Island life in the 21st century : current status and challenges for mainstreaming the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Pacific Islands

This paper attempts to present a "quick snapshot" of the current status of biodiversity in the Pacific Islands and the prospects and challenges for the mainstreaming of its conservation and sustainable use by Pacific Island peoples during the 21st century. It is hoped that it will form the basis for useful discussion dining the conference. Particular emphasis is placed on providing an understanding of the status of biodiversity, not only from a scientific perspective, but also from the view of the Pacific Island peoples who have owned and used it for millennia! It is stressed that most Pacific Island societies have rich terrestrial, marine and freshwater biodiversity inheritances and in-depth, time-tested (and hard-won) knowledge related to then use and management.