11 November 2011, Nadi, Fiji – A week long Joint Review Meetings for the Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement through Renewable Energy Project (PIGGAREP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Energy, Ecosystems and Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative (EESLI) Project was held in Nadi, Fiji from 7 to 11 November 2011.
The PIGGAREP is a USD 5.23 million dollar initiative to help 11 Pacific island countries remove barriers to utilising renewable energy technologies. The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi Country Office Samoa and executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
The joint meeting brought together PIGGAREP National Coordinators of the 11 participating countries, 6 coordinators from IUCN's Energy, Ecosystems and Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative Project, regional partners and stakeholders to review the progress of the two projects focusing on the last 12 months.
During the meeting there was discussion of policy and procedures, operational issues, and recommendations made for the decision of the National Coordinators.
In his opening address, the Deputy Director General of SPREP, Mr. Kosi Latu, mentioned how the PIGGAREP can be a model of a pioneering project, both regionally and globally, in the productive use of renewable energy.
"Climate change is the biggest issue we face in the Pacific; and adaptation and mitigation is critical in the long-term for our survival."
The UNDP Resident Representative Samoa, Ms. Nileema Noble said, "The annual multipartite review is a key tool in monitoring the PIGGAREP project progress."
"The PIGGAREP project is not only about buying down CO2, but more importantly for us in the Pacific it is about enhancing energy security for our countries, and therefore, informing the green path to development in our region.
Expressing pride in the relationship between PIGGAREP and IUCN's EESLI Project, IUCN Regional Director Mr. Taholo Kami said the two projects overlap in intention and are complimentary in delivery, and that the work being done in these projects is essential for the future of our Pacific Island countries.
"Let's be clear that any feasible pathway for a green economy in the Pacific Islands countries requires clean energy solutions."
The week-long joint meeting concluded with key outcomes for the two projects and provides clear guidelines for the next 12 months and beyond.