I S S N 1 5 6 2 - 6 7 5 X
2006
Annual Report
of the Secretariat of the
Pacific Regional Environment





Programme
Sustainable development
in a changing
Pacific environment

2006
Annual Report
of the Secretariat of the
Pacific Regional Environment





Programme
Sustainable development
in a changing Pacific environment
The Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is an intergovernmental
organisation charged with promoting cooperation, supporting protection and
improvement of the Pacific islands environment, and ensuring its sustainable
development.
The Secretariat runs two programmes. Island Ecosystems works to assist
Pacific island countries and territories to manage island resources and ocean
ecosystems, so they can support life and livelihoods. Pacific Futures works to
assist Pacific island countries and territories to plan and respond to threats
and pressures on island and ocean systems.
Staff are drawn from within the Pacific basin and operate in fields such as:·
· Terrestrial island ecosystems;
· Coastal and marine ecosystems;
· Species of special interest;
· People and institutions;
· Multilateral agreements and regional mechanisms;
· Environment monitoring and reporting;
· Climate change and atmosphere;
· Pollution prevention and waste management;
· Knowledge management.
For a map and listing of SPREP Member countries and territories, refer inside back cover.
Contents
Asplenium ferns, Taveuni, Fiji.
SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
2
Foreword
4
Introduction
6
IslandEcosystemsProgramme

Introduction

MarineSpecies

CoastalandMarineEcosystemsManagement

IWPinitsFinalYear
22 PacificFuturesProgramme

Introduction

ClimateChange

PollutionandWaste

MEAs-the`E'isforEnvironment
38 ExecutiveandCorporateServices

Introduction

RegionalandInternationalCollaboration

Finance2006

StaffListandSPREPPublications
48 AcronymsUsed
SPREP2006AnnualReport
Foreword
Environment Ministers and Senior Officials
from SPREP Member countries and
byNewCaledonia
territories present at the SPREP Meeting
on 15 September 2006.
HostandChairofthe17thSPREPMeeting
Inaworldmarkedbyincreasingglobalisationoftradeand
knowledge,itisessentialforthecountriesandterritoriesofour
Pacificregiontopromoteglobalawarenessofenvironmental
issues,tomanageandvalueourresourcesandourenvironment
forthebenefitoffuturegenerations.
Thequalityoflifeofourpeoplesencompassesboththeirstandardoflivingandtheirphysical
environment.Andournaturalenvironmentcontributesgreatlytoourphysicalenvironment.Itis
incumbentuponallofustotakecareofitandtoprovidemeasuresforitssustainablefuture.
Weliveinaregionwhereenvironmentalissuesareofmajorsignificance,wherewemusttake
upthechallengeofsustainabledevelopment.Thatchallengeimpliesnotonlytheresponsible
managementofournaturalresourcesandenvironmentbutalsothedevelopmentofhuman
activitiessothatourpeopleenjoyareasonableanddecentstandardofliving.
SPREP,astheregionalorganisationresponsiblefortheenvironment,hasanimportantroleto
playinadvancingdiscussionandworkontheseissues,assustainabledevelopmentisreshaping
thewaywethinkaboutthequalityofmoderndevelopment.
Ontheonehand,oursensitivitytoenvironmentalproblemshasincreasedovertime,asaresult
ofourawarenessofcurrentdysfunctionsandtheimpactsofvariousnaturaldisasters.Among
theseareglobalwarming,floods,forestfires,oilspills,earthquakes,landslides,stormsand
cyclones.
Ontheotherhand,wecanoftenfeeloverwhelmedbyeventswhosescale,interconnectionand
challengesseembeyondourcapacitytocontrol.
ItisthroughtheSPREPprogrammesandreciprocalcooperationinaspiritofpartnership,that
Membercountriesandterritoriescanfacethechallengeofenvironmentaldevelopment;andtry
tofindsolutionstotheenvironmentalproblemsaffectingthePacificislandsregionnowandin
thefuture.
TheInternationalWatersProject,theactivitiesoninvasivespecies,thedevelopmentof
aprogrammeonislandbiodiversity,theconservationofthreatenedmarinespecies,the
2SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment

developmentandstrengtheningofcapacities,aclosercollaborationamongislandmembers
andbetweenPacificterritoriesandSPREP:thesearejustafewexamplesoftheprogrammes
consideredinthisAnnualReportandwhichrepresentmajortopicsforthefutureofourregion's
environment.
NewCaledonia,aFrenchPacificTerritory,followscloselytheseprogrammesaswellasthe
progressoftheenvironmentaldebate.Itsauthoritiesresolutelysupportsustainable,responsible
andbalanceddevelopmentandactivelypursuetheinscriptionofitscoralreef,thesecond
largestintheworldaftertheAustralianGreatBarrierReef,ontheWorldHeritageList.Arange
ofinitiativesmakeitpossibleforNewCaledoniatoconsidereconomicandsocialdevelopment
thatisrespectfulofitsenvironmentandlocalpopulations,inlinewiththeguidelinesofthe
PacificPlan,thefinaldeclarationoftheFrance-OceaniaSummit,andtheEuropeanUnion
strategyforcooperationwiththePacific.
Asseenparticularlyinourminingsector,therightbalanceneedstobestruckbetweeneconomic
activitiesbeneficialtothecommunity,andthepreservationofthenaturalenvironmentinwhich
theytakeplace.Foritisjustasunpleasanttolivewretchedlyinamagnificentenvironmentasitis
tolivemagnificentlyinawretchedenvironment.
HostandChairofthe17thSPREPMeeting
Todaymorethanever,ourPacificcountriesandterritoriesmustworktogethertocreate
partnershipsandpromotemutuallybeneficialcooperation,inordertosuccessfullymeetthe
challengesandfindsolutionstotheenvironmentalproblemswefaceinourregion.SPREPisan
importanttoolforfulfillingtheseobjectives,forprovidingservicesonanationalandregional
level,andforassistingMembersinmakingsurethatthevoiceofthePacificislistenedtoon
theworldstageandthatourenvironmentalprioritiesandsuccessesreceivetheattentionthey
deserve.
ItiswiththeseobjectivesinmindthatNewCaledonia,asanactiveMemberofSPREP,was
proudtohostandChairtheannualSPREPMeetingandthebiennialconferenceofEnvironment
Ministers.ItalsostronglysupportstheSecretariat'sactivitiesandachievementsthatareondisplay
hereinthepresentreport.

" For it is just as unpleasant
M.CameronDiver
to live wretchedly in a magnificent
Chair
environment as it is to live magnificently
in a wretched environment. "
New Caledonia issued a special
stamp in honour of 17th SPREP
meeting.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
3
Introduction
Asterio Takesy planting a tree
in the SPREP compound.
IampleasedtopresentmyreporttoMembersonthe
achievementsofSPREPduringthe2006calendaryear.Iamproudto
highlighttheincrementalimprovementsthatmystaffhavemade
toacomplexenvironmentalsituation.Thiscomprisesaspectsof
activelyimprovingthecurrentenvironmentofthePacific,helping
slowdownitsenvironmentaldegradation,andmakinginternational
arrangementsthatwil assistusinsustainingthePacificwayoflife.
Oursisnoeasytask.Theissuesarevast,evenonaglobalscale;peopleintheregionarefewand
farbetween;andtheproblemsaremuchbiggerthancanbesolvedwiththeresourcesthatare
entrustedus.Thiscallsforprioritysetting.TheSPREPActionPlan2005­2009andSPREPStrategic
Programmes2004­2013haveremainedourguideinsettingprioritiesthroughouttheperiod
underreview.
Haveweachievedwhatwesetouttodo?Ibelievetheanswercanbeaffirmative,butmuch
remainsyettobedone.Neverthelessthereisgoodprogresstoreportinourtwostrategic
programmes,IslandEcosystemsandPacificFutures,aswellasintheExecutiveManagement
andCorporateServicesarea.
Ourdeclarationof2006asthePacificYearoftheSeaTurtle(YOST)hasprovidedanexcellent
focusforraisingawarenessinbiodiversity.Seaturtlesareonlyonegroupofmanyspeciesthat
deserveourattentionandprotection.Fascinatingandimportanttoouroceanandculture,they
providerelativelystraightforwardopportunitiesforprotectingthem.Theysymboliseourefforts,
particularlyinoureducationcampaignsasthepresentreportshows.
Itwasexcitingtofollowasatellite-taggedfemaleseaturtle,LadyVini,fromherreleasesitein
Samoathroughthewatersofsixneighbouringcountriesandterritoriesinsevenmonths.Ifever
ananimaldemonstratedthatconservationandprotectionisbestachievedonlywhenMembers
worktogether,shewasit.
Biodiversitywasprominentontheagendaatthe8thConferenceoftheParties(COP8)tothe
ConventiononBiologicalDiversityinBrazil,inMarch.TheIslandBiodiversityProgrammeof
Work(IBPoW)wasadopted:itfocussedinternationalattentiononourislandsandtheirspecial
challenges;andcamewithfundingfromtheGlobalEnvironmentFacility.TheSecretariat
supportedparticipationofMembercountriesinthetwo-yearprocessleadinguptotheIBPoW
adoption,byhelpingprepareMembersfortheCOP8andsupportingactivities.
4SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
OthercontributionsbytheSecretariattointernationalconventionsarehighlightedinthis
report.TheyincludeanewMemorandumofCooperationwiththeSecretariatoftheRamsar
ConventiononWetlands.OfparticularinterestistheMemorandumofUnderstandingunderthe
ConventionofMigratorySpecies,whichsevenSPREPMembercountriessignedatamajorside
eventtothe17thSPREPMeetinginNoumeainSeptember.
Centraltoprotectingnativespeciesliesourefforttoeliminateintroducedpestandnuisance
speciesfromourislands.During2006,thePacificInvasivesLearningNetworkgained
momentum.IthashelpedMembercountriesandterritoriestofocusonlearningfromeach
other,thusbeingeffectiveintranslatingwordsintoaction.Oureffortstocombatmarine
pollutionfocussedonreadyingaRegionalStrategyonShipping-RelatedIntroducedMarine
PestsinthePacificIslandswhichwasalsoadoptedatthe17thSPREPMeeting.Severalother
majoreventsattheSecretariathavehelpedMembersbuildcapacityinkeyareasofinterest,
highlightingthevalueofnetworking,publicawareness,andeducation.
IntheSolidWastearea,themomentumofthe2005YearofActionAgainstWastewas
maintained--indeeditcomplementedour2006YOSTactivities.InSamoawebuiltapartnership
withprivateenterpriseandlaunchedare-usableshoppingbagthatfeaturedthe2006YOST
logo.Seaturtlescanmistakeplasticforthejellyfishthattheyeatasfood--hencethesocial
marketingofsayingnotoplasticbagsasameansofspeciesprotection.Tothiseffect,the
SecretariatevenventuredintocommissioningarapsongforradioandTV!
WealsobeganimplementingtheregionalSolidWasteStrategyandActionPlanthatwere
adoptedatthe16thSPREPMeeting.Ourfocuswasonatollsandsmallislands,themethodto
getbestresultsbeingwasteminimisation.
ThePacificAdaptationtoClimateChangeProject,thatbringstogether11Membercountries,
wasabigstepforward.TheprincipalaimistoincreasetheresilienceofPacificislandstothe
impactsofclimatechange.
TheSecretariatcontinuestobeengagedwithinternationalconsultationandagreements,to
bringthePacificperspectivetotheglobalforumswithmanyinternationalandnationallegal
aspects.
Theyear2006alsomarkedthesuccessfulconclusionoftheStrategicActionProgrammefor
theInternationalWatersofthePacificSmallIslandsDevelopingStates(theInternationalWaters
Project,IWP).Thismajorcooperativeefforthasresultedinagoodnumberofdemonstration
projectsinMembercountriesthatcanactascatalystsforfurtherdevelopment.
Aproductivepublicationprogrammehassupportedouractivitiesinprintandonourwebsite.
Thisincludesthefullrangeofreportsonconferencesandmeetingsassociatedwiththe
17thSPREPMeetingandtheMinisterialsegment,inNoumeafrom7to15September.These
meetingsweredeemedtohavebeenverysuccessful.IthankMembers,non-government
organisations,observers,partnersandstakeholdersfortheircontributions.
FinallyIwishtocommendPresidentJacquesChiracforinvitingustotheSecondFrance-
OceaniaSummitinParis,whichfocussedondevelopment,securityandenvironmentissuesin
thePacificregion.IalsocomplimenttheEuropeanUnionforrecognisingtheglobalimpactof
theenvironmentalissuesinourregion,andforfeaturingthePacificandtheEnvironmentonthe
Europeanagenda.
Allinall,2006hasprovedaproductiveyearfortheSecretariat.Itrustthatthefollowingpages
giveaclearimpressionofthis.
AsterioTakesy
Director
SPREP2006AnnualReport
5
Island
Ecosystems
Programme
Hawksbill turtle coming up for air.
Introduction
TheIslandEcosystemsProgrammehasfurtherenhancedthe
scopeofservicesprovidedtoSPREPMembersinstrengthening
environmentalmanagementandpromotingsustainable
developmentintheregion.Thisincludedtheestablishment
ofthreenewpositions:IslandBiodiversityOfficer,CoralReef
ManagementOfficer(supportedthroughGovernmentof
Francefunding),andInvasiveSpeciesOfficer.
TheSecretariat'swork,ofcourse,wouldnotbepossiblewithoutthesupportandcooperation
ofnationalandterritorialagenciesanditsnumerouspartners.Notableachievementsthisyear
included:
· TheadoptionoftheIslandBiodiversityProgrammeofWork(IBPoW)atthe8thConferenceof
theParties(COP8)oftheConventiononBiologicalDiversity(CBD)withthehighlysuccessful
involvementofSPREPMembers;
· TheYearoftheSeaTurtle(YOST)campaignandtheengagementoftheprivatesector;
· ThePacificInvasivesLearningNetwork(PILN),supportedbynumerouspartners,including
TheNatureConservancy;
· StrengthenedrelationswiththeConventiononMigratorySpecies(CMS)andtheRamsar
ConventiononWetlands.
SeveralSPREPMembersmadeoutstandingcommitmentstoenvironmentalconservationin
2006,withtheMicronesiancountriescommittingtoprotect30percentofnear-shoremarine
and20percentofterrestrialresourcesby2020;andKiribatiannouncingthecreationofthe
largestmarineprotectedareainthePacificislandsandthethirdlargestintheworld.These
countrieshavesetavaluableexamplefortheregion.
6SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
TheSecretariatalsocollaboratedwiththeUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme's(UNEP)
RegionalSeasProgrammetoproduceareportontheroleandimpactsofPacificisland
mangrovesinrelationtoclimatechangeandsealevelrise.Suchworkhighlightsthecritical
inter-relationshipsbetweenbiodiversity,livelihoodsandsurvivalonPacificislandsinthefaceof
rapidenvironmentalchange.
MarineSpecies
2006YearoftheSeaTurtleCampaign
TheSPREPMarineTurtleActionPlan2003­2007identifiespriorityactionsforseaturtle
conservationworkinthePacificregion,includingtheneedtohaveasecondYearoftheSea
Turtlecampaigntohighlightconservationoftheseimportantspecies.The16thSPREPMeeting
inSeptember2005hadaccordinglyendorsedtheproposalfor2006tobeaYearoftheSea
Turtle.
DespiteanincreaseinseaturtleconservationinitiativesinthePacificandworld-wideinrecent
years,seaturtlesremainthreatened.TheycontinuetobeontheWorldConservationUnion's
(IUCN)RedListofThreatenedSpecies,theyarelistedinAppendixIoftheConventionon
InternationalTradeinEndangeredSpecies(CITES)andinAppendixIoftheCMS.
Thecampaignwaslaunchedregionallyon1March2006atSPREP;thiscoincidedwiththe
launchoftheYearoftheTurtlecampaignundertheMemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)on
theConservationandManagementofMarineTurtlesandtheirHabitatsoftheIndianOceanand
South-EastAsia(IOSEA).Thecollaborativelaunchandotherinitiativesaddedvalueandeffectto
oureffortandshowedglobalunityinourconcernstoconserveseaturtles.
ThemottooftheYOST2006campaign,"SeaTurtles­ProtectThem,ProtectourHeritage",centred
onseaturtlesbeingverymuchapartofthePacificpeople'slives.
The1995YearoftheSeaTurtlehadbeenageneralpublicawarenessandeducationalcampaign;
the2006campaignbuiltonthatfoundationwithtargetedactionsforgroupsthatimpactonsea
turtlepopulations.
Threemainsectorswereconsideredvitalinseaturtleconservation
work,asreflectedintheYOSTgoals:
· Communitiesandfishingindustryarebetterinformedonseaturtle
populationstatusandfactorsaffectingtheirsurvival,leadingtothe
establishmentofseaturtleconservationworkinvolvingcommunities
andcommercialfishersemployingbestpractice;
· Nationallegislatorsandpolicymakersarebetterinformedonthe
needforimprovedlegalframeworkforseaturtleconservation,leading
tothedevelopmentofeffectiveandpracticalnationallegislationand
policiesonseaturtleconservation;and
· Partnershipsareestablishedandactiveamongststakeholdersand
organisationsintheregion,andacollaborativestrategyisdeveloped
forlong-termseaturtleconservationworkinthePacificislands.
TheYOSTcampaignwascoordinatedbyacommitteecomprising
representativesfromorganisationsandMemberscurrentlyengagedin
marineturtleconservationworkinthePacificislandsregion,usingthe
campaignplantoguidetheactivitiestobeundertaken.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
7
Thecampaignpartnersincludeal SPREPMembercountriesandterritoriesaswel asinter-
governmentalorganisations,non-governmentalorganisations(NGOs),international
organisations,anddonorsworkingorhavinganinterestinseaturtleconservationworkinthe
Pacificislandsregion.
SatelliteTaggingforYOST
OneofthreemainactivitiesrecommendedfortheYOSTcampaignwastheincorporationofa
satellite-taggingprogramme,withtagreleasesbymultipleMembercountriesandterritoriesto
emphasisethesharednatureofturtlestocks.
TheSecretariatlaunchedtheseaturtlesatellite-taggingprogrammeinSamoainMarch,
collaboratingwiththeMarineTurtleResearchProgramoftheUSNationalOceanicand
AtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)inHawaii,andtheMinistryofNaturalResourcesand
Environment(MNRE)inSamoa.Asatellite-taggedgreensub-adult,MissLina,andahawksbill
nesternamedLadyViniwerereleased.WhileMissLinastayedaroundUpoluIsland,Samoa,
LadyVinitraveledadistanceof4,743kmthroughtheExclusiveEconomicZones(EEZ)of
sevencountriesandterritories,within7months.Thisvoyagehasclearlydemonstratedthat
marineturtlesareasharedresourceintheregionandthattheirconservationandmanagement
requiresaregionalapproach.
InNovember,theSecretariatcollaboratedwithNOAA'sMarineTurtleResearchProgram,the
FrenchPolynesiaDirectiondeL'EnvironnementandLeMeridienBoraBora:fourgreenturtles
andoneoliveRidley'sturtleweresatellite-taggedandthenreleasedinBoraBora.Twoofthese
tagscontinuedtobeactivewellinto2007withmovementsbeingmonitored.
RegionalMOUsundertheCMS
The16thSPREPMeetinghadendorsedthejointSPREP/CMSprocesstowardsthedevelopment
ofaregionalMemorandumofUnderstandingforcetaceansundertheConventionforthe
ConservationofMigratorySpeciesofWildAnimals;andhadalsodirectedtheSecretariatto
progressregionalarrangementsfordugongsandmarineturtles.
Lady Vini being released with a satellite tag in March 2006. She sent
signals during her 7-months voyage through the EEZs of 7 Members.
8SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
ConservationofCetaceans
SPREPhasbeencollaboratingwiththeCMSindevelopingtheMOUfortheConservation
ofCetaceansandtheirHabitatsinthePacificIslandsRegionsince2003.Thisincludedthree
regionalmeetingsinvolvingSPREPMembersandpartnersandeventuallyresultedinafinalised
MOUin2006.TheMOUwasopenedforsigningduringthe17thSPREPMeetinginNoumea,
where9SPREPMembercountriessigned.
ConservationofDugongs
DugongsonlyoccurinsixcountriesandterritoriesintheSPREPregion:Australia,PapuaNew
Guinea,SolomonIslands,Palau,Vanuatu,andNewCaledonia.HenceaseparateMOUforthe
entirePacificislandsregionundertheCMSisnotwarranted.TheSecretariathasnevertheless
beenencouragingthefullparticipationofSPREPMemberswithintherangeofdugong(known
as"rangeStates"),intheMOUonDugongConservationandManagementintheSoutheast
AsianRegionundertheCMS.
ThesecondintergovernmentalmeetinginrelationtotheMOUwasheldinThailandinApril.
TheSecretariatensuredtheparticipationofallSPREPrangeStates,wasrepresentedinthis
meeting,workedwithSPREPMembers,andtogetherwiththeInternationalFundforAnimal
Welfare(IFAW),circulatedajointbriefingpaper.AnagreeddraftMOU,andaConservationand
ManagementPlanwascirculatedtowardstheendof2006forconsiderationbyrangeStates.
SPREPandIFAWagaincirculatedabriefingpaperwhichencouragedsigningtheMOUgiven
therelevancetoregionalconservationeffortsand,inparticular,totheregionalDugong
ActionPlan2003­2007.
ConservationofMarineTurtles
TheSecretariatcontinuedtonegotiatewiththeCMSSecretariatandtheOceaniaCMSlead
country,Australia,intheinitiationofthedevelopmentandnegotiationsforanMOUforthe
conservationofmarineturtlesinthePacific.
CetaceanResearchandStranding
ManagementTraining
SPREP,incollaborationwiththeNewZealandDepartmentofConservation(DOC)andpartners,
conductedtworegionaltrainingworkshopsoncetaceansinAuckland,NewZealand,from26
Septemberto6October.
ThetrainingworkshopsaddressedactionshighlightedintheregionalWhaleandDolphin
ActionPlan2003­2007:
· CapacityBuildingforCetaceanResearch&Management(e.g.,traininginsimplecetacean
researchtechniquesanddevelopin-countryprogrammes);
· ManagingCetaceanStrandingandNetworkDevelopment(e.g.,gainabetterunderstanding
ofthenumber,speciesandgeographicrangeofstrandingsofcetaceans;
· Trainparticipantsinrespondingtostrandingsofbothliveanddeadcetaceans,insampling
techniquesatstrandingevents,indealingwithanimalstakenasby-catchinfishing
operations;and
· ProvidingadraftStandardOperatingProcedureforstrandingsresponse.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
9
Cetacean stranding training in Samoa, by
Project Jonah trainers from New Zealand.
ElevenMembercountriesattendedthetrainingworkshops,whilepartnersincludedDOC,the
NaturalHeritageTrustthroughtheAustralianDepartmentofEnvironmentandHeritage(DEH);
NOAA;NZPacificDevelopmentandConservationTrust,throughSPREPandtheSouthPacific
WhaleResearchConsortium(SPWRC);WorldSocietyfortheProtectionofAnimals(WSPA);IFAW;
andtheWhaleandDolphinConservationSociety(WDCS).
TechnicalMeetingonCetaceansintheRegion
Atthe17thSPREPMeeting,MembersagreedtoreviewtheMarineSpeciesProgramme
Framework(MSPF)anditsActionPlans,anddirectedtheSecretariattosubmitarevisedMSPF
attheirnextmeeting.ThiswouldensurethatMembershadupdatedtechnicalinformationto
informtheirdeliberationanddevelopmentofarevisedMSPFandActionPlans.
ThetechnicalmeetingoncetaceanswasheldinAugustinApia,Samoa,withtheobjectives:to
assessthestatusoftheimplementationoftheregionalWhaleandDolphinActionPlan(WDAP)
2003­2007;toreviewcollectedandavailableinformationoncetaceansinthePacificislands
region;andtodevelopcomponentsofadraftrevisedWDAP.
TheTechnicalMeetingReportincludesanassessmentoftheimplementationofSPREP'scurrent
WDAP,updatedavailableinformationonwhaleanddolphinspeciesintheregion,aswellas
recommendedactions.
ImportanceofIslandBiodiversity
Recognised
Islands'limitedlandarea,manyrestrictedspeciesonlandandinsurroundingoceans,and
uniqueculturesmakethemsusceptibletoincreasingpressuresfacingthem.Thesespecial
characteristics,particularneedsandthreatsandtheirimportancetoglobalbiodiversity
conservation,wererecognisedbythe8thConferenceofthePartiestotheConventionon
BiologicalDiversityinBrazil:inMarchitadoptedtheIslandBiodiversityProgrammeofWork.
ThePacificalongwithotherSmallIslandDevelopingStates(SIDS)wasintenselyinvolvedwith
thedevelopmentofIBPoWandlobbiedhardatmanyimportanteventstogainsupportforits
adoption.SPREPwas,andcontinuestobe,animportantpartnerinthisprocess.
10

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
A real Bryde's whale (Balaenopteraedeni) had
stranded the day before a pre-planned training
course in Auckland.
Directedatislandecosystemscollectively,theIBPoWplacesemphasisonoceanicislandsand
particularlyonSIDS,becausetheirsystemsarethemostatrisk.
TheIBPoWhasfivegoals,18globaltargetsandassociatedpriorityactions,plusmany
supportingactions.
Thefivemaingoalsare:
· ConservationofIslandBiodiversity;
· SustainableUseofIslandBiodiversity;
· AddresstheThreatstoIslandBiodiversity;
· AccessandBenefit-sharingofIslandGeneticResources;and
· IncreasingCapacitiesandFinancingfortheImplementationoftheProgrammeofWorkon
IslandBiodiversity.
TheSecretariat,withassistancefromtheNewZealandAgencyforInternationalDevelopment
(NZAID),finishedan18-months'activitytosupportPacificislandcountriestodevelopanew
IBPoWwithintheCBD:thisculminatedintheagreement.ParticipationofPacificisland
representativeswassupportedbytheGovernmentsofNewZealandandFrance.
ProgressingtheBiodiversityAgenda
AtCOP8,SPREPco-sponsoredandhelpedorganiseahighlevelevent,"Leadershipforislandand
marinebiodiversityandlivelihoods:aGlobalIslandPartnership"duringwhich:
· TheMicronesiaChallengewaslaunchedgloballybytheleadersofMicronesia--a
commitmentbytheGovernmentsofPalau,MarshallIslands,FederatedStatesofMicronesia,
NorthernMarianaIslands,andGuamtoprotect30percentofnearshoremarineand20
percentofterrestrialresourcesonislandsby2020;
· KiribatiannouncedthecreationofthePhoenixIslandsProtectedArea(PIPA),thelargest
marineprotectedareainthePacificislandsandthethirdlargestintheworld.Itwillhelp
safeguardmorethan71,300squaremiles(182,500squarekilometres)ofnearlypristine
marinewilderness;
· TheCaribbeannationofGrenada,inspiredbyitsMicronesiancounterpartsinthePacific,
pledgedtoput25percentofnearshoremarineand25percentofterrestrialresourcesunder
effectiveconservationby2020.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
11
TheGlobalIslandPartnership
TheGlobalIslandPartnership(GLISPA)assistsislandsinaddressingoneoftheworld's
greatestchallenges:toprotectandsustainablymanagetheinvaluablenaturalresources
thatsupportpeople,cultures,andlivelihoodsintheirislandhomesaroundtheworld.
GLISPAwaslaunchedinMarchtobuildleadershipandpartnershipscommittedto
activelysupportimplementationofthenewIBPoWundertheCBDandotherrelated
globalpolicies.
Ithelpslinkactivitiesatthelocal,national,andinternationallevelsandbuildsonexisting
networks,institutions,andinitiativesto:
· Identifyandsupportislandleaderschampioningconservationandsustainable
livelihoodinitiatives;
· Utiliseinternationaleventstorecogniseislandleadership;
· Stimulatestrategicpartnershipsbetweengovernmentsandcivilsocietyto
implementtheseinitiativesandstrengthenlong-termconservationcapacity;
· Engagedonorstoimproveaccessandprovidesignificantnewpublicandprivate
financialresourcesforislandconservation;
· Facilitatelearningexchanges,networks,andinformationsharingacrossislandsto
addressurgentneeds;
· Establishamechanismforbettercollaborationamongislandnationsandnations
withislands.
AsecondregionaleventsupportedbySPREPandGLISPAwasatthePacificIslandsForum
LeadersmeetinginOctober.Thehigh-leveldinnerwashostedbyH.E.JosephUrusemal
(PresidentoftheFederatedSatesofMicronesia),H.E.KessaiH.Note(Presidentofthe
RepublicoftheMarshallIslands)andH.E.TommyE.RemengesauJr(Presidentofthe
RepublicofPalau).
ItsgoalwastobringPacificislandleaders,donorsandNGOpartnerstogethertocelebrate
recentmajorconservationcommitmentsandprogresstoensuresustainablelivelihoods
forislandpeople.
Italsoaimedtohighlightbenefitsofconservationtonationalandregionaldevelopment,
toencourageotherPacificislandcountriestomakecommitments,andtofacilitate
internationalsupportforconservationandsustainablelivelihoods.
Thishighlysuccessfulevent,attendedbymorethan100HeadsofGovernment,
Ministers,HeadsofRegionalAgencies(includingtheSPREPDirector,representingGLISPA
also),NGOsandmedia,setthestageforunanimoussupportbyall16PacificForum
HeadsofGovernment,includingAustraliaandNewZealand.
CommunityTabaSideEvent
SPREPworkedtogetherwiththeIUCN'sWorldCommissiononProtectedAreasTaskforceon
IslandsConservationandProtectedAreas,andtheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme's
(UNDP)EquatorInitiativetohostaone-daysideeventaspartofacommunityspaceatthe
COP8venue.
Calledthe"IslandLifeDialogue"itgaveislandcommunitiesavoiceintothemeeting,particularly
inexpressingissuesthatareimportanttothemasislandpeople.ThePacificregionwaswell
representedbyWillyKostkaofFederatedStatesofMicronesia,AdalbertEleduiofPalau,Ratu
12

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
AiseaKatonivereofFijiandotherPacificrepresentativessupportedbyotherorganisations,
includingConservationInternational(CI).
Oneoftheaimsofthisdaywastofacilitatenewandlastingnetworksandpartnershipsbetween
islandsatthecommunitylevel,sothatislandcommunitiescanstarttoworktogetheroncommon
issuesasoutlinedinthenewIBPoW.
Participantsidentifiedthat,toamplifysuccessinaddressingandimplementingtheIBPoW,thereis
aneedtoseekconcretepartnershipsandtohaveclearcommitments.Thepartnershipwil beof
local,regionalandnationalgovernments,indigenouspeopleandlocalcommunities,andrelevant
agencies.Thenetworkwouldfosterandbebasedonmutualcommunication,trust,andrespect.
ACommunityTabastatementfromthesideeventwaspreparedandpresentedtoCOP8during
thefinalplenarysession;thedayclosedwithaFijiankavaceremony.
RoundtableReflectionsonaWayForward
TheRoundtableforNatureConservationheldits10thMeetinginSuvainOctober.Themeeting
focussedonawayforwardbasedonamonitoringandevaluationframeworkfortheAction
StrategyforNatureConservationinthePacificIslandsRegion2003­2007.
Thefollowingpointsbythemonitoringandevaluationconsultantwereadopted:
·ThattheActionStrategyshouldberetained,basicallyasis,butwithlinkstocompleted
NationalBiodiversityStrategiesandActionPlans(NBSAPs),somerefinementtoreflectthe
IBPoWandtoacknowledgetheMilleniumDevelopmentGoals(MDG);
· ThattheActionStrategyshouldstillincludegoalsrelatedtoEnvironment,Economyand
Society;
· ReplacetargetsintheActionStrategywithindicators;
· ProvidetheActionStrategywithanimplementation
framework;
· Providereporting-backmatrixbasedontheRoundtable's
OnlineInventoryofConservationActivities.
Discussionalsotookplaceontheneedtoformalise
Roundtableproceduresandtoreverttoitsoriginalpurpose:
toimprovecommunicationandcoordination,partnerships,
networkingandaforumforinteraction.TheRoundtablerole
istopromote,facilitateandmonitorprogressbutnotto
implementtheActionStrategy.
Pacific Youth are letting their leaders know
what environment they would like to live in,
through the "Postcards from the future"
campaign.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
13
Crown-of-thorns starfish in staghorn coral. Right.
Butterfly fish with mushroom coral. Centre.
Coral reefs are major fish nurseries. Far right.
AfundingbaseisrequiredforRoundtableSecretarialsupport;outreachandcommunication;
monitoringanalyses;andtravelsupportfornationalparticipants.
ItwasagreedthattheRoundtablewouldcomprisetwoconcentriccircles:aninnercircle
beingtheManagementGroup,mainlyWorkingGroupChairs,fullycommittedwithnecessary
endorsements,andaccountable;plusanoutercircleofWorkingGroupmembers,participants
andobservers,notbound,withinputtotheextentpossible.
RoundtableandNBSAP
Implementationpost-2007
HowcouldtheRoundtabledoabetterjobofsupportingcountriestoimplement
theirNBSAPs?TheRoundtablecouldbecomeaplaceforassistancetoPacificisland
governmentswithNBSAPimplementation.
Forexample:GovernmentAformulatesaproposalforaninterventionthatwill
contributetotheachievementofaspecificActionStrategyobjective.Theproposalis
thenformulatedintheprescribedformat,submittedtotheRoundtableandreferredto
anappropriateWorkingGroup(responsiblefortheobjective).
TheWorkingGroupconsiderstheproposal,maysuggestimprovements;thenworks
withGovernmentAtoidentifylikelysponsors,expertise,etc.TheWorkingGroupfinally
providesfurthersupportandtracksprogresswithimplementationthroughtheuseof
indicators.
TheIBPoWwillassistbiodiversityeffortsalreadyunderway,particularlyimplementing
nationalbiodiversitystrategiesandactionplans,andhelpingsecurefundstodealwith
islandbiodiversityprioritiesaswellastechnicalandotherassistancefromotherCBD
Parties.NewpartnershipshavealreadyemergedasaresultoftheIBPoW,forexample
theGLISPAandtheMicronesianChallenge.
Sharks and other reef fish, Marovo
Red-footed Booby,
Cloud Forest, Des Voeux Peak,
Lagoon, Western Province,
Sulasula,in Namenalaia, Fiji.
Taveuni, Fiji.
Solomon Islands.
14

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
CoastalandMarine
EcosystemsManagement
LessonslearntfromthePacificexperienceonlocallymanagedmarineareas(LMMAs)and
sustainablelivelihoodsfeaturedattheInternationalTropicalMarineEcosystemsManagement
Symposium(ITMEMS)andtheInternationalCoralReefInitiative(ICRI)inMexicoinOctober.
Asymposiumthemeoncoastalfisheriesandaquaculture,co-convenedbySPREPandthe
UniversityofWashingtonincludedasessiononthePacificislandsregionwithpresentationsby
theLMMAnetwork,theUniversityoftheSouthPacific(USP),theFoundationofthePeoplesof
theSouthPacificInternational(FSPI)andtheSecretariat.
Resourcesmanagers,includinglocalfishermenfromBeliseandMexico,discussedthe
establishmentandmanagementoflocallymanagedareasinMelanesia;recentdevelopmentin
community-governmentpartnershipinscalingupmarinemanagedareasandintegratedcoastal
managementinFiji;communitybasedcoralfarminginFiji;andrecentstudiesonthefinancial
viabilityofcoraltradeinFijiandtheSolomonIslands.Relatedsessionsonfisheriesandocean
governance,ecosystem-basedmanagementofmarineresourcesandfisheries,enforcementand
surveil ancecomplementedthecommunity-basedapproachofthePacificregion.
RecommendationsfromtheworkshopcontributedtotheITMEMSstatementendorsedby
ICRI,andincluded:improvingcoastalandfisheriesgovernanceandparticipationoffishers;
supportingrights-basedandmarinetenureapproachestocloseopenaccessmarineregimes;
andpromotingdiversifiedskillsforcommunity-basedincomegeneratingactivitiesthatprovide
alternativesandcomplementsustainablecapturefisherymanagement.
Inaddition,participantspreparedaPacificIslandRegionCaucusStatement,endorsedbyICRI,
contributingtoarecommendationtoholdregionalMarineEcosystemManagementsymposia.
TheYearoftheReef2008wasendorsedbyICRImembers:theSPREPcampaignof1997was
acknowledgedasagoodmodeltoreplicateandaPacificregionalcampaignisbeingplanned.
PartnershipswithNOAA
Fol owingasuccessfulapplicationforfundingtotheUSagencies,theNationalOceanicand
AtmosphericAdministrationandSPREPconvenedameetingofthePacificRegionsocio-economic
monitoringsteeringcommittee.ComprisingtheSecretariatofthePacificCommunity(SPC),USP,
LMMA,theFrenchDevelopmentAggency(AFD),NOAA,andWorldFishCentre,theiraimisto
developandimplementcommunity-basedsocioeconomicmonitoringguidelinesinthePacific
region.TheguidelinesarebasedontheexperienceoftheNOAASocMonprogramme,theLMMA
networkandSPCProcFishprogramme.Theywil befinalisedandoperationalin2007.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
15
ProgressonCRISP
TheConventionbetweentheAFDandtheUnitedNationsFoundation(UNF)wassignedinJuly,
givingSPREPthegreenlighttoprogresscomponent3AoftheCoralReefInitiativefortheSouth
Pacific(CRISP),whichfocussedon:
· Enhancinginstitutionalcapacityforintegratedgovernanceofcoastalandmarineresources;
· Engenderingsupportbypolicymakersusing,amongothers,economicvaluation
techniques;
· DisseminatingandfacilitatingtheadoptionofCRISPandotherregionalprogrammesresults
bypolicymakersandcoastalmanagers;
· Enhancingcapacityofcoastalmanagerstoaccesstoappropriateinformation,
methodologiesandtechnologiesforsustainableuseofmarineandcoastalresources.
ACoralReefManagementOfficerwasrecruitedtotheSecretariattostartinJanuary2007,
whosemainimmediatetaskistosupportimplementationoftheSPREPcomponentofCRISP.
PacificRegionalFrameworkforMMAs
The17thSPREPMeetingandMinisterialForuminNoumeadirectedtheSecretariattodevelopa
regionalframeworkfortheestablishmentandmanagementofMarineManagedAreas(MMAs)
andMarineProtectedAreas(MPAs),incollaborationwithSPCandtheForumFisheriesAgency
(FFA),tostrengthentheconservationofmarinebiodiversityofcoastsandoceansintheRegion.
Adraftconceptproposalhasbeendeveloped.
RegionalSupportfortheRamsarConvention
TheSecretariatiscontinuingtosupportPacificIslandContractingPartiestotheRamsar
ConventiononWetlandsandtoassistPacificIslandCountriesandTerritories(PICTs)with
conservationandwiseuseoftheirwetlandecosystems.WetlandsasdefinedundertheRamsar
Conventioncovereverythingfromfreshwaterlakestomangroves,seagrassbedsandcoralreefs.
TherearecurrentlyfivePacificIslandRamsarPartiestotheConventionandsixwetlandsof
internationalimportance(called"Ramsarsites")listed.Fijibecamethe152ndRamsarParty
inAugust.SPREPhasalsoprovidedsupporttootherPacificIslandCountries(PICs)thathave
shownaninterestinjoiningtheConventionandinprogressingtheirmovestowardsaccession.
Edge of mangrove conservation area,
Buttress tree roots in Inocarpus
Moata'a, Samoa.
swamp, Taveuni, Fiji.
16

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
HighlightsofRamsaractivitiesinclude:
· ThesigningofanewMemorandumofCooperationfor2006­2008betweenSPREPandthe
RamsarSecretariatConvention.ThenewMOCsignifiesthecommitmentofbothparties
toprovidingfurtheropportunitiesandsupport,andtosustainthemomentumofwetland
conservationintheregion.
· CoordinationandsupportforWorldWetlandsDay2006celebrationsintheregion
· CollaborationwithFSPItoplanprioritiesandneedsforstrengtheningcommunity-based
coastalresourcemanagementoverthenextfiveyearsintheregion.Thishasresultedina
partnershipbetweentheSecretariatandFSPIwhereaseriesofexchangeattachments/visits
areplannedbetweencoastalwetlandpractitionersfromPacificislandstolearnfromeach
other'sexperiences;thefirstsuchoccurredbetweenTuvaluandKiribati.
· CollaborationwiththeWesternPacificRegionalFisheryManagementCouncil(WPRFMC),the
RegionalSeasProgrammeofUNEP,andtheUniversityofTasmania.Theaimistocompleteand
publishtheresultsofasurveytoassessthetechnicalcapacityofPICstoassessandmanage
mangroveresponsestoclimatechangeandsealevelrise.Thesurveyreportwaslaunched
bytheUNEPRegionalSeasProgrammeinJuly.

Thepublication,Pacific Island Mangroves in a Changing Climate and Rising Seasisavailable
onlineathttp://www.unep.organdhttp://www.wpcouncil.org.Asymposiumonmangrove
responsestorelativesealevelriseandotherclimatechangeeffectswasorganisedand
conductedaspartoftheSocietyofWetlandScientists(SWS)annualmeetinginJuly.The
Secretariatcontributedapaperonopportunitiesforincreasingtheresilienceofmangroves
toclimatechangeinthePacificislandsregion.Theproceedingsareavailableonlineat
http://www.geol.utas.edu.au/geography/documents/promanch.pdf;
· CollaborationwiththePacificAppliedGeoscienceCommission(SOPAC),SPC,USPandthe
MossLandingMarineLaboratories(CaliforniaStateUniversity)toplanforMarineandCoastal
HabitatMappingneedsintheregion,andfortheMarineGeologicalandBiologicalHabitat
Mapping(GeoHab)conferenceinMay2007.
PILNisTurningWordsintoAction
ThePacificInvasivesLearningNetworkisanovelinitiativeinthe
Pacificregion.Thenetworkwasestablishedin2005whenTheNature
ConservancyjoinedwithSPREP,theCooperativeIslandInitiativeon
InvasiveSpecies,IUCNInvasiveSpeciesSpecialistGroup,NationalPark
ofAmericanSamoa,CI,thePalauOfficeofEnvironmentalResponseand
Coordination,USP,USForestService,andSPC.Aful -timecoordinator
wasappointedandthenetworkformal ylaunchedinMay2006bythe
HonorableEliasCamsekChin,VicePresidentoftheRepublicofPalau.He
gavethenetworkitsunofficialmottoinhisconcludingremarksatthe
openingceremony:"Failureisnotanoption".
PILNisanetworkofmulti-agencymulti-sectorcountryteamswhoagreetoshareskil sand
expertiseinthemanagementofinvasivespecies,oneofthegreatestthreatstosustainable
developmentandbiodiversityintheregion.Therearesixinitialfoundingteams:AmericanSamoa,
Guam,Niue,Palau,Pohnpei,andSamoa.Teamsincludememberswithalong-termcommitment
toconservation,strongculturalunderstanding,andthepotentialtoactasinnovatorstoincrease
invasivespeciesmanagementandpreventionintheirnations.Participatingteamsdetermine
thespecificinvasivespeciesissuesthattheywil addressusingthenetwork:PILN'sactivitiesand
agendaaredeterminedbytheindividualandsharedneedsoftheparticipants.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
17
Anissueraisedatthelaunchbyparticipantswastheneedtoturnwordsintoaction--toget
outofthemeetingroomandgetonwiththejob.Thisrecognisesthatthereisnotenough
implementationofactionplans,andthatthevariousnationalstrategicplanstendtolacka"road
map"toguideunder-resourcedandover-taskedagenciestowardsachievingtheirgoals.Specific
needsidentifiedincludedcapacitybuildinginspecifictechnicalandsocialmarketingskills,
productionofsimpleandrealisticactionplansforpriorityspecies,andopportunitiestoshare
practicalskills.PILNwasseenasofferingameansofmeetingtheseneeds.
Sincethelaunch,thenetworkhasgainedgreattraction.Technicalandplanningadvancesare
sharedamongtheteams,raisinginterestandgeneratingideas.
ExamplesofprojectsbeingimplementedbyPILNteamsare:
· Strategicactionplanning(Pohnpei,Palau);
· RegionalcontrolofBetelnutbudrot(Guam);
· Weederadicationorlocalcontrol(AmericanSamoa,Palau,Pohnpei,Niue);
· Rodenteradication(Guam,Pohnpei,Samoa);
· Tilapiaeradication(Palau,Pohnpei);
· Eradicationofferalbirds(AmericanSamoa,PohnpeiSamoa);
· Developmentofaprioritisationsystemasatoolfordecision-making(Samoa).
TheactivitiesandachievementsaregeneratinggreatinterestinotherMembercountriesand
territories,andin2007thenetworkwillexpandtoincorporatefurthercountryteams:Fiji,French
Polynesia,Hawaii,Kiribati,KosraeState,MarshallIslands,NewCaledonia,andYapState.Inonly
sevenmonthssinceitsofficiallaunch,PILNhasprovedaneffectivemeansofbuildingcapacity
andassistinginvasivespeciesworkerstoturntheirwordsintoaction.
HelpingMembersto
LearnfromEachOther
If you tell me, I will listen.
If you show me, I will see.
But if you let me experience,
I will learn. Lao Tsu, 5th-century BC
Trainingattachmentshaveprovenaveryeffectivewayofbuildingindividualand
institutionalcapacity.TheSecretariatrecognisesthatMemberscanalsogainmuch
bylearningfromeachother,andhascontinuedtomobiliseresourcestosupport
thistrainingapproach:US$140,000in2006alone.Theattachmentactivitieshave
benefited12countriesand18officersinarangeofworkareasincluding:information
technology,preventionandcontrolofinvasivespecies,managementofendangered
species,communitybasedconservation,andenvironmentalimpactassessments.
Theattachmentshavebeenmutuallybeneficialtopartakingpeopleandinstitutions
andhavealsocontributedtostrengtheningregionalcooperationandcollaboration.
TheyhavebeenmadepossiblethroughthegeneroussupportfromtheGovernment
ofJapanthroughtheForumSecretariat,andfromtheGovernmentsofAustraliaand
NewZealandthroughtheirprogrammefundingfortheSecretariat.
18

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
A PILN break-out group is considering public
Mr Peter Hunnam, Global Manager of a Global Support Programme for
awareness issues at the Palau meeting.
the NCSA at UNDP-GEF in New York, facilitating the NCSA workshop.
EnhancingNationalCapacitySelf-Assessments
TheSecretariatsteppedupitseffortstosupportMembersthatarePartiestotheUnitedNations
ConventiononBiologicalDiversity(UNCBD),UNFrameworkConventiononClimateChange
(UNFCCC)andUNConventiontoCombatDesertification(UNCCD),tocarryoutcapacityself-
assessmentsundertheGEF-NationalCapacitySelfAssessment(NCSA)project.
Incol aborationwiththeGlobalSupportUnitoftheGEF-NCSAatrainingworkshopforofficers
fromcountriesfacilitatedinitiativesaimedatlinkingnationalissueswithmulti-lateralenvironmental
objectives;andidentifiedcapacityneedstoaddresstheseinter-linkedissuesaswellasthe
requirementsofMEAs.Atotalof20officersfrom12countriesparticipatedandbenefitedfrom
thistraining.In-countrysupportwasprovidedtofourMembersintheimplementationofNCSA
inceptionandthematicassessmentworkshops.
TheguidanceprovidedbytheSecretariathashelpednationalagenciesandresultedinthe
strengtheningofinter-agencycol aborationandcoordination.Ithasalsoraisedawarenesswith
governmentofficers,andthepublic,oftheConventionsandtheenvironmentalissuestheyare
intendedtoaddress.Byyear'sendthreecountrieshadbeguntoundertaketheadvanced
stagesofcross-cuttingassessmentsanddevelopmentofActionPlans,whileanotherfivewere
implementingtheirstock-takingandthematicassessments.Theseself-assessmentswillbe
criticalinprioritisingcapacitydevelopmentinitiativesandprogrammesintothefuture.
EnvironmentalCommunicationsTraining
TheSecretariatcontinuestostrengthenitscommunicationstrainingprogrammetosupport
Membersinusingeducationandcommunicationsastoolsforpromotingsustainable
development.Throughouttheyear,itsprogrammeincreasedcapacityofapproximately100
membersofthemedia,governmentofficersandNGOrepresentativesincludingparticipantsfrom
AmericanSamoa,theCookIslands,Fiji,Guam,Kiribati,Marshal Islands,Niue,Palau,Samoa,Tonga,
Tuvalu,andVanuatu.
Theworkshopsaimedtoil ustratethepivotalroleofintegratedcommunicationsinpromoting
environmentalissuesthroughhighlightingthesuccessstoriesandlessonslearntwithinthe
InternationalWatersProjectpilotcommunities.
Theworkshopsappliedacombinationofcommunicationsandsocialchangetheory,and
resultedinincreasedunderstanding,awarenessandappreciationoftheroleofcommunications
inpromotingsustainabledevelopmentinthePacific.Participantsdepartedwiththebasicskil
setrequiredtodevelopandimplementacommunicationsstrategyandcommunitycampaign.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
19
Throughthisinitiative,theSecretariatiscontinuingtopromotetheconceptofEducationfor
SustainableDevelopment(ESD)thatseekstoequippeoplewiththerelevantskil sandknowledge,
tomakedecisionsthathaveapositiveimpactonthefuture.
Throughouttheworkshops,participantsworkedtowardsthedevelopmentofasocialmarketing
campaignfocusedonasingleissuewithintheircommunities.Thiswasconductedthrougha
seriesofactivitiesresultedinapresentationor"pitch"ofeachcampaign.
InSamoa,SPREPworkedwithMNREtofacilitatetheCommunicatingClimateChangeworkshop
thatincludedrepresentativesfromMinistriesofHealth,Educationandtheenergysector.This
workshopwasoneofthefirstfacilitatedintheregiontohighlighttheroleofcommunicationsin
promotingacol aborativeapproachtocommunicatingclimatechangeissuestoselectedtarget
audiences.
EngagingPrivateSector
RegionalEffort
OneofthekeyprioritiesoftheYearoftheSeaTurtlewasthe
reductionofthreatstothesecharismaticanimals.Globallyitis
estimatedthat100,000seaturtlesdieeachyearfromconsuming,
orbecomingcaughtin,plasticbagsandotherdebris.Seaturtles
canmistakeplasticforjellyfish,akeyfoodsourceforsome
species.
Inaninnovativepartnership,theSecretariatandtheAustralia
andNewZealandBankingGroup(ANZBank)inSamoajoined
forcestoreducemarinepollution,andtopromotepositive
behavioursthroughtheTurtleBagcampaign.
TheTurtleBagsarereusableshoppingbagsthatweremade
availableinsupermarketsandencourageshoppersto"say
notoplasticbags".Theconceptwasbasedonthepopular
GreenBagsfoundinsupermarketsinAustralia,providinga
low-cost,attractiveandviablealternativetoplasticbags.
TheTurtleBagsupportedabanonimportingnon-
biodegradableplasticbagsintroducedbytheGovernmentofSamoaon1June:
underthisban,onlybiodegradablebagswouldbesoldthere.Providinganalternativeatpoint
ofsale(supermarkets)discouragespeopletouseplasticbags,offeringareusablealternative
thatpromotestheirinteresttosavetheseaturtles.

AkeyelementoftheTurtleBaginitiativewastheestablishmentoftheANZSavetheTurtle
Fund;fromthesaleofeachTurtleBag,ANZdonated1TalatowardstheFundthatissupporting
communitybasedturtleconservationinitiatives.
EngagingYoungPeople
Throughouttheyear,SPREPandUNEPcontinuedtoworkinpartnershiptoencouragethe
increasedengagementofyoungpeopleinenvironmentalmanagementintheregion.One
ofthekeyactivitieswasthedevelopmentofthePacificFutureEnvironmentLeadersForum,a
leadershipandskillsbuildingprogrammetotakeplaceinearly2007.
20

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
ThroughparticipationatthePacificYouthFestivalinJuly2006,SPREPwasabletocontinueto
buildonrelationshipswithkeyagenciessuchasSPCtopromotetheroleofyoungpeoplein
environmentalmanagementintheregion.Aspartofthisrenewedfocusontheregion'sfuture
leaders,theSecretariatfacilitatedthe"PostcardsfromtheFuture"initiative,inwhichyoung
peoplewereencouragedtowritemessagesonthebacksofpostcardsaboutwhattheyvalued
aboutthePacificenvironment.Thesepostcardswerebundledupandhandedoutathigh-level
eventsthroughouttheyear.
SPREPwillcontinuetopromotetheroleofyoungpeopleinpromotingenvironmentfor
sustainabledevelopmentinthefuture.
IWPinitsFinalYear
Aftersevenyearsofmajoractivityinitsparticipatingislandnations,theInternationalWaters
Project(IWP)substantivelycametoanendinDecember2006.ThroughtheagreementofUNDP,
theImplementingAgencyoftheGlobalEnvironmentFacility(GEF),theprojectwillofficially
closeinFebruary2007(theextensionallowedprojectNationalCoordinatorstocompletework
thatstartedin2006andspendthefundsprovidedforthelastquarterof2006).Calledthe
"StrategicActionProgrammefortheInternationalWatersofthePacificSmallIslandsDeveloping
States"infull,IWPhasbeenamajorcooperativeeffort.FundingofUS$12millionoverthe7years
wasreceivedfromGEFandUNDP.
Therehavebeenmanysuccessesbothatthenationallevelandcommunitylevel.Agood
numberofdemonstrationprojectsinvariousPacificcountriescanactascatalystsforfurther
development,andmanylessonshavebeenlearntthatcanbeappliedforfuturedevelopments.
ThestrengthofthemostsuccessfulIWPpilotprojectswasbasedonthelevelofcommunity
ownership,andindeedcommunityleadershipoftheinitiative.Withstrongparticipationofthe
communityinthework,thepilotswerenotonlysuccessfulintheirownrightbutwerealso
beingreplicated.ThiswasthecaseinthepilotprojectsinFiji,Kiribati,andVanuatuandtosome
extentinTongaandFederatesStatesofMicronesiaaswell.
TheIWPTerminalEvaluationreportnotedthat:
"Theprojectmadealastingcontributionintheregionbyhelpingtoexpandpublic
understandingofenvironmentalissues;moreimportantly,itservedtoempowercommunity
memberstobecomedirectlyinvolvedinenvironmentalprotectionefforts.Theproject
successfullyintroducedandexpandedtheuseofsocialandeconomicdiagnostictools,
enablingparticipatingcountriestobetterunderstandtherootcausesofenvironmental
degradation,andtheirsocialandeconomicconsequences."
Inevitablywithaprojectofthisambitiousscope,dealingwith14countrieswithinahugearea
ofthePacific,manylessonshavebeenlearntatlocal,nationalandregionallevelsonhowto
implementsuchprojectsmoreeffectively.TheSecretariathasnotedtheselessonsandwilluse
themtoimprovethewaythatitimplementsprojectsinthefuture.SPREPthanksallparticipants
andpartnersintheIWPoverthepast7yearsfortheirvaluableengagement,contributionsand
assistance,especiallythenationalagenciesandcoordinators,andtheUNDPMulti-countryoffice
inSamoafortheirconsistentsupport.
IWPresources,inparticulartheIWP-PacificTechnicalReportseries,continuetobeavailable
throughtheIWPwebsiteontheSPREPserver,http://www.sprep.org/iwp.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
21
PacificFutures
Programme

Introduction
ThePacificFuturesProgrammetargetsthelong-termfuture
oftheregion'senvironmentanditspeoples.Thecoreofthe
Programmeisbuiltaroundtwomajorfocusareasidentifiedby
PacificIslandCountriesintheirregionalActionPlanformanaging
theenvironment:ClimateChangeandPol utionPrevention.
Thisyeartherehasbeenasignificantincreaseinglobalawarenessofclimatechangeissues,
particularlythepotentialadverseeffectsandtheireconomiccosts.Thishasbeenmatched
intheSecretariat'swork,withmajorinitiativesinclimatechangeadaptation,andsupportfor
renewableenergytechnologies.
InPollutionPrevention,effortshavecontinuedonthecriticalissueofwastemanagement
throughawiderangeofactivities,addressingthecompletewastehierarchy,fromwaste
minimisationthroughtodisposal.Significantefforthasalsogoneintoimprovedmanagement
ofhazardouswasteandmarinepollution.
Increasingly,theSecretariat'sworkisbeingguidedbyregionalstrategydocumentsdeveloped
incollaborationwithourPacificIslandMembercountries.Thesedocumentsprovideastrategic
contextforourwork,andsetaframeworkforassessingprogress.
ThePacificFuturesProgrammetakestheleadinregionalparticipationinMultilateral
EnvironmentalAgreements.Theseinternationalagreements(suchastheUnitedNations
FrameworkConventiononClimateChange)continuetosettheglobalagendaformany
environmentalissues.
OurroleistosupportPacificislandrepresentativestoparticipatestronglyintheseinternational
processes,andensurethattheuniqueinterestsandcircumstancesofthePacificarerecognised
internationally.
SPREP'sworkissetinthecontextofsustainabledevelopment,promotingenvironmentalissues
alongsidethesocialandeconomicgoalsoftheregion.
22

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
Therearemanycross-linkagesamongenvironmentalissues,andalsowithbroadersocialand
economicinterests(forexampleclimatechangewithbiodiversity,foodsecurity,andcommunity
resilience).WealsorecognisetheneedtoworkinpartnershipwithPacificislandgovernments
andcommunities,andwithotheragenciesworkingtosupporttheregion.
ClimateChange
Climatechangeissueswereattheforefrontofglobalnewsduringtheyear,spurredbythe
appearanceofformerUnitedStatesVice-PresidentAlGore'sfilm"Aninconvenienttruth",and
thereleaseintheUnitedKingdomofamajorreportontheeconomiccostsofclimatechange.
Thelatter,the"SternReport",highlightedthepotentialeffectsofclimatechangeintermsof
speciesextinctions,displacementofpeopleduetosealevelrise,effectsonfoodproduction,
andextremeweatherpatterns.TheSternReportsuggestedcoststotheglobaleconomyofup
toUS$7trillionifurgentactionisnottaken.
ThisglobalpublicitygavefurtherimpetustoclimatechangeworkinthePacific,wherethe
vulnerabilityofcommunitiestoclimatechangeandsealevelriseiswellrecognised.PICshave
setdowntheirstrategicprioritiesinthePacificIslandsFrameworkforActiononClimateChange
(PIFACC),whichwasdevelopedthoughtheSecretariatandendorsedbyPacificLeadersin2005.
TheSecretariathasaleadroleinmaintainingtheFramework,andisdevelopingamorepractical
ActionPlanforitsimplementation.Aroundtableprocessisalsobeingproposedasameansfor
stakeholderstobeinvolvedinmonitoringprogressandcoordinatingclimatechangeefforts
acrosstheregion.Thisisexpectedtobeimplementedfrom2007.
WehavecontinuedtopursueinitiativesundertheFrameworkonclimatechange,renewable
energyandozonedepletion;andsupportedMembercountriesininternationalclimatechange
negotiations.
SupporttoCOP12ofUNFCCC
TheSecretariathasprovidedsupporttoPacificislanddelegationsatCOP12oftheUNFCCCheld
inNovemberinNairobi.Amajoroutcomeofthatmeetingwastheadoptionofafive-yearwork
programonadaptation,nowknownasthe"NairobiWorkProgrammeonImpacts,Vulnerability
andAdaptation".
AnotherimportantoutcomewasagreementonthemanagementoftheAdaptationFund
undertheKyotoProtocol.ThisdrawsonproceedsgeneratedbytheCleanDevelopment
Mechanism(CDM),andisdesignedtosupportconcreteadaptationactivitiesindeveloping
countries.
TheCDMpermitsindustrialisedcountriestooffsettheiremissiontargetsundertheKyoto
Protocol.Itdoessobyinvestinginsustainabledevelopmentprojectsindevelopingcountries
thatreducegreenhousegasemissions,andtherebygeneratetradableemissioncredits.Noting
thatveryfewAfricancountriesorSmallIslandDevelopingStatesarehostingCDMprojects,the
Conferencealsoadoptedthe"NairobiFramework"announcedbytheUnitedNationsSecretary-
GeneralKofiAnnan;thiswillprovideadditionalsupportfordevelopingcountriestosuccessfully
developprojectsfortheCDM.
Inaddition,progresswasmadeontheconveningofSIDSexpertmeetingsonadaptation,which
wouldalsoincludetheconsiderationoftheMauritiusStrategyforImplementation.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
23
AdaptingtoClimateChange
Buildingresiliencethroughadaptationtoclimatechange,climate
variabilityandextremeweathereventshasbeenidentified
asakeypriorityforPacificislandcountriesandterritories.The
Secretariathascontinuedtobuildawarenessofthevulnerability
ofthePacific,andtheneedforadaptationmeasures.
TheNewPACCProject
TheSecretariathascontinuedtobuildontheworkcompleted
onadaptationundertheCapacityBuildingfortheDevelopment
ofAdaptationMeasuresinPacificIslandCountries(CBDAMPIC),fundedbytheCanadian
InternationalDevelopmentAgency(CIDA).
Duringtheyear,theGlobalEnvironmentFacilityapprovedtheProjectDevelopmentPhase(PDF-
B)foranewregionalprojectfocussingonadaptation:thePacificAdaptationtoClimateChange
(PACC)project.ThePACCproposalistargetingresourcesfromthespecialwindowonadaptation
openedbytheGEFrecently,calledtheSpecialClimateChangeFund(SCCF).
ThePACCFull-SizedProposal,onceapprovedbytheGEF,wouldinjectUS$11.25millionGEF
resourcesintotheregionforadaptationpurposes.PACCisajointinitiativebetweenSPREPand
UNDP,andhasbeendevelopedinresponsetocallsbyPICsthroughregionalforumssuchasthe
annualSPREPMeetingsforadaptationassistance.
ThePACCwillimplementlong-termadaptationmeasurestoincreasetheresilienceofkey
developmentsectorsinthePacificislandstotheimpactsofclimatechange.Thisobjective
wouldbeachievedbyfocussingonlong-termplannedadaptationresponsestrategies,policies
andimplementationmeasurestobringaboutthisresult.
Theprojectwillfocusonthefollowingkeydevelopmentsectors:waterresourcesmanagement;
foodproductionandfoodsecurity;coastalzoneandassociatedinfrastructure(roadsand
breakwater).Thesefocalsectorshavebeenidentifiedbythecountriesintheirfirstnational
communicationandotherrecentdocumentssuchastheNationalAdaptationProgrammeof
Action(NAPA)forLeastDevelopedCountries(LDCs).
ElevenPICsarepartofthePACCproject.Theyare:CookIslands,FederatedStatesofMicronesia,
Fiji,Nauru,Niue,PapuaNewGuinea,Samoa,SolomonIslands,Tonga,Tuvalu,andVanuatu.
TheFull-SizedProjectProposalwastobesubmittedtotheGEFinearly2007andadecision
takenonapprovalinmid2007.
PACC Consultation with Environment
Department Officials in the Solomon
Islands.
24

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
`ManyStrongVoices':ClimateChangeintheArcticandSIDS
Thiscollaborativeprogrammeaimstoensurethewell-being,securityandsustainability
ofcoastalcommunitiesintheArcticandinSmallIslandDevelopingStates;intheface
ofclimatechange.Eventhoughnaturalandhumanenvironmentsinthetworegions
differmarkedly,thesocietiesofthesecountriesarevulnerabletotheimpactsofclimate
changeinsimilarways;indeedbothhavebeenidentifiedasregionswhereimpactsof
climatechangearealreadyoccurring.
"ManyStrongVoices"bringstheArcticandSIDStogether,totakecollaborativeand
strategicactionsonclimatechangemitigationandadaptation.Programmeparticipants
includeSPREPandotherinternationalorganisations,governmentagencies,non-
governmentorganisations,indigenouspeoples'organisations,researchinstitutes,
communitiesandindividuals.
Thiscollaborationaimsto:
· Buildcapacitytostrengthentheroleofthesevulnerableregionsinnegotiations

ongreenhousegasmitigationandonclimatechangeadaptation;
· Raiseawarenessabouttheeffectsofclimatechangeonvulnerableregions;
· Increaseunderstandingofneedsandsolutions;
· Takeactiononadaptation.
"ManyStrongVoices"fillsacommunicationgapbysupportingtheexchangeof
knowledgeandexpertiseonclimatechangebetweenthetworegions,andbyassisting
peopleinboththeArcticandSIDStohavetheirvoicesheardatlocal,regional,and
internationallevels.Seehttp://www.manystrongvoices.org.
EnergyandClimateChange:
fromPIREPtoPIGGAREP
PacificIslandCountriesandTerritorieshaveacknowledgedthattheyneedtoplaytheirpartin
reducingtheemissionofgreenhousegases.
Tothisend,2006sawtheconclusionoftheGEF-fundedPacificIslandsRenewableEnergy
Programme(PIREP),andtheapprovalofanewinitiative,thePacificIslandsGreenhouseGas
AbatementthroughRenewableEnergyProject(PIGGAREP),alsofundedthroughtheGEF.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
25
CompletionofPIREP
TheSPREP-managedPIREPbeganin2003andconcludedin2006.Themainobjectiveofthis
programmehasbeentoproduceaframeworkforaregion-widerenewableenergyproject.This
successorproject,PIGGAREP,hassecuredfundingfromtheGEF,theparticipatingcountriesand
otherdonors.Inadditiontothe11countriesparticipatingintheProject(seebelow),Marshall
IslandsandPalauaredevelopingtheirownmedium-sizedUNDP/GEFproposals(respectively
cal edADMIRE:ActionfortheDevelopmentofMarshal IslandsRenewableEnergies,andSEDREA:
SustainableEnergyDevelopmentthroughRenewableEnergyApplications)asspin-offsofthe
PIREPpreparatoryactivities.
ThePIREPproducedasetofreportsin2005,whichprovideanexcel entdescriptionofthebaseline
situationinPICsandarenowbeingusedwidelyinthesecountries.ThecompleteseriesofPIREP
reports(listedinSPREP's2005AnnualReport)andadatabaseofenergy-relatedinformationare
availableontheSPREPwebsite.
TheTerminalReviewforPIREPwascompletedduringtheyear.Thereviewersetoutsome
challengesforitssuccessor,PIGGAREP,andcommendedtheprojectaswellastheSecretariat's
managementofitbystating:"Managingaregionalprojectinwhichnolessthan15countries
participateandgettingtheiraswellasGEF'sendorsementforthePIGGAREPisnotasimplefeat,
buthasbeenachievedwithinareasonabletimeframe."
RemovingBarrierstoRenewableEnergy
PIGGAREPreceivedfinalapprovalthroughtheGEFproceduresthisyear.TheGEFCouncilhad
givenitsapprovalin2005,subjecttosomefine-tuningoftheprojectdesign.TheProjectisnow
setforimplementationfrom2007.
PIGGAREPisafive-yearprojectpromotingtheproductiveuseofrenewableenergytoreduce
greenhousegasemissions.Itaimstodothisthroughremovingmajorbarrierstothewidespread
andcost-effectiveuseofcommerciallyviablerenewableenergytechnologies.
Thiswillenablethesetechnologies:
· Tobeusedineducation,tourismandhealthservices;
· Toprovideincome-generatingactivitiestoyoungpeopleincottageindustriessuchas
handicrafts;
· Toimprovelocalaccesstofinancingforrenewableenergyprojects.
Theprojecthassixmajorcomponents,eachaddressingaspecifictypeofbarrier.Thespecified
sub-objectivesrelatedtothetypeofbarrieraddressedare:
· Technical: Increasednumberofsuccessfulcommercialrenewableenergyapplicationsfor
productiveusesandincomeactivities;
· Market:Expansionofthemarketforrenewableenergytechnologyapplicationsforboth
energyandnon-energyuses;
· Institutional:Enhancedinstitutionalaswellassystemicandindividualcapacitytodesign
andimplementrenewableenergy;
· Financial: Availabilityandaccessibilityofsufficientfundingforexistingandnewrenewable
energyprojects;
· PolicyandRegulatory: Strengthenedlegalandregulatorystructuresintheenergyand
environmentalsectors;
· Informationandawareness:Improvedawarenessandknowledgeamongkeystakeholders.
Elevencountries(CookIslands,Fiji,Kiribati,Nauru,Niue,PapuaNewGuinea,Samoa,Solomon
Islands,Tonga,Tuvalu,andVanuatu)participateinPIGGAREP.
26

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
Crashing waves illustrate the awesome
Climate services officers of the Tuvalu Meteorological
force of nature.
Service installing and programming a PI-GCOS
rain gauge in Funafuti.
PI-GCOSLinksClimatewithClimateChange
TheSecretariathascontinuedtosupportthePacificislandscomponentoftheGlobalClimate
ObservingSystem(PI-GCOS)inpartnershipwiththeGovernmentoftheUnitedStates.This
programmeprovidesanumbrellaforarangeofactivitieswhichcontributetocoordinationof
climateobservationintheregionandmoreeffectiveuseofclimateinformation.
Anewinitiativesupportinghistoricaldatarescueanddatabasemanagementwasundertaken
insixPICsandimplementedbytheAustralianBureauofMeteorology(BoM).Meanwhile,
newclimateinformationinitiativessuchastheUSNationalOceanicandAtmospheric
Administration'sIntegratedDataandEnvironmentalApplications(IDEA)Centerdeveloping
thePacificClimateInformationSystem,havebeendesignedtomeshwithfutureactivitieson
climatetrainingandend-userinformationservicesforPICs.
ThreeadditionalPICsjoinedthePI-GCOSInstrumentProject.Thispartnershipwiththe
UniversityofOklahomaassistsnationalmeteorologicalserviceswithdatacollectionbyinstalling
high-qualityraingauges.Thesehigh-resolutioninstrumentsarebeingplacedstrategicallyby
meteorologicalservicesinareaswherethereisaneedforbetter-qualitydatainsectorssuchas
agriculture,waterresources,andtoassessthepotentialforhydropowergeneration.
TheUSNOAAandtheWorldMeteorologicalOrganization(WMO)continuedtoprovidePacific
TrainingDeskfellowships,foroperationaltrainingintropicalweatherforecasting.Fourweather
forecasters(onefromPapuaNewGuinea,fromVanuatu,SolomonIslands,andTonga)were
trainedandwentontocontributingtotheforecastingservicesoftheirrespectiveoffices.
PI-GCOSorganisedthe11thRegionalMeteorologicalServicesDirectorsmeetinghostedbythe
GovernmentofNewCaledoniaandMeteoFrance.Themeetinghighlightedthecontinuing
challengesofmeteorologicalservicesintheregion.Theproceedings(ontheSPREPwebsite)
recordtheagreementtowidenitsscopeofconcerntoaddressemergingneedsinrelationto
earlywarningfortsunami,flashfloodsandotherextremeclimateeventsandclimatechange.
PI-GCOSisactivelyworkingwithotherregionalinitiativessuchastheGlobalOceanObserving
System(PI-GOOS),theHydrologicalCycleObservingSystem(HYCOS)andthePacificSeaLevel
andClimateMonitoringProject.Theobjectiveistocoordinatedata/informationontheocean
andclimatetomeetthefutureneedsofPICsinplanningforclimatechange.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
27
OzoneUpdate
SPREPplaysakeyroleinphasingoutozonedepletingsubstancesintheregion.TheRegional
StrategyfortheImplementationoftheMontrealProtocolinvolvesapartnershipbetweenSPREP,
UNEPandtheGovernmentofAustralia.ItsaimistoassistPICsinmeetingtheirobligations
undertheMontrealProtocol,especiallyphasingoutchlorofluorocarbons(CFCs),whichare
mostlyusedinrefrigerationandairconditioningequipment.
TheSecretariatconductedthelastofthreeRegionalThematicMeetingsundertheStrategyin
Januaryandpublisheditsreport.Duringthemeetingitemergedthatseveralcountriesinthe
regionareyettoapplyregulatorycontrolsonCFCs,puttingthematriskofbeingnon-compliant
withtheProtocolanditsamendments.
Thispotentialnon-compliancewashighlightedatthe17thSPREPMeeting.Asaresult,the
Secretariatfocusseditseffortsonlegislativesupportanddesignofozoneregulations.Weworked
withUNEPandtheGovernmentofAustraliatoseekadditionalsupportintheformofongoing
SPREPassistancetoPICs.TheUNEPMultilateralFund(MLF)approvedresourcestocontinueits
activitiesthroughtolate2007.Aspecialfocuswil betoassistPICsinattainingful compliance
withtheirobligationsundertheMontrealProtocol,inparticularthrough:theestablishmentof
legislationbanningCFCimports;introducinglicensingsystemsforimports;andorganising
refrigerationandcustomstrainingworkshopsinal participatingcountriesthathavenotyetdoneso.
Ongoing-targetedassistancewasgiventothethreenewcountries(CookIslands,Nauruand
Niuejoinedtheprojectin2005)ontheimplementationoftheStrategy,bytransferringfundsto
carryoutrefrigerationtraininganddevelopregulations.Bytheendof2006,allthreecountries
hadfinalisedtheirdraftregulationsforcabinetapproval.
PollutionandWaste
PreventingpollutionandmanagingwasteremainhugechallengesforPICTs.Solidwaste
continuestobeaproblem,withitseffectsontheenvironmentandpeople'shealth,aswellas
imposingeconomiccosts.Hazardouswastesinparticularcanpollutesoils,therebyaffecting
agricultureandfoodsupplies,watercoursesandcoastalareas,fishandreefsystems.
Many hands make light work: students clearing
School projects raise awareness; the message
up plastic bags and bottles after a parade.
is then taken home, and out to the community.
28

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment

Muchworkintheregionhasgoneintoclean-upofpollutantsandimprovedmethodsof
disposal.Moreisneededinthisarea,asweworktoassessthescopeandextentofwastes,and
theriskstheypose.
Atthesametime,SPREPhasbeenlookingtowardsbettermanagementofproducts,materials
andpackagingtoreducethesourceoftheproblem.Prevention,management,disposaland
establishingappropriateon-goingrevenuetopayforoperations,allfeaturedstronglyinthe
Secretariat'swork.
Becauseofitshighvisibilityandpublicinterest,SPREPcontinuestoprioritisesolidwasteissues
astheprimaryfocusofitspollutionpreventionwork.Thisaddressesakeyareaofenvironmental
risk,andshowshowasystematicandcoordinatedapproachcanbringrealenvironmental
improvementthatisobvioustothecommunity.
HazardousWaste
TheSecretariatcontinuestosupportMembersindevelopingmanagementplansforhazardous
substances,aswellasidentifyinghandlingandpackagingofhazardouswastes.
TechnicaladviceandsupporthasbeenprovidedtoTuvaluandFederatesStatesofMicronesia,
inthedevelopmentandfinalisationoftheirrespectiveNationalImplementationPlansforthe
StockholmConvention.Thesedocumentsoutlinetheactionplansthatthetwocountriesare
goingtoimplementoverthecomingyearsinthemanagementofPersistentOrganicPollutants
(POPs),ascoveredundertheConvention.InTuvalu,theSecretariatprovidedtechnicalassistance
withdevelopingtheirNationalChemicalProfile,anoverarchingchemicalmanagementpolicy
documentoutliningthestateofchemicalmanagementinthecountry.
TheSecretariatalsoprovidedtechnicalsupportintheclean-upofastockpileofexpired
pharmaceuticalwasteinKiribati.Thisinvolvedtherehabilitationandrepackagingofabout10
tonsofmaterialthathadbeencollectedandstoredinashippingcontainersincethelate1980s.
Inaddition,theSecretariatdevelopedwithKiribatiaprogrammefordestructionbyincineration.
ProvidingtechnicalsupportinthedevelopmentofaNationalHealthCareWasteManagement
Strategyisalsoplannedthere.
Getting rid of hazardous waste in
Recycling in action
Waste is a particular problem on atolls where space for landfill
a safe way remains a priority.
in Kiribati.
or burying waste is not available. Minimisation is the key.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
29
BaselandWaiganiConventionsShowTheirValue
Theverypracticalandsuccessfulproject"POPsinPICs"wascompleted.Thishasseenthe
removalanddestructionofover140tonsofhazardouswastefromourregionover3.5years.
Inadditiontoitspracticalbenefits,thePOPsinPICsprojecthashighlightedthevalueofastrong
regionalcontrolregimefortrans-boundarymovementofwastes.InthePacific,thisregimeis
providedbytheglobalBaselandtheregionalWaiganiConventions.BothConventionsprovide
forlegitimatetransferofhazardoussubstancesbyagreementbetweenParties.
ForcountriesthatarePartytotheseConventions,thetransportofwastepollutantscouldbe
arrangedbyexchangeoftherelevantpaperwork,whereasforcountriesthatarepartytoneither
(PalauandVanuatu),thewasteshavebeenstabilisedandpackaged,butnotyetshippedto
Australiafordestruction.
ActiveYearforthePacificRegionalCentre
ThefirsttrainingworkshopwasconductedbythePacificRegionalCentre(PRC)forTraining
andTechnologyTransferfortheJointImplementationoftheBaselandWaiganiConventions
inthePacificregion.TheCentreisapartnershipbetweentheBaselConventionSecretariatand
SPREPashosttotheWaiganiConvention;itsworkisintegratedintheSecretariat'sactivitiesand
supportedbySPREPstaff.
Theobjectiveoftheworkshopwastwo-fold:
· Toassistandenhancethecapacitiesoftheparticipatingcountriesinmeetingtheirreporting
obligationsundertheBasel,Stockholm,andWaiganiConventions;
· Toprovidetrainingonthemethodsofdevelopingnationalinventoriesandassessingthe
quantitiesofhazardouswastesinthePacificregion,inordertoplanforanenvironmentally
soundmanagementstrategyforhazardouswastes.
Representedattheworkshopwere:CookIslands,Kiribati,Nauru,Niue,PapuaNewGuinea,
Samoa,SolomonIslands,Tonga,andTuvalu.
TheBusinessPlanforthePRCwasdeveloped,outliningtheactivitiestheCentreplansto
undertakeinassistingthePICsinimprovingtheirmanagementofhazardouschemicalsand
wastes.
Theseactivitiesarebasedonthecurrentneedsandprioritiesintheregionincluding:
· BetterunderstandingoftheConventionsandwhattherequirementsarethroughawareness
andeducation;
· Strengtheningandimprovingindividual,institutionalandsystemiccapacities;
· Strengtheningnationallegislationsforthemanagementofhazardouswaste;
· Developmentofnationalwastedefinitions,inventoriesandreportingrequirements;
· Trainingofimplementationandenforcementpersonnelincludingcustoms,police,port
officers,legalofficers,andjournalists.
SolidWasteManagement
Thiswasayearofconsolidationafterthe2005YearofActionAgainstWaste(YOAAW),asSPREP
anditsMembersbeganimplementingtheRegionalSolidWasteStrategyandActionPlanthat
wasadoptedbyallPICTsinlate2005.
30

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
Theseground-breakingdocumentssetSPREP'ssolidwastemanagement
prioritiesforthenextthreeyears.TheywerepublishedinFrenchand
EnglishanddistributedtoallMembersearlyintheyear,aspartofSPREP's
ongoingcommunicationsandcommunityengagementwork.
WasteStrategies
TheWasteActionPlanidentifiedthatitisessentialforMembers
tosettheirownprioritiesthroughaNationalWasteStrategy.This
wouldnotonlyachieveconsistencybetweenregionalandnational
priorities,butwouldalsoenabletheSecretariat,donorsandother
Memberstoidentifyissuesofcommonbenefit.
TokelaureceivedthreevisitsbySPREP,UNDPandotherCROP
agenciestotryandrejuvenateitswastestrategy.
Tuvalu,Kiribati,FederatedStatesofMicronesia,Palau,Marshall
Islands,Fiji,Tonga,Nuie,PapuaNewGuinea,andtheSolomonIslands
allworkedwithvisitingSPREPstafftoadvancetheRegionalStrategy.
WasteonAtolls--MinimisationistheKey
ConsistentwiththeActionPlan,theSecretariatwiththeassistanceof
NZAID,focussedonatollsandsmallislands.Thesesiteshavealltheusualproblemsofmore
plasticsandpackagingbutlacktheoptionoflandfillsasameansofdisposal.Asthereisnolow-
costandenvironmentallysafedisposalmethodforatolls,improvedwasteminimisationisthe
focus.Indeedthisisrelevantinallcountriesasacost-effectivestrategy.
Wastemanagementisanon-goingcost.IthasbeenastrategicprioritytoprovideMembers
withinformationonhowtouseeconomicinstrumentssuchasrefundabledepositschemesto
increasewasteminimisationandalsoprovideasourceoffundstohelppayfortheincreasing
costsofwastemanagement.
Cost-effectivewasteminimisationalsodependsonstrongcommunitysupporthencea
communicationstrainingcoursewasmadeavailabletoallatollcountries.HeldinKiribatiin
conjunctionwithIWP,thecourseprovedverysuccessfulandenabled
otheratollcountriestoseefirst-handhowsuccessfulKiribatihasbeen.
TheKiribatiEnvironmentMinister,HonMartinTofinga,wasdeclared
"WasteChampionoftheYear"throughtheIWP,forhisstrong
leadershipingettingthissystemestablishedandforthepositiveeffect
ithashadonKiribati.
Thereareenvironmentalprotectiongains,economicsavingsand
socialbenefitstothepublichealthofgrowingmorefruitbymaking
compostinbananacircles.Kiribatihasledthewayinpractical,
sustainablesolutionsonmanagingwaste.Itsrefundabledeposit
schemesnowcoveraluminiumcans,plasticbottles,andcarbatteries
andsustainablyemployover10peopleintheprivatesector.
The Hon. Martin Tofinga
was declared IWP'S Waste
Champion of the Year.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
31
WasteasaResource
A"WasteisaResource"KitwascommissionedtopassontheexperiencesthatKiribati,in
particular,hasgained.TheprojectgrewtoaDVDandbookletofinformationonallaspects
ofwasteminimisationandbackgroundmaterial.Itevenhasawiderangeofinformationon
policyandstrategydevelopmentandlandfilldesign,includingthesemi-aerobicmethodmade
famousinJapanandSamoa.
TheKitisaDVD-basedlibrary,avoidingthelimitationsofinternetaccessthatmostMembers
experienceregularly.ItwascreatedbyAliceLeney,whoplayedastronghandinhelpingto
establishtheKiribatisystem.Asystemof"hotlinks",similartowebaddresses,helpsnavigatethis
enormousDVDresource,whichisaccompaniedbyaprintedhandbook.
StaffdevelopedfurtherguidelinesandotherresourcesfortheSPREPwebsitetofacilitate
accessbyallto,forexample"Howto"guidesonissuessuchasdevelopinganationalstrategy,
managingasbestos,minimisingwasteandotherimportantaspectsofwastemanagement.
TakingActiononPlastic
ConsistentwiththeWasteActionPlan,theSecretariathasinitiatedamajorfocusonplasticbags.
TheYearoftheSeaTurtlewasausefulvehicletohighlighttheimpactonmarinespeciesfrom
thisubiquitousandgrowingwasteproduct.However,thenegativeimpactsofdiscardedplastic
bagsgowellbeyondthemarineenvironment:plasticbagscausesignificantpublichealthcosts
throughharbouringdisease-carryingmosquitoes.Theyhavealsobeenimplicatedinurban
floodingbyblockingdrainsand,ofcourse,detertourismwiththeirunsightlinessaslitter.
Samoabannednon-biodegradableplasticshoppingbagsin2006;theSecretariatandtheANZ
thencombinedeffortstoprovideareusableblueshoppingbagwiththeYOSTlogo.5000bags
weresoldandprofitsdonatedtoseaturtleeducation.Giventheproject'ssuccess,SPREPand
ANZareconsideringreplicatingtheprogramacrossthePacific.
FutureProjects
Whileday-to-dayoperationalfundingforwastemanagementmustbeprovidedbythe
Members,theSecretariatandvariousdonorshavebeendiscussingprojectfundingforone-
offordemonstrationactivities.TheFrenchDevelopmentAgency,incooperationwithUNEP,is
seekingtodevelopaproposalforathree-yearprogrammebeginningin2008.Wehopeother
donorswillfollowtheFrenchexampleandusetheRegionalStrategyastheguidefortargeting
assistance.
The DVD kit produced by SPREP is an extensive library
of documents offering solutions for the major waste
issues in the Pacific.
32

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
Fishing boats and freighters are major means by which
MarinePollution
invasive species move across boundaries.
Marinepollutioncomesinmanyforms:invasivespecieshavenowrisentooneofthefour
mostsignificantthreatstotheworld'smarineenvironment.Thetrans-boundarynatureof
shippingandoceansmeansthatacoordinatedresponseisessentialtolimitthedamagefrom
thisinvidiousthreat.AsthePacificisutterlyreliantonthehealthandresilienceofitsmarine
ecosystems,SPREP,throughitsPacificOceanPollutionPreventionProgramme(PACPOL)in
cooperationwiththeInternationalMaritimeOrganization(IMO),hasbeenworkingforseveral
yearstoestablisharegionalstrategy.Adoptedunanimouslyatthe17thSPREPMeeting,all
Memberscommittedtoitsimplementation.Thetrainingprogramhascontinuedandcountries
wereassistedwithupdatesofoilspillresponsestrategiesandmarinepollutionlegislation.
MarineInvasiveStrategy
Thereare11squarekilometresofseaforeverychild,womanandmaninthePacific.
Theseaprovidesmuchoftheirfoodandnationalearnings,andunderpinsthecultures
oftheregion.FormostPacificpeoples,theseaistheirmostpreciousnaturalresource.
TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgrammehasidentifiedbiologicalinvasionsas
thesecondgreatestthreattobiodiversity,afterhabitatloss.ThePacificiscriss-crossed
bymajorshippingroutesandmostofourMembersreceivethebulkoftheirimports
bysea.Ballastwaterandshiphullshaveprovedtobeadisastrousconduitformarine
"hitch-hikers"inotherpartsoftheworld.Visitingyachts,fishingvesselsandevenocean
currentsputourseasatseriousriskfrommarineinvasives.
Already,aspeciesofbarnacle(Chthalamus proteus),severalmacro-algaespecies,harmful
planktonicalgae,andtheBlack-stripedMussel(Mytilopsis sallei)havebeenfoundor
havebecomeestablishedinourregion.Becausenocountryalonecanaddressthis
threat,SPREPandtheIMOhaveworkedwithMemberstoestablishaRegionalStrategy
called:ShippingRelatedIntroducedMarinePestsinthePacificIslands(SRIMP-PAC).The
StrategywasadoptedunanimouslybyallMembersatthe17thSPREPMeeting.
TheStrategyusesathree-tieredapproachtoaddressrisksanddealwithactual
invasions.Actionsaretargetedpre-borderasapreventativesystem;attheborder
involvinginspectionsandothersystems;andfinally,recognisingthatorganismswillstill
occasionallygetthrough,ateradicatinginvasivesfromPICTs.
TheStrategyiscostedatUS$3.9millionoverfiveyearsandSPREPisseekingfundingto
assistMemberswiththeimplementation.TheStrategyincludesworkingwithprivate
shippingcompanies.TerrestrialandfreshwatervectorsaretargetedbySPREP'sRegional
InvasivesSpeciesProgrammewhereasfisheriesandaquaculturearetobeaddressed
bytheSecretariatofthePacificCommunity'sMarineResourcesDivision.Thus,thereisa
comprehensiveandholisticapproachtotheissueintheregion.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
33
MEAs­the`E'isforEnvironment
SPREPtakesaleadingroleinsupportingMemberstoparticipateinMultilateralEnvironmental
Agreements(MEAs).TheseareextremelyimportanttothePacific,astheysetthedirection
forglobaleffortstoaddressenvironmentalissues,andinmanyinstancesprovideafunding
mechanismavailabletocountriesintheregion.
MEAsaddressawiderangeofenvironmentalissuessuchas:biodiversityconservationand
speciesprotection,climatechange,ozonedepletion,landdegradation,andmanagementof
chemicals.
AllSPREPMembersarePartiestoalargeandgrowingnumberofMEAs.Whilethispromotes
widecommitmenttoaddressingglobalissues,italsocreatesnewobligationsforMembers,and
placesadditionaldemandsonthelimitedresourcesavailableintheregion--eventhemost
well-staffedofficesfacedifficultiesmeetingtherequirementsoftheseinstruments.
TheSecretariatprovidessupportinavarietyofwaysincluding:
· AdviceonhowtoratifyandbecomeaPartytoConventions;
· Technicalandpolicyadviceontherelevantsubjectarea;
· AssistanceinpreparingforConventionmeetings,includingpreparatorymeetingsand
briefingmaterials;
· Trainingininternationalnegotiations;
· AdvocacythroughMEAsandtheirSecretariats;
· Back-stoppingsupportduringConventionmeetings;
· Promotinginitiatives(suchastheIBPoWunderCBD)thatareofspecialimportancetothe
Pacificregion;
· Assistanceinmeetingreportingrequirements,suchasNationalCommunicationsunder
UNFCCC;
· Adviceandtechnicalsupportforcompliancewithobligations(asundertheMontreal
ProtocolonOzoneDepletingSubstances);
· Assistancewithdesignofprojectsandotherinitiativestoimplementtheconvention
objectives;
· Adviceonlegalaspectsofimplementation;
· AssistanceingainingaccesstoMEA-relatedfundingmechanismssuchastheGEF
(seefollowing).
The key to combating climate changes lies in global
agreements drawn up at international conferences.
Ironically, flying contributes to the atmospheric pollution
that leads to climate change.
34

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
TargetedAssistance
TheSecretariatsupportscountrieswithnationallegislationinrespecttoMEAsand
environmentalmanagement.
Targetedassistancewasprovidedinthreeareas:
· MEAscreateaneedforspecialisedlegalassistance,asthereareoftenspecificlegislative
requirementsforcountriestocomplywithandimplementConventions.InTonga,an
attempthasbeenmadetostreamlinethemanagementandreportingburdensregarding
fourrelatedchemicalconventions:theglobalBasel(anditsregionalcounterpart,Waigani),
Rotterdam,andStockholmConventions.

Alegislativereviewwasundertakenandfollowingconsultations,adraftActwascompleted
whichincorporatedthesalientrequirementsfromeachConvention.Thedraftlawis
awaitingconsiderationbytheTonganParliament.TheprojectwasfundedbyUNEP.
· NegotiationstrainingwasprovidedfortheMarshallIslands,FederatesStatesofMicronesia,
andFiji.Theworkshopsfollowedtheformatofprevioustrainingwhichhadbeenheldatthe
regionallevelandincludedtheever-popularnegotiationssimulationexercise.

Becausetheworkshopswerebeingheldatthenationallevel,manyparticipantscould
engageinthetraining.TheyweretaughtgenericskillsneededfortheConferenceofthe
PartiesandnumerousintercessionalmeetingsgeneratedbytheseMEAs.UNEPagain
providedassistancefortheworkshops.
· Aregionalworkshopwasheldregardingthefillingoutofthedetailedreportingformsunder
theBaselandWaiganiConventions(whichtreatiesregulatethetrans-boundarymovement
ofhazardouswaste).Basicmatterssuchasnationaldefinitionsofwasteandthecreationof
systemsforcapturingdatawerecovered.
MoreworkneedstobedoneinprovidingsupporttoMembercountries,giventhelevelof
detailrequiredunderthesereports.Theworkshopwaspart-sponsoredbytheBaselConvention
Secretariat.
RegionalConventions
TherearethreeconventionsforwhichSPREPistheSecretariat:theApia,Noumea(orSPREP)and
WaiganiConventions;thesewereallconsideredattheirrespectiveCOPsinSeptember.
· TheApiaConventionwassuspendedbyitsParties,astherehasbeenlittleactivityunderthis
Conventionforanumberofyears,andrelevantworkishandledgloballythroughtheCBD.
· TheNoumea(SPREP)ConventionhaditstwoProtocolsamendedinordertobringtheminto
linewiththeirinternationalequivalents.DraftamendmentswerealsomadetotheNoumea
Conventionitself.
· TheWaiganiConventioncontinuedstronglyintoitsimplementationphase.Beinggrounded
intheBaselConvention,therearemanyactivitiesthatcanbejointlyimplemented,even
thoughfundingremainsproblematic.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
35
GlobalEnvironmentFacilityIssues
TheGlobalEnvironmentFacilityprovidesfundingtosupportglobalenvironmentalbenefits,and
remainsimportantforaddressingenvironmentalissuesintheregion.
SPREPcontinueditscoordinatingroleasinpreviousyearsinpartnershipwiththePacificIslands
ForumSecretariat(PIFS).ThisincludedsupporttothePacificSIDS;PacificIslandAmbassadors
inNewYork;andthePacificSIDSRepresentativeontheGEFCouncilbeforeandduringtheGEF
CouncilmeetingsinJuneandDecember,andattheGEFAssembly.
FundingfromtheGEFtothe14PacificSIDSoverthepast15yearshasmainlyenabledactivities
inthefocalareasofbiodiversity,climatechange,andPOPS.Accordingtovariousevaluation
reports,progressincompletingtheseenablingactivitiesintheregionhasbeenslowcompared
tootherSIDS.
ThetotalfundingthatwillbeavailabletoPacificSIDSfromtheGEF4replenishmentagreedto
during2006willbeapproximatelyUS$75million,inadditiontoUS$24.5millionthatisbeing
disbursedusingGEF3resources.TheaverageisalittleoverUS$6millionpercountry,not
includingindividualallocationstoPapuaNewGuineaandFijiforbiodiversity.Thisrepresents
asignificantincreaseasPacificSIDShadreceivedonlyUS$81millionin15yearscoveringthe
periodsforGEF1,2and3.
AreportontheperformanceofGEFinthePacificduring2004sponsoredbyNZAIDfound
thatPICswereexperiencingdifficultygainingaccesstoGEFfundingcomparedtootherSIDS.
StrengtheningGEFcoordinationhadalreadybeenrequestedbyPICrepresentativesatthe
5thPacificEnvironmentMinistersMeetingin2004,andendorsedinaRegionalWorkshop
ontheOverallPerformanceoftheGEFinMarch2005;inMay2006thePacificIslandForum
AmbassadorsWorkingGroupinNewYorkfurtherendorsedtheconcept.
TheneedforregionalsupportwasreiteratedbyPacificislandrepresentativesatthe17thSPREP
Meeting.InAugust,theGovernmentsofAustraliaandNewZealandagreedtoapositionof
GEFSupportAdvisertobecreatedwithinSPREP,fundedjointlybyAusAIDandNZAID.The
objectiveofthispostistomaximisePICs'accesstoGEFfundingthroughimproveddesignand
understandingofGEFprocesses(includingsuchthingsasco-financingrequirements)and
developmentofhigh-qualityprojectproposals.TheAdviserstartsworkinearly2007.
Contrasts of lifestyles and resources, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Addressing equity is a key issue in sustainable development.
A clean Pacific with
romantic beaches has an
enormous tourist potential,
to be managed carefully.
Right.
Combining the new with
values of the old: outboard
motor on traditional outrigger.
Far right.
36

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
PromotingSustainableDevelopment
SPREPcontinuestotakealeadingroleonsustainabledevelopmentissuesinthePacific,assisting
PICsindevelopingNationalSustainableDevelopmentStrategies(NSDS),andprovidingadviceon
international yagreeddevelopmentgoalsandtargets,includingtheMil enniumDevelopmentGoals.
The14thsessionoftheCommissiononSustainableDevelopment(CSD-14)washeldinMay
andprovidedafocalpointforevaluatingprogressinimplementingAgenda21;theProgramme
fortheFurtherImplementationofAgenda21;andtheJohannesburgPlanofImplementation.
Specifically,CSD-14focussedonidentifyingbarriersandconstraints,lessonslearntandbest
practicesinimplementationinthethematicclusterofenergyforsustainabledevelopment,
industrialdevelopment,airpollution/atmosphere,andclimatechange.
TheCommissiondedicatedadaytodiscussiononSIDSissues,withareviewoftheimplementation
oftheMauritiusStrategyorganisedundertheheadingsoftheCSD-14thematiccluster.
ToassistthePICswiththisreviewprocess,aPacificSIDSMatrixforMonitoringImplementation
ofSustainableDevelopmentwasjointlypreparedbyagenciesintheCouncilofRegional
OrganisationsinthePacific(CROP):itisupdatedannual yintimeforsubmissiontoeachCSDand
providesaplatformtoengagingpartnersinacoordinatedfashionaswel asmonitoringprogress.
TheSecretariatpreparedwithotherCROPagenciesajointPacificRegionalSubmissiontothe
CSD-14andassistedPacificdelegationswithrelevantbriefingmaterials.SPREPalongwithSOPAC
providedsupporttothePIFSduringthelatter'spresentationonthePacificPlanandpartnership
initiativesatasideeventoftheEconomicandSocialCommissionforAsiaandthePacific(ESCAP).
EnvironmentalManagement
Integratedpolicy,planninganddeliverymechanismsareneededtoimplementsustainable
developmentobjectivesbyensuringcoordinationatvariouslevelsofgovernment,including
integratedcommunityplanning.Integratedenvironmentallaw,environmentalplanning,and
environmentalimpactassessmentareprioritiesfortheregion.Soisthedevelopmentofstateof
theenvironmentmonitoringsystemsatthenationallevel,toactasaprioritisingtooltoguide
policydirection.
SPREPprovidessupportforMemberstoimproveenvironmentalmanagement.TheSecretariat
deliversthisbyprovidingtechnicalsupportforenvironmentalpolicyandplanning,monitoring,
andreporting.Thisincludesprovidinglegaladviceonlegislativeproposals,technicaladviceto
informenvironmentalpolicyacrossthefullrangeofenvironmentalissues,developingindicators
forsustainabledevelopment,andbringingtogetherinformationanddatatosupportreporting
onthestateoftheenvironmentontheregion.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
37
Executiveand
Corporate
Services
Director and staff pulling together at the retreat.
Introduction
Theyear2006wasagainexcitingfortheExecutiveand
CorporateServicesarmoftheSecretariat.Januarysaw
thedepositoftheGovernmentofVanuatu'sInstrumentof
RatificationoftheAgreementEstablishingSPREP.Aftermany
yearsofdedicatedcollaborationbetweentheExecutiveand
Memberstates,thisachievedtherarelandmarkofallcountries
andterritoriesbecomingfulllegalandparticipatingMembersof
ourOrganisation.
AfullstaffretreatfollowedinApril,toreflectonpastachievementsandfailures,learnfromthe
lessonsofthepast,andrecommittoabetterperformanceforthefuture.Theretreatpavedthe
way,notonlyforProgrammes'achievements(somehighlightedinthetwoprevioussections
ofthisreport),butalsoforthesuccessesofthe17thSPREPMeeting,theEnvironmentMinisters'
Meeting,andtheConferencesofthePartiestotheApia,Noumea,andWaiganiConventions.
Weareparticularlyproudtoreportthesuccessfuladoptionandsigningofoneamendedand
twonewProtocolstotheNoumeaConventionbyitsConferenceofPlenipotentiaries.These
protocolswouldnotonlybringthePacificislandsregionintomodernenvironmentalprotection
bestpracticesbutalso,andmoreimportantly,resultinabetterPacificislandsenvironmentfor
cominggenerations.
TheyearendedwiththecompletionofaninternalreviewoftheSecretariatthatfurther
developedkeyissuesfromthestaffretreatandidentifiedadditionalareasforinternal
developmentandimprovement,withtheaimofoptimisingourSecretariatservicetothePacific
IslandMembersandstakeholders.Asaresultofthereview,NZAIDhasagreedtoenterintoa
three-yearfundingarrangementwiththeSecretariat.
38

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
BudgetandAudit
Theapprovedbudgetfor2006wasUS$8.04mil ion.Ofthistotal,US$1.86mil ionorapproximately
23%wasal ocatedtotheExecutiveandCorporateServiceswhichactual yspentonlyUS$1.74
mil ion.TotalactualSecretariatexpenditurefortheyearamountedtoUS$7,465,973againsttotal
incomereceivedandfundscarriedforwardofUS$7,465,973,resultinginabalancedbudget.
TheSecretariatisalsoverypleasedtoreportthatonceagaintheAuditors,LesamaPenn,gavean
unqualifiedauditopinionontheSecretariat's2006financialoperations.
Corporate
HumanResources
In2006,SPREPhadatotalstaffestablishmentof65positions,58ofwhichwereoccupiedatthe
endoftheyearwith7vacanciesunderrecruitment.Oftheoccupiedpositions,31wereatthe
professionalleveland27weresupportstaff.
Atotalof10newstaffjoinedSPREPduringtheyearwhilst9lefttheorganisation--mainlydue
tocompletionofemploymentcontracts,withafewresigningforpersonalreasonssuchas
takingupemploymentelsewhere.
Ofthetotaloccupiedprofessionalstaffpositions,74%wereheldbyPacificislanders,thehighest
inanyCROPagency,and35%heldbyfemales.Ofthetotalworkforce(professionalandsupport
staffinclusive),53%ofpositionswereheldbyfemales.
SPREPcontinuedtostrengthenitsworkforcethroughtherecruitmentofqualifiedstaffbasedon
meritandcompetence,acomprehensiveinductionprogrammeandsettlementfacilitation,and
ongoingstaffdevelopmentwithaparticularfocusonsupportstaff.
InformationandCommunications
DevelopmentandcoordinationofthePacificEnvironmentInformationNetwork(PEIN)again
provedtobeachallengingandrewardingfocusfortheSPREPInformationResourceCentre
(IRC).Hardwareandsoftwareinstallations,databasedevelopment,in-countryworkshopsand
trainingattachmentsfeaturedprominentlythroughouttheyear.IRCstaffsupportedmany
referenceandresearchrequestsfromawiderangeofenquiries.
Logistics of the 17th SPREP Meeting: the team that travelled to Noumea, comprising
2 Executives, 3 Senior Managers, 10 Programme Officers and 4 Support Staff to organise
and contribute to the conferences during two weeks.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
39
ThedepartureofMsSatuiBentinasIRCManagerinDecember2006,after12yearsofdedicated
servicetotheregionandtheSecretariat,signaledanendofanera.Whensheleft,theIRC&
Librarywasingoodhealthandwithastrongvisionforfuturegrowthanddevelopment.
Duringtheyear,theInformationTechnology(IT)teamwasabletocontainmostofthe
computervirusoutbreaksandtheincreasedinfluxofspammailfromtheinternetwiththe
installationofappropriateprotectionsystems.InclosecooperationwiththeUSPandthePEIN
Project,SPREPwasabletohosttheMOANAdatabaseofPacificmarineresourcesonitswebsite.
Thesuccessfulrecruitmentofaspecialistdatabaseofficerledtostrongerassistancewiththe
financialsystemsandimprovedsupportforseveralproblematicdatabases.
ITassistancewasofferedthroughthePEINProjectontheprocurementandinstallationof
equipmentinislandMembercountries.ITalsohosted3-months'trainingattachmentsfor
recipientsfromFiji,TuvaluandFSM.
TheinauguralroundofSPREP/PINAEnvironmentalMediaAwardswaspresentedforthe
bestenvironmentalnewsitemonTV(NanetteWoonton),inprint(VasemacaRarabici)and·a
studentnewspaperfeaturebySakiasiNawaikama.Therewerenoradioentriesinthis,thefirst
ofthreeyearsoftheawards.OrganisedbySPREP,andfullysupportedbytheexecutiveofthe
PacificIslandsNewsAssociation(PINA),theawardsmeantoencourageahighstandardof
environmentalreportinginthePacificnewsmedia.
TheAnnualReportwasproducedtoahighstandardaswerethereportsonthe17thSPREP
MeetingandtheassociatedEnvironmentMinisters'Meeting,andConferencesofPartiesand
PlenipotentiariestoConventions.AnactivepublishingprogrammehasseendozensofIWP
contractors'reportsbeingreleasedinprintandonourwebsite,formalisedintheIWP-Pacific
Technical Report (International Waters Project)series.
ArangeofformalandinformalpublicationstosupportBiodiversity,SolidWasteManagement,
ClimateChangeandparticularlytheYearoftheSeaTurtlecampaign,wereproducedinprint
andmountedonthewebsite.Thisincludedregularnewsreleasesandthequarterlynewsletter
SPREP-tok.Thewebsitewasfurtherdeveloped,includingasmallsectionthatisentirelyin
French,tomakegoodtheSecretariat'spromiseof2004.
40

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
Regionaland
InternationalCollaboration
AsamemberoftheCouncilofRegionalOrganisationsinthePacific,SPREPcontinueditsactive
andclosecollaborationwithsisteragenciesandinternationaldevelopmentinstitutionsworkingin
theregion.
TheSecretariathasmadeful useoftheCROPmechanismthroughitsannualmeetingsofChief
ExecutiveOfficers(hostedatSPREPthisyear),workinggroupsandregionalroundtablestoenhance
thedeliverytotheregionofitsenvironment-relatedservicesthroughbettercoordination,
minimisationoreliminationofoverlapsandcompetition,andbuildingsynergieswithpartners.
Throughthisprocess,SPREPhascontributedtoregionalworkandpolicydevelopmentthatisrelated
tosustainabledevelopmentandenvironmentalresourcesmanagementinthecontextofthe
BarbadosProgrammeofAction(BPOA)andCommissiononSustainableDevelopment,theGEF,
oceanspolicy,climatechange,andnatureconservationtostateafew.
WithinthecontextoftheregionandCROP,SPREPisakeydeliveryvehicleandleadagencyina
numberofinitiativesofthePacificPlan,particularlythoseundertheSustainableDevelopment
sectorofthePlan.SPREPisalsoamemberoftheTaskForceontheRegionalInstitutional
Framework(RIF)studyandofthePacificPlanActionCommittee.
International y,theSecretariatcontinuedtomaintainthehighprofileoftheregioninkeyinternational
forumsthroughbothitsownhigh-levelparticipation,andrepresentation.Particularlyimportant
wasitspolicyandtechnicaladvisorysupporttoPacificdelegationstotheConferencesoftheParties
andtechnicalbodiesofmultilateralenvironmentagreementsthatareprioritytotheregion.
AsaSecretariatthatreliesheavilyondonorandinternationaldevelopmentsupportforits
programmesforthePacificislandsregion,SPREPmaintaineditsactiveandpositiveengagement
withahostofinternationaldevelopmentagencies,bilateraldonors,non-governmentalorganisations,
andotherstakeholderstoaddresspriorityneedsofthePacificislandcountriesandterritories,by
combiningSPREP'stechnicalexpertiseandregionalknowledgewithinternationalresources.
Toformaliseandfacilitatethismutuallybeneficialrelationshipwehaveenteredinto,andrenewed,
agreementsandmemorandaofunderstandingwithmanyofourpartners;andaimtocontinueto
improverelationswithcurrentpartnerswhileseekingtoengagenewones.
SPREPhashad,andmaintains,agoodreputationwithdonors,regionalandinternationalagencies.
Wearecommittedtobuildonandimprovethisreputationandrelationshipbyimproving
communicationswithourpartnersanddeliveringSPREP'ssideofpartnershipswithexcellenceand
competence.
The "CROP-Heads" meeting comprising
Chief Executive Officers of all Regional
Organisations in the Pacific that make up the
Council, was held at SPREP headquarters.
SPREP2006AnnualReport
41
Finance2006
DonorFundsandMemberContributions(US$)

Balance at
Income
Expenses
Other
Balance at

1-Jan-06


Adjustments
31-Dec-2006
AsianDevelopmentBank
-4,508



-4,508
AusAIDExtraBudget
275,677
844,740
-852,721

267,696
AusAIDExtraExtraBudget
17,768
1,680
-6,131

13,317
CanadianInternationalDevelopmentAgency
24,633

-22,133
-2,500
0
CommonwealthSecretariat
8,932



8,932
ConservationInternationalDevelopment

141,406
-148,182

-6,776
DepartmentofInternationalDevelopment
8,136



8,136
EuropeanUnion
89,725
196,499
-253,108

33,116
GovernmentofFrance
180,284
124,263
-59,678

244,869
GovernmentofJapan
61,850
310
-49,828

12,332
GovernmentoftheUnitedKingdom
8,806



8,806
InternationalMaritimeOrganization
46,209
301
-42,970

3,540
JohnD&CatherineTMacArthurFoundation
20,378
55,000
-37,840

37,538
MultipleDonors(Includescontributionsreceivedfromparties
to3conventions:Apia,NoumeaandWaigani)
246,884
219,137
-694,208
209,303
-18,884
NetherlandsRedCrossSociety
7,746



7,746
NZAIDPacificInitiativefortheEnvironment
27,920
349
-15,093

13,176
NZAIDExtraBudget
15,670
605,334
-498,335

122,669
NZAIDExtraExtraBudget
227,212
544,540
-582,167

189,585
PacificDevelopment&ConservationTrust
6,920

-51

6,869
People'sRepublicofChina
160,000

-30,000

130,000
OtherFunds(includescorefunds)
760,183
1,743,684
-1,451,187
-206,803
845,877
RamsarSecretariat
4,832
64,485
-56,247

13,070
TheNatureConservacy
26,366
71,431
-104,943

-7,146
UNConventiontoCombatDesertification
1,592



1,592
UNDevelopmentProgram
154,476
2,121,647
-1,980,419

295,704
UNEnvironmentProgram
180,124
155,155
-262,503

72,776
UNTechCo-OpActivities(partofUNDESA)
-20,668



-20,668
UNEconomic&SocialCommissionforAsia&thePacific(UNESCAP)
6,646



6,646
UNOfficeofProjectServices
4,103
96,077
-94,089

6,091
USAdditionalMemberContributions
2,577



2,577
USDepartmentofEnergy/LosAlamosUniversity
4,801



4,801
USFish&WildlifeService
14,625



14,625
USNationalOceanicAtmosphericAdministration
22,149
129,656
-124,172

27,633
USWesternPacificRegionalFisheryManagementCouncil
20,065
117,681
-99,968

37,778
Total
2,612,113
7,233,375
-7,465,973
-
2,379,515
Member
Parties
Incomeand
Contributions(US$)Contributions(US$) Expenditure(US$)
AmericanSamoa
10,185
Parties to the Apia Convention

Actual 2006
Australia
185,106
Australia
6,582
Income

CookIslands
10,184
Samoa
2,813
MembersContributions
878,306
FederatedStatesofMicronesia
5,502
ProgramManagementCharge
463,270
Fiji
11,146
Total
9,395
Interest
294,564
France
134,202
OtherIncome
115,686
FrenchPolynesia
20,360
DonorFunds
5,481,549
Guam
20,360
Kiribati
10,185
Parties to the Noumea Convention
MarshallIslands
20,368
Total Income
7,233,375
Australia
439
Nauru
0
FederatedStatesofMicronesia
798
NewCaledonia
23,142
NewZealand
134,202
Samoa
1,541
Niue
0
UnitedStatesofAmerica
7,000
Expenditure
NorthernMarianas
0

ProgrammeImplementation
5,598,054
Palau
20,369
Total
9,778
ExecutiveManagement&
PapuaNewGuinea
0
CorporateSupport
1,867,919
Samoa
20,360
SolomonIslands
0
Total Expenditure
7,465,973
Tokelau
10,185
Parties to the Waigani Convention
Tonga
10,184
Australia
36,400
Tuvalu
10,337
FederatedStatesofMicronesia
2,035
UnitedStatesofAmerica
188,000
NewZealand
36,375
Vanuatu
22,714
SolomonIslands
2,035
WallisandFutuna
11,215
Tuvalu
960
Total
878,306
Total
77,805
The income received shown above can be located
in the Donor Funds and Members' Contributions
schedule in the row titled `Multiple Donors'.
42

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
Auditors'Report
SPREP2006AnnualReport
43
StaffListasat31December2006
NAME
DESIGNATION
COUNTRY
CONTRACT



EXPIRY DATE


Executive
AsterioTAKESY
Director
FederatedStates
21January2009


ofMicronesia
F.VitolioLUI
DeputyDirector
Samoa
21April2008
RutaTUPUA-COUPER
PersonalAssistanttoDirector
Samoa
31December2007
ApisetaETI
PersonalAssistantDeputyDirector
Samoa
31December2009

Island Ecosystems Programme
StuartCHAPE
ProgrammeManager,IslandEcosystems
Australia
5August2008
MakeritaATIGA
SecretarytoProgrammeManager
Samoa
2August2008
DominiqueBENZAKEN
CoastalManagementAdviser
Australia
2January2008
KateBROWN-VITOLIO
ActionStrategyAdviser
Australia
30November2009
ElizabethDOVEY
AvifaunaConservation&InvasiveSpeciesOfficer
Australia
24March2006
LuiBELL
MarineSpeciesOfficer
Samoa
22October2008
AnnePatriciaTREVOR
AssociateTurtlesDatabaseOfficer
Samoa
28February2007
MeganKROLIK
YOSTCampaignCoordinator
Australia
24March2007
SeiuliVainuupoJUNGBLUT
AssociateRAMSAROfficer
Samoa
22February2009
FrankWICKHAM
HumanResourceDev./TrainingOfficer
SolomonIslands
7September2007
TamaraLOGAN
Education&SocialCommunicationsOfficer
Australia
30September2007
DrGillianKEY
Coordinator,PILN
UnitedKingdom
31May2007
Vacant
Coral Reef Management Officer

Vacant
Invasive Species Officer

AnnaTIRA'A
IslandsBiodiversityOfficer
CookIslands
14August2009
SueLEMESURIER
CommunityAssessment/ParticipationSpecialist
NewZealand
30April2006
SteveMENZIES
CommunityCommunicationsSpecialist
NewZealand
26May2006
PaulaHOLLAND
NaturalResourceEconomist
Australia
24February2006
MuliagateleJoeRETI-Pacific
ProjectManager,InternationalWaters
Samoa
31January2007
EnvironmentConsultancyLtd
RamaVA'A
ProjectAccountant,InternationalWaters
Samoa
31December2006
Vacant
8th Pacific Nature Conference Coordinator

RosannaGALUVAO-AHCHING
ProgrammeAssistant,InternationalWaters
Samoa
8September2006
NatashaPILIMAI-TAGALOA
ProgrammeAssistant,InternationalWaters
Samoa
31January2007
TheresaFRUEAN
ProgrammeAssistant
Samoa
31December2006
Pacific Futures Programme
BruceCHAPMAN
ProgrammeManager,PacificFutures
NewZealand
28August2008
PhaedraMOORS
SecretarytoProgrammeManager
Samoa
15August2008
DrFrankGRIFFIN
PollutionPrevention&WasteManagementAdviser
PapuaNewGuinea
22March2009
SefanaiaNAWADRA
MarinePollutionAdviser
Fiji
20September2008
TakeoTASHIRO
ProjectOfficer-SolidWaste&LandfillManagement
Japan
31March2006
HiromiHIRONAKA
ProjectOfficer-SolidWaste&LandfillManagement
Japan
June2008
MarkRICKETTS
SolidWasteOfficer
Australia
4August2008
EspenRONNEBERG
ClimateChangeAdviser
MarshallIslands
30October2009
TaitoNAKALEVU
ClimateChangeAdaptationOfficer
Fiji
31March2008
SolomoneFIFITA
ChiefTechnicalAdviser­PacificIslandsRegional

EnergyProject
Tonga
31August2006
DeanSOLOFA
PacificIslands-GlobalClimateObserving

SystemOfficer
Samoa
16October2008
44

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
StaffListasat31December2006
NAME
DESIGNATION
COUNTRY
CONTRACT



EXPIRY DATE


Pacific Futures Programme continued
ClarkPETERU
EnvironmentalLegalAdviser
Samoa
12August2009
NirupaRAM
AssociateOzoneDepletingSubstancesOfficer
Fiji
31December2007
Vacant
Environmental Officer

Vacant
Sustainable Development Adviser

Vacant
GEF Support Adviser

SaunoaMATA'U
ProgrammeAssistant
Samoa
20June2009

Corporate Services
TaitoJohnROACHE
CorporateServiceManager(CSM)
Samoa
29May2008
RosannaGALUVAO
SecretarytoCSM
Samoa
14September2009
NifoOnesemoSIMAIKA
SecretarytoCSM
Samoa
2August2006
Information, Communication & Publication
KapeniMATATIA
ITManager
Samoa
11September2008
AliitasiUESELE-PETAIA
ITNetworkOfficer
Samoa
7January2007
ChristianSLAVEN
Database&SystemsAdministrator
Samoa
9April2009
KemueliQOROYA
InformationTechnologyOfficer
Fiji
4June2007
HideakiFUJII
JOCVITVolunteer
Japan
May2008
SatuiBENTIN
InformationResourceCenterManager
Samoa
31December2006
MiranetaWILLIAMS
AssistantLibrarian
Samoa
31December2007
DrJaapJASPERSE
EditorandPublicationsOfficer
NewZealand
13August2008
ChrisPETERU
AssistantMedia&PublicationsOfficer
Samoa
28February2006
MereTUQIRI
AssociateMedia&PublicationsOfficer
Fiji
30June2009
Finance
AlofaTU'UAU
FinanceManager
Samoa
23July2008
MakeretaMANUELI-KAURASI
ProjectAccountant
Fiji
14April2009
JoannaMATTHES
AssistantAccountant
Samoa
6December2008
AngelaAIOLUPOTEA-ENOSA
FinanceOfficer
Samoa
14March2007
SeleisaAMERIKA
FinanceOfficer
Samoa
19September2007
LindaALAPAE
FinanceOfficer
Samoa
6December2008
PaulineFRUEAN
Conference/TravelsOfficer
Samoa
1March2007
Administration
Vacant
Senior Administration Officer

Vacant
Personnel Officer

MalamaMASINA-HADLEY
AdministrationOfficer
Samoa
14February2007
JoyceTULUA
TemporaryAdministrativeAssistant
Samoa
1May2007
LupeSILULU
RegistrySupervisor
Samoa
31December2009
HelenTUILAGI-AHKUOI
RegistryManagementAssistant
Samoa
28April2009
FilifiliaTUULUA
RecordsClerk
Samoa
3February2010
MonicaTUPAI
Receptionist/FaxOperator
Samoa
31December2009
JohnSUFIE
PropertyServicesOfficer
Samoa
9July2009
FaamanuFONOTI
CustomsClerk
Samoa
27January2006
FaamanatuSITITI
Driver/Clerk
Samoa
5December2008
JosephLEIATAUA
Driver/Clerk
Samoa
28May2009
TologauvaleLEAULA
Cleaner/Teaperson/ClericalAssistant
Samoa
31December2009
AmosaTOOTOO
Cleaner/Teaperson
Samoa
31December2007
ElvisS.BROWN
MaintenanceTradesman
Samoa
10April2008
SilupeGAFA
Gardener/Groundskeeper
Samoa
31March2008
SioneLEVU
Cleaner
Samoa
6April2007
SPREP2006AnnualReport
45
SPREPPublications2006
AllpublicationsareavailableaspdffilesfromtheSPREPwebsite, http//www.sprep.org.Mostpublicationsarealsoavailableinprintform,
whilestockslast,fromtheInformationResourceCentre:irc@sprep.org.


PUBLICATION TITLE
PAGES
ISBN
CV&A:AguidetoCommunityVulnerabilityandAdaptationassessmentandaction
48p.
978-982-04-0317-8
[Proceedingsof ]RegionalWorkshoponCommunity-LevelAdaptationtoClimate
34p.
978-982-04-0316-1
Change(2005:Suva,Fiji)
Reportofthe3rdRegionalThematicMeetingFortheImplementationoftheMontreal
viii+42p.
978-982-04-0326-0
ProtocolinPacificIslandCountries,24-27January2006,Suva,FIJI
IslandLife-CelebratingPacificIslandbiodiversity:Casestudiesofislandlife
64p.
978-982-04-0327-7
SolidWasteManagementStrategyforthePacificRegion
63p.
978-982-04-0319-2
StratégiedegestiondesdéchetssolidespourlarégionPacifique
63p.
978-982-04-0319-2
ActionPlanfortheimplementationofthePacificRegionalSolidWasteManagementStrategy
36p.
978-982-04-0321-5
Pland'ActionpourlamiseenoeuvredelaStratégierégionaledegestiondesdéchetssolides
36p.
978-982-04-0321-5
RubbishisaResource!AWasteResourceKitforthePacificIslands
64p.+DVD
978-982-04-0324-6
ReportontheThirdConferenceofthePartiestotheWaiganiConvention,8September2006
41p.
978-982-04-0329-1
ReportontheJointEighthConferenceofthePartiestotheApiaandNoumea(SPREP)
36p.
978-982-04-0330-7
Conventions,7,10and13September2006
RapportdelaHuitièmeConférenceconjointedesPartiesauxConventionsd'Apiaetde
36p.
978-982-04-0334-5
Nouméa,7,10et13septembre2006
ReportontheConferenceofPlenipotentiariestotheNoumea(SPREP)Convention,
56p.
978-982-04-0331-4
10September2006
RapportdelaConférencedesplénipotentiairesdelaConventiondeNouméa,
56p.
978-982-04-0335-2
10septembre2006
Reportonthe17thSPREPMeetingofOfficialsandEnvironmentMinisters'Meeting,
iv+116p.
978-982-04-0332-1
11­15September2006
Rapportdela17eConférencedesreprésentantsofficielsduPROEetdelaConférence
iv+116p.
978-982-04-0336-9
desministresdel'environnement,11­15septembre2006
ApprovedWorkProgrammeandBudgetfor2007andIndicativeBudgetsfor2008and2009
36p.
978-982-04-0333-8
Programmedetravailetbudgetapprouvéspour2007etBudgetsprévisionnelspour2008et2009 36p.
978-982-04-0337-6
Series
2005AnnualReportoftheSPREP:"WorkingtosustainandprotectthePacificislandsenvironment" 44p.
ISSN1562-675X
2005ReportannuelduSecrétariatduPROE:«Conserveretprotégerl'environnement
insulaireocéanien»
44p.
ISSN1990-3561
IWP-Pacific Technical Reports (International Waters Project), 2006
(Issues1-17werepublishedin2004and2005inprintandelectronicform;issues38-57havea2007publicationdate)
ISSN1818-5614
18. AneconomicvaluationofwatershedpollutioninRarotonga,theCookIslands
viii+41p.
978-982-04-0338-3
19. ParticipatoryprojectdesignanddevelopmentinVunisinuandNalasevillages,Fiji
v+78p.
978-982-04-0339-0
20. ThegovernanceofcoastalresourcesinFiji:ananalysisofthestrategicissues
iv+19p.
978-982-04-0340-6
21. NaturalresourcesandtheenvironmentinFiji:areviewofexistingandproposedlegislation
vi+50p.
978-982-04-0341-3
22. TheimpactoftheGreenbagonwastegenerationinSouthTarawa,Kiribati
vi+56p.
978-982-04-0342-0
23. Usingparticipatoryplanningprocessesandlearningandactiontoolstoaddresswaste

issuesinBikenibeuWest,Kiribati
iv+23p.
978-982-04-0343-7
24. Reefandmangrovesurveyreports,Barakauvillage,CentralProvince,PapuaNewGuinea
vi+23p.
978-982-04-0344-4
25. Waterusesurveyreport,Barakauvillage,CentralProvince,PapuaNewGuinea
v+19p.
978-982-04-0345-1
26. WastemanagementsurveyreportandwastemanagementmanualforBarakauvillage,

CentralProvince,PapuaNewGuinea
vi+30p.
978-982-04-0346-8
46

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
PUBLICATION TITLE
PAGES
ISBN
27. CholleiHamletwatershedsolidwastesite,Ngarchelong,Palau:ecologicalbaseline

assessmentandsuggestedpriorityactions
v+25p.
978-982-04-0347-5
28. Economiccostscenariosforsolidwaste-relatedpollutioninPalau
vi+46p.
978-982-04-0348-2
29. CoastalgovernanceinSolomonIslands:anevaluationofthestrategicgovernanceissues

relatingtocoastalmanagement
iv+21p.
978-982-04-0349-9
30. CommunityengagementandparticipationintheEasternMarovoLagoon,

WesternProvince,SolomonIslands
iv+23p.
978-982-04-0350-5
31. InventoryofTonga'senvironment-relatedlaws
viii+70p.
978-982-04-0351-2
32. Analysisofenvironment-relatedlegislationinTonga
iv+25p.
978-982-04-0352-9
33. EconomiccostsofwasteinTonga
viii+57p.
978-982-04-0353-6
34. Amal/CrabBayTabuEriareview,MalekulaIsland,Vanuatu
vi+25p.
978-982-04-0354-3
35. Socioeconomicbaselinestudy:EasternMarovolagoon,SolomonIslands
vi+97p.
978-982-04-0355-0
36. EconomicsofliquidwastemanagementinFunafuti,Tuvalu
vi+31p.
978-982-04-0356-7
37. EvaluatingthegovernanceofcoastalresourcesandenvironmentsinVanuatu
iv+19p.
978-982-04-0357-4
ThePacificIslandsInternationalWatersProject-StrengtheningCommunity-Based
EnvironmentalManagementinthePacificIslands
50p.
978-982-04-0328-4
Contributions to Journal and Conference Proceedings
Chape,S.(2006).ReviewofEnvironmentalIssuesinthePacificRegionandtheRoleofthePacificRegionalEnvironmentProgramme.
ContributiontoWorkshopandsymposiumonCollaborationforsustainabledevelopmentofthePacificIslands:towardseffective
e-learningsystemsonenvironment,27-28February2006,Okinawa,Japan(30p.).
Wright,Andrew;Stacey,Natasha;Holland,Paula(2006):ThecooperativeframeworkforoceanandcoastalmanagementinthePacific
Islands:effectiveness,constraintsandfuturedirection.Ocean & Coastal Management 49:739-763.
Articles and newsletters
DirectorcolumnsinIslandBusinessandPacificMagazine
Turtletalk:(1)May,8p.;(2)July,4p.;(3)September,4p.;(4)December,4p.
SPREP-tok:QuarterlynewsletterfromtheSecretariat,includingSPREPHighlights:(1)September2006,4+4p.(2)December2006,5+1p.
PROE-tok:bulletintrimestrielduSecrétariat,incluantLaChroniqueduPROE:(1)Septembre2006,4+4p.(2)Décembre2006,5+1p.
Other publicity materials
Manyitemsinlocal,regionalandinternationalnewsmedia.
Samoa'sTafaigataLandfillRehabilitationProjectinAction,factsheet4p.
GoingintotheMangroves(Fieldstudybooklet:32p.A5)
GoingintotheMangroves(ColouringbookinSamoan:12p.A4)
GoingintotheMangroves(postcard)
Seaturtles­asymbolofourcultureandheritage(A2poster)
YearoftheSeaturtle2006:saynotoplasticbags(A2poster)
SeaTurtles­RMTCP(2xA3poster)
100,000reasonstoNO!toplasticbags(A2,A3poster)
ANZBlueTurtleBags(shoppingbag)
Thosenastyplasticbags:whatyoushouldknow(booklet,8p.)
Protectthem,Protectoutheritage,2006YearoftheSeaTurtle(postcard)
Wedon'twantyourrubbish,thanks­Plastic-freePacific!(sticker)
IslandLife:Oursea,ourland,ourway,ourfuture(A3poster)
IslandLifepostcards(setof3)andChristmascards(setof3)
Somecountrieshaveoil,thePacifichassoil(A4poster)
PacificLand:sustainingourenvironment,economies,andwayoflife(A3poster)
4Rs:Refuse,Reduce,Reuse,Recycle
"SayNotoplasticbags"(popsong4mins)
IWPvideo-34mins
SPREP2006AnnualReport
47
AcronymsUsed
ADMIRE ActionfortheDevelopmentofMarshallIslandsRenewable
NAPA
NationalAdaptationProgrammeofAction

Energies
NBSAP
NationalBiodiversityStrategyandActionPlan
AFD
FrenchDevelopmentAgency
NCSA
NationalCapacitySelf-Assessment
ANZ
AustraliaandNewZealandBankingGroup
NGO
Non-governmentalorganisation
AusAID
AustralianAgencyforInternationalDevelopment
NOAA
NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(USA)
BoM
BureauofMeteorology,Australia
NSDS
NationalSustainableDevelopmentStrategy
BPOA
BarbadosProgrammeofAction
NZAID
NewZealandAgencyforInternationalDevelopment
CBD
ConventiononBiologicalDiversity
PACC
PacificAdaptationtoClimateChange
CBDAMPICCapacityBuildingfortheDevelopmentofAdaptationMeasures
PACPOL PacificOceanPollutionPreventionProgramme

inPacificIslandCountries
PDF-B
ProjectDevelopmentFacility-phaseB
CDM
CleanDevelopmentMechanism
PEIN
PacificEnvironmentInformationNetwork
CFC
Chlorofluorocarbon
PICs
PacificIslandCountries
CI
ConservationInternational
PICTs
PacificIslandCountriesandTerritories
CIDA
CanadianInternationalDevelopmentAgency
PIFACC
PacificIslandsFrameworkforActiononClimateChange
CITES
ConventiononInternationalTradeinEndangeredSpecies
PIFS
PacificIslandsForumSecretariat
CMS
ConventiononMigratorySpeciesofWildAnimals
PI-GCOS PacificIslands-GlobalClimateObservingSystem
COP
ConferenceoftheParties
PIGGAREP PacificIslandsGreenhouseGasAbatementthrough
CRISP
CoralReefInitiativefortheSouthPacific

RenewableEnergyProject
CROP
CouncilofRegionalOrganisationsinthePacific
PI-GOOS PacificIslands-GlobalOceanObservingSystem
CSD
CommissiononSustainableDevelopment
PILN
PacificInvasivesLearningNetwork
DEH
DepartmentofEnvironmentandHeritage(Australia)
PINA
PacificIslandsNewsAssociation
DOC
DepartmentofConservation(NewZealand)
PIPA
PhoenixIslandsProtectedArea
DVD
DigitalVideoDisk
PIREP
PacificIslandsRenewableEnergyProject
EEZ
ExclusiveEconomicZone
POP
PersistentOrganicPollutant
ESCAP
EconomicandSocialCommissionforAsiaandthePacific
PRC
PacificRegionalCentre(forTrainingandTechnologyTransferfor
ESD
EducationforSustainableDevelopment

theJointImplementationoftheBaselandWaiganiConventions)
ExCom
ExecutiveCommittee[oftheMultilateralFund]
Ramsar
RamsarConventiononWetlandsofInternationalImportance
FFA
ForumFisheriesAgency(SouthPacific)

EspeciallyasWaterfowlHabitat[notanacronym:PlaceinIran]
FSPI
FoundationofthePeoplesoftheSouthPacificInternational
RIF
RegionalInstitutionalFramework
GEF
GlobalEnvironmentFacility
SCCF
SpecialClimateChangeFund
GeoHab MarineGeologicalandBiologicalHabitatMapping
SEDREA SustainableEnergyDevelopmentthroughRenewableEnergy
GLISPA
GlobalIslandPartnership

Applications(Palau)
HYCOS
HydrologicalCycleObservingSystem
SIDS
SmallIslandDevelopingStates
IBPoW
IslandBiodiversityProgrammeofWork
SOPAC
SouthPacificAppliedGeoscienceCommission
ICRI
InternationalCoralReefInitiative
SPC
SecretariatofthePacificCommunity
IDEA
IntegratedDataandEnvironmentalApplications[Center]
SPREP
PacificRegionalEnvironmentProgramme;or:
IFAW
InternationalFundforAnimalWelfare

Secretariatofthe...[nolonger:South...]
IMO
InternationalMaritimeOrganization
SPWRC
SouthPacificWhaleResearchConsortium
IOSEA
IndianOceanandSouth-EastAsia
SRIMP-PACShipping-RelatedIntroducedMarinePestsinthePacificIslands
IRC
InformationResourceCentre(SPREP)
SWS
SocietyofWetlandScientists
IT
InformationTechnology
UNCBD
UnitedNationsConventiononBiologicalDiversity
ITMEMS InternationalTropicalMarineEcosystemsManagement
UNCCD
UnitedNationsConventiontoCombatDesertification

Symposium
UNDP
UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme
IUCN
TheWorldConservationUnion
UNEP
UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme
IWP
InternationalWatersProject
UNF
UnitedNationsFoundation
LDCs
LeastDevelopedCountries
UNFCCC UnitedNationsFrameworkConventiononClimateChange
LMMA
LocallyManagedMarineArea
USP
UniversityoftheSouthPacific
MDG
MillenniumDevelopmentGoal
WDAP
WhaleandDolphinActionPlan
MEA
MultilateralEnvironmentalAgreement
WDCS
WhaleandDolphinConservationSociety
MLF
MultilateralFund
WMO
WorldMeteorologicalOrganization
MMA
MarineManagedArea
WPRFMC WesternPacificRegionalFisheryManagementCouncil
MNRE
MinistryofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment(Samoa)
WSPA
WorldSocietyfortheProtectionofAnimals
MOU
MemorandumofUnderstanding
YOAAW
YearofActionAgainstWaste(2005)
MPA
MarineProtectedArea
YOST
YearoftheSeaTurtle(2006)
MSPF
MarineSpeciesProgrammeFramework
AnextensivelistofPacificEnvironmentalAcronyms(PEAs)isontheSPREPwebsiteathttp://www.sprep.org/PEAs2007.pdf.
48

SustainabledevelopmentinachangingPacificenvironment
The Pacific
islands region
SPREP Members comprise 21 Pacific island countries and territories,
and four developed countries* with direct interests in the region:
American Samoa I Australia* I Cook Islands I Federated States of Micronesia I
Fiji I France* I French Polynesia I Guam I Kiribati I Marshal Islands I Nauru I
New Caledonia I New Zealand* I Niue I Northern Mariana Islands I Palau I
Papua New Guinea I Samoa I Solomon Islands I Tokelau I Tonga I Tuvalu I
United States of America* I Vanuatu I Wallis and Futuna I
130°E
140°E
150°E
160°E
170°E
180°
170°W
160°W
150°W
140°W
130°W
Honolulu
20°N
20°N
HAWAII
Philippine
NORTHERN
MARIANA
Sea
ISLANDS
national Date Line
GUAM
Inter
North Pacific Ocean
10°N
MARSHALL ISLANDS
10°N
FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
PALAU
Pacific Ocean
Equator
Equator
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
NAURU
Bismarck
K
I
R
I
B
A
T
I
INDONESIA
Sea
Solomon
SOLOMON ISLANDS
TUVALU
Arafura
Sea
TOKELAU
Sea
Port Moresby
Honiara
10°S
10°S
WALLIS
AND
FUTUNA SAMOA
Apia
Pago Pago
AMERICAN
Coral
COOK
VANUATU
FIJI
SAMOA
ISLANDS
Sea
Papeete
Port Vila
Suva
FRENCH
TONGA
20°S
NEW
NIUE
20°S
CALEDONIA
Nuku'alofa
POLYNESIA
Tropic of Capricorn
Noumea
Tropic of Capricorn
A U S T R A L I A
South Pacific Ocean
30°S
30°S
NORTH
This map is indicative only of agreed and potential maritime jurisdictional limits within the
0
500
1000 km
Canberra
Tasman
Central and South Pacific region. It does not attempt to depict areas of jurisdiction beyond the
Modified Cylindrical Projection
200 nautical mile limit. It does not imply the expression of an opinion by SPREP on the legality
Map drawn by MAPgraphics, Brisbane, 2007
Sea
of any boundary shown and is without prejudice to negotiations that countries may enter into.
NEW ZEALAND
40°S
130°E
140°E
150°E
160°E
170°E Wellington 180°
170°W
160°W
150°W
140°W
40°S
130°W

Photo credits: Jessica Ackerman: p.10; Lui Bell: p.8; Stuart Chape: front cover, p.1, 14 (3x), 16 (right); Hideaka Fujii: p.22; Frank Griffin: p.29 (left, right);
IFAW: p.11; Jaap Jasperse: p.6, 15 (3x), 25, 27 (left), 28 (left), 37 (2x); Jill Key: p. 19 (left); Alejandra Mejia-Restrepo: p.7 (logo); Taito Nakalevu: p.24, 34, 36;
Mark Ricketts: p. 28 (right), 29 (centre),31; Dean Solofa: p.27 (right); SPC: p.2, 39; SPREP: p.4, 13, 16 (left), 19 (right), 38, 41.
Map on p.8 by Jo Aitken, using NOAA, Hawaii data.
2006
Annual Report
of the Secretariat of the



Pacific Regional Environment





Programme
Sustainable development
in a changing
Pacific environment
SPREP Library - Cataloguing in Publication Data
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
SPREP Annual Report: 2006. Sustainable development in a changing
Pacific environment ­ Apia : SPREP, 2007.
48 p. ; 29 cm
ISSN: 1562-675X
1. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
I. Title
363.7099
Design and layout: Helen Dean Design, Australia
Compiled and edited by Dr Jaap Jasperse
Front cover: Navala Village, Viti Levu, Fiji.
© SPREP 2007
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme authorizes
the reproduction of this material, whole or in part, provided appropriate
acknowledgement is given.
SPREP, PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa
T: +685 21929
F: +685 20231
E: sprep@sprep.org
W: www.sprep.org
This publication is also available electronically from SPREP's web site.