decision-Making

6. Recognizing these inherent rights is crucial for integrating the interests and values of whales into decision-making and management approaches affecting their health and well-being. This fosters harmony between people and whales, ensuring their long-term survival and prosperity.

Guaranteeing Legal Representation and Standing

7. Whales will have designated legal representation in decision-making processes impacting their health and rights. This ensures active protection and prevents violations. Additionally, whales will have legal standing to seek protection and justice when their rights are infringed upon. This proactive approach promotes accountability and safeguards their welfare.

Intergenerational Responsibility for Healthy Whale Populations

8. A legal framework will acknowledge and implement intergenerational responsibility. Future generations inherit the responsibility to steward healthy whale populations, ensuring their continued existence and cultural significance.

9. Establishing and expanding marine protected areas for critical whale breeding, feeding, and migration routes and ensuring these areas are strictly protected, monitored and enforced.

• Dynamic rāhui, flexible and adaptable temporary restrictions, will be implemented based on ecological needs and traditional knowledge to protect critical whale habitats and migratory routes. These dynamic closures acknowledge the interconnectedness of all life within the ocean and prioritize the well-being of whales throughout their journeys.

• Marae moana zones, customary spatial areas managed through traditional practices, will be established to encompass critical breeding, feeding, and resting grounds for whales. Collaborative management plans, informed by both indigenous knowledge and scientific data, will guide sustainable resource use and conservation efforts within these zones.

10. Implementing holistic management strategies that integrate matauranga Maori (Indigenous knowledge) alongside scientific data for better understanding and protection of whales.

11. Implementing effective measures to minimize and eliminate threats to whales, including:

• Unsustainable fishing practices, entanglement in fishing gear, and ship strikes.Ocean acidification, pollution, and climate change impacts.

• Habitat degradation and loss.

• Emerging issues such as offshore wind farms and sonar testing.

12. Supporting responsible whale watching practices that prioritize whale well-being.

13. Recognizing the vital role of Polynesian communities in whale protection, drawing upon their rich cultural knowledge and stewardship practices.

14. Fostering active participation of indigenous communities in decision-making processes related to whale management and conservation.

15. Supporting capacity building and resource allocation for indigenous communities to effectively steward whales and their habitats.

16. Encouraging regional collaboration among Polynesian nations to share best practices, data, and resources for coordinated whale protection efforts.

17. Engaging with global partners and stakeholders to address transboundary threats and promote international cooperation for whale conservation.

18. Establishing a Hinemoana Halo Ocean Protection Fund dedicated to supporting initiatives that advance the goals of this declaration.

19. Funding sources for the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Protection Fund may include:

• Voluntary contributions from governments, financial institutions, organizations, and individuals.

• Innovative financing mechanisms, such as whale biodiversity credits, payments for ecosystem services or levies on commercial activities.

• Redirected portions of existing fisheries management fees and fines related to whale harm.

• Indemnity payments resulting from harm to whales.

20. Ensuring transparent and accountable governance of the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Protection Fund, with representation from Polynesian communities, scientists, and relevant stakeholders.

21. Prioritizing funding for: Establishment of dynamic rahui and marae moana zones as traditional safeguards alongside other customary and legal protections. 

• Research and development of innovative whale conservation technologies and practices.

• Indigenous and community-led stewardship initiatives and capacity building programs.

• Enforcement and monitoring activities to ensure effective protection measures.

• Public awareness and education campaigns to inspire action and support for whale protection.

• Restoration and regeneration of whale populations and the ecosystems upon which they depend.

• Scientific and matauranga Maori research on the role of whales and their impact on carbon and ecosystem services throughout the trophic food chain, to advance metrics used for protection, biodiversity, and nature credits.

22. Developing a comprehensive implementation plan with clear timelines, targets, and indicators for measuring progress.

23. Establishing a regional monitoring mechanism to track the effectiveness of whale protection measures and adapt strategies as needed.

24. Promoting regular reporting and transparent sharing of information with stakeholders and the public.

25. Recognizing the diverse cultural expressions and spiritual relationships of Polynesian peoples with whales, honoring their unique contributions to whale protection.

26. Integrating cultural values and spiritual perspectives into decision-making and management approaches, fostering harmony between people and whales.

27. Promoting intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge and practices related to whale respect and stewardship.

28. Recognizing the intergenerational responsibility to ensure healthy whale populations for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

29. Integrating mātauranga Maori concepts of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whakapapa (ancestral connection) into whale protection efforts.

30. Investing in long-term solutions and planning that prioritizes whale well-being beyond short-term economic interests.

31. Raising public awareness about the importance of whales, their vulnerability, and the need for urgent action to protect them.

32. Developing educational resources and programs that inspire a sense of wonder, respect, and responsibility towards whales.

33. Encouraging responsible tourism practices that educate visitors about the cultural significance of whales and foster positive attitudes towards their protection.

34. Calling upon all nations to recognize the global value of whales and contribute to their protection, regardless of location.

35. Encouraging wider adoption of Hinemoana Halo principles and the establishment of similar legal frameworks for whale personhood

36. We collaborate with regional and international organizations to strengthen legal frameworks for whale protection beyond the Polynesian region.

37. We engage with global forums and initiatives to address international threats like climate change and plastic pollution impacting whales.

38. We commit to periodic review and evaluation of the effectiveness of this declaration and adapt our strategies based on scientific data and community feedback.

39. We engage youth and future generations in whale conservation efforts, ensuring their active participation and continued leadership in safeguarding these magnificent beings.

40. We acknowledge that this declaration is a living document, open to further evolution and amendments as our understanding of whales and the ocean deepens.

41. We stand united by our shared responsibility to protect whales for generations to come, fulfilling our role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the ocean and honoring the ancient wisdom that binds us to these magnificent creatures.

42. Through this declaration, we weave a Hinemoana Halo of protection, recognizing the inherent rights of whales and ensuring their songs continue to resound across the vast Polynesian seas.

43. May our collaborative efforts inspire others to join us in this endeavor, creating a global wave of change for the well-being of whales and the health of our shared oceans.

44. This declaration is open for adoption by all Polynesian nations and other interested parties committed to its principles and objectives. We invite:

• Polynesian nations to formally endorse and implement the Hinemoana Halo principles through national and regional legislation, policies, and customary practices.

• Indigenous communities and organizations to actively participate in implementing and upholding the declaration's commitments.

• Non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and individuals to contribute their expertise and resources towards achieving the declaration's goals.

• We invite individuals, organizations, and institutions to endorse and support the implementation of this declaration through concrete actions.