07 September 2023, Apia Samoa - The 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials, the first face-to-face gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic, has closed with Members, donors and partners urged to renew their focus on shared goals and aspirations for a cleaner, healthier and a more resilient Pacific environment.
The call comes from the Chair of the 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs, Government of Tuvalu, Dr. Tauisi M. Taupo, during the closing session of the three-day meeting at Taumeasina Island Resor, on Thursday evening.
The 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials and associated meetings started on Monday with SPREP’s Partnership Dialogue and concludes with the Ministerial High-Level Talanoa on Friday. All meetings are guided by the theme: “SPREP 30th Sustainable, transformative and resilient for a Blue Pacific.”
An ava ceremony at Robert Louis Stevenson Museum at Vailima, hosted by Samoa’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, welcomed all the Environment Ministers who are in Samoa for the meeting.
Back at Taumeasina, Chair Dr. Taupo expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all SPREP Members, partners and donors for their dedication and spirit of collaboration during the discussions.
“Our shared commitment to environmental protection, sustainable developments for the Pacific region is both inspiring and essential. The dedication and passion that you all bring to the table are commendable and I feel we have achieved a lot during the past few days. Thank you,” he said.
He also thanked SPREP for their meticulous organisation of the meeting. Looking at the future, Dr. Taupo acknowledged that the challenges are significant.
“But let us remain focussed on our shared goals and aspirations for a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Pacific region. I am confident that with our collective effort and determination, we can make a positive impact on our Pacific environment and our people.”
The 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials was opened by Samoa’s Prime Minister, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, on Monday night. The meeting is taking place at a time when SPREP is celebrating its 30th Anniversary.
“I wish to congratulate SPREP on its 30th Anniversary celebrations and to thank SPREP sincerely for its valuable contribution to Samoa’s development. My Government is privileged to work and partner with SPREP on many occasions in support of our sustainable development aspirations. I look forward to further strengthening our joint efforts, including in Samoa’s role as AOSIS Chair,” Prime Minister Hon. Fiame said.
The Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, added his thanks to that of the Chair to all the members, partners and donors for their work this week.
Present at the 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials were representatives from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna.
The 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials and associated meetings are taking place at Taumeasina Island Resort in Samoa this week, from 4-8 September 2023. The meetings are guided by the theme: “SPREP@30th Sustainable, transformative and resilient for a Blue Pacific.”
The 31st SPREP Meeting of Officials and associated meetings bring together SPREP's 20 Pacific Island Member countries, 5 Metropolitan Members and partners to discuss strategic issues pertaining to the organisation, and to approve the 2024-2025 work plan.
The 21 Pacific Island Member countries and territories of SPREP are: American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna. The five Metropolitan members of SPREP are: Australia, France, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
In our efforts to fulfil our vision of ‘a resilient Pacific environment, sustaining our livelihoods and natural heritage in harmony with our cultures’, SPREP is extremely grateful to our valued Members, development partners, donors, our CROP family, and stakeholders.
For more information on the 31SM, please contact: [email protected]