February 2020, Noumea, New Caledonia - New Caledonia, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is pioneering new ground. New Caledonia is host of the Third Clean Pacific Roundtable scheduled for October, 2020. This event will be delivered in collaboration with the private sector through Acotred Pacific, the Association of Pacific waste collection and treatment professionals that was formed in 2011.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed in New Caledonia between SPREP and the Government, as well as between the Government and Acotred Pacific, formalised the partnerships.
“We are pleased to lead the way, securing partnerships with the private sector to work with us to coordinate the Third Clean Pacific Roundtable,” said His Excellency Thierry Santa, President of the Government of New Caledonia.
“We are fortunate to have expertise in New Caledonia willing to support the exchange of information and experience. New Caledonia, home to one-third of the pristine coral reefs of the world, cares about our unique environment and biodiversity. It is our responsibility to make sure we protect our ocean and resources where we can, including enhancing good waste management practices across the Pacific region.”
The Clean Pacific Roundtable is a biennial event and is the largest waste conference to be held in the Pacific islands’ region.
First held in 2016, then in 2018 the event has grown steadily in numbers and participation over the years. The meeting is the opportunity for people to come together to discuss actions underway to achieve a Cleaner Pacific guided by the Cleaner Pacific 2016 – 2025 Strategy. The role of the private sector is recognised as a key player in achieving this vision.
“This is a very positive development. The role of the private sector is very important, it will help make our Roundtable effective and successful as we need the private sector when looking for innovative solutions to our waste challenges,” presented Mr Kosi Latu, Director General of SPREP at the signing of the MoU.
“The less waste we have, the healthier our islands and ocean. Our ocean is crucial for our Pacific, it is our identity – who we are as Pacific people, and it speaks to our culture, our environment and our communities. We look to the Third Clean Pacific Roundtable as one of many events this year that will help protect our ocean.”
Acotred Pacifique, the Association of Pacific waste collection and treatment professionals in New Caledonia aims to promote their activities while raising awareness of environmental protection. The purpose of this cluster is to develop the professions, actions, sectors and regulations relating to waste management in New Caledonia.
“We look forward to working on this Pacific regional conference to share our experiences and initiatives on common issues in our region. This Roundtable will be a success for our Pacific people and environment,” presented Ms Aurore Genot of Acotred Pacifique.
The two Memorandum of Understandings were signed on 26 February, 2020 in Noumea, New Caledonia. The Third Clean Pacific Roundtable will take place from 12 to 16 October, 2020 in Noumea – a partnership between the Government of New Caledonia, SPREP and Acotred Pacifique.
The signing of the Memorandums of Understanding took place on 27 February, 2020 in New Caledonia.