Conservation of species and sites in the Polynesia and Micronesia region were showcased at the mid-term review conference of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) held from 6-8 June, 2011 in Lami, Fiji. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is also a beneficiary of this fund with invasive species projects in Kiribati and Samoa.
The conference was opened by Fiji's 
Environment Minister, Colonel Samuela Saumatua who noted the important contribution of these projects towards the implementation of Fiji's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
27 organisations who are the beneficiaries of the CEPF US$7 million investment funds in the Polynesia – Micronesia biodiversity hotspot, a term used to describe areas extremely rich in plant and animal life, attended the conference to share their successes and lessons learned.
The CEPF has invested heavily in the Polynesia-Micronesia Biodiversity Hotspot because it is one of the most threatened of Earth's 34 biodiversity hotspots, with only 21 percent of the region's original vegetation remaining in pristine condition. The overall goal of CEPF investment is to conserve the region's threatened terrestrial species.
A total of 58 community-based projects implemented in 11 countries are funded by CEPF.
Conservation International's Pacific Islands programme based in Apia, Samoa is managing CEPF funding programme for the Polynesia and Micronesia region, with technical support provided by many regional partners including SPREP.
"The current threats to natural habitats and endemic species in this region are unprecedented," says Mike Donoghue, Executive Director for CI-Pacific.
"Through this investment we are helping to stem the tide of habitat degradation and loss of native biodiversity. Since invasive species are a particular scourge in this region, much of the fund is being directed towards managing or eradicating invasive species."
CEPF is a joint programme of French Development Agency, Conservation International, GEF, Japan, MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank.
For further information please contact Mr. James Atherton, Conservation International Pacific
Tel: +685 7770787 Email: [email protected]
On behalf of CI Pacific, CEPF and the BirdLife International Pacific Partnership