Natural resources in marine and coastal ecosystems are economically, socially, biologically and culturally important for Pacific island people. However, sustainable use and conservation of marine resources is not sufficiently reflected in national planning processes, due in part to a lack of information regarding their economic value. In addition, existing marine protected areas (MPAs) have often been developed opportunistically rather than through a transparent and robust spatial planning process. These MPAs, therefore, cannot secure the associated ecosystem services and biodiversity.
Improved management of marine and coastal biodiversity in Pacific Island countries will help them to meet their commitments under the CBD Strategic Plan 2011-2020 and the relevant Aichi targets, including the Programme of Work on Protected Areas (POWPA) and the Programme of Work on Island Biodiversity (POWIB). The Marine Programme of IUCN’s Oceania Regional Office (ORO) works to support integrated ocean governance, including but not limited to, marine spatial planning (MSP) and related activities across several countries in the region including Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The work is supported by multiple donors including: Oceans 5; the European Union and the Government of Sweden (through the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership Program); and the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus.
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