Mainstreaming and Sustainable Development
The most widely recognised definition for sustainable development is that from the Brundtland Report - "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sustainable development has three interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars - economic development, social development, and environmental protection.
Mainstreaming refers to the process of ensuring that environmental management, protection and conservation are integrated into sustainable development planning and management. The region has agreed to facilitate sustainable development at the national level through the National Sustainable Development Strategies (NSDS). . SPREP is strengthening national environmental governance frameworks so that the "environment pillar" can effectively contribute to the NSDS process.
At the regional level the Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) coordinates and facilitates activities that are jointly carried out by its members. Membership of the SDWG has been extended to include UN agencies and regional NGOs. SPREP and the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) are Co-chairs of the SDWG.
The Pacific Plan, endorsed by Pacific Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby in 2005, is a document designed to strengthen Pacific regional integration and cooperation. Its four key pillars are economic growth, sustainable development, good governance, and security. They are designed to facilitate growth and development progress.
What we do
SPREP is strengthening national capacity in environmental planning by assisting members in the review and formulation of their national environment management plans and policies. This is done within the framework of national development plans with the aim of evolving these into National Sustainable Development Strategies or Plans.