Island and Ocean Ecosystems
3 December 2013, Suva Fiji -By Justine Mannan, a journalism student from the Fiji National University:- A new action strategy for conservation in the Pacific to be developed at the 9th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Suva should focus on terrestrial and coastal marine and ocean issues, says the Director-General of SPREP, David Sheppard.
In presenting a review of the previous action strategy, Mr Sheppard said a better focus on marine issues was important since the region comprises 30,000 islands with 98 per cent of the area covered in water.
Mr David Sheppard
"Some species such as the big eyed tuna are increasingly threatened and key species such as sea turtles. I think the leather back turtle, in fact, went up a category of threat in the IUCN red list which was released three weeks ago," Mr Sheppard said.
He added in order to protect marine resources, it is important that communities come together, from grassroots level to help protect marine species.
"In our region as we know, virtually all land, is owned under community ownership, land and marine resources and the people have the experience of many of thousands of years of living sustainably with their environment."
Mr Sheppard added: "Any conservation programmes must be implemented with and through local communities."
Mr Sheppard suggested retaining the mission, visions and goals of the previous Action Strategy because they were still considered valid for the next five years. However, it was up to participants to decide while reviewing progress.
The Action Strategy is significant because it provides a regional framework for the conservation which guides the Pacific Island countries and territories, the donors, NGOs and regional organisations.
Generic island shot caption - "Better focus on marine issues important since the region comprises 30,000 islands with 98 per cent of the area covered in water."