1. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Report from the Pacific region Presentation on regional context and SPREP activities-Dominique Benzaken, SPREP Presentation on the Coral Reef Initative in the south pacific (CRISP) Eric clua, AFD coordinator Presentation on SPC Reef fisheries observatory activities -Being Yeeting, SPC Comments from Pacific countries and open Forum

2. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Coral reefs and associated systems – Regional perspective Dominique Benzaken Coastal management adviser

3. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Outline of presentation Island environment and lifestyles Policy guidance -International Regional priorities SPREP activities Challenges, gaps and opportunities Concluding remarks

4. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Island environments and lifestyle Islands environments is basis of island life Over the years, decline in island resources (eg less fish, fresh water, mangroves and forests, more waste, dirty waters, invasive plants and animals) Why? More people and changes in lifestyles and needs driving overuse of island resources Small and fragile island environments and economies Ability to respond to change

5. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme International context Mauritius strategy Blue print for sustainable development of island countries (environment, economic, society) Integration of biodiversity into National sustainable development Strategies (NSDSs) to promote sustainable use of biodiversity Focus on governance, partnerships and Integrated management systems of coastal, marine and freshwater and biodiversity resources Island biodiversity programme of work Sets targets for 2010 for conservation and sustainable use National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) mainstream island biodiversity into sustainable development strategies

6. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Regional priorities and partnerships Pacific Plan endorsed by Pacific Islands leaders Forum To improve regional coordination on sustainable development (reference to biodiversity protection and sustainable use) Action Strategy for Nature conservation in the Pacific Islands 2003-2007 – Targets and actions for environment, society and economy Roundtable: government, NGO partnership Pacific Islands regional Oceans Policy and framework for Integrated Strategic Action To ensure the future sustainable use of our oceans and its resources by pacific Islands communities and external partners. Marine Sector Working Group

7. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme SPREP at a glance Established under the SPREP Convention Environment Ministers’ Forum and Meeting of Officials Secretariat to the Apia/SPREP convention 25 member countries (PICTs including French territories, OZ, NZ US, France as observer) “to promote cooperation in the Pacific islands region and to provide assistance in order to protect and improve the environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations”

8. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme SPREP strategic framework Action Plan for managing the environment if the Pacific island Region 2005-2009 “People of the Pacific islands better able to plan, protect, manage and use their environment for sustainable development” Strategic Programmes 2004-2013 Island Ecosystems (terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems, species of special interest) Pacific Futures (climate change, waste management and marine pollution, sustainable development)

9. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Coastal and marine ecosystems Objective “promote and support the sustainable management and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems and marine species of special interest” Key activities ICRAN funded SPREP component of Coral Reef Initiative in the South Pacific (CRISP) Regional initiative under Ramsar CMS MoU on marine Mammals Year of the sea Turtle 2006 Progressing the regional oceans policy through the MSWG

10. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme SPREP and CRISP Approach: Work closely with CRISP partners Facilitate on going national engagement in CRISP Build on existing knowledge/successes/lessons learnt Equip SPREP countries to maximise benefits of CRISP initiative Focus of SPREP action: Capacity for integrated governance of coastal and marine resources at national level Increase profile&integration of coastal and marine resources in sustainable development agendas with policy makers Dissemination of CRISP and results/know how to policy makers and coastal managers Capacity and access to appropriate methodologies &technologies (Knowledge/training/networks/livelihoods)

11. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Challenges, gaps and opportunities Integration of biodiversity and sustainable resource management at regional and national levels Improve regional coordination through Pacific Forum marine Sector working group Promote the incorporation of regional oceans policy principles into National sustainable Development Strategies Improve national capacity for effective integration at national level Sustainability of community based initiatives Facilitate and support development of policy and legislative framework for long term support (eg networks of MPA) Encourage government/community partnerships Sustainable livelihoods Strengthening community based institutions and traditional management systems

12. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Challenges, issues and opportunities Areas needed support and greater coordination Climate change ( Resilience, Adaptability of management systems) Marine invasive species management land based marine pollution (Hilltops2oceans) Emerging issues Oceans/High seas biodiversity ( Seamounds, valuing oceans, access and benefit sharing, C credits)

13. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Concluding remarks Regional partnerships key mechanism for effective integration of protection of biodiversity and sustainable resource use To engage countries in setting the regional agenda on common and transboundary issues To engage broad range of regional and international partners (eg private sector, churches) To facilitate access to resources egRegional partnerships on oceans policy and Action Strategy on Nature Conservation

14. Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Concluding remarks Expectations from ICRI Greater strategic focus – action orientation Greater interaction with regional programmes Facilitating access to resources (eg technical, financial) Support Pacific Island countries in international fora to implement the region’s priorities and programmes