1 March, 2019- Apia, Samoa – Two programmes amounting to almost EUR 32 million were signed by the European Union (EU) Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica on the occasion of his visit to the Pacific. The programmes will seek to promote sustainable waste management and support adaptation efforts to the effects of climate change. They underline the EU's strong commitment to the Pacific region, as well as reinforcing the strong cooperation between the Pacific region and the EU.
Commissioner Mimica, signed the Pacific–European Union Waste Management Programme, worth EUR 16.5 million, with the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP), Mr Kosi Latu. In addition, Commissioner Mimica signed the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus – Scaling-up Pacific Adaptation programme (GCCA+ SUPA), worth EUR 14.89 million, jointly with the Director General of Pacific Community (SPC), Dr. Colin Tukuitonga, the Director General of SPREP, Mr Kosi Latu, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Pacific (USP), Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
''The signature of these programmes reinforces once again the excellent partnership between the European Union and the Pacific. The EU has been continuously scaling up funds available for green investments in the Pacific region and across the globe" said Commissioner Mimica.
“The signing of these two programmes marks another step in the efforts of addressing the challenges of sustainable development and adapting to the effects of climate change, which affect all Pacific Island Countries. The People of the Pacific appreciate the cooperation and support provided by the EU,” said Mr Latu.
The Pacific–European Union Waste Management Programme will provide EUR 16.5 million to manage waste in the region. This will aid the Pacific region to address issues relating to health and well-being, marine litter and biodiversity conservation. It will be implemented in partnership with the SPREP with other key regional partner agencies.
The Global Climate Change Alliance Plus – Scaling-up Pacific Adaptation programme (GCCA+ SUPA), the EU will allocate EUR 14.89 million to help the region adapt its plans and strategies towards climate change. It will be implemented in partnership with SPC, SPREP and USP.
The Pacific Community (SPC), Director-General, Dr. Colin Tukuitonga said: “Continuity of development support is essential for long term sustainable change in the Pacific and SPC together with our partners are especially grateful to the European Union for entering into this second phase of the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Action, so that the Pacific islands can continue to build resilience to climate change.”
The University of the South Pacific (USP), Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia said: “research and development support adds value to USP’s continuous effort to build and enhance capacity at the national, sub-national and community levels in Pacific Island Countries to address climate change and its impact. Within a framework of close collaboration with our implementation partners, USP is grateful to the European Union for the project funding that will surely have a positive impact on the lives of Pacific Island communities.