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Pacific Environment Information Network [PEIN] Digest Archive

PEIN Digest: A digest of Pacific environment news and developments

The PEIN Digest is a monthly digest of pacific environment news and developments gathered from global news sources and a regional network of Pacific environment officers.

[*The PEIN project is coordinated by the SPREP Information Resource Centre with funding assistance from the European Union.]

May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007

Articles of note - a selection of recent academic literature

May 2008

'Amazing' Week For Pacific At Convention on Biological Diversity Meeting
Pacific Magazine - 30 May 2008
It has been an amazing first week for Pacific islands delegations attending the 9th Conference of the Parties for the Convention on Biological Diversity in Bonn, Germany (CBD COP9). The Secretariat of Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has several officers at the conference to provide support to Pacific islands delegations. SPREP has also been working towards raising the international profile of the progress made toward Pacific islands conservation."Week one has been amazing. One of the issues raised at the Preparatory meeting we had in April to ready the Pacific for this meeting, was the need to raise the profile of what the Pacific is doing. Sometimes we are undersold, as people think small islands countries are not capable of much, but the small islands developing states, in particular the Pacific, are doing some impressive things. We are trying to promote that on the floor and in the working sessions," said SPREP's Action Strategy Adviser, Kate Brown-Vitolio.

SPREP are pleased by the growing recognition of the Pacific's work on biodiversity. A number of draft decisions, including the Island Biodiversity Programme of Work, a key CBD output for the Pacific, highlight work in the Pacific. The Pacific Invasives Learning Network, Micronesia Challenge, Phoenix Islands Protected Area in Kiribati, Fiji's conservation commitments, and the Pacific Invasives Initiative are all mentioned. The European Union highlighted the need for the CBD Secretariat to update its current Memorandum of Understanding with SPREP during discussions in the COP...more

Pacific news from the Convention on Biological Diversity COP - Bonn, Germany
SPREP- May 2008

- Cook Islands to represent the Pacific on the CBD Bureau
Tania Temata of the Cook Islands has been nominated for the Bureau of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The nominations for the new Asia-Pacific representatives were made during the 9th Conference of the Parties of the CBD (CBD COP9)...more

- Climate change-biodiversity linkage a crucial concern for Tuvalu
The linkage between biodiversity and climate change has been an important issue for Tuvalu at the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 9th Conference of the Parties in Bonn, Germany, which is now nearing its conclusion. It has been a busy two weeks for the representative of Tuvalu, Mataio Tekinene, who has closely followed discussions on biodiversity and climate change...more

- Access and benefit sharing: an important issue for the Pacific
For the Pacific islands, access and benefit sharing (ABS), may sound like a foreign term. Yet, it is essential that the Pacific become aware of the issue or else risk having the genetic resources of the Pacific exploited with very little benefit reaching Pacific peoples...more

- Samoa supports global initiative to halt deforestation
Environment Ministers and Leaders from 60 countries have signed a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) postcard calling for an end to deforestation. During the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 9th Conference of the Parties in Bonn, Germany, Environment Minister Faumuina Tiatia Liuga of Samoa signed the postcard at the end of the first day of High Level Ministerial Meetings...more

- Speech made at the GLISPA High Level Event by Kiribati Environment Minister Hon. Tetabo Nakara
Ladies and Gentleman, two years ago was a turning point for Kiribati, we declared the PIPA as the world’s third largest MPA, based on outcomes of three scientific expeditions, numerous discussions and meetings with all interested parties within Kiribati and development of a partnership with the New England Aquarium and Conservation International. Our information revealed that the coral reefs and bird populations of these islands are unique, virtually untouched by man –-a true wilderness of natural beauty...more

- Vanuatu's voice at CBD COP9
The first week of the 9th Conference of the Parties on the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD COP9) has come to an end in Bonn, Germany. For Vanuatu, one of the Pacific islands countries attending the international event, the conference has been a combination of a learning experience as well as a positive step toward preserving Vanuatu’s biodiversity...more

- Week one at the Convention on Biological Diversity COP
It has been an amazing first week for Pacific islands delegations attending the 9th Conference of the Parties for the Convention on Biological Diversity in Bonn, Germany (CBD COP9). The Secretariat of Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has several officers at the conference to provide support to Pacific islands delegations. SPREP has also been working towards raising the international profile of the progress made toward Pacific islands conservation...more

- President of Palau makes a statement at the CBD COP9 High Level Ministerial Meeting
Representing a small island state that hinges its developmental hopes on the beauty and uniqueness of its natural resources, I also felt it was my duty to personally demonstrate my country’s support for the CBD’s Island Biodiversity Programme of Work, a program that recognizes the uniqueness of island ecosystems, the need for a singular and compelling approach and the ultimate interdependencies of our global fight against environmental degradation...more

- SPREP and SPC support the Pacific delegation at world's biggest biodiversity conference
Pacific islands delegates are working together this week at the 9th Conference of the Parties for the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD COP9). The work of the delegations is supported by several Pacific intergovernmental organisations. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) were joined by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) to provide technical assistance to the Pacific islands delegates for the agricultural and forest biodiversity issues that were discussed...more

- Pacific community conservation projects at CBD COP9
Three community conservation projects from across Melanesia are being represented at the 9th Conference of the Parties for the Convention of Biological Diversity in Bonn, Germany.
Sepik Wetlands Management Institute from Papua New Guinea, the Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area from the Solomon Islands and the Crab Bay Coastal Marine Protected Areas in Vanuatu are represented by delegates who have travelled more than 20 hours to be a part of the international discussions on saving biodiversity...more

- The Pacific joins the world in protecting biodiversity
“One Nature. One World. Our Future” is the theme of the 9th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP), hosted in Bonn Germany this year. Every two years for several weeks delegations from over 190 countries around the globe meet to review the world’s work to save our biodiversity. This year, over 6,000 people from around the world have come together in Germany, from the 19th to the 30th of May...more

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Greenpeace targets tuna fishing vessel [Kiribati]
The Age - 27 May 2008
Environmental activists in the South Pacific have protested against what they claim is the world's largest tuna catching vessel by trying to prevent it from hauling in its net. Greenpeace said they took the action after following the giant Spanish ship Albatun Tres since Thursday. The Albatun Tres can net more than 3,000 tonnes of tuna in a single fishing trip using its seine nets, which are strung between two poles and weighed down at the bottom, the environmental group said. ..more

Global warming: responding to calls from the Pacific
Green Left - 24 May 2008
The Pacific Calling Partnership (PCP) is a response to the calls of people on low-lying islands in the Pacific about the ravages of climate change — more storm surges, longer droughts, tides rising higher, shores eroding, coral reefs bleaching, water supplies and soils becoming contaminated by salt water, breadfruit and banana trees dying and taro pits being destroyed...The PCP, which now includes members of several religious orders who have worked in the Pacific, returned AusAid volunteers, people from the Pacific Islands and Torres Strait Islands (some living in Kiribati and some in Australia) and other interested individuals, especially teachers, provides opportunities for people in Australia to act in solidarity and partnership with our neighbours. During 2008 we plan to deepen our links with the Pacific and develop more stirring ways to tell the story and deepen our understanding of the relationship between human rights and climate change. New members are welcome to join us and help engage with the broader community through activities such as conducting workshops, seminars, teacher in-services and community events, selling resources, training facilitators of learning circles and seeking ways to deepen our Pacific links. For more information and to order PCP resources, visit http://www.erc.org.au/pcp or email jillf@erc.org.au ...more

Kiribati Mulls Drought Plans
Pacific Magazine -23 May 2008
The Kiribati government has prepared a strategic plan to intervene if the current long drought season continues and people’s lives are endangered.President Anote Tong told parliament recently that government will get desalination plants and also import water from abroad. Kiribati has had little rain for more than three years, and most fruit bearing trees are affected, including coconuts, which is the only means of generating revenue on the outer islands through copra production. The Kiribati Copra Society reported a major drop in the production, and this is worrying the Kiribati Copra Mill, which relies on local copra for its production. The Kiribati Copra Mill produces coconut oil that is made into soaps, lotions, cooking oil, livestock feed, and compost mixture. Some of these products are exported to South East Asia and some neighboring countries.

Bush May Create Largest Marine Reserves in World
NPR - 23 May 2008
The Bush administration is considering launching one of the biggest conservation programs in U.S. history. If implemented, President George W. Bush could, with the stroke of a pen, protect vast stretches of U.S. territorial waters from fishing, oil exploration and other forms of commercial development. The initiative could also create some of the largest marine reserves in the world — far larger than national parks like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon ... more

Fishing ban to save endangered tuna
NZ Herald - 23 May 2008
A group of Pacific countries have agreed to ban fishing vessels they sell licences to from fishing in the high seas between the exclusive economic zones of their countries. The move came out of the Palau Nauru Agreement (PNA) group meeting in Palau this week and could lead to a full ban on fishing in some of the high-sea areas throughout the region. Member countries of the PNA are the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu....The agreement formalising the new measures would go into force on June 15, Mr Toribau said. "This is a historical moment for the Pacific, its people, and the health of biodiversity of the seas ... We also commend the unwavering support of Cook Islands and Vanuatu in continuing to back the PNA measures and urge the remaining Forum Fisheries Agency member countries to stand together on this front." ...more

Invasive Species Threatening Bird Life of Fragile Phoenix Islands: Expedition Launches to Eradicate Foreign Animals [Kiribati]
Contributed by Angela Kirkman - 23 May 2008
Today a team of scientists is heading to the remote Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) on an urgent mission to eradicate rats that are threatening populations of native seabirds in this pristine marine region. Funded by the Government of New Zealand the team will try to eradicate foreign rats which threaten up to 18 species of seabirds on three atolls of PIPA – the world’s largest marine protected area and home to breeding grounds for millions of seabirds. Rats are not native to the region, so are considered to be an ‘invasive species’. They are destroying populations of threatened seabirds such as Phoenix petrels, storm-petrels, shearwaters and blue noddies on these remote PIPA atolls. "Time is running out for many of the seabirds found on the Phoenix Islands,” says Dr Ray Pierce, the expedition leader from New Zealand. “We will focus on three atolls during this trip, which will pave the way for future restoration in the Phoenix and Line Islands." Dr Pierce’s team of eradication experts includes members of the Wildlife Conservation Unit and the Department of Agriculture in Kiribati, and a trained tracking dog called “Sako”, and is supported by the New Zealand Department of Conservation and the Pacific Invasives Initiative. The team departs tonight on the RV Bounty Bay for the Phoenix with eight tonnes of rat poison and enough food and supplies for the four to five week expedition...Eradicating invasive species is the first step in restoring these atolls. The work will include training PIPA management staff on further eradication efforts and raising awareness in Kiribati and the wider region about the threat of invasive species to promote stronger biosecurity.

FIJI'S ENDANGERED SAGO PALM FACES EXTINCTION
PI Report - 22 May 2008
Like the turtles, the Fiji sago palm, is an endangered species and could soon be gone if nothing is done about protecting it, warns Dr Dick Watling, an internationally acknowledged authority on Fiji’s environment. Pointing out that the palm is under bigger threat then even the turtles, Watling has strongly suggested the sustainable use of the palm if it is to survive...more

RISING SEA A REALITY FOR PNG'S LOW ATOLLS [editorial]
PI Report - 22 May 2008
The tides of change are washing over the shores of many parts of Papua New Guinea . . . literally. Rising sea levels, an issue of academic interest in the past, are now a current worry for thousands of Papua New Guineans. While road access has panicked the people of the Highlands in recent weeks, the forces of nature in the form of climate change have been causing nightmares for the people who live on hundreds if not thousands of coral atolls scattered across Papua New Guinea’s seas. Two news item in today’s Post-Courier serve to remind us of the fate facing our atolls people. One is an item from Manus, saying how Waigani officials will be shown a current stretch of the Manus coastline where atolls people are planning to settle, as they flee from the rising waters. The report says the atolls problem got suddenly worse after much of the vegetation was cut down and the sea swept inland, ruining gardens and living conditions. The other item is about the people of Bougainville’s Carteret islands. The Carterets’ plight has been beamed around the world, with many knowing that these people are among the first to be directly affected by climate change...more

VILLAGERS FLEE RISING SEA IN PNG'S DUKE OF YORK ISLES
PI Report - 22 May 2008
Elders in the Duke of York Islands in East New Britain have expressed concern over global warming which is causing most of their islands to disappear slowly. The islands have 21 wards and some, during the past five to 10 years, have been subjected to rise in sea level, forcing the people to be relocated inland. At the Nakukur ward, about 60 families that used to live near the beach, had packed up and moved inland 2 to 3 years ago...more

EPA OKs disposal of ordinance [Northern Mariana Islands]
Hawaiin News - 22 May 2008
The Environmental Protection Agency says it will grant a hazardous waste permit to the Northern Mariana Islands. It's needed to dispose of unexploded ordnance. The U.S. commonwealth has millions of pounds of munitions and explosives abandoned in Saipan following World War Two. The permit allows the ordnance to be stored and treated at the Marpi Point open detonation area. Nancy Lindsay of the EPA's Pacific Southwest Region says proper disposal of unexploded munitions will be greatly streamlined with the permit. She says the permit also provides for greater protection for the community and the environment. In the past, short-term emergency measures were used to address the hazards from unexploded ordnance.

Coral Sea species facing extinction: WWF
The Age - 22 May 2008
The Coral Sea must be declared a protected zone to save sharks and some other marine species from rapid extinction, says the conservation group WWF. The organisation says two separate reports show many Coral Sea marine species are isolated and vulnerable to overfishing. It is home to populations of whitetip and grey reef sharks, nautilus, maori wrasse and other fish species, which WWF says have been decimated in similar habitats around the world...more

Biosecurity bill to tighten up border protection [Cook Islands]
Contributed by Ana Tiraa - 19 May 2008
The agriculture ministry is hoping for more feedback on the proposed Cook Islands biosecurity bill following meetings in Atiu, Mangaia and Aitutaki. Agriculture secretary Nga Mataio says they noted what was said in those outer islands, and he hopes more people will respond after two more consultative meetings are held on Rarotonga in the near future. Members of the public have until the end of June to have their say on the bill, which will equip bio-security staff with greater means to protect the country from pests and diseases. Chief quarantine officer Ngatoko Ngatoko says among the changes under the draft bill will be the penalty rate for both individuals and companies who breach biosecurity laws. The new bill proposes fines of up to a maximum of $10,000 for individuals, and $200,000 for companies.

Six-month trial for new marine conservation tool
SPREP - 16 May 2008
A five-day assessment training workshop recently concluded in Republic of Marshall Islands, initiating a six-month trial of a new approach to socio-economic monitoring in the Pacific islands. The workshop was attended by 17 marine conservationists from five Pacific island countries and territories who were trained in the use of the new SEM-Pasifika Guidelines for designing and conducting needs-specific socio-economic surveys, data analysis, and interpreting and using information. Each participant will now receive funding from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) to put their new skills into practice at their chosen sites over the next six months...more

Oceania prepares for the Ramsar Convention 10th Conference of the Parties
SPREP - 14 May 2008
The relationship between healthy wetlands and healthy communities is a critical issue for the Oceania region. Pacific communities rely on wetlands for their cultural and physical well being, with wetlands being a main contributor for livelihoods and the standard of living in the region. This was one of the key points raised during a preparatory meeting of Oceania parties to the Ramsar Convention in Samoa in April. The Ramsar Convention promotes the conservation and wise use of the world’s wetlands. In April, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) hosted a preparatory meeting for the Pacific islands countries and territories, which are parties to the Ramsar Convention...more

No place for tuna to hide
Fiji Times - 14 May 2008
THERE are far less tuna in the sea than there used to be. What we see now is tuna being pursued with more sophisticated technology and there really is no place for fish to hide any longer. That is the observation of Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of York in the United Kingdom. Dire words of warning by the Pacific's very own marine scientists are still not being heeded by those responsible for managing the region's valuable tuna resource... more

7 Pacific countries race against time as deadline to claim extra ocean space draws near
China View - 12 May 2008
Fiji and six other Pacific island countries are beginning to feel pressure to complete their submissions to the United Nations to claim extra ocean space, with only one year remaining to the May 2009 deadline. Fiji along with Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Palau, the Federate States of Micronesia, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have a credible claim to more than 1.5 million square kilometers of additional space beyond their current 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),the Suva-based PACNEWS regional news agency reported on Monday. This is being made possible under Article 76 of the International Law of the Sea, the report said. A week-long workshop on the preparation on Fiji's submission on Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) began Monday in Fiji and was coordinated by the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and Geoscience Australia (GA) and the UN Environment Program (UNEP) Shelf Program. It was the first time the pacific region to combine the efforts in its bid to extend the exclusive economic zones. SOPAC, GA and UNEP would help these countries to complete the activities required to delineate the outer limits of their continental shelf. These countries are currently faced with the costly and complex work of data identification, collection, analysis and submission preparation, the PACNEWS reported...more

Export Of Live Reef Fish Now Banned In Palau
Pacific Magazine - 11 May 2008
The exportation of live reef fish has now been banned in Palau, following spirited debate over whether it was a matter for state or national government control. Rather than a stand alone bill, the ban on the exporting of live reef fish was this week passed after being attached to a bill to increase the maximum loan amount by the Palau National Development Bank. Individual State governments had granted permission for life fish exports by collecting direct fees and until this law, no national legislation protected these vital resources...more

Climate change hinders progress on MDGs
MediaGlobal - 11 May 2008
If developing countries don’t adapt to climate change they could face serious setbacks to achieving poverty elimination goals. “Developed countries are much better prepared for climate change even if they have less risk of being impacted by climate change. In developing countries, the needs for adaptation are overwhelming,” Cecilia Ugaz of the Human Development Report Office of the United Nations Development Programme, told an audience at the UN Secretariat today. Last week, the Economic and Social Council’s President, Leo Merores, said that finding solutions to climate change would make achieving the anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) easier...In the South Pacific, the nine islands that make up Tuvalu are already showing signs of being particularly vulnerable to climate change. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted water levels will rise a half meter. This has disastrous consequences, as the highest point of the islands reaches just 4.5 meters above the waves. Friends of the Earth, an environmental group, believes that developing nations can better adapt to climate change and tackle poverty with the help of the developed world. “There’s a close relationship between climate change and poverty...more

How non-compliance hurts [Fiji]
Fiji Times - 11 May 2008
FIJI's marine eco-system is the life of coastal villages that depend on it for their food. Often hiding the rare beauty of marine species and coral reefs, our marine and eco systems play a pivotal role in our survival. There are many reasons for their conservation and preservation. These include ensuring a source of livelihood, tourism benefits, income generation, employment opportunities and foreign exchange. However, marine studies associate professor Dr Joeli Veitayaki says the biggest threat to marine conservation is the lack of compliance. Dr Veitayaki said while marine conservation remains significant, the need to maintain the health and integrity of the marine environment is a challenging factor. He said daily activities were largely detrimental to marine resources and there was a need for resource management and conservation...more

Pacific EIAs Under Review
Pacific Magazine - 9 May 2008
Environmental impact assessments (EIA) and strategic environment assessments are words that may make the average reader cringe however they are vital to our well being in the Pacific. These assessments serve to help curb unrestrained development and its resulting negative impacts upon our environment. In so doing, our Pacific way of life is maintained. The role of environmental impact assessments is now under review in the Pacific. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is leading this review, and is looking at several countries to provide sample case studies...more

Global warming on next APIL agenda
Guampadn - 9 May 2008
Pacific island lawmakers ended their three-day general assembly on Guam yesterday with a plan to further discuss global warming when they meet again as a smaller group in November. The just-concluded Association of Pacific Island Legislatures' 27th general assembly addressed a wide range of issues that affect islands in the region, said Speaker Judith Won Pat of the Guam Legislature. Because of time constraints, the association's members were unable to extensively discuss the effect of rising sea levels on the tiny island nations in the Micronesia region. But global warming will be discussed at the association's board meeting in the Marshall Islands in November, Won Pat said. General assembly delegate Alik J. Alik, vice speaker of the Marshall Islands' Nitijela, or Parliament, said concerns about rising sea levels have prompted some people in the island republic to relocate or consider relocating...more

New legislation in Samoa could see govt own all rivers and streams
RNZI - 7 May 2008
In Samoa, villages which own the rivers and streams in their village boundary could be stripped of their authorities on such natural resources if a government bill is passed. The management resource bill from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is now before a parliamentary committee for a final review and consideration. Parliament passed the second reading of the legislation which aims to protect all water resources in the country...more

Leaders Ask For International Assistance On Marine Resources [Palau]
Pacific Magazine - 6 May 2008
Elected and traditional leaders of Palau’s Ngarchelong State’s have called upon world experts on coastal marine resource management to help them design a program to manage their resources at a leadership summit, which began today...more

NZ tourism may survive climate change, but travel costs a risk
NZ Herald - 6 May 2008
Climate change due to global warming will help determine a new crop of winners and losers - in tourism...."The island states in the South Pacific ... are particularly reliant on tourism," Mr Heymann said. "If tourists stay away from them, the economic setbacks are extremely serious." Reduced tourism income for economic development in many emerging markets, including the island states in the South Pacific would be not only due to worsening climatic conditions. "If prices for air trips increase, for example, because of their inclusion in emissions trading and if (as a result of that) fewer people travel to faraway destinations, the negative economic impact would be perceptible," Mr Heymann said... more

Fitial tells Bush of concerns over Pew's proposal [Northern Mariana Islands]
Saipan Tribune - 6 May 2008
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has asked President Bush to reject a proposal to create a marine national monument in the northern islands. Fitial in a letter to Bush said the designation “would, in my view, greatly reduce or eliminate the ability of the CNMI government to carefully balance cultural, environmental, and economic considerations in the region in an open and inclusive manner.” The governor noted that his position is shared by most lawmakers, who recently adopted a resolution opposing the proposed marine sanctuary. But Angelo Villagomez, a local coordinator of Pew Charitable Trusts, which has made the proposal, said much of the opposition to the marine monument is based on misinformation. He said that Pew will continue its efforts to educate the public on the proposal...more

News from MNRE [Samoa]
MNRE Newsletter - May 2008
MYNA BIRD CONTROL PROGRAMS - As seen with intolerance fear to the alarming increase of
the voracious myna bird, the Ministry (MNRE) is currently coordinating a control program to gradually anticipate problems arising with myna. The purpose of the program is to manage and control bird breeding in numbers and its spread to other parts of the islands posing more and more problems towards our environment, not to mention the struggle behind our daily livelihoods that's affected bit by bit as we continue to ignore them.

Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) - Vaiusu Bay Mangrove Area has been selected as a pilot sight for the PoWPA Project. Located on the western side of the Apia town area, at 90 ha it is the largest mangrove area in Samoa and considered to be the largest in Eastern
Polynesia. Mangroves are unique ecosystems of high scientific and environmental values. They form a very productive ecosystem and are a source of renewable resources in terms of the wide range of vital roles they provide on a continuous basis...Over the next two years the PoWPA Project will be working towards restoring balance back into the Vaiusu Bay Mangrove Area by: mangrove reforestation, restoration of Vaitoloa dumpsite, marine resources rehabilitation, improving waste management in Vaiusu Bay, reduce flooding and developing ecotourism.

Environment: INVASIVE SPECIES THREATENS BIODIVERSITY
islands Business - May 2008
Pacific biodiversity is more than just trees and flowers in our garden and the birds we hear, it is the foundation for our way of life in the islands. Our culture, traditions, economy, diet, health and living standards revolve around Pacific biodiversity, which helps contribute to the individuality of the Pacific Islands. Our Pacific is biologically unique. We have high numbers of species that are endemic, which means they are found nowhere else in the world but the Pacific, and often restricted to only one or a few Pacific islands. In all, we are home to more than 400 endemic bird species; a full 30% of our native plant species are endemic....One of the major threats to our biodiversity is “invasive species”, which are often called pests and weeds. These are plants, animals and other organisms taken beyond their natural range by people, deliberately or unintentionally, and which become destructive to the environment or human interests. Besides the damage they cause to the environment, many have enormous impacts on national economies, on human livelihoods and health....more

Environment/PNG: OPPOSITION MOUNTS AGAINST WASTE PLAN
islands Business - May 2008
Opposition to the tailings disposal plans of the multi-million kina Ramu Nickel project is mounting in PNG. The PNG Catholic Church, the largest Christian denomination in the country, has joined growing chorus of protest calling for a review of Ramu’s environmental plans...more

New report of interest: Weathercocks and signposts: the environment movement at a crossroads
WWF - 5 May 2008
"Weathercocks and Signposts critically reassesses current approaches to motivating environmentally-friendly behaviour change. Current behaviour-change strategies are increasingly built upon analogy with product marketing campaigns. They often take as given the 'sovereignty' of consumer choice, and the perceived need to preserve current lifestyles intact. This report constructs a case for a radically different approach. It presents evidence that any adequate
strategy for tackling environmental challenges will demand engagement with the values that underlie the decisions we make – and, indeed, with our sense of who we are." ...www.wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/weathercocks_report.pdf

People control conservation [Fiji]
Fiji Times - 4 May 2008
Communities around Fiji are showing great leadership in protecting their natural resources. A long-running partnership between the Macuata community, government and non-government organisations has resulted in protection of vital natural resources in the area. The success of communities in Macuata has been an inspiration to other parts of Fiji and the Pacific through the Locally Marine Area Network (LMMA). Recently, representatives from Macuata, WWF-global conservation organisation, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Wetlands International Oceania (WIO), the Fijian Locally Managed Marine Areas Network (FLMMA), the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Fiji Government met to discuss the proposed reconfiguration of the network of protected areas (tabu sites) in Macuata...more

Pacific Energy News Iss. no. 1 - May 2008
SOPAC - 4 May 2008
The first issue of Pacific Energy News for 2008 is available to be downloaded from the SOPAC website. Includes updates on national and regional news and energy project related developments....download - http://www.sopac.org/tiki/tiki-download_file.php?fileId=1526

Four licences in draft mining bill [Cook Islands]
Contributed by Ana Tiraa - 3 May 2008
The proposed mining bill being processed by crown law allows for the issuing of four different licences. It's under these licences that any prospecting for or mining of manganese nodules on the Cook Islands seabed will be carried out. The licences are a reconnaissance licence, an exploration licence, a retention licence and an exploitation licence. However, the bill will not allow the granting of any licence to a person or company whose financial standing and technical competence does not satisfy the minister. The mining bill initially drafted in 1997 has been forwarded to crown law again for rechecking and formatting. According to the draft bill, the holder of the reconnaissance licence will have the right to carry out a search for a specified mineral or group of minerals within a specific area it applied for. The minister will put in writing how the search should be carried out. An exploration licence is given for the exploration of minerals specified in the licence and to do 'all such other acts and things as are necessary for or reasonably incidental to the carrying out of such exploration'. The retention licence gives the holder the exclusive right to apply for an exploitation licence within the area for which the retention licence has been granted. The bill will not allow a holder of an exploration licence to apply for a retention licence.
An exploitation licence is given to one that is not the holder of an exploration licence or a retention licence. An exploitation licence can be for 25 years to give the applicant adequate time to exercise the rights granted by the licence. Meanwhile, the minister will have to take into consideration the protection of the marine environment when assessing the issuance of licences. According to the bill, the minister must take into account the need to conserve and protect areas relating to the sea, seabed and subsoil of the territorial sea and exclusive economic zone, including all sea life.
" The minister may cause such environmental impact studies and other studies to be carried out and consider any representation made to him as he thinks necessary to enable him, before reaching his decision, to give proper consideration to such matters." However, the minister's decision to refuse a licence can be appealed to the high court. The bill does not provide for the granting of sovereign rights.

Pacific ban hazardous waste with Waigani Convention
SPREP - 2 May 2008
Seven years ago the Waigani Convention came into force, providing a comprehensive mechanism to address hazardous waste issues in the Pacific region. It gives the Pacific an effective means of preventing waste traders from turning the region into an international waste dump. It also stops ships from using the Pacific as a highway for hazardous waste and helps the region carry out the clean up of hazardous and radioactive waste in the region. This week is the second meeting of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee of the Waigani Convention (STAC 2) held at Headquarters of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Apia Samoa. SPREP and its member countries have met to map out ways in which they can strengthen the Convention further...more

Two Samoas hold environment summit
RNZI - 2 May 2008
Protection of marine and land resources has been the focus of an environment summit between the two Samoas. A six member delegation from the South Pacific Environment Program, Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Ministry of Agriculture, and Fisheries attended the 2 day summit. Local agencies represented were Marine and Wildlife, Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service... more

April 2008

Solomons forests could disappear by 2014
ABC - 30 April 2008
The enviromental group Greenpeace says Solomon Islands may lose its largest export industry if the government does not take immediate action. A recent report by the International Moneary Fund predicted all natural commercial forests in the Solomons will be gone by 2014, leading to a drastic loss of income unless things change now. Logging accounts for almost 70 per cent of Solomon Islands export income and Greenpeace predicts so much timber is being cut down that there'll be nothing to sell to other countries in the future. A Greenpeace report on the issue details ways the nation can avoid a logging-induced economic collapse ...more

SOLOMONS TIGHTEN RULES ON LOGGING, MINING: Companies must produce environmental impact reports
PI Report - 29 April 2008
Government is putting in place a number of measures in efforts to save the country's forests from over exploitation and total destruction. The measures were announced last Friday by the acting minister for Finance and Treasury Gordon Darcy Lilo and his counterpart Sir Allan Kemakeza, the minister for Forestry. Mr Lilo, who is the minister for Environment and Conservation said under the environment act, all logging companies are required to review their public environment reports. He said this means companies which failed to produce environment reports to a standard acceptable under the environment act will have their licence recommended for cancellation by the minister for Forestry. Mr Lilo said all companies in the logging, mining and agriculture sectors have been notified that before they commence any operation, they must obtain a public environment report...more

MICRONESIA TO SEEK SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
PI Report - 29 April 2008
Micronesian leaders concluded the 9th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit in Palau over the weekend, reaching an agreement to lobby the U.S. Congress and other organisations to assist the region in its plan to explore sustainable renewable energy production. Chief executives of the region signed a joint communique that calls for the development of the Micronesian Center for a Sustainable Future and the start of a regional feasibility study and assessment on different renewable energy sources including wind mapping, ocean energy and solid waste energy. The communique also endorsed the formulation and implementation of a regional sustainable energy policy that will address the rising cost of electricity and progressively reduce the region's reliance on fossil fuels....more

MARINE BIODIVERSITY WORKING GROUP HIGHLIGHTS
Earth Negotiations Bulletin - 28 April 2008
The second meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group of the General Assembly to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (the Working Group) opened on Monday, 28 April, at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York. ..Tonga, for the PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM (PIF), stated that the Working Group is the appropriate forum to discuss needs, including enhanced regime implementation, consideration of new approaches and regimes, and the use of caution with regard to ocean sequestration technologies. AUSTRALIA supported PIF and stressed the need to address the causes and impacts of overfishing and destructive fishing practices and to focus on threats to, and protection of, vulnerable marine ecosystems....MARSHALL ISLANDS urged global recognition of EIAs, especially with regard to oceans-based climate mitigation activities. He called for the establishment of best practices and EIA guidance to quantify and identify risks, with a focus on methods for evaluating cumulative impacts....more

SOLOMONS GET GREEN LIGHT ON DOLPHIN EXPORTS
PI Report - 28 April 2008
The Solomon Islands government can continue to export live dolphins after it successfully defended its position on the issue during a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. The Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) took the action following a submission by Israel for CITES to review the Solomon Islands export of live dolphins. The Solomon Islands Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nollen Leni, and a local expert in Dolphins, Dr Baddley Anita, represented the country. Mr Leni said from Geneva that the Committee found Israel’s request lacked scientific backing, especially when Solomon Islands proved it had fulfilled all CITES requirements. He said the approval by CITES means it can continue its dolphin export as long as the local populations remain in abundance.

Pacific Prepares For World's Biggest Biodiversity Gathering
Pacific Magazine - 26 April 2008
The Pacific has come together to develop a united strategy in preparation for the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) 9th Conference of the parties to be held in May this year. A three-day retreat saw nine Pacific islands countries meet to outline their priorities and how they will work together at the CBD’s Conference of the parties. “Basically we just want to make sure the Pacific is not disadvantaged. We need to make sure as much as possible that our priorities and concerns are reflected in the discussions that take place at the CBD Conference of the Parties. If we don’t, we could miss out on benefits like technical support and possible financial assistance to advance biodiversity conservation in our region.” Said Ana Tiraa, SPREP’s Islands Biodiversity Officer. Member countries at the last SPREP inter-governmental meeting requested the preparatory meeting. SPREP’s role at the CBD’s 9th Conference of the Parties will be to advise and support the Pacific islands countries present. The preparatory meeting also identified priority agenda items for the Pacific region....more

Dump Receivers To Raise Funds Through Revenue Bond [Guam]
Pacific Magazine - 26 April 2008
A revenue bond likely will be floated in order to close the Ordot dump and open a new landfill, reports the Pacific Daily News. Last month Federal Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood ordered government solid waste operations into receivership because of the Guam government's inability to complete the solid-waste tasks spelled out in a 2003 court order, including the opening of a new landfill. The court-appointed receiver, Gershman, Brickner and Bratton, aims to divert 50 percent of the waste stream from the landfill, noting that only about 2 percent of Guam's waste currently is currently recycled. The receivers say they are " reasonably confident we can work through the process of establishing a mechanism for a revenue bond…It's a matter of ensuring the bond market that it will be paid.” ...more

CNMI SEEKS APPROVAL TO OPEN NEW TOUR ATTRACTIONS: Environmental assessment next step for Saipan cave and lake [Northern Mariana Islands]
PI Report - 25 April 2008
An environmental assessment will be conducted on two eco-tourism development projects that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Public Works (DPW) will implement in due time, according to DPW Secretary Diego B. Songsong yesterday. Songsong said DPW is now in the process of selecting a firm that will perform the environmental assessment for Kalabera Cave and the Lake Susupe Boardwalk projects...more

CNMI LAWMAKERS DON'T WANT MARINE SANCTUARY [Northern Mariana Islands]
PI Report - 25 April 2008
The Senate has adopted a joint resolution against the creation of a Northern Islands National Monument. According to S.J.R. 16-4, the Senate "does not support the establishment, creation, or designation of a marine monument, marine sanctuary, or national park in the vicinity of any of the Northern Islands of the CNMI." It said the proposal needs careful study and deliberation prior to its implementation. The non-profit Pew Environment Group proposes the establishment of a marine national monument comprising the northern islands of Uracas, Maug, and Asuncion, similar to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument created by President Bush on June 15, 2006...more

New web resource:The Great Pacific Garbage Patch [streaming video]
On Earth Day 2008, SustainLane launched the pilot episode of “Gorilla in the Greenhouse,” an action-packed, web-based, animated show that inspires kids to take real-world steps towards a healthier planet. The pilot episode, entitled The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which launched on Earth Day 2008, follows the kids as they face a demented plot by Dr. Morton Huffelbot to create an island of plastic bags in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In the show, the kids travel to the island to observe the situation, go undercover into the plastic bag factory and then foil the plot though multiple actions: they spread their green message through their social networks, rally cities to ban plastic bags, design a new eco-friendly bag and create awareness through their original song “Bag the Bag (The Gyre Song).”
Runtime 7:42 ..view video - http://www.greengorilla.com/?p=3

It's Now Or Never For Solomons Fisheries: Greenpeace
Pacific Magazine - 24 April 2008
Greenpeace has launched two reports in the Solomon Islands that highlight the fragility of the nation’s two key natural resources, fisheries and forestry, and provide practical and ecologically responsible solutions to ensure their viability for generations to come. This was part of the Greenpeace activities as the environmental organizations’ ship, the MY Esperenza, docked in Honiara yesterday after being at sea for three weeks. The crew of the Esperanza have defended the international waters of the Pacific as no-take marine reserves against overfishing of yellowfin and bigeye tuna. “The Solomon Islands will be in a dire social, environmental and economic situation if the grave mistakes made with industrial logging, are repeated with tuna fisheries,” said Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO, Steve Shallhorn...The Greenpeace report “Securing the Future: An alternative plan for Solomon Island forests and economy”, calls for an immediate moratorium on all new logging licences and the cancellation of any license that breaches the law. It also recommends the forestry sector move away from industrial logging for round log exports and towards community based eco-forestry, exporting sawn timber and investigating the potential for the Solomon Island forests to benefit from carbon trading. ...more

DUMPING OF TOXIC WASTE ON INDIGENOUS LANDS, DAMAGE FROM MINING, DEFORESTATION AMONG ISSUES, AS INDIGENOUS FORUM DISCUSSION FOCUSES ON PACIFIC REGION
Media Newswire - 24 April 2008
Continuing its seventh annual session with a half-day discussion on the Pacific, delegates to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues called for the Forum to take a more robust role in inducing other parts of the United Nations system to carry out mandates for securing the rights of the indigenous peoples in the region. Four expert panellists began the discussion with an overview of issues facing indigenous peoples in the Pacific, including the use of indigenous lands as toxic waste sites, or as production sites for industries causing major environmental damage, such as mining and forestry. Michael Dodson, Member of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues holding the human rights portfolio, said indigenous land and waters were being targeted by industrialized nations for dumping of toxic or radioactive wastes from industrial or military operations, often without informing residents of dangers. Ecosystems were also being destroyed in the search for natural resources, for example by the phosphate mines of Nauru, Banaba and Makatea Islands, and the copper and gold mines of Ok Tedi, Panguna, Freeport and Vatukoula. Mr. Dodson noted that indigenous peoples lived in zones sensitive to climate change, with the Pacific island countries being particularly susceptible to a rise in sea level. The worst-case scenario -- a one metre rise in sea level -- would affect tourism, fresh water availability, aquaculture, agriculture, human settlements and human health. ..more

Energy projects shared with Pacific
Contributed by Ana Tiraa - 23 April 2008
The Cook Islands is currently sharing with other regional countries its experiences with the two renewable energy projects it has - the Mangaia wind project and the Pukapuka photovoltaic (PV) system. Te Aponga Uira's generation manager Nooroa Tupa is attending a meeting of regional small island states in Vanuatu where representatives are sharing their experiences in the area of renewable energy. Photovoltaics, or PV for short, is a technology that converts light directly into electricity. Due to the growing need for solar energy, the manufacture of solar cells and solar photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent years and this is being trialled in Pukapuka. This has also been referred to locally as the 'solar project'. It is best known as a method for generating solar power by using solar cells packaged in photovoltaic modules, often electrically connected in multiples as solar photovoltaic arrays to convert energy from the sun into electricity. To explain the photovoltaic solar panel's science, photons from sunlight knock electrons into a higher state of energy, creating electricity. Vanutau's natural resources minister Maxime Carlot Korman told delegates that lack of awareness is a chief barrier to the widespread use of renewable energy in the Pacific region.

SHORELINE POLLUTION THREATENS FIJI'S PRISTINE WATERS [commentary]
PI Report - 22 April 2008
There was once a time when the Suva Harbour was a sparkling azure sea with numerous and abundant varieties of fish flitting around vibrant coral reefs. At that time, the only lights would have been from wood fires stoked continuously through the night to lend warmth to the home. Inevitably, development reached our shores and along with its wonders, came some negative baggage. An expected outcome of most, if not all development activities is the pollution it creates in the wake of making our surroundings more aesthetic or life a little bit more convenient. Development has taken us into the age of canned coconut cream where before there was no easy way out of coconut scraping duties early on a Sunday morning. Plastic bags have replaced the once common basket or cloth bag simply because it is a more convenient option. Thus, one can determine that most of our actions have accompanying polluting consequences. In a small island nation like ours, where we are largely maritime in nature, dealing with pollution is a growing concern...more

Teach ecology with 'Reef in a Box' [Guam]
Pacific Daily News - 20 April 2008
With the future at stake, the University of Guam and the island's marine environment have found the perfect ally: children. The university's Marine Lab is introducing the "Reef in a Box," a teaching tool intended to help ensure Guam's sea life doesn't become a faint memory. "2008 is the International Year of the Reef, and this project helps to instill in schoolchildren a lifelong appreciation of Guam's coral reefs," said the Marine Lab's Peter Schupp. Fourteen boxes are available to middle school teachers and are valued at $500 each, according to a UOG press release circulated on Thursday. The press release said the box is based on an environmental study, "Coral Reefs: an English/Spanish Compilation of Activities for Middle School Students," but has been modified to engross even younger kids. "It's tailored to Guam," Schupp said. "Our box is all about the threats encountered on Guam, what can be done about it and how to educate kids on what not to do, to minimize the damage to the reef in the future." ...more

New report: The illegal trade in timber and timber products in the Asia-Pacific region
AIC - April 2008
The illegal trade in timber and timber products leads to economic losses in many countries as well as environmental degradation. International policy exists to curtail some of the trade, but there are still clandestine operations by large organisations and criminal networks. This report examines the scale of the illegal timber trade in the Asia-Pacific region, encompassing the processes and current trends in logging, sourcing, trafficking, manufacturing, importing and consumption of illegal timber and timber products. Assessments of countries' timber resources, extent of illegal logging, policies and legislation, and enforcement initiatives show the efficacy of local, regional, national and international legislative frameworks and actions to suppress illegal trade. The report highlights the need for cooperative policies and regulations between countries to resolve sovereignty issues, share information and develop standards. Issues addressing monitoring the transit of timber and timber products would identify weaknesses in governance, laws, policies and enforcement. Potential research that identifies the causes of the trade, economic dimensions and legal frameworks combined with government intelligence would inform policymaking...Download from http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/rpp/89/

Guarding the riches of the ocean
Mining Online - 18 April 2008
Undersea-mining environmental regulations are being developed as commercial operations loom . SPACE may be called the final frontier on TV, but for mining industry and environmentalists, bragging rights must surely go to the ocean deeps – the most inaccessible and unexplored regions on Earth. Speculation has continued for decades about the potential mineral riches on the ocean floor, but there have always been four problems with extracting them: no one really knows what is down there; the expense of prospecting for such minerals could be prohibitive; there is as yet no comprehensive internationally-agreed legal regime covering potential work in global waters; and there is the risk of causing irreparable damage to ecosystems that are barely understood...more

SPREP launches news Biodiversity newsletter
SPREP - 18 April 2008
SPREP has launched 'Living Islands: SPREP's Biodiversity Newsletter'.. The first issue is April 2008 and is available online - http://www.sprep.org/documents/highlights/biodiversity/sprepbiodiversity01.pdf

New publication: Locally-Managed Marine Areas: A guide to supporting Community-Based Adaptive Management (freely available online)
April 2008
This document presents step-by-step guidelines and community organizing activities and ‘tools’ used in setting up a LMMA. This guide is intended for those working in the local management of coastal resources, including community members and leaders, local and national government
agencies, non-government organizations, universities and other interested parties. The guidebook is available at:
http://www.lmmanetwork.org/Site_Page.cfm?PageID=64

New Report Highlights Environmental Issues; Some in Unlikely Places
EPA - April 2008
Cutting tons of pollution from power plants, turning food waste into energy, preserving threatened waterways, and reducing exposure to toxics in beauty salons -- just a few of the issues highlighted in the newly released 2008 environmental progress report. The illustrated report takes an in-depth look at many of the important environmental issues facing Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, 146 tribes, and several Pacific Islands. ..more. see EPA Progress Report 2008: Pacific SouthWest Region

Scientists study lagoon for future management [Cook Islands]
Contributed by Ana Tiraa - 17 April 2008
A five-member team from the Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) in Fiji is in Aitutaki until mid-May to carry out a marine survey. The survey includes mapping of the lagoon and is a part of the regional project to reduce vulnerability in Pacific states. A shipping container full of the team's scientific equipment arrived on Saturday aboard the Southern Express. The team was busy on Sunday unloading the equipment to begin placing data gathering devices inside the lagoon.
SOPAC's senior project officer Peni Musu says the three current meters are placed at different locations and multiple sonar beams in these meters help map out the lagoon floor. The current meters collect data on waves, as well as current speed and direction. Tide gauges will also sit on the lagoon floor for a month to collect tidal information. Local head marine resources officer Richard Story and marine officer Ngere George have been helping the SOPAC team.
The project began with consultations three years ago and last month SOPAC oceanographer Jens Kruger and his team met with marine resources, the environment service and aid management to find the island that would most benefit from the survey. Because of the constraints to Aitutaki's economic growth caused by limited ports handling capabilities and the high cost of unloading containers, the project will provide valuable data to be used when planning the dredging of the Avatapu channel.

Land zoning for Rarotonga to go to the people [Cook Islands]
Contributed by Ana Tiraa - 17 April 2008
The office of the prime minister will soon consult with the public in Rarotonga to discuss land zoning possibilities for the island. A team consisting of Dr David Leslie (NZ Landcare), Inoke Ratukalou (SPC land management) and Marita Manley (SPC economist) presented their zoning approach yesterday in Rarotonga. The team was tasked by government in 2006 to draw up zoning ideas for minimum and maximum guidelines appropriate to the environment of Rarotonga for developmental activities. At a workshop yesterday morning, the team highlighted the land zoning prospects and identified key land use opportunities for both development and protection of land.
They say that zoning would establish criteria and standards for the protection, conservation and preservation of flora and fauna, and common property resources such as land, water and air where the natural resources have been threatened by human activity.

Betel Nut Chewing Endangers Reefs
Solomon Times - 16 April 2008
Betel nut chewing contributes to the degradation of coral reefs, was a message among others that stood out at the launch of the Pacific year of reefs 2008. People who enjoy chewing betel nuts were told to think twice about how much damage their habit has done to the reefs....more

Islanders act to protect their lagoons [Cook Islands]
Contributed by Ana Tiraa 0 16 April 2008
Lagoon management and how well this should be done to sustain nature and the marine life that comes with it was drummed around Rarotonga and Aitutaki for at least ten days. The beauty of this ‘drumming’ was that it was community driven and supported by WWF Cook Islands who gathered international experts to help put together the thoughts of the communities. Annie Aubanel and Charles Egretaud are from IFRECOR – a French government agency specialising in resources mapping of marine protected areas. Hugh Govan is from LMMA (Locally Managed Marine Areas), a network of marine protected areas in Asia/Pacific. Caroline Vieux is a SPREP coral reef management officer. WWF’s marine officer Sylvia George said they concluded all meetings in Rarotonga and Aitutaki with plans on the ‘next steps forward’ developed by the communities for better management of their lagoons, including ra’ui areas. Participants noted in the meetings that any land-based activity can have a direct impact on the coast. Such as agriculture and deforestation that wash soil into lagoons, smothering coral and spawning sites. Even effluent seeping into the lagoon from household septic tanks, tourist resorts and farms. Reclamation of land and the construction of seawalls also cause major problems and over-harvesting of seafood and coconut crabs is depleting the diversity of species along the coastal environment.

Climate change protection a Pacific challenge
ABC - 15 April 2008
A leading planner in the Pacific says instituting measures to protect people, infrastructure and the environment from climate change will be more challenging than in developed countries...more

New publications available from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility [GBIF]
April 2008
First GBIF Training Manual available now - GBIF Training Manual 1: "Digitisation of Natural History Collections Data" is now available online ...download...http://www.gbif.org/Stories/STORY1203629435

Guide to Best Practices for Generalising Sensitive Species Occurrence Data
The Guide to Best Practices for Generalising Sensitive Species Occurrence Data is now available in PDF... download ...http://www.gbif.org/News/NEWS1206991025

AMERICAN GUILTY OF SMUGGLING FIJI IGUANAS: Faces 20-year jail term
PI Report - 16 April 2008
An American man has been acquitted of smuggling iguanas from Fiji to the United States in his hollowed-out prosthetic leg. However, Jereme James, 34, was found guilty of concealing and possessing Fiji Island banded iguanas (Brachylophus fasciatus), an endangered species, and could face up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on July 14....more

PNG'S RAMU NICKEL MINE TO DUMP TAILINGS IN SEA: Company says waste will be "neutralized"
PI Report - 16 April 2008
Ramu NiCO Management Company, the operator of the Ramu nickel and cobalt mine, has promised not to endanger any environment or marine life with its proposed deep sea tailings placement (DSTP). A company spokesman said that the deep sea tailings discharge was not submarine marine tailings, while submarine tailing discharge system usually discharged the tailing into the shallow sea water...more

CORAL EXPORTERS PLUNDER REEFS IN FIJI: Villagers earn "peanuts" in $16 million industry
PI Report - 16 April 2008
Coastal villagers who plant and sell corals are being ripped off by exporters who pay them only FJ$150 to FJ$200 (US$101 to US$135) a week while making FJ$1.5 million to FJ$2 million (US$1 million to $1.3 million). The Fisheries Department has decided that it is not going to increase the number of operators who go out or work with coastal communities to collect both live and dead corals from the reefs. "And some of them are only operated by four or five people and they have a turnover between FJD$1.5 to FJD$2million (US$1,011,340-$1,348,454). All these people are all millionaires and yet they only pay $30 (US$20.22) permit through the Environment department’s Fisheries," research officer Aisake Batibasaga said...more

PALAU BILL WOULD BAN EXPORT OF MIGRATORY FISH: Tuna, billfish, sharks would be protected
PI Report - 16 April 2008
President Remengesau has proposed a bill which prohibits the commercial export of highly migratory fish from Palau and bans foreign fishing vessels from Palau waters. The president introduced Fisheries Protection Act of 2008. In a letter to Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) leaders, the president said the bill would finally put an end to the over-exploitation of Palau’s highly-migratory fish populations by creating one of the largest sanctuaries for migratory fish in the Pacific. "Under its provisions, no one may export for commercial purposes any highly migratory fish, including tuna, tuna-like species, billfish, and sharks," the president said....more

Yap starts invasive species action planning process [FSM]
SPREP - 15 April 2008
PILN Coordinator Jill Key facilitated two half-day multi-agency workshops in February to start the invasive species action planning process in Yap. The coordinating mechanisms and strategic framework of the invasive species action plan were identified at the workshops, which represent the first step in a longer strategic action planning process... more

Bikini corals recover from atomic blast
University of Queensland online - 14 April 2008
Half a century after the last earth-shattering atomic blast shook the Pacific atoll of Bikini, the corals are flourishing again. Some coral species, however, appear to be locally extinct. These are the findings of a remarkable investigation by an international team of scientists from Australia, Germany, Italy, Hawaii and the Marshall Islands. The expedition examined the diversity and abundance of marine life in the atoll. One of the most interesting aspects is that the team dived into the vast Bravo Crater left in 1954 by the most powerful American atom bomb ever exploded (15 megatonnes - a thousand times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb). The Bravo bomb vapourised three islands, raised water temperatures to 55,000 degrees, shook islands 200 kilometers away and left a crater 2km wide and 73m deep. After diving into the crater, Zoe Richards of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and James Cook University said: “I didn't know what to expect – some kind of moonscape perhaps. "But it was incredible, huge matrices of branching Porites coral (up to 8 meters high) had established, creating thriving coral reef habitat....more ..*The team's report on Bikini corals surviving atom bombs appears in Elsevier's Marine Pollution Bulletin No. 56, March 2008 page 503--515.

Turkey pledges $US37 million to Pacific
ABC - 14 April 2008
Turkey says it will give $US37 million towards small and medium scale projects in the Pacific Islands. The promise was made at the first ever Turkey-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul, held to strengthen relations between the West Asian state and Pacific countries. During the three-day meeting last week, ministers discussed possible areas for cooperation in the context of the globalisation and climate change challenges facing the Pacific...more

Protector of our ocean
Fiji Times - 13 April 2008
FORMER body builder-turned film star and now Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, could become the face for the protection and safety of the Pacific Ocean. Governor Schwarzenegger, who is known for his strong environmental policies, especially on climate change, is being sought after by planners of a new initiative to be known as the "Pacific Ocean 2020 Challenge." This challenge, which is being coordinated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature based in Suva, seeks to focus global attention, build new partnerships, and generate the necessary commitments to address threats to the world's largest natural resource the Pacific Ocean by 2020...more

New publication: 'Sharing Experiences - Sustainable sanitation in South East Asia and the Pacific'
April 2008
Includes the following case studies:

- 3. VANUATU:

Putting community development principles into practice: A case study of a rural water, sanitation and hygiene project in Vanuatu p.22

- 5. FIJI:

The Sanitation Park Project: A regional initiative to increase participatory approaches in the sanitation sector p.33

- 6. TIMOR LESTE:

A journey from subsidy to Community Led Total Sanitation: The experience of WaterAid Australia and Plan in Timor Leste p.38

- 7. PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

A Toilet Paper: Reflections on ATprojects school sanitation in Papua New Guinea .p.43

... download from http://www.watercentre.org/resources/sharing_experiences/

Oceania regional meeting on Wetlands opens
SPREP - 10 April 2008
The fourth Oceania regional meeting of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands opened today in Apia, Samoa. The two-day meeting is to prepare the Pacific Islands region for the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention, in October this year. The Ramsar Convention promotes the conservation and wise sustainable use of wetlands around the world. The importance of wetlands worldwide and to the Pacific region was highlighted during the welcome address of Asterio Takesy, the Director of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). “Wetlands are among the world’s most productive ecosystems and have cultural and traditional significance in the Pacific. They are our first line of defence against natural disasters and also provide our peoples with the essentials of life.” ...more

Ramsar Convention meeting in Samoa
SPREP - 8 April 2008
The Oceania region is coming together to develop a stronger Pacific voice at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention in October. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is coordinating a two-day preparatory meeting to be held at SPREP headquarters in Apia, Samoa from 10-11 April. Five Pacific Island countries are a party to the convention that promotes the conservation and wise, sustainable use of wetlands around the world: Fiji, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea and Samoa will be attending the upcoming preparatory meeting, along with non-party Kiribati who are currently in the process of joining the convention...more

U.S. EPA awards CNMI $400,000 to assess and cleanup Brownfields [Northern Marianas]
EPA - 8 April 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today a total of $400,000 in Brownfields grants to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The CNMI Division of Environmental Quality will receive $200,000 to continue assessment of hazardous substance sites and support community outreach activities. Another $200,000 will be provided to the CNMI Dept. of Public Lands for the cleanup of WWII unexploded ordnance on the northern end of Saipan. Eventually, this cleanup will allow for the development of approximately 500 new homesteads for local residents...more

News noted in the MNRE newsletter [Samoa]
April - 2008
- Conservation International (CI) signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment ( MNRE ) securing a long-term biodiversity conservation partnership. The MOU formalises a collaboration that has been ongoing for three years in a number of areas including invasive species management, marine conservation, threatened species recovery, environmental awareness programs and site based conservation including reserve and national parks management.

- The Prime Minister Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, officially opened the Conservation International's (CI) new Pacific office in Apia, and launched two new posters of Native Trees and Birds of Samoa was funded by CI.

- A two-day joint workshop on marine invasive species between American Samoa and Samoa was attended by Juney Ward with over twenty participants looking to forge a partnership to address the threat of invasion by foreign marine animals and plants. Participants heard presentations on the results of surveys that were carried out in the Archipelago since 2002. The surveys, carried out mostly in Pago Pago and Apia harbours, found many species brought into the Archipelago from places as far as the Caribbean, western Atlantic, Australia and the Indian Ocean. Shipping is the likely cause of how these foreign species arrived in the Archipelago, as most of them were found in the harbours. Those found in Apia were also likely to be found in Pago Pago.

WHO: Climate Change Threatens Millions
The Associated Press - 7 April 2008
Millions of people could face poverty, disease and hunger as a result of rising temperatures and changing rainfall expected to hit poor countries the hardest, the World Health Organization warned Monday ...Malaria-carrying mosquitoes represent the clearest sign that global warming has begun to impact human health, he said, adding they are now found in cooler climates such as South Korea and the highlands of Papua New Guinea....Omi said poorer countries with meager resources and weak health systems will be hit hardest because malnutrition is already widespread, with the young, women and the elderly at particular risk. He said unusual, unexpected climate patterns — too much rain or too little — will have an impact on food production, especially irrigated crops such as rice, and can cause unemployment, economic upheavals and political unrest ...more

Climate change a threat: Luveni
Fiji Times - 7 April 2008
CLIMATE change is a real threat to our Pacific islands and we will not be spared of its after effects and the health consequences, says Doctor Jiko Luveni. Dr Luveni, the interim Health Minister, made the at the launch of World Health Day, which will be celebrated throughout the week. Dr Luveni said the theme for this year, Protecting health from climate change, was very relevant and is designed to put health at the centre of Government policies on global warming. ..more

New Resource: Reefbase Pacific DVD
ReefBase Pacific is a regional project of the world’s leading information system on coral reefs - www.reefbase.org - and is coordinated by the WorldFish Center with joint funding by the Agence Francaise de Developpement and the United Nations Fund. The main focus of the project is to improve accessibility and availability of information relating to the dynamic relationships between people and reefs; livelihoods, natural systems, institutions and governance, and external threats and opportunities. One of the initial outcomes of the project is a database DVD containing information resources relating to reef fisheries and coral reef research, management, monitoring, conservation, and education in the Pacific Islands region. Project activities during 2008 will increase the quantity and range of information available on the DVD and associated web-based databases. The information tools produced by the ReefBase Pacific will provide support to reef resource management initiatives that consider implications for fisheries, livelihoods, and biodiversity.

For more information on the project, and to receive a copy of the DVD, please contact the ReefBase Pacific Project Coordinator, Pip Cohen, at P.Cohen@cgiar.org...find out more

Noted in Issue 2 of Vai Pasifika [joint newsletter of the Pacific Islands Observing Systems]
Contributed by Dean Solofa - 4 April 2008
PI-GOOS – Helping to Increase Access to Coastal and Ocean Observations; ReefBase Pacific: Capturing and Distributing Information Resources on Pacific Island Reef Fisheries; Historical Aerial Photos Help to Reveal Changing Shorelines; Coral Reef Bleaching Alerts.

PI-GCOS - PI-GCOS Instrument Plan to expand in 2008; Weather and Climate End User Consultation Workshops; Website Training for Pacific Island Meteorological Services.

Pacific HYCOS - Hydrological Data Rescue Reaches Samoa.
...download Vai Pasifika - http://www.sopac.org/tiki/tiki-download_file.php?fileId=1480

REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE DELIVERY OF MET SERVICES IN PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION
[Press Statement] contributed by Dean Solofa - 3 April 2008
The Pacific Plan’s emphasis on regional integration of services within the region could soon extend to the meteorological services being provided by several different agencies at the moment.

“Weather and climate information is regularly used by people from all walks of life. Safety in aviation and shipping industries depends on actions taken in response to weather conditions. It is also of relevance to the agriculture and fisheries industries, not to mention availability of water for human consumption. More recently there is increased attention on sustainable meteorological services from the perspective of climate change and natural disasters,” says Feleti Teo, Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

“The region relies on some regional and international services, which is need of strengthening. Following a decision last October by Leaders of the Pacific’s Smaller Island States (SIS) in Tonga, a review is to be undertaken on the sustainable delivery of meteorological services in the region,” says Mr Teo

The SIS Leaders at their Summit urgently called for the immediate strengthening of regional and national institutions and services for monitoring and communicating weather, climate and extreme events to support basic livelihood, wellbeing and security of the Pacific peoples, build resilience to natural disasters and to maintain hard-won social and economic gains.

They also urged Forum Members countries, CROP agencies and development partners to support the strengthening of regional and national services for monitoring and communicating weather, climate and extreme events, including institutional and human capacity development.

In response to this directive, a Technical Working Group (TWG) has been formed under the auspices of PIFS. It comprises representatives of SPREP, SOPAC, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), and two representatives of Regional Meteorological Services Directors (RMSD) (Director of the Fiji Meteorological Service/Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Nadi, and current Chair of the RMSD).

“The Group has developed a roadmap towards the implementation of the SIS Leaders directive and core to this will be the undertaking of this Consultancy, which is aimed at providing a review of the current arrangements and a detailed analysis of practical and sustainable options for strengthening delivery of weather, climate and related extreme events related services in the Pacific region,” says Mr Teo.

The review is expected to start early April with the final report expected at the end of May. SIS Leaders are expected to discuss the report at their next summit in Niue in August.

Whale watching makes a splash
NZ Herald - 3 April 2008
There has been a 10-fold increase in the number of people whale and dolphin watching in the Pacific region, not including New Zealand or Australia, in the past decade. A review of whale watching in the Pacific released yesterday showed a mammoth surge of visitors to the region who went whale or dolphin watching. In 2005, tourists - mostly international - made more than 110,700 visits to watch whales compared with 10,300 in 1998. The review, by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said the Pacific was home to a high diversity of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and contained critical breeding, calving and feeding grounds and migratory pathways for many species....more

Pacific Islanders on marine mammal study tour of NZ
kaikoura Star - 3 April 2008
Kaikoura was the most important stop for representatives from five Pacific Island nations doing an intensive eight day study tour of the country incorporating dolphin and whale watching, said Mike Donoghue of the Department of Conservation. Ten representatives from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Niue, Tonga and Samoa visited Kaikoura last Friday and Saturday to view whale watch and dolphin operations with the view to either establishing similar ventures in their countries or further developing those already in existence....Included in the party were Lui Bell of the Marine Species Office for the Pacific Regional Environmental Organisation which co-ordinates the environmental policy for 22 Pacific islands and Dr Gae Gowae, second in charge of PNG's conservation policy. The tour's aim was to encourage development of well managed, sustainable marine mammal watching businesses in the Pacific Islands region through showing representatives what has been achieved in New Zealand and the support and advice that can be provided here...more

Cover Story: OPERATION SAVE OUR CORALS
islands Business - 3 April 2008
Indo-Pacific Ocean, a region that encompasses Indonesia to the west and French Polynesia to the extreme east, is losing 3168 square kilometres of coral cover each year. Translated to island language, that’s equivalent to losing 450 rugby fields a year. Put another way, this vast region lost two percent of its corals in the eight years between 1995 and 2003. Compare that with the net annual loss of rainforest worldwide at 0.4%. These figures were shared at a recent regional environmental forum in Fiji by the coral reef management officer at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Caroline Vieux....“The 2008 Pacific Year of the Reef campaign is a regional initiative to incite action to save the Pacific’s coral reefs,” explains SPREP’s official webpage www.sprep.org. “The goal of the PYOR campaign is to encourage Pacific islanders to take action to reverse the current degradation of their coral reefs and build their resilience to natural stresses such as climate change. “The campaign is part of the International Year of the Reef that aims to raise awareness of the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability and motivate people to take action to protect them. “Coral reefs play critical roles as providers of Pacific islanders’ livelihoods and cultures and protectors of our islands. “Their conservation is key to the sustainable development of our region.” ...more

Views from Auckland: WHEN ECOLOGICAL GENOCIDE HAPPENS, THE BLOOD WILL BE ON RICH NATIONS' HANDS
islands Business - 3 April 2008
There can be no two ways of looking at this: there is simply no argument against human rights violations by pollution of the environment not being seen in the same light as human rights violations from the political/ governmental/ administrative angle. There is simply no justification for glossing over violations that could have such far reaching consequences on entire populations...Speaking at a public function last month, Queen Elizabeth said that those who pollute the least suffer the most. In our context here in the Pacific, There is no better illustration of this than the humble, utterly powerless Pacific Islander –particularly from the atoll nations and low lying islands....more

We Say: 2008-Year of Sanitation
islands Business - 3 April 2008
'The importance of sanitation cannot be overstated because of the impact the lack of it can have on public health.' One of the growing problems that insular environments like the islands have had to contend with but one that does not get the attention it deserves is that of the disposal of waste of all kinds. Natural growth in populations, national economies and importantly, the growth in tourism –the cornerstone of the economy of many island nations—has meant ever increasing volumes of waste being generated in the islands and their immediate littoral environments. Over the past few years, almost all the Pacific Islands have had to struggle with waste disposal issues, which have been particularly pronounced in the case of more densely populated islands like Fiji and Kiribati....more

Conference announcement: BioEd 2009 [12-16 Feb 2009 Christchurch, New Zealand]
Contributed by Gilliane Brodie - 3 April 2008
"As we enter the anniversary of 200 years since the birth of Charles Darwin and 150 years since the publishing of his book "On the Origin of Species", it is timely to consider and reflect on the impact of this contribution, as well as findings from more recent studies that have investigated the origins and evolutionary relationships of organisms, genes and genomes. BioED09 will bring together scientists and educators from across the world to discuss the science and teaching of evolution, including its contribution towards current understanding of: the Origins of life, people and their languages, Biodiversity and its conservation in a time of change, Origins, evolution and the spread of disease..." find out more [http://awcmee.massey.ac.nz/IUBS_BioEd_2009/index.htm]

Island Wide Marine Debris Clean-Up [Palau]
Contributed by Kliu Basilius - 3 April 2008
The Council of Chiefs, State Youth and the Earth Day 2008 Committee collaborate to help rid our beautiful coasts of trash that are blatantly discarded along our roads and coastal areas. This past Saturday (March 29) the youths of Melekeok - Ngara Mecherocher and Ngiwal - Elementary school children began cleaning up their coastlines and mangrove areas of trash. Melekeok collected 2,189 lbs. of trash, a total of 133 trash bags and Ngiwal totaled 991 lbs. with a total of 69 bags with half of their state done and its completion hoped for the weekend. Ngardmau and Ngchesar are scheduled to start their marine debris clean up this Saturday (April 5) and Peliliu is scheduled for April 11. We hope that the rest of the states will soon follow suit in this effort. The Earth Day 2008 Committee joins the Council of Chiefs and State Youth as part of their campaign to spread and promote awareness on the fragility of our island environment and that our future livelihood is dependent on its preservation. The Earth Day theme for Palau is “Change … One Step at a Time” coinciding with the international community in fighting against Climate Change. We call every man, woman and child to take those individual steps and make a change.

SOLOMONS' MALAITA SHOWING EFFECTS OF RISING SEA: Minister cites coastal erosion, salt water intrusion
PI Report - 2 April 2008
Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology Gordon Darcy Lilo confirms that effects of global warming are now evident in Solomon Islands. Speaking in Parliament last week, Mr. Lilo said the effects include coastal erosion, inundation and salt water intrusion of Fanalei and Walande Islands in Malaita Province and the sinking of Hakupa Island in Ontong Java, also in Malaita Province. Mr. Lilo said climate change will affect Solomon Islands in five main areas...more

SOLOMONS WESTERN PROVINCE FORBIDS DOLPHIN EXPORT: Premier says the marine animals will remain free
PI Report - 2 April 2008
The International Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute is thanking Mr. Alex Lokopio, Premier of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, for rejecting the capture and export of live dolphins. Mr. Alex Lokopio, Premier, stated that no dolphins would be caught and no dolphins would be exported; instead, he said, the dolphins of the Western Provinces of the Solomon Islands would remain free...more

Indigenous peoples hardest hit by climate change describe impacts
EurekaAlert - 2 April 2008
Indigenous peoples have contributed the least to world greenhouse gas emissions and have the smallest ecological footprints on Earth. Yet they suffer the worst impacts not only of climate change, but also from some of the international mitigation measures being taken, according to organizers of a United Nations University co-hosted meeting April 3 in Darwin, Australia.

Impacts of climate change on indigenous people worldwide include:

- In tropical and sub-tropical areas, an increase in diseases associated with higher temperatures and vector-borne and water-borne diseases like cholera, malaria and dengue fever;

- Worsening drought conditions and desertification, leading to more forest fires that disrupt subsistence agriculture, hunting and gathering livelihoods, as well as serious biodiversity loss;

- Distinct changes in the seasonal appearance of birds, the blooming of flowers, etc. These now occur earlier or are decoupled from the customary season or weather patterns;

- In arid and semi-arid lands: excessive rainfall and prolonged droughts, resulting in dust storms that damage grasslands, seedlings, other crops and livestock;

- In the Arctic, stronger waves, thawing permafrost and melting mountain glaciers and sea-ice, bringing coastal and riverbank erosion;

- Smaller animal populations and the introduction of new marine species due to changing animal travel and migration routes;

- In Boreal Forests, new types of insects and longer-living endemic insects (e.g. spruce beetles) that destroy trees and other vegetation;

- In coastal regions and small-island states, erosion, stronger hurricanes and typhoons, leading to the loss of freshwater supplies, land, mangrove forests and dislocation (environmental refugees);

- Increasing food insecurity due to declining fish populations and coral bleaching;

- Crop damaging pest infestations (e.g. locusts, rats, spruce beetles, etc.), and increasing food costs due to competition with the demand for biofuels;

- Extreme and unprecedented cold spells resulting in health problems (e.g. hypothermia, bronchitis, and pneumonia, especially for the old and young).

.. more ... *(Papers / documentation are available online at http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/EGM_CS08.html). See in particular