Biodiversity in the Pacific islands

8th Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas

Nature conservation programs in the Pacific island countries are guided by this regional conservation Conference that has met every 4-5 years since 1977, and has become the principal gathering of government agencies, NGOs, community-based organisations, aid agencies and individual experts concerned with conservation science and practice in the Pacific islands region. It is an opportunity to set a Pacific based and initiated agenda for Pacific conservation for the next five years.

Each Conference has generated an Action Strategy as a guiding framework for the next 4-5 years. The subsequent Conference has reviewed progress achieved against the Strategy before considering outstanding issues and priorities for the years ahead.

The conference was held this year (2007) in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea from October 22 – 26. The 8th Conference has as its theme “Conservation serving communities; in a rapidly changing world”.

Its objective was to:

Develop a shared understanding of the value of nature conservation to island communities and people and secure significant commitments to action by Pacific island nations and partners.

This will be done through:

- Reviewing Action strategy progress, identifying constraints and priorities
- Celebrating achievements and leadership at all levels
- Exchanging/sharing lessons and best practices
- Facilitating networking and partnerships
- Making a commitment to ACTION

The Government of Papua New Guinea committed $1 million kina to the conference.

Further information contact, Ruth Pune or click here to view the Roundtable web page.