Conservation awareness strengthened in Rotuma

Bridge at Ka'ta - Rotuma.  Photo by Alan Howard

19 May, Nadi, Fiji - Empowered communities in Rotuma, an isolated island located to the North of Fiji, are strong stewards of their environment caring for their biodiversity and undertaking programs to conserve nature on the island.

The LäjeRotuma Initiative (LRI) is a community-based environmental education and awareness development programme in Rotuma that has provided strong support to the local communities.  Formed in 2002 by a group of young Rotumans, to bridge their home island with the rest of the world in raising awareness on environment issues, the LRI has successfully led numerous activities on the island.

Rotuma is a 43 square kilometer Island with a population density of 61 people per square km (Fiji Census 1996). It is situated in the South West Pacific, about 465km North of Fiji.

Rotuma‚ as a geographical isolate, with an economy that is externally influenced from mainland Fiji, illustrates the high dependence of an island community on its natural resources.

The Eco-camp facilitated by the LRI, held in the Yasawa Islands, 2009.  Image courtesy of the LRI

“LRI has, over the years grown from humble beginnings to being recognised as an important partner that decision making processes affecting Rotuma’s development and natural resource use plans,” said Alfredo Ralifo of WWF, one of the founding members of the LäjeRotuma Initiative.

“Currently, LRI is in the process of registering itself as a charitable trust so that it can be more effective in achieving its vision for Rotuma and her people.”

When it began the LäjeRotuma Initiative focused on engaging youth to strengthen the capacity of the island community in making informed decisions on managing the natural resources of Rotuma.  LRI has now grown to include nature conservation activities on the island. 

The range of these activities includes carrying out baseline biodiversity surveys in Rotuma, 10 island youth trained as certified PADI Open Water divers to help conduct basic scientific coral reef surveys in Rotuma, funding secured to help implement community conservation awareness and many other achievements.

One of the most recent involves assisting the Yasawa Island Group in Fiji with forming a Biodiversity Conservation Network named Tikina Naviti Conservation Initiative.

The Eco-camp facilitated by the LRI, held in the Yasawa Islands, 2009.  Image courtesy of the LRI

“Sharing lessons between two unique but similar island communities to support each other in terms of protecting their unique island biodiversity is very important. The LäjeRotuma Initiative hopes to share its lessons and experiences over the years with other island communities and establish a network of island communities to improve community livelihoods and as well as building resilience towards the effects of Climate Change.”

The current Plan of Action for the LRI encompasses community outreach, building community resilience to climate change, integrated fisheries management, sustainable livelihoods options and research and capacity building.

For more information on the LäjeRotuma Initiative  and to make contributions, please visit: http://www.rotuma.net/os/lajerotuma.htm

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is a major partner of the LRI, other major partners are: Rotuma Island Council, Rotuman Member of Parliament,  WWF, AUSAID, Marine Studies Program, Institute of Marine Resources, SISA, University of  the South Pacific, GCRMN, Global GreenGrants Fund, British High Commission Suva,  SeaWeb, Coral Cay Conservation, PADI Foundation, Project AWARE, Ministry of  Youth, WAC Theatre Unlimited, Rotuman Suva-7-Districts, Rotuma website, Rotuma Island  Coordinator & Youth Volunteer Network.

Pacific still to sign agreement on biodiversity benefits

18 May Nadi Fiji - The Pacific island countries are yet to sign on to an international agreement that that aims at sharing the benefits that come from using genetic resources, in a fair and equitable way. 

After six years of negotiations, there is now an international agreement adopted by the international community at the 10^th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya last year. 

Participants at the Pacific biodiversity meeting in Nadi this week

The protocol is now open for signature by Parities to the Convention 60 signatories from countries are required by 1 February next year before the Protocol can come into effect, to date there are 21 countries that have signed on.

The Government of Fiji has announced they intend to sign the Protocol before February next year, with a timeline to help raise awareness and understanding of the Nagoya Protocol.

“Fiji intends to establish an interdepartmental committee to specifically undertake preparations towards the signing of the Nagoya protocol,” said Eleni Tokaduadua from the Fiji Environment Department.

“This process will involve a lot of consultations to inform all stakeholders on the various issues relating to ABS and ensure better understanding at all levels of the decision making process.”

Eleni Tokaduadua, Fiji

The international agreement guarantees balanced access to genetic resources on the basis of prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms.  The Nagoya Protocol also ensures the fair and equitable sharing of benefits while taking into account the important role of traditional knowledge. 

A hypothetical example of this is if an international pharmaceutical company discovered a native plant in Samoa which could lead to a drug that cures, then that company would now be obliged to share the profits arising with Samoa.

“Fiji is keen to see that our local communities and resource owners get a fair share of the benefits gained from the utilization of their natural resources.  Signing the protocol will allow Fiji to access resources to put in place effective and reliable mechanisms towards this.”

India is host to the eleventh international biodiversity conference in 2012, it is planned this will also convene the Nagoya Protocol’s first meeting of the Parties.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) will work with partners to assist them with the Nagoya Protocol.

For more information on this please visit the Convention on Biological Diversity website - http://www.cbd.int/abs/

Looking back: Pacific attendance at every International UN Biodiversity Conference

18 May 2011 Nadi, Fiji - Since the very first Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP) in 1994, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has consistently provided support to the Pacific island region at these negotiations.   

A brief review of Pacific attendance and performance at all CBD COP negotiations was compiled for participants at a Pacific island meeting on biodiversity in Nadi this week.   The performance of the region at the 10^th International Biodiversity conference in Nagoya last year and how we move forward is the topic on the table for discussions.

Dr Jill Key (right) SPREP

“In consistently attending the international negotiations on biodiversity it shows the dedication and commitment from the Pacific region towards conserving and protecting our biodiversity,” said Dr Jill Key SPREP’s Capacity Development Adviser.

“In the Pacific it is the biodiversity that supports the livelihoods of people.  It has a lot of meaning in the region as the foundation of our culture and traditions as well as providing an economic income for a lot of Pacific families.  The Pacific is committed to the international process.”

As for the active performance of the Pacific region at the meetings, over the past decade the Pacific has made interventions during the negotiations at each CBD COP.  Last year in Nagoya the Pacific made 33 interventions on 17 different issues, and it was also the first time that an opening and closing statement was made from the Pacific negotiators on behalf of the region.



Tuvalu (left), IUCN Oceania (right) at the CBD COP 10



At the international negotiations on biodiversity, the key issues for the Pacific region have been; Protected areas with 22 statements which began with the seventh meeting in Kuala Lumpur; Invasive species was addressed through 18 different Pacific interventions that have been made since the fifth meeting in Nairobi, Kenya; Marine and coastal biodiversity is an issue for which 17 Pacific statements have been presented since the second meeting in Indonesia; and the Pacific have made 12 interventions at the international negotiations on Knowledge of indigenous communities since COP4 in 1998 hosted by Slovakia.

“It is important that the thematic topics and issues that are important to the Pacific region continue to be followed through and raised at COP meetings to emphasise their importance to our region particularly progress on actions taken to address these issues,” said SPREP’s Biodiversity Adviser, Easter Galuvao.

The next Conference of the Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP11) will be hosted by India in 2012.

PILN highlighted as a model for South-South Cooperation

PILN - Moorea, Tahiti - Photo by Dr Jill Key

Seven-years since the Pacific Island countries requested for its set up – the Pacific Invasives Learning Network (PILN) will be showcased at a South-South Cooperation meeting in Korea from 18-20 May.

PILN which was endorsed by the SPREP member countries at its 15th meeting held in French Polynesia, started as a two year pilot project supported by eight environment organisations providing funding support and expert advice.

PILN is a network of national and local agencies working on invasive species in 13 Pacific Island countries and territories. The agencies from different government departments, the private sector and non-governmental organisations form teams to coordinate invasive species planning and to undertake field work.

PILN exists to address important issues that characterise the Pacific island countries, such as the limited resources in terms of human capacity, skills as well as financial and geographic isolation. Professional isolation is also another factor that if not addressed can lead to invasive species workers feeling helpless.

“PILN is about training our people on skills they need to do the job. When we trained them, we want them to go back and apply their new knowledge”, says the PILN Coordinator, Dr Posa Skelton.

“We are there to encourage them to apply that knowledge and to assure them of the support from the rest of the network. The network is also there to share their achievements and to celebrate their successes”.

Today 15 PILN teams are working on priority invasive species issues on their islands. Some of these teams have developed their invasive species strategy and action plans and they are in the implementation phase.

Capacity has been built on a wide-range of issues including strategic planning, eradicating pests from islands to developing awareness information for their communities.

The Convention on Biological Diversity is holding a meeting in Incheon, Korea to share capacity building experience from around the world focussing on developing countries, or south-south cooperation.

The South-South cooperation describes how information, knowledge, technology and resources are shared amongst developing countries.

The Pacific islands have a strong history of south-south cooperation especially in the environment field, which led to the establishment of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

The Pacific Invasives Learning Network, which is an important component of the SPREP invasive alien species work, will seek partnership opportunities with other capacity building initiatives from around the world.

Lessons learnt by the Pacific

16 May Nadi Fiji - In 2010 the One Pacific Voice was heard loud and clear at the International Biodiversity Conference which brought 18,000 people together to forge a path forward to help save and strengthen global biodiversity.  This week in Fiji, the Pacific region has regrouped to reflect on what was learnt while at the CBD COP 10 in Nagoya.  Day one of the meeting today, heard from five different Pacific representatives’ share their experiences with others.

“I gained personally and professionally.  Planning and prioritising on a daily basis is crucial when you attend the COP, you always need to be in good health as it’s a lengthy and can be a stressful process.  You need the energy to attend discussions during the days and nights.  It is a good experience but gruelling and you should try to be in all aspects of the COP – working groups, side events, plenary sessions and ministerial level meetings.” – Eleni Rova Tokaduadua, Fiji

“It was good to see that we had synergized issues so that what is said not only benefits your country, but the Pacific islands region as a whole.  It was also helpful that everyone shared information and resources – I was glad that we had people attending who were willing to share information with you on what happened at meetings in case you missed out so you can be kept up to date.” – Fale’afaga Tony Tipama’a, Samoa

“I think having at least one week for negotiations training would be helpful for the Pacific delegates so we can be confident and prepared at this level.  I also think we in the Solomon Islands should have a national workshop like Fiji so when we come together we can feed the results into the Pacific region.” – Joe Horokou, Solomon Islands

“I was fortunate and happy to represent my country, I learnt the value of a side event and how you can use it to raise your country profile.  We also found the half day meeting just before the COP where we learnt about the processes very helpful.  Another highlight for me was how once we had made the Pacific opening statement - it opened the door for support of our position from other regions.”  Solomona Lotoala, Tuvalu

“I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the pre-COP information, package so you are really well prepared for the COP meeting.  It’s also good if you look for the media for updates, visit the SPREP media releases and the Earth Negotiations Bulletin is also helpful to keep you updated.  There is also a wealth of information within the Pacific delegations, there are a lot of experienced people, it’s good if you can learn from them” – Joseph Brider, Cook Islands

"Talking the Biodiversity Talk":  COP = Conference of the Parties

Notes:The meeting is held from 16 – 20 May at the Tanoa Hotel in Nadi, Fiji.
Participants are from the Cook Islands, Timor Leste, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific International (FSPI), IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WWF South Pacific Programme, University of the South Pacific.

Bionesian bites

Ms. Easter Galuvao, SPREP

Aichi Biodiversity Targets on the Pacific Biodiversity Agenda

16 May Nadi Fiji - The agenda for the one week also includes the Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity or the “Aichi Target”, the new global plan to save the biodiversity of the world and includes a number of ambitious targets.  This includes a commitment to halve, and where feasible, bring close to zero the loss of natural habitats and also to protect 17% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10% of marine areas. Also included are measures to control invasive species and to increase awareness of the values of biodiversity.

It is important to note that there will be additional opportunities for training workshops which will be provided by the CBD Secretariat.

“The targets are within our reach as the Pacific region has worked diligently to protect our unique biodiversity.  The “Aichi Target” will help us strengthen our conservation work across the Pacific,” said Easter Galuvao, SPREP’s Biodiversity Adviser.

“We can boast the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) in Kiribati - the largest marine protected area on earth - now a World Heritage Site.  In our Pacific region we also have the Micronesia Challenge, a commitment by the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Guam and the Northern Marianas to conserve at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020.”

On Tuesday a panel from the Micronesia Trust Fund will share their experience in planning to implement the outcomes of the CBD COP 10 in Nagoya.

Nagoya Protocol – Access and Benefits Sharing

Participants at the Pacific Biodiversity meeting in Fiji

16 May Nadi Fiji - The implications of the Nagoya Protocol on the Pacific islands will be discussed during the 5 day meeting on Pacific biodiversity currently underway in Fiji.  This Protocol covers the access to genetic to resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use.  The Nagoya Protocol is forecast to be in force by 2015.

It ensures that balanced access to genetic resources on the basis of prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms.  The Nagoya Protocol also ensures the fair and equitable sharing of benefits while taking into account the important role of traditional knowledge. 

As an example, and hypothetically, if a pharmaceutical company from Switzerland discovered a plant in the Solomon Islands which could lead to a drug which cured cancer, then that company would now be obliged to share the profits arising with the country.

“The adoption of this protocol will help ensure equity and fairness in the sharing of the profits made by the developed world from the biodiversity resources of the developing world in the small island developing states.  The next step is for the Pacific island countries and territories to sign up to the Protocol when they are ready and if they agree with it,” said Easter Galuvao, SPREP's Biodiversity Adviser.

The Global Environment Facility has offered financial support to assist with the early entry into force of this Protocol.

Notes:The meeting is held from 16 – 20 May at the Tanoa Hotel in Nadi, Fiji.
Participants are from the Cook Islands, Timor Leste, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific International (FSPI), IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WWF South Pacific Programme, University of the South Pacific.

The Pacific reflects on international biodiversity conference

Touasi Tiwok, Vanuatu,  CBD COP 10, Nagoya

Six months ago, the Pacific island region unified under a “One Pacific Voice” approach at an international biodiversity conference that brought together 18,000 people in Nagoya, Japan.  This week in Nadi these same Pacific island countries and partners have come together once again to review the performance of the Pacific and pave the way forward following the outcomes of the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 10).

“At Nagoya, under the Pacific Voyage banner, we made a huge impact. Our voices were heard because we spoke with One Voice,” said Stuart Chape the Island Ecosystems Programme Manager of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), as he opened the one week gathering.

“We were well coordinated, and we took a firm stand on issues that were important to our region. I am pleased to say that many of our development partners highly commended the Pacific island countries' performance, strong convictions and perseverance in Nagoya.  This success underscores the importance of working together as One Pacific speaking with One Voice - an approach that we should replicate at future Conferences of the Parties.”

Stuart Chape, SPREP

The agenda for the week will see discussions cover the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, the Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity also known as the “Aichi Target”, funding opportunities, Protected Areas, Island Biodiversity and National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plans. 

This meeting is just one of a series of meetings to come for the region under the different outcomes of the CBD COP 10, to help the Pacific progress implementation to meet both national and the global biodiversity targets.  The next five days will provide time for the Pacific region to re-group, review their achievements at the international biodiversity meeting in Nagoya and work towards using the lessons learnt to progress implementation.

“It is not our intention to provide you with all the answers this week. However, it is our hope that this meeting will provide a platform for sharing information, ideas and experiences.  Although the agenda may seem ambitious I am confident that with your cooperation and active participation in the next five days, we can achieve a successful outcome - one that will provide us with an effective road map that will help Pacific countries progress towards meeting global, regional and national biodiversity targets.”

Notes:The meeting is held from 16 – 20 May at the Tanoa Hotel in Nadi, Fiji.
Participants are from the Cook Islands, Timor Leste, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific International (FSPI), IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WWF South Pacific Programme, University of the South Pacific.