Final answer:
Isolation in Oceania led to a unique indigenous cultural heritage, which faces significant influence from Western culture due to globalization and external governance. Efforts have been made to recognize and preserve the rights and cultures of indigenous populations such as Aboriginal Australians and Māori of New Zealand.
Step-by-step explanation:
Isolation has affected the cultures in Oceania in various ways. Islands or island groups under outside political jurisdiction, such as some in Oceania, experience strong external cultural influences. Western culture often dominates through television, radio, and the cinema, overshadowing the traditional indigenous culture and heritage that has persisted for centuries.
In terms of local culture, the indigenous cultural heritage of areas like Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia remains significant in the South Pacific. However, it is challenged by Western culture, which has made deep inroads into daily life. The forces of globalization heavily influence the region's economic conditions and, consequently, their cultural dynamics.
Despite the impact of Western influence, there have been efforts to preserve and recognize native cultures. In Australia, the courts recognized the Aboriginal rights to land, and in New Zealand, a tribunal oversees Māori land claims. Indigenous Peoples in Oceania continue to negotiate and codify their rights within existing governmental and corporate structures to maintain their cultural identities and practices.