20 May 2025 , Apia, Samoa - The Sub-regional workshop on Promoting Policy Coherence for Environmental Governance in the Climate and Nature Nexus concluded with a dialogue calling for strengthening mechanisms for coordinated action in the Pacific region.
Interactive sessions during the workshop were centered around shared experiences at the national level and aligning national and regional priorities to accelerate climate and nature action. Participants were introduced to tools and guidelines that supports member states in strengthening policy coherence in the same space.
“Harnessing synergies between climate and biodiversity is not just a technical issue, it is a strategic opportunity to amplify impact and unlock co-benefits toward global environmental goals”, said United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Programme Management Officer, Mr Kazuhiko Seriu.
A common theme throughout the discussions was the importance of strengthening the science-policy interface, ensuring that scientific findings are effectively translated into national and regional policy frameworks when strengthening climate and nature nexus. Bridging this gap is essential for evidence-based decision-making and for tailoring global insights to the specific needs and contexts of the region.
“Our environmental challenges know no borders. That’s why regional collaboration is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme’s (SPREP) Biodiversity Adviser, Ms Amanda Wheatley.
“This workshop has shown that we have the political will and the technical know-how to move forward together”, she added.
Participants emphasised the critical role of traditional knowledge and community engagement in building climate resilience and protecting biodiversity. Indigenous and local practices were highlighted as powerful tools already contributing to ecosystem stewardship and enhancing adaptive capacity in vulnerable communities. These locally rooted approaches are increasingly recognised as key to designing inclusive, place-based responses to environmental challenges.
“There is a need for regionally led solutions grounded in local realities. As we head into global forums, our unified voice can shape more equitable and impactful outcomes.” said Ms Sesimani Lokotui, a representative from the Kingdom of Tonga.
In parallel, there was a strong consensus on the urgency of integrating climate and biodiversity policies. Participants noted that siloed approaches are no longer sufficient to confront the inter-related risks posed by climate change and biodiversity loss, and the whole-of-government and the whole-of-society approach is essential.
This was echoed by Ms Leana William, a country representative from Vanuatu. “Aligning biodiversity goals with climate action is not just a policy ambition. It is a practical necessity for safeguarding our livelihoods”.
The workshop brought attention to opportunities for enhancing synergies between multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Participants explored practical ways to harmonise reporting requirements and align implementation strategies across frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). These efforts aim to reduce duplication, ease reporting burdens and amplify collective impact across the region. Emphasis was placed on strengthening practical frameworks for cooperation, including shared data systems, regional financing platforms, and inclusive stakeholder engagement across sectors, to support more coordinated and effective implementation.
The three-day discussions also helped identify key priorities to be carried forward into the upcoming regional roundtables. These will serve as critical platforms for refining commitments and amplifying regional contributions ahead of global milestones such UNFCCC COP30 and CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice.
SPREP Environmental Governance Director Mr Jope Davetanivalu, commended the efforts of the workshop participants in forging a path forward in the climate and biodiversity nexus.
“We leave this workshop with renewed clarity and shared purpose, now is the time to turn dialogue into action”.
The sub regional workshop was held 26-30 May 2025 and hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Government of Samoa.
For more information on SPREP’s involvement please contact Mr Jope Davetanivalu at joped@sprep.org, Ms Vanda Faasoa Chan-Ting at vandac@sprep.org and Ms Amanda Wheatley at amandaw@sprep.org