Island and Ocean Ecosystems
Mr David Sheppard, Director-General of SPREP13 October 2014, Pyeongchang Korea, CBD COP12 - Despite the single digit temperatures, chilly rains and strong winds, the Pacific islands brought the Pacific flavour to the 12th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Pyeongchang, Korea.
'The Pacific Voyage: Natural Solutions to Island Resilience' side event coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme in partnership with the Pacific island members of the CBD shared successful nature conservation stories from the Pacific island region.
Presentations to a full house were made from the delegates from SPREP, Fiji, Palau and Tonga with each focusing on a different key area - sharing lessons learnt, achievements made and highlights from work undertaken to help halt biodiversity loss.
Mr. Stuart Chape, Director of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, presenting on behalf of SPREP
SPREP shared the development and role of the "Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in the Pacific Region 2014 - 2020". Launched at the Third International Conference on Small Islands Developing States and endorsed by SPREP members, this Framework is well aligned with National Biodiversity and Strategic Action Plans of the Pacific Islands as well as the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Ms. Lupe Matoto outlined that four new ant species were recorded signalling the exotic ant invasion is ongoing for Vavau since last reported in 2002.
The Kingdom of Tonga shared the results of a Rapid Biodiversity Assessment Survey in the island group of Vavau, highlighting the importance of reliable scientific information and linking it with community knowledge towards achieving the world goal to halt the loss of biodiversity. The findings of the BIORAP survey confirmed the critical importance of the biodiversity of Vavau's terrestrial and marine environments and the urgent need for follow-up activities to manage and mitigate threats for their conservation.
Mr. Rahul Chand persenting on behalf of Fiji sharing how Fiji is harnessing private and public partnerships for conservation of Biodiversity in Fiji.
Fiji presented several case studies focusing on the role of harnessing partnerships between public, private sector and civil society working together to achieve national and global biodiversity goals, citing a successful partnership between the Fiji Water Company, a the private company with Conservation International, a Civil Society Organisation and the Government of Fiji to establish activities that strengthen nature conservation in Fiji.
Mr Joe Aitaro of Palau, shared with the audience the role of Tourism and how one shark alive was valued to earn 2 million USD per year for the diving industry in Palau
Palau presented on national marine initiatives undertaken by the Government of Palau to help replenish ocean life. Palau is part of the Micronesia Challenge a sub regional effort between five islands to effectively conserve at least 20% of their terrestrial resources and 30% of their near shore resources. Palau was the first country in the world to establish a shark sanctuary and last year announced another bold initiative - the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Challenges, lessons learnt and aspirations were shared at the side event that drew many positive feedback and comments from those that attended.
Mr. David Sheppard, Director-General of SPREP commended the environmental leadership from the Pacific islands, as demonstrated through their conservation achievements and commitments at different levels and areas.
The Pacific Voyage: Natural Solutions for Island Resilience Side Event was held on Monday, 13 October at 1.15pm in Alpensia, Pyeongchang, Korea.
The Webcast of this event will be available at: http://www.liveto.com/Cop12/vod_2/05.html
The Kingdom of Tonga shared the results of a Rapid Biodiversity Assessment Survey in the island group of Vavau, highlighting the importance of reliable scientific information and linking it with community knowledge towards achieving the world goal to halt the loss of biodiversity. The findings of the BIORAP survey confirmed the critical importance of the biodiversity of Vavau's terrestrial and marine environments and the urgent need for follow-up activities to manage and mitigate threats for their conservation.
Mr. Rahul Chand persenting on behalf of Fiji sharing how Fiji is harnessing private and public partnerships for conservation of Biodiversity in Fiji.Fiji presented several case studies focusing on the role of harnessing partnerships between public, private sector and civil society working together to achieve national and global biodiversity goals, citing a successful partnership between the Fiji Water Company, a the private company with Conservation International, a Civil Society Organisation and the Government of Fiji to establish activities that strengthen nature conservation in Fiji.
Mr Joe Aitaro of Palau, shared with the audience the role of Tourism and how one shark alive was valued to earn 2 million USD per year for the diving industry in PalauPalau presented on national marine initiatives undertaken by the Government of Palau to help replenish ocean life. Palau is part of the Micronesia Challenge a sub regional effort between five islands to effectively conserve at least 20% of their terrestrial resources and 30% of their near shore resources. Palau was the first country in the world to establish a shark sanctuary and last year announced another bold initiative - the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Challenges, lessons learnt and aspirations were shared at the side event that drew many positive feedback and comments from those that attended.
Mr. David Sheppard, Director-General of SPREP commended the environmental leadership from the Pacific islands, as demonstrated through their conservation achievements and commitments at different levels and areas.
The Pacific Voyage: Natural Solutions for Island Resilience Side Event was held on Monday, 13 October at 1.15pm in Alpensia, Pyeongchang, Korea.
The Webcast of this event will be available at: http://www.liveto.com/Cop12/vod_2/05.html