𝐏𝐍𝐄𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐈𝐀 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜

In a significant step forward for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practices in the Pacific, over 50 participants from various agencies, organisations, and industries across the region and beyond, gathered virtually this week for the Pacific Network for Environmental Assessment (PNEA) Community of Practice Talanoa Webinar. The event, organised by SPREP’s Environmental Monitoring and Governance Programme, centred around sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices in EIA, crucial for supporting sound environmental governance in the Pacific. 

Vainuupo Jungblut, SPREP’s Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Adviser set the tone with insightful opening remarks, stating “Building on the outcomes and successes of the Pacific Day 2023 which was hosted on the margins of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand conference in Auckland, New Zealand in October 2023, this webinar aims to foster an engaging Talanoa dialogue within the PNEA community of practice, focusing on the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in EIA across the Pacific region.” 

This initiative aligns with SPREP's commitment to enhance environmental governance and is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen regional capacity, collaboration, and expertise in environmental management.

The webinar boasted an impressive lineup of speakers, including Stephanie Brown, Technical Principal at WSP New Zealand and Chair of the Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) scheme, Rosie Davy, Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, and Benjamin Maxwell, Senior Compliance Officer with the Cook Island National Environment Service (NES). Stephanie Brown’s presentation focused on the certification of EIA practitioners and introduced the Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP), while Rosie Davy shed light on strengthening environmental and social management systems in the Pacific. Benjamin Maxwell introduced the innovative e-permitting system being implemented in the Cook Islands to streamline environmental compliance and EIA administration in the Country. 

The engagement and interaction among participants were notably high, reflecting the event's success in facilitating meaningful discussions. The high level of engagement and the diverse representation at the webinar demonstrate the growing recognition of the importance of standardised EIA practices in our region. While reflecting on the webinar, Benjamin Maxwell stated “The presentations have been enlightening, and I have gained valuable insights that can be applied to enhance our EIA process during project assessment and planning stages here in the Cook Islands.” 

The success of the webinar underscores SPREP's ongoing efforts to foster knowledge exchange and build capacity among EIA practitioners in the Pacific. It also highlights the commitment of various stakeholders in the region to work collaboratively towards enhancing environmental sustainability.

The Pacific Network for Environmental Assessment (PNEA) is an initiative of the Environmental Monitoring Governance (EMG) programme of SPREP and supported with financial assistance from the Capacity Building Related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) In African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries - Phase III (ACPMEAs III) programme. The portal complements SPREP’s mandate and effort to strengthen environmental assessment and management across the Pacific.

For more information about the PNEA or future initiatives, please contact the Director for the Environmental and Governance Program, Jope Davetanivalu, [email protected], Puta Tofinga, Environmental Assessment and Planning Officer ([email protected]) or Ivan Diarra, PNEA Technical Officer ([email protected])