Seventh framework programme CAPACITIES specific programme Activities of international cooperation Coordination Support Action - Grant agreement no.: Pacific Europe NETWORK for Science and Technology Key Thematic Workshop Outcomes Boe Lahui-Ako The University of Papua New Guinea

 2 knowledge-based workshops were conducted in Brisbane (July 2011) and Brussels (March 2012).  Aim was to identify S&T topics presenting a mutual interest for both regions – Europe  and the Pacific.  The principal key messages of those workshops and Policy Briefs are available in the PACE-Net Compendium in relation to:  Health, Fresh Water  Biodiversity/Ecosystems Management  Climate Variability, Energy  Agriculture & Forestry  Natural Hazards  Fishery & Aquaculture

THE FACTS BASED ON RESEARCH EVIDENCE:  As shown in the Situational Analysis, most populations and economies in the Pacific are too small to undertake research necessary to inform own evidence.  Most countries are experiencing the extinction processes due to anthropogenic impacts despite its diverse terrestrial & marine biodiversity.  Climate change has had its impacts on human behaviour (migration, economy, security).  Regional collaborative research is lacking, and engagement with EU partners, calls for more regional coordination in most thematic areas.

PACE-Net Pacific Europe NETWORK for S&T  PROPOSED STRATEGIES:  NETWORKING and PARTNERSHIPS is required to promote sustainability, adaptation, innovation and capacity building to meet MDGs and to adapt to global change and economically sustainable development.  Through collaborative research, POLICY FRAMEWORKS should be developed that integrates the appropriate environmental and socio-economic measures and address the vulnerabilities of all the sectors and calls for necessary changes in approach based on research evidence.  Leads to Pacific Island countries’ higher resilience against internal as well as external threats with respect to the impacts of climate change experienced in the key theme areas.

PACE-Net Pacific Europe NETWORK for S&T Therefore, INVESTMENTS are called for to:  Ensure healthy and clean resources.  Match research to the communities. Involve ALL stakeholders from the beginning of projects taking into serious consideration COMMUNITY NEEDS.  Incorporate CAPACITY BUILDING in all projects –and promote technology transfer and innovation.  Invest into PROGRAMMES that encourage MOBILITY of researchers within the Pacific and elsewhere.  Highlight the importance of MONITORING in all themes.  INVEST in research infrastructure COMMON to the whole region.  Use, develop and share indigenous and research knowledge.

PACE-Net Pacific Europe NETWORK for S&T ALL THESE ISSUES ARE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PACIFIC! Policy makers, the academia and other stakeholders (public & private) are NOW CHALLENGED to take the recommendations seriously and discuss ways in which ALL COUNTRIES in the PACIFIC REGION should collaborate through research and innovation to find solutions to the many varied themes discussed at length in these workshops.

PACE-Net Pacific Europe NETWORK for S&T IN SUMMARY:  The networking, partnerships and wide collaboration is essential for excellent research and development in the PACIFIC.  FOCUS should be on sustainability, adaptation, innovation and capacity building.  Through research, PACIFIC Island countries must aim to meet their own national plans, including the MDGs and to adapt to global change and ensure economically sustainable development do take place.  All Pacific stakeholders are NOW CHALLENGED to seriously consider the recommendations presented.  Copies of POLICY BRIEFS are available to ALL stakeholders for their information.  WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD AFTER PACE-NET?