Aporosa, S. 'Apo'2026-02-182026-02-182026Aporosa, S. A. (2026, January 28-30). Safeguarding kava: Pacific sovereignty, safety, and trade [Conference item]. Inaugural Oceania Pacific Studies Association Virtual Conference, Conference held at Auckland University of Technology (Hub), Manukau, New Zealand.https://hdl.handle.net/10289/17944Over the past 3 millennia, Kava has maintained its position as a culturally, socially, and politically potent foundational plant species and Indigenous practice of various Oceanian societies. However, in the nearly 100 years past it has become one of Oceania’s most economically viable resources that has played a significant role in shaking the very foundations of the culture and peoples that it helped to build up. This panel brings together culturally rooted kava experts from across Oceania to share in their expertise and experience on the current state of contemporary kava practices as well as related ongoing issues for one of Oceania’s most sacred keystone species. Their experience and expertise range from Indigenous chiefly and everyday ceremonial practices and spaces to the burgeoning international kava industry.enThis is a presentation from the inaugural Oceania Pacific Studies Association Virtual Conference. © The author 2026.Conference Contribution