Download PDF - Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Download PDF - Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Download PDF - Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji. Ratu Sukuna Road, Muanikau, Suva, Fiji. Telephone (679) 331 2600 Email info@forumsec.org.fj Website www.forumsec.org
Reporting on Implementation of <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priorities from the<br />
2009 Cairns <strong>Forum</strong><br />
September 2011<br />
This Annex provides a comprehensive annual update of the work of selected <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries, Council of Regional Organisations in the <strong>Pacific</strong> (CROP) agencies and some<br />
development partners in delivering on the priorities endorsed by the Leaders’ at their meeting in<br />
2009. It is structured around each of the five themes for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan and the priorities that sit<br />
below covering the period May 2010 to May 2011.<br />
This Annex is a companion to the <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Annual Progress Report for 2011, which provides a<br />
high-level overview of key achievements and challenges.<br />
Contents<br />
A. Fostering economic development and promoting opportunities for<br />
broad-based growth 4<br />
(i) Developing effective policy and practical responses to the global economic crisis 5<br />
(ii) Continuing to support action in the fisheries sector 13<br />
(iii) Building on existing marine protected areas and initiatives 30<br />
(iv) Expediting the implementation of the 2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Energy Ministers’ decisions 34<br />
(v) Providing greater support to tourism 43<br />
(vi) Developing regional and national frameworks to enable the development of the<br />
economic potential of marine mineral resources 52<br />
(vii) Fostering greater international and intra-regional trade opportunities 55<br />
(viii) Strengthening the ability of the private sector to participate competitively 69<br />
(ix) Addressing issues that hinder the movement of goods and services 73<br />
(x) Implementing the directions provided by the region’s Ministers for ICT 77<br />
(xi) Continuing the implementation of the economic integration agenda promoted<br />
and regularly reviewed by the <strong>Forum</strong> Economic Ministers and, in particular, establishing<br />
components of the Regional Regulatory Stepladder as directed by these Ministers 83<br />
(xii) Increasing support for infrastructure development and maintenance 84<br />
B. Improving livelihoods and the well-being of <strong>Pacific</strong> peoples 89<br />
(i) Continuing efforts to better ensure food security for people across the region 90<br />
(ii) Ensuring healthy populations 100<br />
(iii) Improving access to opportunities afforded through stronger education systems at all levels 114<br />
(iv) Urging efforts to pursue the opportunities offered by the appropriate utilisation and<br />
development of land resources to minimise the risk of conflict, improve security and<br />
assist in economic development, while recognising that land is a national responsibility 131<br />
1
(v)<br />
(vi)<br />
(vii)<br />
Supporting the implementation of measures, existing commitments and programmes<br />
aimed at increasing awareness of and addressing the causes and consequences of sexual<br />
and gender-based violence and developing legislation to criminalise gender-based violence 134<br />
Prioritising national actions to mainstream youth issues into the national<br />
development agenda 142<br />
Acknowledging the importance of ensuring access to greater and more equitable<br />
opportunities for those with disabilities 146<br />
C. Addressing the impacts of Climate Change 150<br />
(i) Continuing the implementation of the Niue Declaration on Climate Change 151<br />
(ii) Developing <strong>Pacific</strong>-tailored responses to support adaptation and mitigation measures<br />
and better coordination of Disaster Risk Management-Climate Change Adaptation 158<br />
(iii) Coordinating regional efforts in the completion and early implementation of the<br />
outcomes of the December 2009 Copenhagen meetings 165<br />
(iv) Enhancing the resilience of ecological systems and associated biodiversity and providing<br />
ecosystem services with a focus on the impacts of climate change in line with the Year of<br />
Biodiversity in 2010 169<br />
(v) Assisting with the assessment called for by the United Nations General Assembly<br />
Resolution A/Res/63/281 Climate Change and its possible security implications 171<br />
(vi) Strengthening data collection and analysis for improved climatic monitoring and<br />
preparedness through integrated whole-system approaches 172<br />
(vii) Building scientific capacity across the region through strategic partnerships with bodies<br />
such as the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change 175<br />
(viii) Building support, with the assistance of regional and international partners, for the<br />
new Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food security 177<br />
D. Achieving stronger national development through better governance 179<br />
(i) Demonstrating strong national leadership and enhanced regional attention to accelerate<br />
improvements to development coordination in the region 180<br />
(ii) Committing to sustainable and appropriate: collection and compilation of statistics;<br />
information management; and records-keeping 186<br />
(iii) Implementing efforts to allow for improved access to official information 191<br />
(iv) Supporting efforts to allow an enhanced role for women in national decision-making<br />
processes 194<br />
(v) Continuing to strengthen accountability and integrity institutions, through approaches<br />
such as the <strong>Pacific</strong> Ombudsman Alliance and <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Audit Initiative 199<br />
(vi) Encouraging greater involvement of parliamentarians in the development agenda 201<br />
(vii) Addressing corruption through the use and implementation of relevant and existing<br />
national, regional and international mechanisms and commitments 204<br />
2
E. Ensuring improved social, political and legal conditions for stability,<br />
safety and security 208<br />
(i)<br />
(ii)<br />
(iii)<br />
Improving human security outcomes for Members, through advancing effective<br />
conflict prevention, conflict resolution mechanisms and peace building 209<br />
Strengthening cooperation in the law enforcement and border security sectors to<br />
address terrorism and transnational crime 211<br />
Promoting and consolidating regional stability through adherence to <strong>Forum</strong> values<br />
and the principles of the Biketawa Declaration 215<br />
Other On-going <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priorities 217<br />
Development of a regional cultural strategy 218<br />
Sustainably increase the coverage of safe drinking water and basic sanitation service 218<br />
Developing effectively managed and sustainable national tuna industries 223<br />
Implementing (with the assistance of the FFA) comprehensive conservation<br />
measures to protect stock levels in coastal, exclusive economic zones and on<br />
the high seas. (<strong>Forum</strong> Leaders Communiqué – <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Annex A) - Strengthen<br />
national management frameworks. 225<br />
Implementing (with the assistance of the FFA) comprehensive conservation<br />
measures to protect stock levels in coastal, exclusive economic zones and on the<br />
high seas Participate in the establishment of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Fisheries<br />
Management Organisation 226<br />
Implementing (with the assistance of the FFA) comprehensive conservation measures<br />
to protect stock levels in coastal, exclusive economic zones and on the high seas. 226<br />
Adopting full implementation, as called for by PNA Leaders without delay, of the<br />
3rd Implementing Arrangement including the Additional Terms and Conditions of<br />
Access to the EEZs of the Parties 227<br />
Action to expedite improved monitoring, control and surveillance as required<br />
by regional agreement 228<br />
Continuing to press distant water fishing nations to comply with all relevant national and<br />
international laws and conventions to ensure the long-term sustainability of tuna stocks 229<br />
Progressing urgent efforts to delineate extended Continental Shelves and prepare<br />
submissions to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf by May<br />
2009 and efforts to delimit maritime boundaries for improved governance and<br />
management of ocean resources 230<br />
Progressing collectively, while also seeking to engage the USA and France, strengthened<br />
mechanisms to protect regional fisheries via new multilateral <strong>Pacific</strong> regional arrangements<br />
patterned on the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement model for exchange of fisheries law<br />
enforcement data, cross vesting of enforcement powers and the use of fisheries data<br />
for other law enforcement activities 231<br />
Sustainable Development through Improved Education and Training, Enhanced<br />
Involvement of Youth, and Recognized and protected cultural values, identities,<br />
and traditional knowledge 232<br />
3
| A |<br />
Fostering economic<br />
development and<br />
promoting opportunities<br />
for broad-based growth<br />
4
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(i)<br />
Developing effective policy and practical responses to the global economic crisis with the<br />
objective of building sustained economic resilience, including through:<br />
• safeguarding macro-economic stability;<br />
• protecting core services;<br />
• targeted support for the vulnerable;<br />
• boosting national competitiveness;<br />
• strengthened development coordination.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia has supported the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Government in addressing its fiscal and<br />
economic challenges through the establishment of the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Government<br />
– Donor Core Economic Working Group (CEWG) as a forum for economic reform<br />
policy dialogue. Through the CEWG, Australia, other donors, and the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Government will agree on annual milestones to be met, in the form of completed reform<br />
actions, for the release of additional performance-linked aid. Australia provided AUD$3<br />
million to the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Government in January 2010 in recognition of reforms<br />
implemented in 2009 - introduction of competition in to the telecommunications sector<br />
and the commencement of work on the public expenditure review.<br />
• Similarly, Australia participated in the Government of Tonga’s Donors’ <strong>Forum</strong> in April<br />
2011, where Tonga outlined a number of possible actions to respond to the serious<br />
economic and fiscal challenges that Tonga is facing. These included budget reform,<br />
expenditure restraint, review of revenue potential of the economy and implementation of<br />
reforms that support private sector development and economic growth.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Since July 2010, the Government of Kiribati through the Ministry of Finance & Economic<br />
Development (MFED) has undertaken practical responses to the global economic crisis<br />
through the following activities:<br />
- fiscal discipline strengthened by tightening and prioritising budget expenditures/<br />
programmes;<br />
- expansion of revenue base through: excise tax increased (commenced in 2008) on<br />
alcohol drinks, cigarettes, and kava; scope of duty exemption reduced in 2009; tax<br />
reform (introduced in 2009) that started off with new simpler tax regime focusing less<br />
on assessment but more on auditing (PAYE final); promoting user-pay system; raising<br />
some recurrent revenue sources – for example, airport tax and fish export fees. Support<br />
household income through salary and copra subsidy increases (commenced in 2009);<br />
- local food production project is ongoing ;<br />
- Revenue Equalization Reserve Fund reviewed in 2010 to improve its performance;<br />
- State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) reform is still ongoing with six SOEs identified for<br />
privatization;<br />
- improving budget planning that began with introduction of a Multi-year budget<br />
framework (Medium Term Financial Framework (MTFF) & Medium Term Expenditure<br />
Framework (MTEF)) in 2009-10;<br />
- Donor Roundtable held in March 2010 to improve aid coordination and harmonization;<br />
5
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
- technical assistance and training support received to improve statistical issues;<br />
- enhancing monitoring and evaluation system for the Kiribati Development Plan and<br />
Budget execution;<br />
- expansion of some banking services to Development Bank of Kiribati and Kiribati<br />
Provident Fund;<br />
- establishment of a Food Crisis Grant to support import levy fund that is expected in<br />
May after co-signing of Grant Agreement by Ministry of Finance and Economic Development<br />
(MFED); and<br />
- launched the Public Financial Management Plan<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand continues to support <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries to address economic and fiscal<br />
challenges they face, exacerbated by the global economic crisis. Examples include:<br />
- Member of the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> CEWG and participated in the first Annual Joint Review.<br />
- Liaising with the Government of Tonga and other relevant donors over priority financial<br />
and economic reforms and potential budget support. New Zealand also provided<br />
budget support during this period to help preserve essential education and police<br />
services.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Visitor arrivals have been on the rise as a result from the increase in flights servicing Palau.<br />
The additional flights and airlines bring about competitive, discounted rates for travelling,<br />
which not only benefit visitors but the locals as well. Tourism is the country’s bread and<br />
butter, yet there are still efforts being made to attract foreign investment to strengthen the<br />
private sector and diversify revenue sources.<br />
• Efforts to reduce utility costs through renewable/alternative energy initiatives are<br />
ongoing, including solar panels have been installed in government buildings; the<br />
National Development Bank has been active by encouraging homes to be built in an<br />
energy efficient manner; and new generators and engines have been installed at the Public<br />
Utilities Corporation’s Malakal Power Plant to provide better and more efficient utility<br />
services.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
Safeguarding macro-economic stability<br />
• In April 2011, the Government of Tuvalu passed the Banking Commission Act that<br />
establishes a legal framework to supervise and regulate the financial sector in Tuvalu in<br />
line with Basel Core Principles.<br />
• Over the past 12 months, the Government has cleared outstanding liabilities arising from<br />
Government Guarantees that were called in after the collapse of Air Fiji. This has reduced<br />
the Government’s overall debt burden.<br />
• Maintenance of the Government Medium-term Fiscal Framework to monitor the impact<br />
of the budget situation.<br />
• The Government has submitted to a recent Public Expenditure and Financial<br />
Accountability (PEFA) review undertaken by Asia Development Bank to review public<br />
financial management (PFM) operations in Tuvalu. This will be used to prepare a roadmap<br />
for public financial management reform in Tuvalu.<br />
6
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• The Government has established a Public Financial Management (PFM) Legislative<br />
Framework Working Group to update and strengthen procedures and rules surrounding<br />
the management of public finances. This will include review of the Public Finance<br />
Act, Financial Instructions, establishing procurement rules and addressing weaknesses<br />
identified in the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) study.<br />
• Tuvalu has recently become a member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and<br />
World Bank. In November 2010, the IMF undertook its first Article IV visit reviewing the<br />
Government’s financial position. The Government has received the report and it is now a<br />
public document.<br />
Protecting Core Services<br />
• Health and education services were at the top of the Government’s priority list - 19.6<br />
percent of government spending for 2011 was allocated to the education sector, and 14.7<br />
percent to the health sector. The Government also injected 11.4 percent of Government<br />
funds to the transport sector, 10.1 percent to developing Outer <strong>Islands</strong> and 8.2 percent for<br />
infrastructure and energy.<br />
• The Government has prepared Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEFs) for the<br />
education and health sectors to help the Government identify financing gaps in these<br />
areas and thereby protect the core services of Government in a tight fiscal environment.<br />
• The health sector also received financial and technical support from World Health<br />
Organisation (WHO), United National Population Fund (UNFPA), Australian Agency for<br />
International Development (AusAID), New Zealand Aid for International Development<br />
(NZAID), and the Global Fund-Tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (GF-TB/<br />
HIV).<br />
Targeted Support for the Vulnerable<br />
• Government provided an amount of AUD1.8 million for the Outer Island Projects in 2010<br />
and AUD1.2 million in 2011 particularly in the areas of agriculture and infrastructure.<br />
• The Government also provides a Senior Citizen Scheme in which all citizens from the age<br />
of 70 years receive $50 on a monthly basis.<br />
• Government continues to provide free primary school education and free medical care to<br />
the public.<br />
Boosting National Competitiveness<br />
• Cabinet approved a Public Enterprise Policy in October 2009 outlining a program of<br />
reform of public enterprises, including privatisation, contracting out, efficiency reforms<br />
and the establishment of a dedicated Public Enterprise Reform and Monitoring Unit<br />
(PERMU) within the Ministry of Finance.<br />
• Parliament passed the Public Enterprise (Performance and Accountability) Act in April<br />
2010 to implement many of the reforms of the Public Enterprise Policy. This Act was<br />
signed into effect by the Minister of Finance in December 2010.<br />
Strengthened Development Coordination<br />
• Recruitment of an Aid Coordination Technical Adviser (United Nations Volunteer) to<br />
assist the Aid Coordination Unit under the Planning & Budget Department. The Technical<br />
Adviser was also tasked to assist the Planning Unit with improving the development of<br />
sector plans, especially their linkages to the National Priorities and Goals. This involved<br />
consultations between the Planning & Budget Department with government agencies,<br />
together with representatives from the private sector.<br />
• Recruitment of staff to assist the Aid Coordination Unit, given that it currently only has<br />
one person.<br />
7
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Continued reporting on grants from major donors.<br />
• Tuvalu underwent the peer review process in early 2011. The Peer Review Team met<br />
with various government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector and<br />
development partners. The findings of the Tuvalu Peer Review will be finalized in July<br />
2011.<br />
• Update of the Te Kakeega II Matrix which keeps track of all activities and programmes<br />
funded by development partners.<br />
• Preparations for the Fourth High Level <strong>Forum</strong> on Aid Effectiveness, Busan Korea, 2011.<br />
• Training of 35 local government staff on all islands, on budget planning and<br />
implementation.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu has continued to commit to sound macro-economic management following<br />
Governments policy priorities for macroeconomic stability and equitable growth for 2009-<br />
2012.<br />
• The national development plan, “Vanuatu Priority Action Agenda (PAA) 2006 – 2015 has<br />
been reviewed and an updated PAA Action Plan 2011 – 2015 developed to ensure Vanuatu<br />
is on track with its priorities.<br />
• Vanuatu’s peer review was undertaken in early 2011. The review report considered some<br />
good practices in development coordination that could also be adapted in the region,<br />
whilst at the same time identifying areas and actions that needed to be strengthened.<br />
• The Vanuatu government has re-established a new and separate Department of Industry<br />
to implement key economic policies that support the development of the primary<br />
productive sector, diversification and down-streaming of key primary industries, rural<br />
economic growth and employment creation.<br />
• Vanuatu had undertaken consultations on its Foreign Policy Paper from April 2010<br />
in most of the six provinces. The Policy will be linked to the various sectoral policies<br />
and will outline Vanuatu’s interests as a sovereign nation, whilst at the same time to<br />
encourage and promote a positive engagement with the international community.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Ongoing dialogue with the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Government through the CEWG will ensure<br />
the reform agenda remains relevant, achievable and implementable. Future performancelinked<br />
aid payments will be commensurate with reform actions demonstrated by the<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Government.<br />
• Australia and other development partners will meet in late 2011 to review progress and<br />
provide assistance to Tonga in relation to their implementation of economic and fiscal<br />
reforms.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• In the upcoming months until July 2011, Government of Kiribati will:<br />
8
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
- Continue ongoing fiscal and structural reforms on tax, customs, State Owned Enterprises,<br />
and budget execution & monitoring;<br />
- Continue improvement of aid coordination, management and harmonisation;<br />
- Complete an ongoing local food production programme;<br />
- Implement recommendations of the completed Revenue Equalisation Reserve Fund<br />
Review;<br />
- Complete implementation of a joint-venture in fisheries with interested fishing companies;<br />
- Convene the next Donors Roundtable in March 2012 to check on progress on the action<br />
plan agreed at the 2010 Roundtable, and to discuss any new issues with the recommendations;<br />
- Develop a new Kiribati Development Plan 2012-2015 and complete its Monitoring and<br />
Evaluation framework;<br />
- Continue with technical assistance to improve other data, including National Accounts<br />
and Balance of Payments;<br />
- Implementation of the Public Financial Management (PFM) roadmap covering, inter<br />
alia, improvement of management information systems;<br />
- Technical assistance support and short term training to improve National Economic<br />
Planning Office staff capacity, especially in policy analysis and project appraisal. This<br />
will be provided under ongoing ADB technical assistance on Improving Economic<br />
Management & Public Sector Reform;<br />
• A solar PV grid to be funded by the World Bank, is expected later in 2011. This will help<br />
reduce diesel costs to the Public Utilities Board and reduce electricity bill to consumers.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Support for sound economic and public financial management in the region, including<br />
through the IMF’s <strong>Pacific</strong> Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC).<br />
• Continue to work with key partner countries, in coordination with other development<br />
partners, to help them address key economic and fiscal issues.<br />
• Implementation of a number of programmes to support sustainable economic<br />
development in a way that recognises the interconnections between productive sectors<br />
and the broader economic environment, and seeks to take advantage of synergies in our<br />
work across different sectors.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The budget proposal for fiscal year 2012 shows a slight increase, totalling USD58.8 million,<br />
with hopes to alleviate and address financial strains for the vulnerable unemployed and<br />
low-income groups. If passed, the minimum wage will increase and income taxes will shift<br />
to better balance and narrow the income gap.<br />
• Efforts to improve national and sector planning in the budget process are ongoing. The<br />
Office of Budget and Grant Oversight participated in the Paris Monitoring Survey and<br />
recommendations include better coordination and communication.<br />
• The Green Fee initiative is a tax collected from departing visitors for the protection of<br />
the environment through the Protected Areas Network. The increase in this fee from<br />
USD15 to USD30 is under consideration. Funds derived from the recycling of plastic and<br />
9
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
aluminium containers should be available to utilise soon and tax initiatives proposed to<br />
Congress continue efforts toward tax reform and the gradual reduction of dependence on<br />
foreign aid.<br />
• The areas of tourism and foreign investment continue to be the main agenda for revenue,<br />
however there is growth in the private sector and the Small Business Development Centre<br />
continues to push and offer tremendous amounts of support.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
Safeguarding macro-economic stability<br />
• Review of the Public Financial Management Legal Framework and updated Public Finance<br />
Act and implementation of Procurement system<br />
• Establishment of a Banking Commission.<br />
Protecting Core Services<br />
• Given the trend of Government budget allocations, it is likely that priority will be on<br />
education and health. In the next few months the Government will be preparing for the<br />
2012 National Budget, and will be reassessing its’ expenditure levels while maintaining<br />
main core services.<br />
• Implementation of Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks for education and health<br />
ensuring core services in these areas are adequately funded.<br />
Targeted Support for the Vulnerable<br />
• Preparations for the 2012 Budget will include assessing expenditure and implementation<br />
of programs for the vulnerable.<br />
• The senior citizen scheme will be reviewed with a view to improve accountability.<br />
• Primary education will continue to be free to pupils.<br />
• Electricity tariffs will continue to be subsidised.<br />
• Shipping costs (fares) will continue to be subsidised.<br />
• Medical care continues to be free to the public.<br />
Boosting National Competitiveness<br />
• Enactment and implementation of Public Enterprise Act, together with activities related<br />
to public enterprises reforms.<br />
Strengthened Development Coordination<br />
• Expect to conduct the Annual Donors Round Table meeting in the second half of 2011.<br />
• Update of Te Kakeega II Matrix to be presented at the Donors Round Table Meeting 2011.<br />
• Updating of the aid database.<br />
• Continue reporting on implementation of grants from development partners.<br />
• Finalize the Peer Review Report and implement agreed recommendations for action by the<br />
Government in improving development effectiveness.<br />
• Follow-up workshops for officials involved in supporting strengthened development<br />
coordination.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Approval and implementation of the updated Public Action Agenda Action Plan 2011 –<br />
2013.<br />
• Vanuatu will implement the recommendations of the Peer Review.<br />
10
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Consultations on a National Industrial Policy will be undertaken.<br />
• Launching of the first ever National Industrial Policy.<br />
• Completion of Foreign Policy Paper consultations in November/December with a view to<br />
launching the Policy early 2012.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisation’s capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati has identified the following as risks/issues against progress:<br />
- resource constraints - funding, skilled human, and physical resources;<br />
- institutional constraints;<br />
- slow progress of implementing reforms generally;<br />
- high dependence on foreign technical assistance;<br />
- staff turnover;<br />
- non-compliance with government system by some development partners;<br />
- low absorptive capacity;<br />
- lack of updated and reliable data;<br />
- inadequate analysis and appraisal capacity;<br />
- monopoly in the banking sector with high and numerous charges; and<br />
- communication and information issues lag between development partners and the<br />
Government of Kiribati.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The lack of coordination with development partners hinders the effective use of aid;<br />
• All funding that is available is yet to be completely tapped;<br />
• Lack of political will obstructs efforts to move forward;<br />
• Capacity building in the varied components of fiscal management, budget and planning,<br />
and lack of available qualified personnel.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
Safeguarding macro-economic stability<br />
• Dealing with Government budget deficits, particularly trimming recurrent Government<br />
expenditure.<br />
• Depletion of Government reserves in the face of persistent deficits, as the Tuvalu Trust<br />
Fund fails to deliver any distributions.<br />
• Appreciation of the Australian dollar on Government’s US dollar revenues (fishing<br />
licenses, Republic of China grants and television revenues) will reduce Government<br />
revenues.<br />
• Implementation of Government tax reforms to deliver more regular and reliable tax<br />
revenues for the Government budget; and<br />
11
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisation’s capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
• Dealing with capacity constraints to establish a Banking Commission.<br />
Protecting Core Services<br />
• Trimming down recurrent funds and a reduction in Government reserves in the light<br />
of no distributions from the Tuvalu Trust Fund will require a reduction in Government<br />
expenditure which could have a major impact on core services.<br />
Targeted Support for the Vulnerable<br />
• Proper monitoring of impacts of these programs on the vulnerable.<br />
• There needs to be an increased focus on care for the ageing population.<br />
• Overall governance of outer islands jurisdictions tend to be confrontational rather than<br />
facilitative, often resulting in persistent hardships for the majority of the people.<br />
Boosting National Competitiveness<br />
• Bedding down public enterprise reforms under the new Public Enterprise (Performance<br />
and Accountability) Act.<br />
Strengthened Development Coordination<br />
• The small capacity of the Planning and Budget Department which houses the Aid<br />
Coordination Unit in coordinating all development assistance. This also includes<br />
coordinating the high number of development partners’ missions which also puts a strain<br />
on the capacity of the department.<br />
• Department of Planning and Budget is looking at the idea of developing an aid policy to<br />
address the burden related to the coordination of aid in Tuvalu.<br />
• Development partner visits and reporting place an extra burden on the Department.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Better fiscal discipline and sheer political will be needed for fiscal control and sufficient<br />
conditions for sound and stronger economic growth, including the aligning of Public<br />
Action Agenda priorities to budget programmes, budget narratives and corporate plans.<br />
• Budget support is needed in the new Department of Industry to carry out its activities to<br />
support both domestic and international trade.<br />
• Continuous political support to support the various policies that are being developed such<br />
as the National Industrial Policy and the Vanuatu Foreign Policy.<br />
• Budget support is needed for the various consultations on the proposed national policies.<br />
12
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(ii) Continuing to support action in the fisheries sector which would see commitment to<br />
implementing the direction offered by the <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders through the Vava’u Declaration<br />
and <strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Committee, and in particular:<br />
• progressing the development and implementation of fisheries management and<br />
development;<br />
• regimes including Regional Strategies on Sustainable Fisheries;<br />
• Western and Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Fisheries Commission conservation and management<br />
measures;<br />
• Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Strategies;<br />
• addressing ongoing barriers to international market access;<br />
• the re-negotiation of the Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries between <strong>Pacific</strong> Island States and<br />
the United States;<br />
• the fostering of coastal fisheries; and<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• As a Member of the Western and Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the <strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC),<br />
Australia has continued to actively contribute to development and strengthening of<br />
fisheries management and monitoring, control and surveillance measures and the<br />
fostering of coastal fisheries.<br />
• In the WCPFC meetings, Australia achieved adoption of the first phase of its proposed<br />
Compliance Monitoring Scheme, to assess members’ compliance with the WCPFC<br />
conservation and management measures. Since this was adopted in December 2010,<br />
Australia has been working to assist the <strong>Secretariat</strong> with the first compliance monitoring<br />
report and developing responses to non-compliance for consideration at the next annual<br />
meeting (phase two of the Scheme). Australia has also worked with other FFA members to<br />
develop an initial proposal for a new Conservation and Management Measure for bigeye,<br />
yellowfin and skipjack tunas, for consideration prior to the next annual Commission<br />
meeting in December 2011.<br />
• In 2010, <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders endorsed a Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance<br />
Strategy (RMCSS), funded by Australia, and agreed to negotiate a Niue Treaty Subsidiary<br />
Agreement by 2012 as the most practical legal framework for fisheries protection.<br />
Australia strongly supported and advocated these measures, which are important<br />
milestones in progressing cooperative efforts to address illegal, unreported and<br />
unregulated fishing. Through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry,<br />
Australia is providing AUD2.4 million to support the negotiations of the Niue Treaty<br />
Subsidiary Agreement and AUD400,000 to implement the RMCSS. The Australian<br />
Fisheries Management Authority has provided capacity building programs through the<br />
FFA, as well as directly with some <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries to underpin the RMCSS.<br />
• As one of the 16 <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Parties to the Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries between<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island States and the United States, Australia has supported the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Parties in the ongoing discussions on the possible form of a new or amended treaty to take<br />
effect from June 2013, when the current phase of the treaty was scheduled to finish (due<br />
13
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
to the recent withdrawal of Papua New Guinea, the treaty will now cease to have effect<br />
in May 2012). In addition to internal discussions between the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Parties to<br />
develop agreed negotiating positions, over the last 12 months discussions have been held<br />
with the United States through both formal renegotiation sessions and several meetings of<br />
the informal Technical Working Group.<br />
• Over the 12-month period, Australia (through AusAID) provided over AUD8 million<br />
to support efforts by regional and national fisheries agencies to increase benefits for<br />
the region while safeguarding fish stocks. This includes AUD2.6 million core program<br />
support and an additional AUD2.5 million for selected priority activities with the FFA.<br />
Specific projects supported included FFA’s Regional Economic Integration Program,<br />
which has been actively engaged in supporting in-country fisheries investment activities<br />
in ten countries involving six loining/canning plants, ten long line shore bases, ten joint<br />
ventures in the catching sector and other investment related projects; the establishment<br />
of a regional observer program to support national observer programs; legislative reviews<br />
in 11 countries to incorporate international and regional obligations; the finalisation of<br />
two national institutional strengthening reviews to target and facilitate collaboration<br />
on future capacity building support; and the training of 79 people in portside boarding,<br />
prosecution procedures, evidence and investigation techniques. AusAID also strengthened<br />
Australia’s engagement with SPC’s Division of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine<br />
Ecosystems (FAME), providing an additional AUD1.3 million (in addition to SPC core<br />
contributions) to support fisheries export assistance, the development of mariculture and<br />
aquarium fisheries opportunities and enhanced scientific advice for the development of<br />
oceanic fishery management measures.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Marine Resources (Longline Fishery) Regulations 2011 (“Tuna Plan”) promulgated in<br />
October 2010.<br />
• Exploratory plans for purse seine; swordfish; and tropical tuna longline were developed<br />
with considerable public consultation.<br />
• Active participation by Ministry of Marine Resources staff in regional meetings and<br />
capacity building workshops for developing strategies on sustainable fisheries.<br />
• WCPFC conservation and management measures are implemented through the Tuna Plan<br />
and licensing conditions.<br />
• Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, together with Kiribati and French Polynesia have developed the Eastern-<br />
High Seas Packet Management Area that provides for increased Monitoring, Control<br />
Surveillance of the area to deter Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing.<br />
• Cook <strong>Islands</strong> is a member of the Technical Working Group for the Renegotiation of the<br />
Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries between certain <strong>Pacific</strong> Island States and the United States<br />
of America, and has proactively participated in all meetings to date.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati (through the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources<br />
Development) has continued to support action in the fisheries sector by: maximizing<br />
returns from the marine resources and which are still on-going, for example the joint<br />
venture fishing operation; and the tourist based fishing industry, for example, Kiritimati<br />
(Christmas Island) game fishing.<br />
14
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Support for fisheries development and management through:<br />
- strengthened governance for Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> fisheries management through Mekem<br />
Strong Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Fisheries;<br />
- greater observer coverage of tuna fisheries through investment in training <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island observers (via FFA and SPC);<br />
- a four month course for fisheries extension officers trained in skills to support sustainable<br />
and profitable fisheries;<br />
- consolidated sub-regional co-operation on shared interests in the Te Vaka Moana Arrangement;<br />
and<br />
- support for FFA and SPC to enable them to implement activities as per directions signalled<br />
by <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The first Micronesia Coastal Fisheries and Marine Resources Management Workshop<br />
was held on 4-8 April 2011 in Koror, Palau where key stakeholders came together to<br />
network, coordinate, and collaborate on the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach<br />
to Fisheries management. At the workshop, leaders in the area of Coastal Fisheries and<br />
Marine Resources Management shared and recognized Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries<br />
successes and achievements, and further addressed the potential impacts of climate<br />
change on near-shore fisheries. Currently, SPC is investigating these potential impacts<br />
within the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island region, and the Micronesian sub-region saw the importance<br />
of understanding these impacts on the coastal fisheries and developing an integrated<br />
approach to mitigate the effects. It sees the crucial need of ensuring that climate change is<br />
incorporated into any Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries approaches.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• MRAG Ltd has recently been contracted by the European Union (EU) funded<br />
African, Caribbean and <strong>Pacific</strong> (ACP) fish II Program to undertake the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> Comprehensive Legislation Review project. The purpose of the project is to<br />
comprehensively review and update the offshore and inshore fisheries legislation and<br />
regulations of the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> so that they are aligned with regional and<br />
international best practice, and provide the necessary framework towards ensuring that<br />
fisheries resources are managed sustainably and in the best long term interests of the<br />
Marshallese people. As part of this project, a 2 day workshop in July 2010 facilitated by<br />
MRAG Ltd. and SPC, was held to consult interested stakeholders on the legal issues to be<br />
addressed in the legislation review.<br />
• The Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) has banned the trade in, and<br />
exports of, shark fins and sea cucumbers following reports of illegal export operation<br />
in the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>. MIMRA’s board of directors placed a ban on the<br />
trade of these two marine resources until new regulatory procedures are in place. SPC and<br />
MIMRA will work on developing a national sea cucumber plan.<br />
• Negotiations on the United States <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> fisheries treaty took place in Majuro,<br />
commencing on 21 March 2011. Attending the negotiations were most <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries fisheries officials, the FFA and the United States State Department. Under the<br />
Nauru Agreement (PNA), several countries including the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
have put the United States on notice that the treaty requires changes because it is not in<br />
15
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
step with conservation and management standards being driven by PNA countries. Other<br />
issues discussed were overfishing of tuna, particularly bigeye tuna.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The Marine Resource Act has been reviewed in light of Tuvalu’s obligations as a member<br />
to the WCPFC. Gaps identified in the Act have been addressed in the form of regulations.<br />
• Re-negotiation of the United States Treaty is underway, with the decision of Papua New<br />
Guinea on its withdrawal from the Treaty.<br />
• The formulation of the Institutional Strengthening Programme (ISP) has been completed<br />
and is ready to tender for any interested development partner.<br />
• A review of Tuvalu Tuna Management and Development Plan (TMDP) has been<br />
completed. Amendments have been made to the plan in order to comply with regional and<br />
international management measures.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Vanuatu Government, through the Department of Fisheries, has extended its coastal<br />
development fisheries development programs to the provinces, in particular Torba and<br />
Penama provinces (these were forced to close down due to strikes in early 1990s and<br />
following the Comprehensive Reform Program in 1997/1998). The year also saw the<br />
establishment of 72 Fishermen Cooperative Associations (FCA) in the six provinces and<br />
the improvement of market access and infrastructure to support coastal fisheries with the<br />
installation of eight ice making machines and two cold storage rooms in the provinces.<br />
• In collaboration with SPC, Vanuatu has managed to develop its coastal fisheries data base,<br />
which is now fully operational and accommodates observer and port sampling data.<br />
• Vanuatu has developed the National Fish Aggregating Device management plan, the<br />
national catch retention plan, and the national plan of action on shark by-catch to<br />
ensure compliance of its long-line fleets with international obligations and to ensure<br />
conservation measures are complied with.<br />
• Vanuatu currently has 15 trained observer cadets and four SPC/FFA registered observers,<br />
bringing a total number of 19 observers in 2010. Surveillance has also continued to be<br />
undertaken through air and surface patrols with 814 patrol hours achieved in 2010 and<br />
the boarding of 13 vessels out of the 15 that were sighted.<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
Progressing the development and implementation of fisheries management and development regimes<br />
including Regional Strategies on Sustainable Fisheries<br />
• Implementation of the Regional Tuna Management and Development Strategy through<br />
formulation of national plans, programmes and practices.<br />
• Establishment of the Regional Economic Integration in Fisheries (REI) unit and specific<br />
investment facilitation assistance provided to the Federated States of Micronesia, Tuvalu,<br />
Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Niue, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tokelau and other<br />
member countries.<br />
• Commencement of the second phase of the EU funded DevFish Project in January 2011.<br />
• Fisheries management initiatives, such as assistance with the preparation of tuna<br />
management and development plans, promotion of the ecosystem approach, provision of<br />
management advice at the national, sub-regional and regional levels, and strengthening of<br />
legal frameworks supporting management and development.<br />
16
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Western and Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Fisheries Commission conservation and management measures<br />
• Preparation and support to FFA members in the negotiation of conservation and<br />
management measures at the WCPFC annual meeting in December 2010;<br />
• Development of negotiation strategies for WCPFC issues throughout 2010.<br />
• Assisting member countries to conduct assessments of the implementation status and<br />
implications of the WCPFC Conservation and Management Measures.<br />
• Comprehensive FFA brief for the FFA Science working group which met prior to the<br />
meeting of the WCPFC Scientific Committee in August 2010 to assist member countries in<br />
consolidating their views.<br />
• Comprehensive FFA brief for the FFA Technical and Compliance working group which<br />
met prior to the meeting of the WCPFC Technical and Compliance Committee in<br />
September/October 2010 to assist member countries in consolidating their views.<br />
• Convening a regional workshop in early May 2011 on the review of the WCPFC bigeye<br />
and yellowfin measure (Conservation and Management Measure (CMM) 2008-01) in<br />
advance of the revision of the measure in December 2011.<br />
Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Strategies<br />
• Adoption of the Regional Monitoring, Control Surveillance Strategy (RMCSS) by the<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Committee 74 in May 2010, following years of consultation and research.<br />
The RMCSS provides the basis for regional and national actions to allow FFA members<br />
greater control over fishing activities in their waters. Significant work now lies ahead<br />
in building capacity for implementation of priority interventions based on member<br />
priorities.<br />
• Implementation of regional requirements for 100 percent observer coverage on purse<br />
seine fishing vessels. This requirement has placed significant pressure on national and subregional<br />
observer programmes. With SPC, FFA has delivered results through the training<br />
of 300 observers to meet this demand. More recent focus has been on building capacity<br />
and infrastructure for national administration and data management.<br />
• Coordination and implementation of regional Monitoring, Control, Surveillance (MCS)<br />
operations. The following represent outcomes of regional multilateral MCS operations<br />
conducted during the past year:<br />
- Operation Tui Moana 10: Cook <strong>Islands</strong> and New Zealand only; Samoa’s <strong>Pacific</strong> Patrol<br />
Boat unable to participate; 1 <strong>Pacific</strong> Patrol Boat and 1 P3K aircraft; no at-sea boardings<br />
undertaken.<br />
- Operation Rai Balang 10: Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, United States Coast<br />
Guard and United States Navy; 3 <strong>Pacific</strong> Patrol Boat’s, 2 United States Coast Guard Cutters<br />
and 1 United States Navy P3 aircraft; 43 sightings; 7 at-sea boardings; 2 apprehensions.<br />
- Operation Island Chief 10: Papua New Guinea, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia,<br />
Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, Kiribati, Nauru, United States Coast Guard and<br />
United States Navy; 6 <strong>Pacific</strong> Patrol Boats, 2 United States Coast Guard Cutters and 1<br />
Untied States Navy 3 aircraft; 99 sightings; 20 at-sea boardings; 2 apprehensions.<br />
- Operation Kurukuru 10: Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Tuvalu, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Niue, Tokelau, United States Coast Guard, France,<br />
New Zealand and Australia (both military and Border Protection Command); 5 <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Patrol Boats, 1 Frigate, 1 United States Coast Guard Cutter, 3 Patrol Boats, United States<br />
Coast Guard C-130 aircraft, 1 New Zealand P3K aircraft, 1 Australian A-P3C aircraft<br />
17
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
and 1 Australian Border Protection Command Dash-8 aircraft; 195 sightings; 35 at-sea<br />
boardings; 2 apprehensions.<br />
- Operation Tautai 10: Operation run by the French; French Polynesia, Kiribati, Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
and U.S. Coast Guard. A number of vessels boarded in the High Seas and reported<br />
to WCPFC.<br />
• Conducted national prosecutions and boarding workshops in the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> (May<br />
2010), Vanuatu (November 2010), Palau and Micronesia (May 2011).<br />
Addressing ongoing barriers to international market access<br />
• Assisting countries establish Competent Authorities to monitor seafood safety and meet<br />
the requirements of the EU Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Regulation.<br />
• Support to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries World Trade Organisation (WTO) members in<br />
WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies, in conjunction with the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong><br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> Geneva office<br />
• Tuna Trade News, published in hard copy and online, to provide countries with a<br />
comprehensive review of possible improvement to market intelligence<br />
Re-negotiation of the Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries between <strong>Pacific</strong> Island States and the United States<br />
• The FFA Regional Strategy for the renegotiation of the Multilateral Treaty with the United<br />
States was endorsed which formed the basis for renegotiation by <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Parties<br />
to the Treaty in the renegotiations sessions with the United States. Key issues for the<br />
renegotiation include removal of constraints on sovereign rights and national laws, limit<br />
on fishing efforts and enhancement of domestic fisheries development.<br />
• Support to members in Technical Working Group meetings in Hawai’i in 2010 and<br />
renegotiation session in the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> in 2011.<br />
Strengthening the sector’s governance<br />
• Institutional strengthening reports finalised in Kiribati and Tuvalu. Ongoing work to<br />
design implementation programmes in both countries;<br />
• Funds for additional reviews secured and initial priority members identified.<br />
• Capacity building of member representatives through attachments with the Divisions of<br />
the <strong>Secretariat</strong> and legal fellowships.<br />
• Review and strengthening of fisheries legal frameworks in Samoa and Tuvalu.<br />
• Reviewed and designed new approach to national fisheries management assistance<br />
through a focus on national priorities which will feed into continued leadership at the<br />
wider regional level. Service level agreement template prepared for use.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
General Achievements– new projects<br />
• Start of DevFish 2 Project – This €8.2 million four-year project funded by the EU aims<br />
to promote tuna industry development in <strong>Pacific</strong> ACP countries while assisting them to<br />
combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing. The lead agency is FFA, but activities<br />
with a budgeted cost of CFP 3.3 million units will be implemented by SPC. •<br />
• Start of Fisheries for Food Security Project – This four-year project, with a budget of AUD<br />
4.8 million will provide scientific services in support of oceanic fishery management<br />
measures developed by FFA members. It will also support services in three areas of<br />
coastal fisheries: management and development of export fisheries for aquarium fish,<br />
development of mariculture opportunities, and assistance to meet export requirements for<br />
marine products.<br />
18
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Start of Papua New Guinea tuna tagging – This is a three - year project (2011–2014) funded<br />
by the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority in the amount of USD 3 million.<br />
The project will be managed by the National Fisheries Authority; but a little under one<br />
third of the total funding is earmarked to support technical assistance by Oceanic Fisheries<br />
Programme staff. The project is implementing a major tagging programme and building<br />
capacity in Papua New Guinea for applied research, while benefiting from the systems and<br />
experience built up during the <strong>Pacific</strong> Tuna Tagging Programme. It represents a unique<br />
investment in tuna science by a developing <strong>Pacific</strong> Island country.<br />
• Start of <strong>Pacific</strong> Economic Growth Observer Programme – This 3 year project funded by<br />
the New Zealand Aid Programme is jointly implemented by FFA and SPC to support<br />
development of national observer programmes. Work by the latter will include training<br />
observer trainers and debriefers, improving data collection protocols, and enhancing the<br />
quality and management of data collected by observers.<br />
Information<br />
• A wide range of information materials using different media was produced and<br />
distributed, ranging from technical manuals to newsletters, videos to magazine articles.<br />
The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems website was completely revised, and<br />
national information materials for the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu and Samoa developed.<br />
Cross cutting initiatives (Gender)<br />
• Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems through the SciCOFish Project provided<br />
support to a major gender analysis exercise on how to increase benefits for women by<br />
increasing their participation in different areas of oceanic and coastal fisheries science and<br />
management.<br />
Oceanic Fisheries<br />
• Completed the new region-wide stock assessments for skipjack and bigeye tuna. The<br />
skipjack assessment which used for the first time, information from the current <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Tuna Tagging Programme as well as new analyses of fishery-related data. New assessments<br />
for skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye and albacore will be presented to the WCPFC Scientific<br />
Committee in August 2011 and will form the basis of scientific inputs to a new WCPFC<br />
Conservation and Management Measure for tropical tunas.<br />
• Supported the introduction of a new longline fishery management system for the Parties<br />
to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), as well as analytical work on improved management of<br />
albacore longline fisheries for other members.<br />
• Shark research plan developed, approved and now being implemented.<br />
• Scientific support provided to FFA members in the development of a new conservation<br />
and management measure for bigeye tuna.<br />
• The latest version of the Tuna Fisheries Data Management System (TUFMAN) programme<br />
was rolled out in seven countries.<br />
• Considerable progress was made with the analysis of purse-seine species composition,<br />
using paired spill and grab samples collected by observers during 2008–2010.<br />
• Version 1 of Tuna Management Simulator (TUMAS) – the tuna management simulator<br />
which allows national fisheries staff to model the impact of management measures – was<br />
released and can be downloaded free of charge from the internet.<br />
• In collaboration with partners, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems through<br />
the region’s observer programmes have continued to meet the objective of 100 percent<br />
observer coverage on purse-seine vessels during 2010-2011, with 150 observers trained.<br />
19
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• While the fieldwork for the major tagging efforts of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Tuna Tagging Programme<br />
were completed in 2009, two cruises targeting bigeye tuna in the central <strong>Pacific</strong> using<br />
hand-line fishing had been executed by the end of 2010. Since 2006, nearly 300,000 tunas<br />
have been tagged and released and in excess of 40,000 recoveries received.<br />
• Provided scientific support to a comprehensive analysis of the effects of oceanographic<br />
conditions on albacore fisheries, a study on the effectiveness of high seas marine protected<br />
areas, and the first applications of the Spatial Ecosystem and Population Dynamics Model<br />
(SEAPODYM) model at the level of national exclusive economic zones (EEZs).<br />
Coastal Fisheries<br />
• Adoption and implementation of resource management plans, supporting sustainable<br />
local fisheries in the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Kiribati, and Federated States of Micronesia;<br />
• Establishment of community based management arrangements in Kiribati, the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, the Federated States of Micronesia and Samoa; and development of improved<br />
fisheries legislation in Samoa, Fiji, the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and Tuvalu.<br />
• Establishment of sustainable Fish Aggregation Device fishing programmes (deployment,<br />
maintenance, monitoring and fishing skill development) in Kiribati, the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Nauru, Fiji and Tuvalu.<br />
• Trained trainees from the Federated States of Micronesia and Kiribati in appropriate<br />
methodologies and assistance in assessment of aquarium/live reef fisheries.<br />
• Supported the development of marine aquarium/live reef fisheries policy/management<br />
framework for Nauru; Kiritimati in Kiribati; and Papua New Guinea.<br />
• Technical assistance provided to Samoa, Tuvalu, the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and Fiji for the<br />
coastal component of legislation reviews/development.<br />
• Practical assistance provided through training on the designing and targeting of<br />
appropriate awareness raising and educational information on coastal fisheries provided<br />
to Cook <strong>Islands</strong> and Fiji.<br />
• In collaboration with FFA, provided support to the Tokelau tuna fishery development<br />
plan.<br />
• Supported regional workshop with non-governmental organisations on assessing and<br />
standardising monitoring methods, data collection, identifying forms of data suited for<br />
coastal fisheries management requirements.<br />
Aquaculture<br />
• Regional review of aquaculture statistics published.<br />
• Assistance provided to Fiji to review aquaculture legislation.<br />
• Support to Kiribati for the enhancement of white teatfish stocks through aquaculture.<br />
• Assisted Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> with the introduction of Nile tilapia (risk assessment).<br />
• Assisted and reviewed Papua New Guinea aquaculture research facility development<br />
plans.<br />
• Supported mini-projects in six countries with useful research results as well as enabling<br />
five students to achieve postgraduate qualifications in aquaculture.<br />
• Co-organised the regional conference ‘Tahiti Aquaculture 2010’.<br />
• International symposium on sea cucumber culture and re-stocking co-organised with<br />
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.<br />
• Commenced review aquaculture/mariculture opportunities and constraints in the region.<br />
20
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Coral Reefs Initiatives for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Project<br />
• Through Coral Reefs Initiatives for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Project, the Fisheries, Aquaculture and<br />
Marine Ecosystems continues to support field activities. These include trials of post-larval<br />
capture and culture in Kiritimati Island, Kiribati; further work on shark tagging; and a<br />
marine resource and biodiversity survey of the Chesterfield <strong>Islands</strong> of New Caledonia<br />
carried out with the <strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• The Institute of Marine Resources at the University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> works with<br />
partners such as FFA, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the International<br />
Ocean Institute, and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to promote the importance of<br />
sustainably using and managing marine resources. Under an Asian <strong>Pacific</strong> Network<br />
project, USP organized a series of consultative meetings in Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Fiji<br />
that brought scientists and policy makers together in the areas of coral reef management<br />
and development. There was a round of meetings in July-August 2010, which were<br />
followed up in May 2011.<br />
• USP supports the promotion and importance of marine education. In July 2010, USP<br />
hosted the International <strong>Pacific</strong> Marine Educators Network (IPMEN) conference at the<br />
Outrigger on the Lagoon, which was attended by a number of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries.<br />
After that conference, Fiji, through its Ministry of Education, decided to include Marine<br />
Studies in its Technical and Vocational Training programme.<br />
• In July 2010, in collaboration with FFA and Food and Agriculture Organisation, USP<br />
organized a two- week course on responsible fisheries. The course focused on the Code of<br />
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and was attended by 16 participants.<br />
• In April 2011, USP worked with WWF, FFA and SPC to facilitate a civil society<br />
organisations’ workshop on Ocean Fisheries Management for 28 participants.<br />
• USP representatives also promote sustainable fisheries in academic courses because<br />
of their importance to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries. This remains the focus of the Institute<br />
of Marine Resources’ research and community engagement activities. The Institute of<br />
Marine Resources at USP also engages extensively with Japan International Cooperation<br />
Agency on fisheries and with CRISP and Conservation International to support marine<br />
protected areas in the region.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Significant progress in negotiating the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement (drafting is to be<br />
completed by the end of 2012).<br />
• Continued core and project funding support to FFA and SPC Fisheries, Aquaculture and<br />
Marine Ecosystems for priority projects.<br />
• In the WCPFC:<br />
- development and adoption of a new and enhanced Conservation and Management<br />
Measure for bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tunas; and<br />
- development and adoption of phase two of the Compliance Monitoring Scheme to address<br />
identified non-compliance.<br />
21
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Exploratory plans implemented, monitored and reviewed where appropriate.<br />
• As Papua New Guinea has withdrawn from the United States Treaty, the Treaty will end in<br />
June 2012; the pace of the renegotiation should increase.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
- Government of Kiribati will increase joint venture operations; and seek other potential<br />
sites for game fishing apart from Kiritimati.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Greater observer coverage of tuna fisheries through investment in training <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
observers (via FFA, SPC and Kiribati bilaterally).<br />
• More vocational training in vessel operations and private sector business skills.<br />
• Improved access by <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries to technical fisheries management and<br />
compliance expertise in the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries.<br />
• Greater sub-regional co-operation in fisheries management and development between Te<br />
Vaka Moana Arrangement participants.<br />
• Continuation of support to FFA and SPC.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The PNA Ministerial Meeting in 2010 resulted in the restriction of access to fishing<br />
grounds, which will increase economic returns to its Members. The following decisions<br />
were made:<br />
- <strong>Pacific</strong> Islander crewing of fishing vessels: implementing a mandatory PNA<br />
crewing requirement of 10 percent on all purse seine fishing vessels licensed in<br />
PNA waters from 1 January 2012 and gradually increasing to 20 percent over<br />
the next five years.<br />
- Continue high seas pocket closures: supporting closures endorsed by WCPFC and<br />
discussing intentions to make new high seas areas closures to purse seine fishing from<br />
2011, closing off an area of 4.5 million square kilometres to purse seine fishing.<br />
- Advance strategy to manage fishing: supporting the PNA strategy for management of<br />
the tropical tuna fishery, which includes maintaining current WCPFC measure on bigeye<br />
and yellow-fin tuna, imposing additional high seas closures from 2011, consideration<br />
of additional Fish Aggregating Device closures, and restricting the effort of United<br />
States flagged vessels under the United States fishing treaty with the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
- Back efforts to prosecute vessels for not carrying PNA observers onboard: Ministers<br />
agreed to pursue further regional action if necessary to ensure that the policy of the<br />
PNA to have fisheries observers on 100% of its purse seine vessels is complied with by<br />
all licensed vessels fishing in PNA waters.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Approval of the New Marine Resources Act and Tuna Management and Development Plan<br />
before implementation proceeds.<br />
• New Zealand and Australia has shown interest in the Institutional Strengthening<br />
Programme. Hopefully, the implementation of the programme could happen any time<br />
soon.<br />
22
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The establishment of the Seafood Verification Agency and activities on aquaculture,<br />
including marine seed production and mari-culture of marine related species and other<br />
research activities.<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
Progressing the development and implementation of fisheries management and development regimes<br />
including Regional Strategies on Sustainable Fisheries<br />
• Development of Country “Service Level Agreements” with each FFA member as a<br />
statement of intent to guide implementation of national level priorities throughout the<br />
region.<br />
• Fisheries development initiatives include the drafting of Development Plans and<br />
Investment Strategies for Members, including most recently the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Developing a regional work programme for DevFish2 and implementation of the first full<br />
year activity.<br />
• Continue assistance with the preparation of tuna management and development plans,<br />
promotion of the ecosystem approach, provision of management advice at the national,<br />
sub-regional and regional levels, and strengthening of legal frameworks supporting<br />
management and development in all members in accordance with Service Level<br />
Agreements.<br />
Western and Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Fisheries Commission conservation and management measures<br />
• Support members for preparation and implementation of existing measures through<br />
national visits and sub-regional and regional work.<br />
• Member countries effectively implementing the WCPFC conservation and management<br />
measures.<br />
• FFA members’ knowledge enhanced and able to effectively participate in respective<br />
WCPFC meetings and implement WCPFC decisions at a national and sub-regional level.<br />
• Complete FFA brief for the FFA Science working group and provide policy advice to<br />
further enhance members’ participation at the WCPFC Scientific Committee in August<br />
2011.<br />
• Complete FFA brief for the FFA Technical and Compliance working group and provided<br />
policy advice to further enhance members participation at the WCPFC Technical and<br />
Compliance Committee in October 2011.<br />
• Complete FFA brief to further enhance members’ participation at the WCPFC annual<br />
session in December 2011.<br />
Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Strategies<br />
• <strong>Secretariat</strong> working on completing monitoring, control surveillance compliance audits for<br />
each member using the 2009 MRAG Monitoring, Control Surveillance Risk Assessment<br />
Matrix as a baseline and identify areas where assistance is required. FFA Members to<br />
provide feedback on additional regional interventions that the FFA will pursue in 2011-<br />
2012 to implement the strategy. The Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance<br />
Strategy is a ‘living document’.<br />
• Ongoing support for implementation of 100 percent observer coverage – resolution<br />
towards the implementation of this strategy between regional and national observer<br />
programmes and focus efforts towards building national capacity for administering<br />
national observer programs.<br />
23
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Conduct of national dockside boarding and prosecutions workshops (including Fiji,<br />
Kiribati, and Tuvalu), sub-regional joint surveillance operations, and vessel monitoring<br />
system training to continue.<br />
Addressing ongoing barriers to international market access<br />
• Support to members including of drafting legislation on seafood standards and training<br />
personnel to implement the regulations.<br />
Re-negotiation of the Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries between <strong>Pacific</strong> Island States and the United States<br />
• Provision of briefs and advice for renegotiation sessions<br />
Strengthening the sector’s governance<br />
• Implementation of service level agreements and national fisheries management assistance<br />
through focus on national priorities<br />
• Dialogue with Ministers and Parliamentarians (particularly FFC Ministers, FEMM &<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> WTO parliamentarians) to promote improved broad based decision making<br />
and coordination of fisheries development investments and initiatives with other<br />
national stakeholders and support government decision-making to improve objectivity ,<br />
inclusiveness and technical expertise.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Oceanic Fisheries<br />
Regional stock assessments<br />
• Conduct stock assessments for skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye and South <strong>Pacific</strong> albacore tuna<br />
and related management analyses.<br />
• Undertake an analysis to investigate the use of alternative reference points for the<br />
management of Western and Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Ocean tuna fisheries.<br />
• Communicate information on tuna stock status and related issues in appropriate forums.<br />
• In conjunction with WCPFC, develop the 2011 service agreement and report on the<br />
implementation of services to the eighth annual session of the WCPFC.<br />
Stock assessment research and development<br />
• Release a later updated version of TUMAS, the Tuna Management simulator.<br />
• Conduct analyses of catch per unit effort, size and tagging data in support of regional tuna<br />
stock assessment.<br />
• Conduct analyses to determine appropriate biological parameters for use in regional tuna<br />
stock assessments.<br />
• Continue development, testing and documentation on the MULTIFAN-CLstock<br />
assessment software, with updated software and documentation posted on<br />
www.multifan-cl.org<br />
Implementation of the shark research plan<br />
• Develop preliminary indicators of stock status of key shark species.<br />
• Develop data sources and methods for assessment of silky shark.<br />
• Complete development of the shark tagging meta-database.<br />
• Communicate information on shark stock status and research.<br />
National Tuna Fisheries Status Reports<br />
• Develop and maintain secure national web pages containing updatable National Tuna<br />
Fisheries Status Report components.<br />
24
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Finalize national tuna fisheries status report for the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, Kiribati, Samoa and<br />
Tokelau.<br />
• Complete national tuna fisheries status report in the new format for at least three of Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Tuvalu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Fiji, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana <strong>Islands</strong><br />
and American Samoa.<br />
• Complete at least two issue-specific national reports on issues of broad regional and subregional<br />
interest.<br />
• Communicate in appropriate forms the work conducted in support of national tuna<br />
fisheries management.<br />
Support for development of National Tuna Management plans and associated instruments (with FFA)<br />
• Provide technical support to national tuna management plan development in the Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Tuvalu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Fiji, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
and American Samoa (if required).<br />
• Respond to ad hoc requests for scientific information and analyses in support of national<br />
tuna management.<br />
Observer training<br />
• Deliver a sub-regional Observer Training Course for Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, French Polynesia and<br />
Samoa in Apia.<br />
• National observers upgrade training for cadets in the Federated States of Micronesia.<br />
• Deliver a sub-regional Observer Training Course for Federated States of Micronesia and<br />
Palau in Pohnpei.<br />
• Deliver a sub-regional Observer Training Course for Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Niue, Republic of<br />
Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.<br />
• Assist with sub-regional Observer Training Course for Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu in<br />
Kavieng and develop auditing procedures for observer training courses and institutions.<br />
• National Observer Training Course for Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> in Honiara.<br />
Other observer programme support<br />
• Conduct an Observer Trainers Workshop and Observer Trainer Certification.<br />
• Conduct an observer debriefing workshop.<br />
• Provide debriefer training during in-country visits or in workshops.<br />
• Hold the Regional Observer Coordinators Workshop.<br />
Tuna tagging<br />
• Conduct tuna tagging campaigns in the Western and Central <strong>Pacific</strong> for the provision of<br />
data for stock assessment.<br />
• Complete preliminary analyses of horizontal and vertical movements.<br />
• Complete preliminary analyses of temporal changes in exploitation and Fish Aggregating<br />
Device impacts.<br />
• Implement tag recovery programme, including new Tag Recovery Officers in seven<br />
transhipment locations.<br />
• Implement 50 tag seeding experiments on purse seiners.<br />
• Conduct training of observers in tag recovery during regular observer training workshops.<br />
25
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Tuna biological research<br />
• Continue sample collection, conduct preliminary analyses of bigeye age, growth and<br />
reproductive biology.<br />
• Complete analyses of albacore age, growth and reproductive biology.<br />
Trophic dynamics<br />
• Stomach and muscle samples and fatmeter measurements collected during tagging cruises<br />
and observer trips.<br />
• Albacore sampling and fatmeter observations for New Caledonia.<br />
• Analyses of the impacts of FADs on trophic ecology submitted for publication.<br />
• Analyses of albacore diet submitted for publication.<br />
• Convene expert workshop to evaluate the suitability of applying.<br />
Coastal Fisheries<br />
Coastal Fisheries Management<br />
• Training provided in appropriate methodologies and assistance in assessment of aquarium<br />
fisheries.<br />
• Training provided in coastal fisheries data analysis for 4 countries.<br />
• Regional data repository maintained and national data provided to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
and Territories.<br />
• Monitoring and data needs identified, national workshops/trainings and assessments<br />
completed.<br />
• Invertebrate resource assessment and national workshops/training provided.<br />
• Support attachment trainings undertaken in Noumea for data entry and analysis for<br />
developing management arrangements.<br />
• Develop database modules for market/creel surveys.<br />
• Support sub-regional workshop covering monitoring protocols, data collection and<br />
analysis.<br />
• Underwater visual census methodology manual produced and disseminated to member<br />
countries.<br />
• Invertebrate methodology manual produced and disseminated to member countries.<br />
• Develop regional database module for export data and trial.<br />
• Develop draft survey manuals for market and/or creel surveys and supporting database.<br />
• Conduct baseline surveys (fish, invert, and habitat) for project sites including the<br />
deployment of temperature loggers.<br />
• Develop database for Community Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management work.<br />
• Marine aquarium fisheries policy/management framework completed.<br />
• Progress aquarium fishery management arrangements.<br />
• Provide scientific advice that is used to develop species specific management plans or<br />
resources profiles.<br />
• National legislation ready for endorsement (this is a multiyear process).<br />
• Training provided to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories to develop and disseminate<br />
fisheries information.<br />
26
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Support for fisheries website development training.<br />
• Coastal fisheries posters revised and/or developed.<br />
• Produce 16 information sheets covering management options of different finfish and<br />
invertebrate species or families that can be used for community-based management.<br />
Coastal Fisheries Development<br />
• Community-based bait fishing to supply fishing operations/local consumption started in<br />
the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Assistance to at least five national fishing associations to enhance profitability of small<br />
scale fishers.<br />
• Economic assessments completed for at least five fisheries or aquaculture projects.<br />
• International Fish Aggregating Device conference co-organised with Ifremer.<br />
• Fish Aggregating Device projects implemented in at least three countries.<br />
• Support for purse seine crew training to be initiated in Kiribati.<br />
• Sea safety training in at least three countries and materials provided.<br />
• Technical assistance provided to at least five countries in support of meeting seafood<br />
export requirements.<br />
• Support for development of sport fishing in support of the tourism sector in at least one<br />
country.<br />
Aquaculture<br />
• In response to requests, assistance for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories in managing<br />
aquatic bio-security and pathogen issues, and provision of advice on the risks, quarantine<br />
issues and potential benefits of introducing improved or domesticated varieties of fish or<br />
seaweed for aquaculture.<br />
• Aquaculture commodity development plans published for two countries.<br />
• Assist Papua New Guinea national aquaculture research station at Nago Island.<br />
• Regional review of aquaculture statistics support.<br />
• Aquaculture Legislative support provided.<br />
• Produce post-Tahiti Aquaculture proceedings in both English and French.<br />
• Support to the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> pearl industry and freshwater hatchery development.<br />
• Assist Samoa Fisheries with tilapia development.<br />
• Assist the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> in developing a capture based aquaculture project<br />
involving rabbit fish and or mullet.<br />
• Assist Vanuatu with freshwater hatchery and bio-security facility setup.<br />
• Review status of freshwater fisheries and opportunities for culture based fisheries.<br />
• Support invertebrate (sea cucumber) restocking initiatives.<br />
• Complete a major review and assessment of mariculture in the region to identify<br />
commodities for future economic development.<br />
• Co-host major aquaculture planning and development partner coordination meeting with<br />
Food and Agriculture Organisation.<br />
27
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Shortage of data input staff in the Offshore Fisheries Division that will be required to<br />
maintain the increase in data that will be received in connection with the Exploratory<br />
Plan.<br />
• Currently experiencing capacity restraints in that Ministry of Marine Resources does not<br />
have anyone available to continue to proactively participate at the Technical Working<br />
Group meeting of the United States Treaty.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Some issues relate to the lack of market facilitation program, market access, and consistent<br />
transport system in the domestic market for coastal fishers to meet the local demand.<br />
• Budget support is needed for capacity building and work programme for the Department<br />
of Fisheries.<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
Progressing the development and implementation of fisheries management and development regimes<br />
including Regional Strategies on Sustainable Fisheries<br />
• Continued national interest in the provision of <strong>Secretariat</strong> assistance to support the<br />
development and implementation of fisheries management and development regimes.<br />
• Potential risk of duplication or conflict between various fisheries management and<br />
development regimes of sub-regional groupings.<br />
Western and Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Fisheries Commission conservation and management measures<br />
• Competing and often conflicting views and positions between and within FFA members<br />
and the wider Commission.<br />
• Policy advice provided by the FFA <strong>Secretariat</strong> not accepted by member countries.<br />
• Insufficient financial and skilled human resources at the national level to implement<br />
WCPFC decisions.<br />
• Lack of support for FFA member positions at Scientific Committee, Technical and<br />
Compliance Committee and annual WCPFC session.<br />
Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Strategies<br />
• Implementation of Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Strategy – need to<br />
ensure close collaboration and cooperation between projects which have compliance<br />
components within them to ensure no overlaps or gaps in efforts in implementing the<br />
Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Strategy. These projects include, SCIFISH,<br />
DEVFISH II, ACPFISH II and the New Zealand Aid Programme Observer Project.<br />
• Observer coverage – resource requirements for the development of national and subregional<br />
capacity to fully implement 100 percent observer coverage on fishing vessels and<br />
develop national capacity to administer and run national observer programs.<br />
Addressing ongoing barriers to international market access<br />
• Insufficient resources to support the development of seafood safety systems.<br />
Re-negotiation of the Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries between <strong>Pacific</strong> Island States and the United States<br />
• Disagreement between the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> States and the United States on the key issues<br />
may risk the continuation of the Treaty.<br />
28
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
Strengthening the sector’s governance<br />
• Absence of political will and/or capacity and resources to strengthen governance of the<br />
sector.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Inadequate levels of funding: the level of investment in research for fisheries in the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
is small, and considerably less than for fisheries in New Zealand and Australia. This is<br />
without consideration of the importance of these fisheries to food security and economic<br />
development. Less scientific research means less information, poorer quality data, and<br />
therefore less certain estimates of stock status and fishery impacts, leading to increased<br />
risks to the sustainability of the resource.<br />
• Reliance on project funding: The need for good scientific information on fisheries is longterm<br />
and requires comparable financial support. Currently much of the fisheries research<br />
undertaken on tuna/coastal coastal fisheries and aquaculture is funded through ad-hoc<br />
or short-term funding projects. This system makes it difficult to undertake the long-term<br />
projects required for good scientific information.<br />
• Insufficient scientific capacity: low and intermittent funding creates problems in<br />
recruiting and retaining scientific staff to undertake the analysis needed to support<br />
science-based decision-making at national, regional and WCPFC levels.<br />
• Need for better investment of resources in national fisheries administrations: developing<br />
the necessary understanding of fisheries science and management of fisheries can take<br />
several years and fisheries departments suffer from high turnover – both to other parts<br />
of government and regional agencies. All Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems<br />
training and workshops aim to minimise these disruptions by training more than one<br />
person from each department when funds allow.<br />
• Lack of capital: aquaculture and fisheries in the region are regarded as a risky investment<br />
and many financial institutions are reluctant to lend resources to these ventures. Better<br />
understanding is needed of the business models and socioeconomic settings most likely<br />
to assure success of fisheries and aquaculture projects, especially with respect to tenure<br />
systems.<br />
• Gaps have emerged in the capacity of both organisations to support the more than<br />
five-fold expansion of observer placement required to provide 100 per cent coverage.<br />
These gaps are in areas ranging from debriefing and data management to the financial<br />
administration of the sub-regional programmes.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• The costs of travelling outside Fiji must be considered. Most of the work done outside<br />
Fiji is on externally funded projects. Institute of Marine Resources at USP could provide<br />
training subject to the provision of funding.<br />
29
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iii)<br />
Building on existing marine protected areas and initiatives.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Marine Resources (Aitutaki and Manuae Bonefish Fishery) Regulations 2010 promulgated<br />
to manage bonefishing in Aitutaki.<br />
• Takitumu Lagoon Day Awareness program has become an annual event that promotes<br />
greater awareness of the status and condition of the Takitumu Lagoon.<br />
• Initial discussion relating to a proposed Southern Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Marine Park.<br />
• Raui regulations – consultation with Aronga Mana continues.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati has identified potential Marine Protected Area (MPA) sites for<br />
North Tarawa, Tab North and South, and Nonouti which had been identified from marine<br />
profiling surveys on these islands.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Palau International Coral Reef Centre (PICRC) and the Japan International<br />
Cooperation Agency Coral Reef project held informative presentations on marine<br />
protected areas, sharing that marine protected areas support the continued sustainable<br />
use of renewable living resources by protecting habitat, spawning and nursing grounds.<br />
marine protected areas are monitored by the Protected Areas Network (PAN) and its<br />
importance was shared for the community to understand and help ensure the protection<br />
of these areas. The proper management of these areas will result in higher tolerances<br />
against environmental and biological changes, helping the country’s marine resilience on<br />
the effects of climate change.<br />
• The Palau International Coral Reef Centre research team, the Nature Conservancy, and<br />
the Palau International Coral Reef/Japan International Cooperation Agency Capacity<br />
Enhancement Project for Coral Reef Monitoring (CEPCRM) joined Yap’s Nimpal<br />
community to monitor the Nimpal Channel Marine Conservation Area and an adjacent<br />
reef channel on 7-10 March 2011. This trip indicated progress on the work of data<br />
collection for marine protected areas. Training was provided to monitor methods for<br />
measuring biological indicators as part of the Micronesian Challenge effort to standardize<br />
marine protected areas effectiveness measures. The monitoring effort collected data as<br />
well as enhancing the capacity of the Nimpal team for coral reef monitoring and marine<br />
protected areas assessment. The data collected shows that there are not only more fish in<br />
the marine protected areas compared to reefs still open for fishing, but that the fish are<br />
much larger. This came as a reward to the locals who, after 5 years of closure and investing<br />
in enforcement, are protecting the grounds for future generations to enjoy.<br />
• During the annual meeting of the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), a new strategic<br />
plan for 2010-2013 was approved, the 2011 budget was approved, a call for audit for 2010<br />
was approved, and grant-making strategies were approved. MCT supports biodiversity<br />
conservation and related sustainable development for the people of Micronesia in the<br />
30
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, the US Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>. MCT supports conservation across Micronesia by: providing long-term, sustained<br />
funding through grant programs; building the capacity of Micronesians and Micronesian<br />
organizations to design and manage conservation programs; and providing a regional<br />
forum to bring people from government, private enterprise, the community, and nonprofit<br />
organizations together to collectively address the challenges of natural resource<br />
management in Micronesia.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• For building existing marine protected areas and initiatives, the MIMRA have upcoming<br />
trainings to build the survey skills of the national team. So far MIMRA have held<br />
invertebrate survey training, socio-economic monitoring training, and finfish survey<br />
training. MIMRA is still trying to go back to the outer islands to work with other<br />
communities, such as Namdrik, Likiep, Wotje, and Ailuk.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Providing ongoing support to the Funafuti marine conservation area project.<br />
• Encouraging people to participate in environment regeneration projects like mangrove<br />
replanting and general rubbish clean up campaigns.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu has continued to support its marine protected areas, including carrying out<br />
stock assessment and monitoring of its marine resources. This included the development<br />
of larvae collecting tools under the DECOVAN project in its protected areas of Crab Bay,<br />
Malekula and Mystery Island, Aneityum. The marine protected areas come under the<br />
Fisheries Act 2005.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Vanuatu: conducted economic study of marine protected areas in North Efate and costbenefit<br />
analysis based on field data.<br />
• Cook <strong>Islands</strong>: supported a biodiversity visioning process.<br />
• Fiji: revised best practices during a workshop on community-based watershed<br />
management as part of a project led by IRD (L’Institut de recherche pour le<br />
développement), New Caledonia. Developed a participatory community agreement and<br />
action plan, and surveyed locally managed marine areas, including reforestation of 30 ha<br />
of mixed native and exotic forest species.<br />
• Fiji, Vanuatu and French Polynesia: worked on erosion control, Geographic Information<br />
System mapping of watershed and coastal zones, and water catchment planning; analysis<br />
of customary systems/socio-economic evaluation of marine protected areas; governance<br />
and capacity building for integrated watershed catchment management under the Gestion<br />
intégrée de l’Environnement Récifal: du Satellite à l’Acteur project.<br />
• Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Kiribati: the Foundation of the Peoples of the South<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> International is currently working with support from the Coral Reefs Initiatives for<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong> programme on the development and strengthening of marine protected areas to<br />
serve as pilots or models for management intervention and capacity building for improved<br />
marine resources management.<br />
31
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Samoa: supported management of Aleipata and Safata marine protected areas established<br />
via trust funds. Since November 2009, Conservation International and the Ministry of<br />
Natural Resources and Environment have been working with local communities to restore<br />
coastal habitats impacted by the 2009 tsunami.<br />
• Trials of post-larval capture and culture in Kirimati Island Kiribati.<br />
• Shark tagging.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Implementations of the Bonefish regulations through public awareness programs together<br />
with enhanced monitoring by the Ministry of Marine Resources Compliance Unit.<br />
• Continued monitoring program of the Takitumu lagoon.<br />
• Management Plans developed for various designated fisheries (for example, Trochus on<br />
Rarotonga).<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Marine profiling surveys to be conducted for the rest of the Gilbert and Line groups.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau’s marine protected areas have required technical support to strengthen the capacity<br />
of their monitoring. In 2008, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the<br />
Government of Palau created the Joint Coordination Committee to conduct such a project.<br />
Their annual meeting resulted in agreements to prepare the monitoring plan based on<br />
the standardised regulations of Palau and other international initiatives, along with<br />
promoting the participation of local communities and officials of State governments in<br />
the monitoring activities.<br />
Government of the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Expand and develop more marine protected areas.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Assist in formulating by-law to ensure sustainable harvesting of other shore and land<br />
resources.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Consultation workshops in the provinces on integrated coastal resources management<br />
and undertaking resource assessment benchmark surveys in existing marine protected<br />
areas.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Evaluation of the impact of marine protected areas, and associated support including<br />
baseline surveys, participatory monitoring, and<br />
• Methodology adaptation.<br />
• Development of eco-regional conservation plans.<br />
• Implementation of International Watershed Catchment Management activities.<br />
32
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Support for coastal habitat restoration including through waste management and<br />
replanting of mangrove areas.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• A risk will be that as increased anglers arrive in Aitutaki, there will not be enough ‘guides’<br />
to cater for the increase.<br />
• Increased costs of water-quality testing of samples collected from the Takitumu Lagoon.<br />
• Major issue is getting buy-in from the Aronga Mana to the development of ‘European’<br />
regulations for the Raui.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Although marine protected areas would act as a reserve and would supply affected<br />
reefs, this could cause people to lose out on traditional fishing grounds as a result of the<br />
establishment of marine protected areas.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of capacity and resources and/or commitment of local communities and government<br />
officials.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• People might resist the restrictions on the use of natural resources.<br />
• Public negative reaction and budget costs often impede proper implementation of by-laws.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Capacity needed within the Department of Fisheries to support these initiatives at the<br />
community level, given that the fully ‘protected’ sites are initiated through traditional<br />
means of conserving the environment and their resources for only periods of time.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Greater support for marine protected areas is required at the institutional level whilst at<br />
site level, good governance within the village.<br />
• Context and respect for fishing regulations are essential.<br />
• Natural disasters such as the 2009 tsunami can impact the development and long-term<br />
management of marine protected areas.<br />
• A need to ensure that fisheries information products are relevant to and are reaching the<br />
people who can use them.<br />
• Limited capacity in the programme in to deal with work in the legal and economic areas.<br />
• An emerging issue that seems likely to consume a fair amount of time and effort is<br />
the introduction of new species and varieties of tilapia for aquaculture. SPC has never<br />
promoted species introductions, but the advantages of using familiar species and carefully<br />
selected strains of any animal for food production are well known.<br />
33
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iv)<br />
Expediting the implementation of the 2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Energy Ministers’ decisions and, in<br />
particular, the five key areas highlighted by these Ministers to achieve greater energy<br />
security across the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia has committed up to AUD25 million over 4 years (2009/10 and 2012/13) to<br />
improve access to Clean and Affordable Energy services in the <strong>Pacific</strong>. The focus of this<br />
commitment, announced at the 2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong>, includes:<br />
- assisting <strong>Pacific</strong> countries to better manage their energy resources through robust<br />
whole of energy sector planning and coordinated implementation;<br />
- exploring options to broaden the base of energy sources, including renewable energy;<br />
- supporting improved utility and consumer energy efficiency; and<br />
- exploring more efficient local fuel procurement arrangements.<br />
• Progress to date under the Clean and Affordable Energy initiative includes assisting the<br />
Tongan Government to develop an Energy Road Map (2010–2020), which charts the<br />
course for gradually reducing fossil fuel dependence and an expansion in access to energy<br />
services for the population.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Environment Community Fund: three projects have been identified for<br />
application to this fund for the islands of Rakahanga, Pukapuka-Nassau-Suwarrow and<br />
Manihiki. The full project proposal for Rakahanga was approved and funding signed<br />
in the first Quarter 2011/2012. The concept note for Pukapuka is approved and the full<br />
project proposal will be submitted in the second Quarter 2011/2012 and the Manihiki<br />
project concept note also submitted second Quarter 2011/2012. The next step will be<br />
the appointment of the PECF Local Coordinator and the tendering for the design of<br />
the Rakahanga Project that will be carried out in the third Quarter or 2011/2012. It is<br />
envisaged that by the last Quarter 2011/2012 all three project will be past the tendering<br />
stage.<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme: New Zealand has committed financial support in the<br />
development of Renewable Energy in the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>. A scoping exercise for Mitiaro has<br />
been completed and a project proposal is being prepared. A proposal for a 150kWp PV<br />
Grid tied system for Rarotonga has been prepared for a 100kW at Te Aponga Uira power<br />
station and 50kWp for the new Ministry of Education administration building.<br />
• The Asia Development Bank Energy Efficiency Programme: a 4 year programme to assist<br />
the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> in further renewable energy development. The project is scheduled to<br />
commence in August 2011.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati has at least partially accomplished 2 (out of 5) Key Priority Actions<br />
and 1 under the development process.<br />
34
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Key Priority 4: Regional Bulk Procurement Initiative: Government of Kiribati has<br />
two issues before signing the Project’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The<br />
Government of Kiribati’s agreement with Mobile expires in June 2012 and there is a<br />
need to uphold this agreement until its expiration. Should this MoU not interfere with<br />
agreement, there is an urgent and important need for further clarifications to Government<br />
of Kiribati on this. There is a need to review the project MoU as advised by Government<br />
of Kiribati’s Oil and Fuel Company operated under Ministry of Public Works and Utility’s<br />
(MPWU’s) portfolio and raise recommendations to Cabinet for approval.<br />
• Key Priority 5: Investment in sustainable renewable energy technologies: Currently there<br />
are three renewable energy programs undertaken by Government of Kiribati with the<br />
assistance of relevant/concerned development partners.<br />
• Italian Government Support: There are four renewable energy projects implemented<br />
in Kiribati with the support of the Italian Government. These are: renewable energy<br />
systems for water pumping systems in rural communities; wind resources assessment<br />
for Kiritimati Island; photo voltaic hybrid mini-grid for Chevalier College; and biofuel<br />
production and refining development at Kiribati Copra Mill Company Ltd (KCMCL).<br />
• European Union Support: The EU (under the EDF 10 Project) will provide more solar<br />
systems for homes, maneabas (cultural meeting halls), schools and private businesses in<br />
urban and rural areas. Some part of the systems’ maintenance will be covered as well.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Environment Community (PEC) Fund: There is a plan to have a 180 kW Photo<br />
Voltaic grid-connected system to be in place to support to the Kiribati existing power<br />
supply. A detailed project proposal has been developed for this plan to submit to the PEC<br />
Fund.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand is currently actively involved in supporting the following energy projects:<br />
- initiatives under the Tonga Energy Road Map, such as the Village Network Upgrade<br />
Project;<br />
- supporting the Tuvalu Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Unit that aims to<br />
reduce reliance on imported diesel, improve supply infrastructure, and investigate<br />
renewable energy options;<br />
- supporting Tokelau’s investment in renewable energy;<br />
- Cook <strong>Islands</strong> energy projects, such as investment in photo-voltaics in Rarotonga, and<br />
PV-based mini grids on Mitiaro and some Northern Group islands;<br />
- investigation of options around funding a rural electricity reticulation project in Papua<br />
New Guinea; and<br />
- investigation into biofuel options in Samoa.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau’s energy office is still fairly new but there has been progress with capacity building.<br />
Officials from the energy office have been able to attend meetings and workshops for<br />
better regional cooperation and coordination with information sharing.<br />
• There is no progress on Palau’s inclusion in the <strong>Pacific</strong> Petroleum Project and its aim for<br />
regional bulk procurement in fuel.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Engagement of technical assistance from New Zealand to assist Tuvalu Electricity<br />
35
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Corporation in the establishment of the Renewable Energy Unit.<br />
• The technical assistance guided the formulation of the Renewable Energy and Energy<br />
Efficiency Master Plan for the implementation of the Tuvalu National Energy Policy<br />
strategic area on renewable energy.<br />
• A national steering committee was established to monitor the implementation of the<br />
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Master Plan.<br />
• The Government of Tuvalu submitted the concept notes to the PEC fund and the<br />
department is tendering the project to a contractor to work on full details of the project.<br />
• Work is in progress to finalising the Financial Agreement for the EU funded project,<br />
to improve access to energy services through PVC installation at three outer <strong>Islands</strong> –<br />
Nukulaelae, Nukufetau and Nui.<br />
• Development of energy database for this year and past years; and<br />
• Endorsement of the new structure for the Energy Department by Cabinet.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Vanuatu Energy Road Map is currently being developed to guide the sector and<br />
achieve greater energy security nationally.<br />
• Vanuatu has also completed its Renewable Energy Strategy with a view to having this<br />
completed toward the end of 2011.<br />
• The Energy Unit is being reviewed to ensure institutional strengthening and the<br />
possibility of making it a fully fledged department.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Strengthen coordination and delivery of regional and development partner energy services to <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries through one energy agency and one programme<br />
• A Framework for Action on Energy Security in the <strong>Pacific</strong> (FAESP) to guide and coordinate<br />
regional energy sector service deliveries was endorsed at the 41st <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> in<br />
August 2010.<br />
• The FAESP was endorsed by Energy Ministers from <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Countries and<br />
Territories at the Inaugural Regional Meeting of Ministers of Energy, ICT and Transport in<br />
April 2011.<br />
• An Implementation Plan to guide and coordinate the delivery on the FAESP by Council of<br />
Regional Organisations in the <strong>Pacific</strong> (CROP) agencies was endorsed by Energy Ministers<br />
from <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Countries and Territories at the Inaugural Regional Meeting of<br />
Ministers of Energy, ICT and Transport in April 2011.<br />
Ensure socio-economic considerations are the key drivers of the energy sector rather than greenhouse gas<br />
emission reduction<br />
• All new regional energy projects of CROP agencies will now be consultatively designed<br />
and implemented according to the adopted FAESP and implementation plan. For instance,<br />
the €9 million EDF 10 regional energy proposal is currently consultatively developed by<br />
CROP agencies (PIFS, PPA, SPC, SPREP & USP) to ensure primacy of energy security over<br />
green house gas emission reduction in the energy sector.<br />
Strengthen human capacity development initiatives including gender mainstreaming and development of<br />
apprentice schemes for power utilities and alternative energy technologies<br />
• SPC secured €161,000 to mainstream gender into the climate change and energy policies<br />
of Smaller Island States. A training of trainers’ workshop was completed in May 2011.<br />
36
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• The Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> (SEIAPI) together with<br />
USP and supported by PPA, SPC and SPREP are working on the formation of a Competency<br />
Standards Committee for Sustainable Energy Capacity Building in the <strong>Pacific</strong> region. The<br />
role of this Committee will be to approve the competency standard (task analysis) that<br />
would then be used by training institutes in the development of their training courses,<br />
including those for the power utilities. These training courses will be critical for the<br />
success of the proposed technicians’ certification scheme being developed by SEIAPI.<br />
• As part of the EDF-10 funded North <strong>Pacific</strong> ACP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency<br />
Project (North-REP) that is being implement by SPC, renewable energy and energy<br />
efficiency capacity development initiatives are been considered to be institutionalized<br />
into existing regional, sub-regional, and national training institutes.<br />
• SPC through the North-REP will be providing support to power utilities in Palau, the<br />
Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and the Federated States of Micronesia to attend the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Power Association (PPA) Conference and a side event /workshop on the outcomes of a<br />
benchmarking exercise conducted by PPA.<br />
Review, and as appropriate, strengthen national capacity in energy data and information gathering and<br />
collation, management, dissemination and analysis of economic, social and environmental issues to better<br />
inform national and regional policy and planning choices<br />
• In August 2010, the PPA, SPC, and the <strong>Pacific</strong> Infrastructure Advisory Centre (PIAC) of<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong> Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF), signed a memorandum of understanding<br />
(MOU) to establish a sustainable benchmarking system for the power utilities of the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Countries and Territories. The benchmarking exercise is currently<br />
underway.<br />
• The PPA commenced data collection for the benchmarking exercise following the<br />
convening of the initial Steering Committee Meeting in Nadi, Fiji, on 1 July 2011.<br />
• Energy security indicators for the FAESP have been drafted and endorsed by the Energy<br />
Ministers from <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Countries and Territories at the Inaugural Regional Meeting<br />
of Ministers of Energy, Information, Communication and Technology and Transport in<br />
April 2011.<br />
• Completed the calculation of the 2009 energy security indicators for Niue, Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga and Tuvalu. A funding proposal was submitted to<br />
the EU Policy Dialogue Facility to extend the exercise to other <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories.<br />
• Conducted one regional workshop in Suva and one national workshop in Niue to improve<br />
the participants’ appreciation of the energy planning process and to be able to construct<br />
their respective national energy balance.<br />
• SPC, through the North-REP, has developed a terms of reference including the<br />
commencement of socio-economic data collation that is being carried out in Palau, the<br />
Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and the Federated States of Micronesia . This will form<br />
the baseline upon which a socio-economic impact assessment will be conducted at the<br />
conclusion of the North-REP in 2014.<br />
CROP agencies to continue to support <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries to implement the regional bulk fuel<br />
procurement initiative<br />
• The Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> signed the memorandum of understanding in August<br />
2010, increasing the number of signatories to the Bulk Procurement Initiative to five<br />
(Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Nauru, Niue, the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and Tuvalu). As a result,<br />
there was a mission to the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> to undertake necessary data and<br />
information collection to be included in the Milestone reports. In February 2011, a draft<br />
37
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
38<br />
report was provided to the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> for comment.<br />
• The supply chain in each of the signatory countries has been evaluated and the countries<br />
have been provided with advice on improving fuel procurement. However, the existence<br />
of long term supply contracts, and the absence of other countries joining the initiative<br />
and the geographical spread of the signatory states means that sub-regional arrangements<br />
are possible only for two countries. At this time, only Nauru and the Republic of Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> have the flexibility to participate in a regional procurement tender.<br />
• The distinct requirements of member countries mean that regional bulk procurement<br />
is not the preferred approach to reducing the cost associated with their supply chain<br />
operations. Instead the type of assistance that appears to be of greater practical use to<br />
member states includes:<br />
- Pricing advice on the cost of transportation from Singapore and the local port charges;<br />
- Advice on logistical arrangements, such as improving shipping transport linkages that<br />
dictate any regional fuel movements;<br />
- Advice on local infrastructure, such as improving the ability of members to have appropriate<br />
fuel storage facilities or take medium range tankers; and<br />
- Providing support to tender and price negotiations.<br />
• Energy Ministers from <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Countries and Territories at the Inaugural Regional<br />
Meeting of Ministers of Energy, ICT and Transport in April 2011 acknowledged and noted<br />
the progress to date with the regional bulk procurement of fuel and agreed to accept the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Petroleum Project Phase 1 as complete following the presentation of Milestone 5.<br />
The final Milestone 6 will become part of the petroleum advisory service to be delivered<br />
by SPC, following the signing of a <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> - SPC Memorandum of<br />
Understanding.<br />
Coordinate actions to facilitate investment in sustainable renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency<br />
and conservation initiatives.<br />
• The PPA provided technical assistance to its member utilities on their renewable energy<br />
developments and programs through the facilitation of two workshops on grid-connected<br />
photovoltaic installations held in Koror, Palau, and Nadi, Fiji.<br />
• The PPA completed a study funded by United States Department of Interior to quantify the<br />
energy losses in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, and<br />
Palau as well as Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• The PPA commenced the study funded by the EU and NZAid to quantify the energy losses<br />
in the power utilities in Papua New Guinea, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu,<br />
Tonga, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Niue and Nauru.<br />
• The office of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Environment Community (PEC) fund was established at the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong>. The USD66 million PEC fund is for environment<br />
issues including climate change projects with a focus on the provision of solar power<br />
generation systems and sea water desalination plants for <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries. The<br />
PEC Fund governance arrangements have now been established. The Joint Committee<br />
(JC) established under the PEC Fund guidelines to provide an oversight and to make the<br />
necessary decisions with respect to the implementation of the PEC Fund. The PEC Fund<br />
governance structure has now been fully implemented with the establishment of the<br />
Project Management Unit and the Technical Advisory Group at PIFS.<br />
• The call for proposals has been made to <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries by PIFS, which involves a<br />
two-phase process as follows:<br />
- phase 1 – submission of a project concept note, which is first screened by the PEC Fund
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
project management unit and then is appraised by the Technical Advice Group. The<br />
project management unit will notify successful applicants and invite them to submit<br />
detailed project proposals.<br />
- Phase 2 – submission of a detailed project proposal, which is screened by project management<br />
unit and then assessed by Technical Advice Group who will make recommendations<br />
on the technical merits of the project proposal. Final detailed project proposals<br />
will be submitted to joint committee for consideration and approval.<br />
• In relation to above, significant progress has been made with <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries<br />
responding positively to the call for proposals. Most <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries have now<br />
completed phase 1 of the process and are now preparing their detailed project proposals<br />
for submission under phase 2. Samoa’s full project proposal has been approved by the PEC<br />
Joint Committee.<br />
• SPC began implementing the €14.44 million EU funded Northern <strong>Pacific</strong> Renewable<br />
Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (North REP) for the Federated States of Micronesia,<br />
Palau and the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> in October 2010. A project-funded Energy<br />
Specialist is stationed at Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Republic of Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> to strengthen local implementation capacity. The North–REP in practical terms<br />
envisages at least reducing average monthly electricity consumption in urban households<br />
by 10 percent; providing a total of 12,739 people with first time access to electricity<br />
in Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>; and will assist 21<br />
health centres and 32 schools access basic electricity. North-REP will further enhance<br />
opportunities in providing the basis where the many energy initiatives in the three<br />
countries could work together to achieve the respective country renewable energy and<br />
energy efficiency targets.<br />
• SPREP continued with the third year of implementing its Global Environment Facility<br />
funded <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Greenhouse Gas Abatement through Renewable Energy Project<br />
(PIGGAREP). National training workshops were conducted in the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
Tonga to strengthen local capacity to design, install and maintain renewable energy<br />
systems. A regional workshop on grid-connected systems was conducted at Niue and<br />
renewable energy resource assessment and feasibility studies were supported in the Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. PIGGAREP also supported a joint regional energy<br />
planning workshop with SPC and supported <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries participation in a<br />
USP Renewable Energy Conference.<br />
• USP commenced the implementation of its USP Korea International Cooperation Agency<br />
Renewable Energy Project (East Asia Climate Change Partnership). The USD2 million<br />
grant from the Republic of South Korea is for ‘renewable energy generation, resource<br />
assessment, and capacity building programme for sustainable economic development of<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island countries’. This project comprises three main components:<br />
- Wind and solar energy resource assessment in all 12 USP member countries (Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tokelau, Tonga,<br />
Tuvalu, and Vanuatu) and establishment of a data bank at USP.<br />
- Establishment of a 54 kilo watt (kW) grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system at<br />
USP for research and study purposes.<br />
- Renewable energy capacity building where 12 regional students will undertake studies<br />
in Masters on Renewable Energy programme at USP. USP has already recruited seven<br />
students from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Nauru under this programme.<br />
39
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• As a member of <strong>Pacific</strong> Energy Oversight Group, USP leads the capacity building aspect of<br />
the Framework for Action on Energy Security in the <strong>Pacific</strong> (FAESP) Implementation Plan,<br />
which was endorsed by the <strong>Pacific</strong> Energy Ministers in April 2011.<br />
• USP has a long history of assisting its member countries to strengthen their technical<br />
and institutional capacity in the area of renewable energy. The University is involved<br />
in a number of renewable energy projects in the region. These include Project DIREKT,<br />
a €1.2 million ACP - EU funded project (DIREKT- small Developing Island Renewable<br />
Energy Knowledge and Technology transfer network) which aims to enhance cooperation<br />
between the institutes involved in renewable energy science and technology development<br />
in the ACP region and EU institutions. The Government of Korea is providing funding<br />
for a project on renewable energy generation, resource assessment, and capacity building.<br />
The United States Embassy and the French Embassy have both provided funding to<br />
establish solar PV and wind-solar hybrid systems on the main USP campus. These projects<br />
form part of postgraduate students’ research work, and are also used as training sites. The<br />
French Government is also funding two further renewable energy projects, one of which<br />
will assist with the expansion of the solar PV system at Laucala, while the other will help<br />
develop strategies for the replacement of fuel-based lighting in the rural areas.<br />
• The Renewable Energy Group within USP is actively engaged in research in renewable<br />
energy. USP, with the support of the Sustainable Energy Industry Association of <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong> (SEIAPI), will lead the development of a certification programme for designers and<br />
installation technicians, including the development of relevant competency standards in<br />
the region.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The Framework and Implementation Plan will guide Australian and other development<br />
partner support. Priority areas for future support include: robust, whole-of-sector planning<br />
and implementation at the national level; and appropriate regional initiatives that may<br />
be identified under the Regional Energy Framework that complement <strong>Pacific</strong> countries’<br />
own national energy security efforts, such as consumer energy efficiency and utility<br />
benchmarking.<br />
• Under Australia’s Clean and Affordable Energy initiative ongoing support will be provided<br />
for implementation of the Tonga Energy roadmap. Similar support will be rolled out for<br />
the development and implementation of energy sector roadmaps in Vanuatu and Kiribati.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Further investigation of renewable energy options – solar, wind, biomass, biofuel and<br />
waste energy.<br />
• Tariff review.<br />
• Institutional restructuring.<br />
• Policy and regulatory adjustment.<br />
• Community education and awareness programmes.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
40
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• The Government of Kiribati anticipates strengthening national capacity in energy data<br />
and information gathering; collation; and analysis to better provide informed planning<br />
and policy development.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Many of the above-mentioned energy projects will move into implementation. New<br />
Zealand is also working with other <strong>Pacific</strong> partners to scope additional areas for bilateral<br />
support.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• There is need for more discussion. The <strong>Pacific</strong> Petroleum Project seems beneficial for our<br />
country to participate knowing the limited risk in doing so. This Project not only taps<br />
into the regional level through the potentials of bulk procurement in fuel, but also at a<br />
national level through price comparison and competitiveness. Complimentary to this, it is<br />
not legally binding, which then secures existing contractual business between Palau and<br />
its fuel suppliers.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Operate the Tuvalu Electricity Corporation Renewable Energy Unit.<br />
• Implementation of the PEC and EU funding.<br />
• Recruitment of new staff for the Energy Department – Assistant Renewable Energy Officer<br />
and Assistant Information Officer.<br />
• Secure more funding for the implementation of the Tuvalu National Energy Policy.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Launch the Vanuatu Energy Roadmap consultation process with a view to finalising the<br />
roadmap in mid 2012.<br />
• Review current structure of the Energy Unit by the Public Service Commission to ensure<br />
that it becomes a fully fledged department in late 2011, given the significant role energy<br />
plays across various sectors.<br />
• Building capacity of the restructured department responsible for energy by March 2012.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Regular meetings of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Energy Oversight Group (PEOG) to reinforce the<br />
‘many partners, one team approach’ and strengthen the coordinated delivery on the<br />
implementation plan for the Framework for Action on Energy Security in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Joint implementation of the EDF 10 regional energy project by CROP agencies in the<br />
PEOG. Further new regional energy proposals will be consultatively developed and<br />
implemented by the PEOG.<br />
• On-going implementation of the gender mainstreaming project by SPC.<br />
• A number of technical workshops each for power utility engineers in the North and South<br />
will be conducted by PPA.<br />
• Training workshops on renewable energy (solar home systems and grid connected solar<br />
PV systems) and energy efficiency for Palau, the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and the<br />
Federated States of Micronesia.<br />
• The benchmarking exercise for the power utilities will be completed and follow up actions<br />
to be undertaken for a number of utilities.<br />
41
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• The establishment of the energy data base as well as the identification / calculation of<br />
the 2009 energy security indicators in 10 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories will be<br />
completed.<br />
• One regional workshop on an Energy Data Base will be completed.<br />
• Implementation of milestone 6 of the regional bulk procurement initiative will be<br />
completed by December 2011.<br />
• Provision of petroleum pricing advisory by SPC as and when requested by member<br />
countries.<br />
• PPA will continue providing technical assistance to its member’s power utilities and<br />
follow up actions on the energy loss studies.<br />
• Each <strong>Forum</strong> Island Country would have a full proposal approved for funding by the Joint<br />
Committee of the PEC and each will be at varying stages of implementing their funded<br />
projects.<br />
• The North REP will complete installing about 1,500 solar home systems throughout the<br />
atolls of the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• SPC, through North-REP, will commence procurement of renewable energy systems for<br />
schools and health facilities in rural areas and remote islands in the Republic of Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> and the Federated States of Micronesia.<br />
• SPC, through North-REP, will retrofit government and sporting facilities in the Federated<br />
States of Micronesia and Palau with energy efficient equipment.<br />
• PIGGAREP will install more than 10 wind monitoring systems at different sites in the<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Vanuatu.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Lack of coordination in the energy sector is widely recognised as a constraint to energy<br />
security in the region. Australia will provide appropriate support to the SPC in its role as<br />
the lead regional agency responsible for energy coordination in the <strong>Pacific</strong>, in addition to<br />
supporting coordinated action at the national level with <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and other<br />
development partners.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Italian Government Support: spare parts for future maintenance of systems under the<br />
above mentioned four projects funded by the Italian Government will be long-term<br />
challenges.<br />
• European Union Support: need for capacity building trainings to concerned locals on the<br />
maintenance of the systems installed in community places.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Environment Community (PEC) Fund: need for support in finalising the<br />
development of the detailed project proposal. Concerned Government of Kiribati officials<br />
will be in contact with SPREP should the need arise.<br />
42<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of political will hinders the progress of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Petroleum Project in Palau.<br />
• Lack of staff and resources for the energy office
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Availability of funding to achieve the Tuvalu National Energy Policy of 100 percent<br />
renewable energy for power generation by 2020.<br />
• PEC fund full proposal might not be approved; and delay implementation.<br />
• The problem of capacity to manage the USD4million dollars for solar and desalination<br />
development within the Government.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Energy Unit under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is currently<br />
understaffed and would do with an upgrading of its institutional capacity.<br />
• Financial resources are needed for institutional strengthening.<br />
• Financial resources required for awareness and consultations on the Energy Roadmap.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The major issue is the funding and the lack of advisory level staff, in particular on<br />
petroleum (SPC), policy and regulatory reforms (SPC), power (PPA) and data base (SPC).<br />
• Low priority given to data collection, analysis and research to support policy development.<br />
• There is a need to raise the awareness of Energy as a key sector in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
and development partners.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(v)<br />
Providing greater support to tourism, the region’s largest economic driver, and, in<br />
particular:<br />
• accelerating development of emerging geographic and niche markets;<br />
• improving access to <strong>Pacific</strong> destinations by air and sea; and<br />
• continuing to build the capacity of small and medium service providers to cater to current<br />
and emerging international markets and generate employment opportunities.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Establishment by the Prime Minister of the Economic Development Taskforce to conduct<br />
consultations and propose to the Government directions that will energise, invigorate and<br />
grow the economy.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Government of Kiribati (through the Tourism Office) has developed project proposals<br />
to conduct tourism awareness campaigns, improve the management of World War II<br />
relics, and establish the Battle of Tarawa Museum to attract more interested tourists and<br />
encourage them to choose Kiribati as their preferred holiday destination.<br />
43
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Continuation of air services from LA to Apia and Nuku’alofa (until service terminated);<br />
• Cook <strong>Islands</strong> tourism sector support, with funding for development, tourism marketing<br />
airline route development;<br />
• A significant tourism programme has been launched for Tonga, covering areas such<br />
as branding/marketing, development of accommodation standards, heritage site<br />
management and provincial tourism development;<br />
• A multi-year tourism programme for Samoa is in the final stages of design;<br />
• Increased support to the tourism industry in Tonga (though the Ministry of Tourism, and<br />
the industry association Tourism Tonga Incorporated);<br />
• Increased support for Niue, including enhanced tourism marketing, and the planned<br />
extension of the Matavai Hotel.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Although <strong>Pacific</strong> Flyer bailed out before it took off, Palau still managed to render the<br />
services of other airlines. Delta Airlines’ inaugural flight took place on 22 December 2010,<br />
contributing to flights servicing Japan to Palau, and promoting Palau as a preferred choice<br />
and exotic destination for the Japan market. As a measure of success, tourist arrival at<br />
the end of the month of January showed a significant increase of 2,399 (34.72%), with<br />
Japanese tourists making up 45 percent of the total.<br />
• Royal Belau Airways had its inaugural flight on 31 March 2011, initiating its round-trip<br />
service to Taiwan. The airline operates out of Taiwan and has scheduled flights to Palau<br />
five times a week, every day except Monday and Thursday.<br />
• According to the Palau Visitors Authority, tourist arrivals in May 2011 were 30 percent<br />
higher than May 2010, with 7,240 visitors compared to 5,568 visitors respectively. The<br />
tourist arrivals in October 2010 were up 25 percent on the same month in 2009. Increased<br />
visitors are from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, North America, and Europe. Palau has been<br />
drumming positive beats in the past several months with a growth rate of 21 percent in<br />
increases in visitor arrivals. The rise in numbers is due largely in part to the Continental<br />
charter flight from Japan and the introduction of flights four times a week servicing<br />
visitors from Taiwan, which started in March of this year.<br />
• Alii Host, Palau’s “World Host” program began implementation last year and training is<br />
constantly provided. Palau still holds the regional rights of World Host in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Ngardmau State recently completed an eco-tour project, expecting to bring more<br />
economic benefits to the state. The state, known for its beautiful waterfall, began<br />
production on a monorail system at the beginning of the year, created to make the<br />
waterfall more easily accessible, along with increasing its number of visitors.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Joint marketing and promotions continued:<br />
• Magnificent Micronesia and SPTO websites.<br />
• Participation and representation at various travel trade shows.<br />
• Regional branding of Micronesia.<br />
• Utilising the opportunity of increased military presence in Guam to motivate travel<br />
within Micronesia.<br />
• Improving the cruise market, including through: the establishment of the Micronesia<br />
44
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Cruise Association with regional representation in relevant trade shows; Sea Trade Miami<br />
April 2011; Sydney Boat Show July 2011; and for both <strong>Pacific</strong> Asia Travel Association<br />
Micronesia Chapter and SPTO.<br />
• Increased activities and participation in cultural promotions.<br />
• Research and statistics collection and publication in SPTO, <strong>Pacific</strong> Asia Travel Association<br />
International and Micronesia Chapter websites.<br />
National projects and activities:<br />
• Television feature on the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> in Japan, United Kingdom, United States and<br />
soon, Korea.<br />
• Continued promotions of tourism including awareness presentations in schools and<br />
communities.<br />
• Marketing assistance and support to current tour operations in the Republic of Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Representing the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> in the <strong>Pacific</strong> Asia Travel Association<br />
International, the <strong>Pacific</strong> Asia Travel Association Micronesia Chapter and SPTO.<br />
• Working with groups keen on seeking and/or improving airline services to the Republic of<br />
Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Involved in Coastal Management Advisory Council, Food Security and Sustainable<br />
Livelihood Programme, National Focal Group – Small Grants Programme, Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Conservation Society, and other national projects.<br />
• Coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies on projects and activities.<br />
• Engaging with outer atoll Leaders to further develop tourism.<br />
• Engaging with the national government to improve services on Air Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
also the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Resort.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
Progresses<br />
• The Tuvalu Department of Tourism has initiated progress in exploring possibilities in<br />
establishing credit card facilities on Funafuti to solve problems facing both the visitor and<br />
the accommodation sector.<br />
• The Department of Tourism is conducting surveys to identify its products in relation to its<br />
history, and also in sport-fishing and diving.<br />
• An association to be called Hospitality Association of Tuvalu is to be set up soon which<br />
will oversee the development of the hospitality sector in Tuvalu especially in improving<br />
the quality of service and the standard of accommodation.<br />
Achievements<br />
• The Department of Tourism has formulated a Draft Tourism Policy that will serve as a<br />
guideline for the development of tourism in Tuvalu, and is waiting consideration and<br />
approval by the Development Coordinating Committee and Cabinet.<br />
• The Department of Tourism has designed and produced brochures with a brief<br />
introduction on Tuvalu and a map of Funafuti.<br />
• The Department of Tourism has established and designed a website with assistance from<br />
SPTO to provide information online.<br />
• Tuvalu’s participation in the World Expo 2010 Shanghai, China was a success.<br />
45
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu continues to diversify (nature based, soft adventure activities) and promote new<br />
tourism experiences from the authentic and unique environment and cultural features<br />
that it offers. It has also launched its first ever dedicated global brand campaign, “Discover<br />
What Matters”.<br />
• The National Tourism Development Office which has been renamed Department of<br />
Tourism, has also seen an increase in staff capacity to address its main focus on improving<br />
destination management matters especially in the areas of: improving competitiveness<br />
of the destination; ensuring balanced tourism development throughout the islands;<br />
establishment and maintenance of quality standards; ensuring ecologically sustainable<br />
tourism development; and facilitating increased ni-Vanuatu participation and ownership<br />
of tourism businesses.<br />
46<br />
South <strong>Pacific</strong> Tourism Organisation<br />
Accelerating development of emerging geographic and niche markets<br />
• China: SPTO conducted aggressive promotional campaigns in the emerging market of<br />
China by leading <strong>Pacific</strong> (15 countries) presence at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai from<br />
May-October 2010; trade workshops for 52 Chinese tour operators from 3 Chinese cities;<br />
two months television documentary on <strong>Pacific</strong> destinations aired on CCTV, China’s<br />
biggest television network; familiarisation & educational visit to the <strong>Pacific</strong> of Chinese<br />
travel agents.<br />
• Europe: SPTO represented the <strong>Pacific</strong> at ITB Berlin 2010 and 2011 with five countries<br />
exhibiting under the South <strong>Pacific</strong> Umbrella (Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Tonga and Vanuatu). The event hosted more than 11,000 exhibitors from all over Europe<br />
and globally with buyers given information on <strong>Pacific</strong> niche market products and growth<br />
opportunities.<br />
• Australia and New Zealand: SPTO participated in seven trade events in Australia and<br />
NZ during 2010. The target of an average of almost 100,000 travel-ready consumers to the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> region has been met during the period over the seven events. SPTO’s representation<br />
also covered 14 <strong>Pacific</strong> member countries and 140 private sector members. SPTO’s<br />
primary objective was realised by reaching the travel-ready audience with information on<br />
destination and niche products of the region, for example sport fishing, diving, yachting,<br />
and whale watching.<br />
Improving access to <strong>Pacific</strong> destinations by air and sea<br />
• Discussions have been ongoing with regional airlines and 14 national tourist offices in the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> region on the need for closer collaboration towards a regional strategy. Air <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
has indicated its willingness but has warned of the limitations caused by high cost of fuel<br />
and limited passenger capacity.<br />
• SPTO in collaboration with the South <strong>Pacific</strong> Cruise Alliance (SPCA), which consist<br />
of six <strong>Pacific</strong> country representatives and several Port Authorities in the <strong>Pacific</strong>, had a<br />
joint presence at the Miami SeaTrade (world’s biggest cruise show) in 2010 and March<br />
2011. SPTO facilitated the <strong>Pacific</strong> presence at the event through financial and technical<br />
support for the <strong>Pacific</strong> participants to meet the key players in the global cruise shipping<br />
industry.<br />
Continuing to build the capacity of small and medium service providers to cater to current and emerging<br />
international markets and generate employment opportunities<br />
• Tourism small and medium sized entrepreneurs audit and needs assessment was carried<br />
out for 79 properties in three countries: Fiji (47), Tonga (24) and Kiribati (8). The audit<br />
was specifically for small and medium sized entrepreneur accommodation providers
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
(small hotels, motels, resorts, etc) to assess their standards through observations and<br />
interviews with hotel representatives on issues relating to their product development,<br />
business growth, profitability and online marketing opportunities. The findings will help<br />
in designing the next steps of the SPTO project to help these small and medium sized<br />
entrepreneurs.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• SPC has provided technical assistance to countries on assessing and ensuring<br />
compliance with international safety and security standards (International Ship and<br />
Port Facility Security, International Safety Management, and Standards of Training,<br />
Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers). Supporting national compliance with<br />
international standards ensures that international vessels are able to enter these countries<br />
maintaining trade that supports the tourism industry and also improves the safety of sea<br />
transportation, particularly domestic vessels carrying tourists between islands.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management gained Associate Membership<br />
to the International Centre for Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality Education (THE-<br />
ICE) in May 2011. THE-ICE is an Australian-based international accreditation body.<br />
Accreditation is an official recognition that the tourism and hospitality management<br />
programmes offered by USP are of comparable standards to those offered by premier<br />
universities around the world.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Continue aviation underwrites through government subsidy of the Los Angeles, Sydney<br />
and Nadi routes.<br />
• Improve destination sales and marketing including restructured head office and overseas<br />
offices.<br />
• Revitalise brand and Internet marketing<br />
Destination development strategy<br />
• Upgrade Aitutaki Airport to international status. A Task Force (study) to comprehensively<br />
assess the feasibility of upgrading the airport at Aitutaki to full international status. Issues<br />
to be covered include: engineering; environmental impact; social impact; commercial<br />
feasibility; economic impact; and financial viability.<br />
Alternate Rarotonga Jetty<br />
• Develop the alternative reef access in Arorangi to open up opportunities in: growing<br />
our cruise business; ensuring diving, fishing and other water sports are less weather<br />
dependent; and allowing our ocean based water sports and visits by cruise ships to be<br />
marketed on a more reliable basis.<br />
Integrated Tourism strategy<br />
• Ensure Raui to be supported by legislation on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, including by<br />
enforcing the Lagoon Management Plans.<br />
• Implement bird sanctuaries throughout the country.<br />
47
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Construct walkways and cycleway around Rarotonga, Aitutaki & and all of the Southern<br />
Groups linking in with the New Zealand cycleway to promote eco-tourism, and cobranding<br />
in international markets with Tourism New Zealand.<br />
• Formalise preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and history – marae, vaka<br />
ocean voyaging, performing arts, music in conjunction with the proposed Cultural,<br />
Creative and Tertiary Education Industries Council.<br />
• Link environmental branding of the overall destination.<br />
• Redevelop Punanga Nui to a six day, all weather, day and night market including:<br />
specialist markets for fashion, arts and crafts, pearls; food court; farmers market; produce<br />
auction house; and provide small business opportunities to hundreds of Cook Islanders<br />
to start, operate and expand their own businesses without threat of losing their homes or<br />
land due to the low costs of a market presence.<br />
Sports & Events Tourism<br />
• Implement the National Sports Policy and Sports Act; a framework for the development of<br />
Sport.<br />
- Develop a 10 year national sports & events development plan and assist with its implementation<br />
with a view towards specific performance goals in: Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Games;<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Games; Commonwealth Games; Olympic Games; World Rankings in prioritized<br />
team sports; and World Rankings in prioritized individual sports.<br />
• Establish a Sports Institute and Integrate with: Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Sports and National Olympic<br />
Committee; Institute of Sports Excellence; USP School of Sports Science; Kevin Iro’s<br />
sports programme SENZ; Sports and Event Tourism; and National Federations and their<br />
International Federations.<br />
• Establish events tourism, drawing upon our cultural and creative industries, our expanded,<br />
refocused private sector developments in agriculture, fishing, natural resources and trade<br />
and enterprise.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Finalising project proposals and seeking interested development partners to work with in<br />
implementing the tourism related projects stated above.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand expects to provide further support for development of tourism related<br />
infrastructure, for example, marinas, and wharfs, tourism investment promotion, access<br />
to finance and regional branding/marketing. This will be developed in close co-ordination<br />
with International Finance Corporation, South <strong>Pacific</strong> Tourism Organisation, <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries and key tourism private sector players.<br />
• Exploring a regional programme of support to promote the benefits of the cruise ship<br />
industry. This may include training for employment on ships, income generation from<br />
handicrafts and supply of agriculture/floriculture products to ships, hydrographic surveys<br />
and the development of cruise-ship related infrastructure (for example, amenities, toilet<br />
blocks).<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Expansion of the airport is being looked into to create space for more functionality for<br />
customs and airport security operations, as well as the construction of an additional gate<br />
with the intention of attracting more airlines to Palau. It is unclear when the expansion<br />
will begin.<br />
48
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• The Taiwan Embassy responded to Angaur State’s request for a 60-70 foot, 40-60 passenger<br />
boat by approving a new three-levelled vessel aiming to appeal to tourists to visit the<br />
beautiful southern state. The long awaited passenger boat will be available in seven<br />
months and will replace the old cargo boat that is currently being used.<br />
• The Palau Tourism and Hospitality School of Excellence had its ‘soft opening’ in January<br />
with the anticipation of starting classes in the Fall of 2011.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Increased funding opportunities for tourism development in the region with the recently<br />
approved EDF10 funding request through PIFS for a <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Tourism Capacity<br />
Building Program to be implemented by SPTO.<br />
• Continued participation in the Coastal Management Advisory Council including the<br />
Water, Energy and Food Security and Sustainable Livelihood Projects.<br />
• Selection of a new public relations representative in Japan.<br />
• Utilisation of social advertising and networking through a contract with a public relations<br />
company in Europe.<br />
• Increased exposure of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Visitor Authority and tourism in the communities<br />
of the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The Department of Tourism is looking at re-designing its website to be more userfriendly<br />
and to be more marketable online. Technical Assistance from abroad is highly<br />
recommended here.<br />
• Once the Draft Tourism Policy is adopted, a Tourism Steering Committee will be set<br />
up and then consultation will be held with all related stakeholders to address issues<br />
and identify how everyone can assist in implementing it. There is a need for technical<br />
assistance from abroad to advise and review the policy.<br />
• The Department of Tourism will work closely with Air <strong>Pacific</strong> and relevant tour<br />
wholesalers (to be identified) to create tour packages especially from Fiji to Tuvalu, as this<br />
is the only gateway in and out of Tuvalu.<br />
• The Department of Tourism will work closely with SPTO to conduct workshop(s) for<br />
small and medium enterprises in the tourism industry.<br />
• A new tourism organizational chart is still being drafted and is expected to be completed<br />
before July 2011.<br />
• The Department has highlighted the need to conduct training for all tourism sector<br />
employees in the private sector to improve service and the delivery of their product(s),<br />
especially in the areas related to hospitality, fishing and diving, as well as souvenir sellers<br />
like the Tuvalu National Council of Women (TNCW).<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Setting up of Tourism Council of Vanuatu; Provincial Tourism Councils; developing<br />
tourism industry standards in collaboration with the Councils; and improving destination<br />
management through an amendment of the Business License Act by disaggregating<br />
business license categories specific to tourism sector.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Work will continue in tourism related sectors.<br />
49
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
South <strong>Pacific</strong> Tourism Organisation<br />
Accelerating development of emerging geographic and niche markets<br />
• Aggressive campaigns will continue in the emerging markets of China, India and<br />
European countries through trade shows, target marketing campaigns, niche marketing<br />
in Australia and New Zealand in sport fishing, diving, and cruise tourism, and the<br />
development and promotion of the <strong>Pacific</strong> branding.<br />
Improving access to <strong>Pacific</strong> destinations by air and sea<br />
• Continue the drive to get stakeholders together for the development of a Regional<br />
Aviation Strategy. The key recommendations of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Cruise Strategy<br />
2007 will be implemented and SPTO will continue to lead the region’s participation at the<br />
Sea Trade show event in Miami with regional stakeholders.<br />
• An MOU will be established between SPTO and SPC for the sharing of resources and<br />
technical expertise especially on regional transportation matters which includes Cruise<br />
Tourism and Aviation.<br />
Continuing to build the capacity of small and medium service providers to cater to current and emerging<br />
international markets and generate employment opportunities.<br />
• The implementation of the small and medium sized entrepreneur development program<br />
for small accommodation providers will be improved and replicated in other <strong>Pacific</strong> island<br />
countries based on the findings and lessons learnt from the 2010 program in Fiji, Tonga<br />
and Kiribati.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• There are plans to develop postgraduate courses in tourism and hospitality and to<br />
eventually establish USP as a centre for research in this area.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Resources constraints, namely human, technical, financial and capacity in general.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of funding for staff and resources for proper maintenance of tourism related projects.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Continued lack of support from the national government.<br />
• Airline Service – no progress to neither improve nor increase airline service to the islands.<br />
• Domestic airline service – continued inconsistency of flights, financial difficulties and<br />
poor management.<br />
• Immigration – processing of visas for tourists from countries with no diplomatic relations<br />
is cumbersome and time-consuming.<br />
• Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Resort – continued deterioration/inevitable sale or disposal.<br />
• New business development – process remains cumbersome and time-consuming; land<br />
acquisition remains an issue, lack of air service and suitable accommodation remains a<br />
problem.<br />
50
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
• Majuro, the capital of the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, which is the main point of entry,<br />
struggles with waste management and poor urban planning with no plans for any<br />
improvement e.g. new building codes, reinforcement of relevant laws and regulations.<br />
• Continued lack of promotion and protection of natural and historical resources.<br />
• Insufficient budget for the tourism office.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Limited human resource capacity in the tourism office. Currently there are only two staff<br />
employed, a tourism officer and an assistant. An additional three to four positions are<br />
required.<br />
• Lack of experience and knowledge to develop the tourism industry further with technical<br />
expertise lacking to conduct training, for example in tourism management.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Improve outer island airports and wharfs for increased share of tourists to the Provinces.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Lack of resources to continue the support and also inadequate demonstration of building<br />
capacity in-country so countries can ensure their own compliance.<br />
South <strong>Pacific</strong> Tourism Organisation<br />
Accelerating development of emerging geographic and niche markets;<br />
• The impact of the global financial crisis and the recent natural disasters in New Zealand,<br />
Japan, and Australia is still being felt in the tourism sector, with slow growth in visitor<br />
numbers and low visitor spending.<br />
Improving access to <strong>Pacific</strong> destinations by air and sea;<br />
• The airlines have been badly affected by rising fuel costs and the low yield in passenger<br />
loading is affecting the airlines plans to expand and increase routes and frequency of<br />
service, especially to isolated small island countries. The market for cruise tourism could<br />
be huge, but there are restrictions at the national level in their inability to develop the<br />
appropriate infrastructure required to accommodate cruise liners.<br />
Continuing to build the capacity of small and medium service providers to cater to current and emerging<br />
international markets and generate employment opportunities.<br />
• The lack of investment and capital to expand small and medium sized enterprise products<br />
and services is a major impediment to small and medium sized enterprise improvement<br />
and growth. In addition, the limited access to markets and lack of marketing abilities<br />
restricts the growth potential of small and medium sized enterprises.<br />
51
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(vi)<br />
Developing regional and national frameworks to enable the development of the economic<br />
potential of marine mineral resources; and strengthening regional and national capacity in<br />
the mining, environment, labour and financial sectors to comply with relevant standards<br />
for the deep-sea mining industry within the region, while supporting environmental<br />
monitoring that preserves ecosystems and terrestrial and marine biodiversity.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Government of Kiribati sees deep-sea mining as an option for sourcing its revenue in<br />
the next 3-5 years.<br />
• Work on the review of the national legislation and development of policies on deep-sea<br />
mining is currently being undertaken.<br />
• The Government of Kiribati continues to work collaboratively with the SPC SOPAC<br />
Division and other development partners in this area.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau’s northernmost state of Kayangel is looking into an alternative source of revenue<br />
by granting Palau <strong>Pacific</strong> Energy Incorporated (PPEI), access to the state’s waters as part<br />
of an oil and gas exploration project. The project, recently extended from 15 May 2011 to<br />
31 December 2012, covers a license agreement between Kayangel State and PPEI where<br />
PPEI pays USD100,000 to Kayangel State for the exploration of oil and gas. Further steps<br />
will be taken if oil or gas is found in the concession area allowed for the exploration. If the<br />
drillings tap is successful, oil and gas production can potentially help the country become<br />
economically self-sufficient by replacing imported fuel and creating export revenue<br />
estimating at USD5million per well plus mobilization and demobilization costs (USD8<br />
million and USD4million respectively).<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Baseline work on all of the nine islands of Tuvalu completed, including a new activity on<br />
Archipelagic Straight Baseline (ASB) grouping southern islands progressing well to date.<br />
• Completed work on following maritime zones: 12 nautical miles territorial waters; 24<br />
nautical miles contiguous zones and fully- extended 200 nautical miles EEZ boundaries<br />
towards international waters on east and west of Tuvalu.<br />
• Finalising delineation work on median line with Kiribati, France (Wallis & Futuna) and<br />
Fiji (Rotuma) in close collaboration with the SPC SOPAC Division.<br />
• Little progress on consultation work with FFA and the Commonwealth <strong>Secretariat</strong> to<br />
assist Tuvalu on marine zones legislation to reflect completed baseline and maritime<br />
zones, as well as drafting of treaties and negotiation strategies with three neighboring<br />
states.<br />
• New area - good progress on Tuvalu extended continental shelf (eCS) work with support<br />
from SPC SOPAC division and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Australia.<br />
52
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Department of Lands & Survey with Attorney General’s Office attended eCS workshop in<br />
Sydney November 2010. A similar workshop in July 2011 will provide an opportunity to<br />
finalise Tuvalu’s eCS work before the deadline of December 2012. Support is sought from<br />
the Commonwealth <strong>Secretariat</strong> to assist with this work and preparation of a submission to<br />
United Nations.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Republic of Vanuatu has a longstanding commitment to resolving its ongoing<br />
maritime boundary negotiations with its boarder counterparts.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division is working with 14 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries to improve their<br />
understanding of regional maritime boundary status. The monitoring and effective<br />
management of fishing vessel, and other trans-boundary resources and vessel movements<br />
is also dependant on clear, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea compliant<br />
information and data which correctly defines <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries maritime boundary<br />
limits. Specific work over the last 12 months included extended continental shelf claim<br />
development for ten <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries, and work with Niue, Fiji, Papua New Guinea<br />
, Kiribati, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Tuvalu on their marine spaces legislation, baseline and<br />
delimitation solutions, towards declaration of their respective maritime zones and limits.<br />
• The SPC SOPAC Division began implementation of its EU funded Deep Sea Minerals<br />
(DSM) Project in late 2010. This Project will support the first major coordinated effort<br />
to develop deep sea mineral policy at a regional and then national level in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries. The Project will seek to provide comprehensive assistance to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries to develop national and regional legislative, fiscal and environmental policy<br />
and guidelines to that ensure that <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries interests are protected in this<br />
new regional growth area.<br />
• Recruitment for this Project has now been completed and the inaugural deep sea minerals<br />
workshop was held in Nadi, Fiji and brought together over 100 participants including all<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> ACP Countries and a range of industry interests and world leading academic and<br />
experts in deep sea minerals, environmental science, and fiscal and legal regimes.<br />
• A <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Country, Deep Sea Minerals Project steering committee has been formed<br />
to assist SPC SOPAC Division to oversee the implementation of the Project.<br />
• The United Nations Environment Programme Global Resource Information Database<br />
Shelf Programme has been contracted to produce an expert review of the status and state<br />
of knowledge of all aspects of the DSM resource and industry in the <strong>Pacific</strong> region. This<br />
report is recognized as a world first.<br />
• The expert / lead author steering committee for this DSM Status report has been formed<br />
and work is underway.<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division also recently provided expert advice and support to the Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> in the development of their tender documents for the Isabel Nickel Mine.<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division completed a technical evaluation on the potential remaining<br />
phosphate reserves on Banaba Island, Kiribati. This report which includes the results<br />
of a drilling study carried out by the Division, has been delivered in confidence to the<br />
Government of Kiribati.<br />
53
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• There is anticipation that Government of Kiribati may implement deep-sea mining<br />
within the next 3-5 years. To enable this project, Government of Kiribati plans to apply for<br />
recognition in deep-sea mining area in the next International Seabed Authority Meeting.<br />
Legislation and Policy are key documents for this application process.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• A high-level workshop on Deep Sea Mineral Mining was held in Fiji 6-8 June where<br />
representatives from Palau were able to learn and begin dialogue with other <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries. Discussions will pave the way for any future actions and best practices in<br />
response to the future deep sea mineral mining said to occur in the latter part of 2013.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Finalising work on Tuvalu’s new grouping of the Archipelagic Straight Baseline (ASB)<br />
islands of Nukufetau, Funafuti and Nukulaelae.<br />
• Finalising work on the Tuvalu median line boundaries with Kiribati, France and Fiji.<br />
• Follow-up communication with legal counterparts from FFA and the Commonwealth<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> to assist Tuvalu on marine zones legislation work, drafting of maritime<br />
boundary treaties with neighbors, as well as training needs on negotiation skills on<br />
maritime boundary.<br />
• New area - Tuvalu will participate in the next round of eCS workshops in Sydney, July<br />
2011, represented by government officials from department of Lands & Survey and the<br />
Attorney General’s office<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Republic of Vanuatu has submitted preliminary information for an extended<br />
Continental shelf in the North Fiji Basin to be jointly lodged with Fiji and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong><br />
at the UN by 2012.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division in collaboration with Geoscience Australia, the Commonwealth<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong>, UNEP GRID Shelf Programme, and 14 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries maritime<br />
boundaries technical teams, will continue to develop enduring and the United Nations<br />
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) compliant solutions for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries maritime boundaries. It will also continue to support 10 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries in the development and defence of their extended continental shelf claims.<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division’s Deep Sea Minerals Project will continue to develop the Status of<br />
Deep Sea Minerals in the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Country Region Report in collaboration with UNEP<br />
GRID and the expert panel of Lead Authors. Country visits are expected to take place over<br />
the next 12 months and legal review of existing regional minerals and DSM policy will<br />
also continue. Outreach products and in-house data holdings will also continue to be<br />
developed and improved.<br />
54
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of knowledge and awareness can cause environmental, financial, and physical<br />
damages.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Limited in-country capacity; technical & professional experts to support work on<br />
maritime boundary and extended continental shelf. Absence of local support to assist on<br />
maritime boundary and eCS work.<br />
• Limited financial resources to assist Tuvalu progress on final stages and activities on<br />
maritime boundary and eCS.<br />
• Lack of support from development partners and organisations to assist Tuvalu financially<br />
and technically accomplish the remaining activities on it maritime boundary and eCS<br />
(new area).<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Need for legal and technical expertise in resolving the delimitation of Vanuatu’s<br />
boundaries and the preparation of its continental shelf submission.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Sustained funding remains the largest threat in order to respond to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries and Territories demand for geosciences services.<br />
• The unexpected reduction in NZ Programmatic funds for 2011 has impacted the SPC<br />
SOPAC Division’s ability to deliver on maritime boundaries tasks and alternative funding<br />
is urgently required.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(vii)<br />
Fostering greater international and intra-regional trade opportunities by proceeding with<br />
the implementation of key regional trade agreements and, in particular, working to allow<br />
for the freer movement of goods and services.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders launched negotiations for a new regional trade and<br />
economic agreement, known as PACER Plus, in August 2009. Since then <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong><br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Trade Ministers have taken decisions to guide the PACER Plus negotiations,<br />
including agreeing on the priority issues of: rules of origin; regional labour mobility;<br />
development assistance; trade facilitation; and infrastructure issues.<br />
55
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Australia continues to provide significant support for PACER Plus meetings, including:<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> officials’ PACER Plus meetings held in April 2010 (Port Vila), October 2010<br />
and March 2011 to exchange views on priority negotiating issues; a capacity building<br />
workshop on rules of origin and customs procedures held in September 2010; and a<br />
meeting between <strong>Forum</strong> Trade Officials and Non-State Actors (i.e. NGOs and business<br />
representatives) was also held in October 2010 to exchange views on PACER Plus issues.<br />
• Progress has also been made towards the establishment of the Office of the Chief Trade<br />
Adviser (OCTA) and the OCTA is providing advice to the <strong>Forum</strong> Island countries in the<br />
negotiations. Australia has previously promised to provide AUD500,000 per year over<br />
three years to the OCTA to support <strong>Forum</strong> Island countries’ involvement in the PACER<br />
Plus negotiations. Australia has provided AUD500,000 for the first year of the OCTA’s<br />
operations and is seeking to finalise an agreement to provide the remainder of promised<br />
funding. Australia is also funding comprehensive training in trade negotiations for <strong>Forum</strong><br />
Island Country officials by the Institute for International Trade at Adelaide University<br />
and has made funds available to each <strong>Forum</strong> Island country to conduct independent trade<br />
research into PACER Plus.<br />
• In particular, officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) travelled<br />
to Samoa and Vanuatu in the 2009-10 financial year to provide technical assistance<br />
and advice in relation to outstanding requirements of entry in to the World Trade<br />
Organisation (WTO).<br />
• Further, AusAID agreed this year to fund a consultant to assist Samoa with completion of<br />
outstanding legislation in relation to Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights. Australia’s<br />
permanent mission to the WTO in Geneva has played a lead role in working with other<br />
countries to facilitate the completion of the negotiations.<br />
• Australia also provides funding to the <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong>’s WTO Representative in Geneva.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Business Trade & Investment Board<br />
• The Business Trade and Investment Board received newsletters on general awareness<br />
on bio-security interceptions from the New Zealand MAF through the Ministry of<br />
Agriculture.<br />
• An invitation was received by the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Centre (PIC) in Japan for the Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> to nominate one manufacturer/exporter to attend and participate in the “Health<br />
Ingredient Japan 2010” trade show to be held from the 13-15 October 2010 in Tokyo,<br />
Japan. With the complexities surrounding the supply and demand principles of a large<br />
country such a Japan and the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> being a small island nation, coupled with the<br />
geographical isolation and high costs associated with conducting business, we could<br />
not nominate a worthy manufacturer/exporter that could leverage off this opportunity.<br />
We hope that over the coming 12 to 24 months, with further progress in Business<br />
Trade Investment Board (BTIB) partnership (MoU) activities, a capable nominee may be<br />
identified for the next trade show.<br />
• Regional Stocktake Meeting on Traditional Knowledge Action Plan held in August 2010.<br />
• One of BTIB key objectives is a Cook <strong>Islands</strong> branding initiative.<br />
• The Geographical Indications (GI) Trade Knowledge conference was an opportunity<br />
to better understand the scope surrounding intellectual and traditional knowledge<br />
and its link to traditional branding mechanisms. It is also important to understand the<br />
uniqueness of our Polynesian culture, our rich heritage and traditions in preparation for<br />
such an exercise.<br />
56
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• There is expanding interest amongst our Cook <strong>Islands</strong> people for the commercial<br />
protection of our traditional and intellectual knowledge. The Business Trade and<br />
Investment Board, in preparation, will be conducting workshops, research and other<br />
associated activities as a means of information gathering in order to further strengthen the<br />
strategic positioning of a Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Branding in country.<br />
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration (MFAI), in collaboration with the Business<br />
Trade and Investment Board, was pleased to advise on the completion of the Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
National Study on the <strong>Pacific</strong> Agreement for Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus with<br />
New Zealand and Australia.<br />
• The Business Trade and Investment Board, from the outset, has been involved with the<br />
PACER national consultations with former Business Trade and Investment Board staff<br />
member Alana Short as part of the consultation team. It is recommended that Business<br />
Trade and Investment Board continue to take an active role in further consultations as we<br />
note some of the recommendations from the study includes outputs that Business Trade<br />
and Investment Board is mandated to carry out.<br />
• Participated in ACP Geographical Indications (GI) Conference, 2-3 November 2010,<br />
Brussels, Belgium. This was a follow-on conference from an earlier one held in August<br />
2010(GI TK). The Cook <strong>Islands</strong> representatives shared their concerns and challenges<br />
surrounding Geographical Indications and Traditional Knowledge within the Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>. Specifically, the establishment of a mechanism to drive Geographical Indications<br />
and Traditional Knowledge forward. The need to further strengthen ACP countries in<br />
a better understanding of Geographical Indications and Traditional Knowledge was<br />
identified. Progressive behaviour towards a regional mechanisms and the protection of<br />
Geographical Indications and Traditional Knowledge in ACP countries is firm on the<br />
minds of PIFS officials. With steady progress being made towards a Cook <strong>Islands</strong> branding<br />
country initiative, the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> is in a strong position to add value to this regional<br />
mechanism by way of information sharing and experience.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Corporation Foundation(PCF)- <strong>Pacific</strong> Brands promotion<br />
• A proposed MoU is to be signed between PCF and Business Trade and Investment Board<br />
for following purposes: strengthening intra regional relations; information sharing and<br />
disseminating; assist with in country business meetings and appointments; liaise with<br />
local producers and manufacturers that link in with the ‘<strong>Pacific</strong> branding’ initiative; and,<br />
develop networking, data and marketing mechanisms and expertise for the benefit of both<br />
organisations.<br />
Turners and growers<br />
• The renewed export of the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> pawpaw into the New Zealand market to Turners<br />
and Growers (T&G). T&G requested the supply of 500 cartons of 8 ounce Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
pawpaw. However, due to the size and market constraints within the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, only<br />
200 cartons can be supplied on a regular basis. It is unclear whether these numbers can<br />
be sustained in the medium to long term, but there is an assertive effort on the part of<br />
the local pawpaw growers and that of the Ministry of Agriculture, with assistance from<br />
Business Trade and Investment Board, to stimulate the exports of Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Pawpaw.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries Trade Agreement<br />
The Government of Kiribati is still yet to announce its readiness to implement trade in goods.<br />
PICTA Trade in Services is being negotiated. Draft Trade in Services offer is yet to be submitted to<br />
Cabinet.<br />
57
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
European Union – Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-EPA)<br />
• Negotiations with internal stakeholders are on-going; draft Goods Market Access Offer is<br />
yet to be endorsed by Cabinet.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Agreement on Closer Economic Agreement (PACER) Plus<br />
• As above, internal negotiations with local stakeholders are on-going.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Over the past 12 months New Zealand has participated in two PACER Plus officials<br />
meetings in October 2010 (Honiara) and March 2011 (Palau). During this time progress<br />
has been made on the development of a possible framework to enable those countries<br />
ready to move ahead with negotiations to progress, while allowing other countries more<br />
time to prepare.<br />
58<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau, together with the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, established the Micronesian Shipping Commission (MSC) to reduce costs of<br />
shipping and maintain a consistent supply of goods. This shipping service has benefited<br />
Palau with fresher produce, better goods (in comparison to our fellow Small Island State<br />
countries), and a consistent supply of petroleum, however high the price continues to<br />
climb. Palau’s shipments come mainly from the United States, supplying stores with their<br />
products and allowing the US priority of shipping services. The current shipping scheme is<br />
part of Palau’s Compact Agreement with the United States and the Most Favoured Nation<br />
Clause. Through this clause, Palau can engage in negotiations but must consult with the<br />
US before signing any trade agreements as the US trade takes priority over other trading<br />
partners. Palau has not signed or ratified PICTA but has considered participation on PICTA<br />
Trade in Services. Currently PICTA Trade in Service negotiations concentrates only on<br />
business services, tourism, transportation and labour mobility beyond Mode 4. Palau<br />
submitted draft Trade in Service Offers, but submission of Offers do not obligate Palau<br />
to sign or ratify PICTA. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industry and Commerce is<br />
overseeing the establishment of our National Trade Policy and until it is in effect with a<br />
legal framework in place, the PACER Plus endorsement has been put on hold.<br />
• Palau’s participation in the EPA is contingent upon our consultations with the United<br />
States and how we address the most favoured nation issue in our compact. We are<br />
currently working with the Micronesian Trade Committee with the Federated States of<br />
Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> on high level consultations to address<br />
this matter. Further we have sought assistance from the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong><br />
for funding from the EU for a trade policy adviser who will assist in the process. The role<br />
of the trade policy adviser will be to finalize the National Trade Policy, revive the National<br />
Trade Facilitation Committee and help Palau engage the US in its consultations regarding<br />
the most favoured nation. The trade policy adviser will be hired in-country and the process<br />
of advertisement will commence as soon as the terms of reference is finalised.<br />
• The third meeting of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER)<br />
Plus Officials took place 14-15 March 2011. Discussed during the meetings was the<br />
legal establishment of the Office of the Chief Trade Advisor (OCTA) as an independent<br />
institution from the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong>. The OCTA Constitution has been<br />
endorsed by all <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries ministers and signed by all members of the<br />
Governing Board, including Palau. PACER Plus has reserved discussion on any Trade in<br />
Services until proper national consultations have been made. Everything must be set in<br />
place at the national level before anything can move forward in trade agreements at the<br />
regional level. Legal framework and national policies need finalization before Palau can
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
agree to anything, which is the case with many other countries. In addition, workshops<br />
conducted in every <strong>Forum</strong> Island Country for the customs and trade officials on the lower<br />
level must align with these policies and agreements so that they can be implemented and<br />
practiced.<br />
• Palau still stands on the defence in terms of labour mobility as foreign workers from Asia,<br />
mainly the Philippines, continue to work in Palau (most of which are employed in the<br />
private sector). Palau’s key struggle with Labour Mobility is the concept of Brain Drain<br />
and how to address this. Palau’s objective is to bring back its educated professionals and<br />
skilled workers. An increase in cheap foreign labour in these areas provides less incentive<br />
for Palauans living abroad to come back home. Efforts to bring back Palauan educated<br />
professionals and skilled workers are difficult when opportunities for success are easily<br />
accessible in the United States.<br />
• Palau completed its Market Access Offer, along with most of the <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries,<br />
for review by the EU in an attempt to conclude the EPA by the end of 2011. Due to the<br />
overwhelming regional activity in the trade sector, Palau’s limited trade staff has been<br />
focused on finalizing its market access offers and little activity has been done on the<br />
domestic front. Work has focused on cooperation with the Customs Office for submission<br />
of market access offers consistent with the desire of the EU for Substantially All Trade<br />
Level of 80% liberalization in 20 years with 50% done in the first 5 years. This is possible,<br />
but requires significant tax reform to ensure minimal loss of revenue from import taxes.<br />
Along with this, Palau has pushed for the inclusion of a development chapter to ensure<br />
that implementation costs associated with the EPA do not become the burden of our<br />
national government. We have also sought to ensure that funding comes outside of<br />
the EDF envelope, otherwise other national priorities would outweigh trade issues and<br />
thus create an undue burden for us to comply with the protocols of the EPA in terms of<br />
funding.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Tuvalu ratified and implemented the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA)<br />
to identify the resources or goods that could be exported to other <strong>Pacific</strong> Island countries,<br />
and which would help the Government balance its trade activities since Tuvalu is highly<br />
dependent on import goods. Tuvalu has announced its readiness to trade under PICTA,<br />
that changes of tariff to Harmonised Tariff Schedule 2007 version are completed, as are all<br />
other requirements.<br />
• Tuvalu conducted a survey to identify high potential export products, including brown<br />
coconut and fish.<br />
• A National Trade Steering Committee was established to assist the Department of Trade to<br />
provide guidance on trade initiatives and oversee all trade activities and trade issues.<br />
• National consultations were held on tax reforms.<br />
• An assessment was undertaken of the trade related development needs and constraints in<br />
Tuvalu in relation to engagement in a possible future PACER Plus Agreement.<br />
• The Diagnostic Trade Integration Study was completed. The study aims at identifying all<br />
bottlenecks and constraints on sectors which have trade potential or may contribute to the<br />
economy.<br />
• EPA national consultations and training on data tool was also held.<br />
Achievements<br />
• Formulation of PICTA Trade in Services offers and draft request for Development<br />
Coordinating Committee and cabinet approval.<br />
59
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• WTO Trade in Services training held in Nadi in 2010 for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries. It<br />
provided the trade officer with a better understanding and ideas on scheduling and<br />
formulating Tuvalu PICTA Trade in Services offers.<br />
• A Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) validation workshop was completed and the<br />
final report was endorsed by cabinet.<br />
• A tier 1 proposal was drafted and budget formulated for the Development Coordinating<br />
Committee’s consideration and Cabinet endorsement.<br />
• The achievement of tax reform was assisted by technical assistance.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu has completed its PICTA Trade in Goods ratification process and commenced<br />
implementing the Agreement in January 2010 but thus far there has been no trade under<br />
PICTA.<br />
• Vanuatu’s trade under the MSG Trade Agreements has increased.<br />
• Vanuatu has also continued to be involved in the PICTA Trade in Services negotiations<br />
and has submitted its proposed ‘offers’ and ‘requests’ for further negotiations.<br />
• Vanuatu considers the EU – EPA as an important mechanism for greater economic<br />
integration and has been fully committed to the negotiations. In early 2011, it finalized its<br />
conditional EU – EPA Market Access offers.<br />
• Three consultations have taken place on PACER Plus for government stakeholders and<br />
private sector including in early 2011. The focus was on “Beyond Trade” in the hope of<br />
taking on board the, views of key stakeholders at an early stage of negotiations.<br />
• The negotiation’s of Vanuatu’s accession to the WTO has taken well over 15 years and<br />
work towards the completion of its WTO Accession Package has been finalised.<br />
• The Recognised Seasonal Employees Scheme has proved to be of benefit to Vanuatu with<br />
more than 2,000 workers in New Zealand and 18 in Australia, forecast to increase in the<br />
next 12 months.<br />
• There was no progress on the SPARTECA review that would entail some change to the<br />
rules of origin so as to allow for the easier access to Australian and New Zealand markets.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong><br />
• Over the past 12 months, the <strong>Secretariat</strong> continued providing support to the <strong>Forum</strong><br />
Island Countries on engagement with the WTO, the preparatory work relating to the<br />
EPA and PICTA trade in services negotiations, implementation of PICTA, and broader<br />
national consultations on trade-related matters, including development of Trade Policy<br />
Frameworks to foster greater international and intra-regional trade opportunities.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA)<br />
• The PICTA is a free trade agreement among the <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries, with the goal<br />
to gradually establish a Free Trade Area among the fourteen <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries.<br />
Seven <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries (Cook Island, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tuvalu<br />
and Vanuatu) have completed necessary domestic arrangements for trading under<br />
PICTA preferences. The remaining <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries have been progressing work<br />
to announce their readiness to trade under PICTA over the past 12 months. The <strong>Forum</strong><br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong>, in partnership with relevant agencies, also delivered training on the PICTA<br />
Rules of Origin, in the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> from 20 – 28 September 2010 to assist the <strong>Forum</strong><br />
Island Countries in implementing PICTA.<br />
60
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries are also in the process of broadening PICTA to include<br />
Trade in Services and Temporary Movement of Natural Persons. The <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries have held five rounds of negotiations on the PICTA Trade in Services and<br />
Temporary Movement of Natural Persons, and have exchanged their offers and requests.<br />
The Fifth Round of PICTA Trade in Services Negotiations was held in Koror, Palau from<br />
16 – 18 March 2011. <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries are currently involved in further national<br />
consultations and bilateral negotiations to improve their PICTA Trade in Services offers.<br />
The <strong>Pacific</strong> ACP Trade Ministers at their meeting in February 2011 reaffirmed the need for<br />
Trade Officials to work towards concluding PICTA Trade in Services negotiations by the<br />
end of 2011.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus<br />
• PACER Plus aims to deepen trade and economic cooperation between <strong>Forum</strong> Members.<br />
The objective of PACER Plus arrangement is to provide a comprehensive framework for<br />
trade and economic cooperation between Australia, New Zealand and the <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries.<br />
• In the past 12 months, the <strong>Secretariat</strong> convened several meetings to progress the PACER<br />
Plus negotiations. A PACER Plus Rules of Origin and Customs Procedures Workshop was<br />
held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga from 1 – 3 September 2010. Further, the Second and Third<br />
PACER Plus Trade Officials Meetings were held in Honiara, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> from 19 – 20<br />
October 2010; and in Koror, Palau from 14 – 15 March 2011. A Non-State Actor Dialogue<br />
on PACER Plus was also held on 18 October 2010 to discuss related issues with the private<br />
sector and the civil society representatives.<br />
• The Office of the Chief Trade Adviser (OCTA) to assist the <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries in<br />
PACER Plus negotiations has been operational since March 2010.<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> Trade Ministers at their meeting in April 2011 discussed the way forward on<br />
PACER Plus negotiations and noted the need to progress PACER Plus negotiations with a<br />
meeting focused on selected priority issued as agreed by <strong>Forum</strong> Trade Ministers.<br />
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU<br />
• The EPA negotiations with the EU have been going on for nine years at the ACP level<br />
and seven years at the <strong>Pacific</strong> ACP (PACP) level. The Caribbean region is the only region<br />
that has concluded negotiations on a comprehensive EPA. Papua New Guinea and Fiji<br />
initialled the interim EPA (iEPA) in 2007 mainly to prevent market disruptions for their<br />
exports and later signed the agreement in 2009. Papua New Guinea ratified the iEPA in<br />
May 2011. The PACP region has, however, continued to negotiate a comprehensive EPA<br />
with the EU.<br />
• Much of the focus of the PACP region for 2010 and 2011 has been on technical<br />
preparations which involved the pacific <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> and TradeCom assisting<br />
PACPS to formulate their market access offers. In this regard, a number of technical<br />
meetings on customs-related issues, the draft legal EPA text, fisheries and market access<br />
offers were held in the region in preparation for the next negotiating session with the<br />
European Commission (EC).<br />
World Trade Organization (WTO)<br />
• Currently, six <strong>Forum</strong> Members (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Tonga) are WTO Members. In the last 12 months, Vanuatu and<br />
Samoa have continued to further engage with the WTO in seeking full membership<br />
status. In May 2011, Vanuatu’s accession package was adopted by a special session of<br />
the General Council. Vanuatu has six months to ratify its accession package, and 30<br />
days after the ratification date, Vanuatu will become a full-fledged Member of the WTO.<br />
61
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Samoa’s initiatives towards accession to the WTO, are ongoing. Bilateral market access<br />
negotiations on goods and services are underway.<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> has been supporting the <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries in their<br />
engagement with the WTO, through the Office of the Delegation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong><br />
<strong>Forum</strong> to the WTO (Geneva Office). The <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries WTO Members<br />
and Observers are expected to benefit from a strengthened Geneva Office which will<br />
have improved facilities, specialist staff to promote trade with EU, and ensure greater<br />
collaboration with like-minded countries on trade issues of interest to the <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries. This will be particularly important as the international community works to<br />
bring a successful conclusion to the Doha development round – something that looks<br />
increasingly challenging, but which is of great strategic interest.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• SPC facilitated consultations with Fiji and Tuvalu, resulting in the Fiji <strong>Islands</strong> government<br />
declaring Rotuma an ‘international port’ which enables Rotuma to export agricultural<br />
produce to Tuvalu. SPC’s Land Resources Division and Maritime Programme, worked<br />
in collaboration with the Oceania Customs Organisation hosted by SPC and the two<br />
governments to achieve this outcome. This agreement has benefits for rural farming<br />
communities in Rotuma and for the people of Tuvalu.<br />
• A sub-regional shipping service connecting Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Nauru is now<br />
operational using ships from Kiribati Shipping Services Ltd and provides a new trading<br />
route between these four countries, with Fiji as the hub port. The establishment of this<br />
service has resulted in a reduction in freight costs for goods, as well reduction in the price<br />
of goods for users in importing countries.<br />
• Work has continued on quarantine awareness efforts to prevent transborder movement of<br />
invasive pests and diseases threatening trade and food security.<br />
• Fourteen export enterprises in Papua New Guinea, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa<br />
and the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> were assisted to comply with biosecurity standards to<br />
enable access to export markets. Assistance covered supply chain management, including<br />
product labelling, marketing and internationally accepted standards.<br />
• Twelve selected small and medium enterprises were assisted to access to the growing<br />
market for Fair Trade, ethical and sustainably harvested goods. Enterprises that gain<br />
accreditation and thus access these important niche markets add value to their exports.<br />
One full-time Fair Trade Facilitation Officer is provided to build capacity and provide<br />
training to assist <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories access to high-value ethical trade<br />
niches in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America.<br />
• Eighteen private sector agricultural and forestry exporters and associations in Papua<br />
New Guinea, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Republic of Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> were strengthened and supported through the provision of technical advice and<br />
training to engage in agribusiness and trade. An Australian Centre for International<br />
Agricultural Research agribusiness project was also developed.<br />
• EU funding was secured for a structuring of the cultural industries in the region.<br />
Technical support was given to Tonga’s Langafonua Handicraft Centre to strengthen its<br />
business management and product development capacity.<br />
• Community Education Training Centre established a partnership agreement with the<br />
Facilitating Agricultural Commodity Trade (FACT) project to develop business training<br />
modules in support of the agribusiness sector.<br />
62
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• The Commonwealth <strong>Secretariat</strong> supported development of a Community Education<br />
Training Centre regional strategy for micro and small and medium enterprises (MSME)<br />
capacity building and networking based on regional consultations on MSME networking<br />
in July 2009. An enterprise network portal was also established.<br />
• The Statistics and Demography Programme provided technical assistance for the<br />
collection and processing of food import data.<br />
• With assistance provided under <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Economic Integration Project, SPC<br />
through the Land Resources Division participated in the final design missions for the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Horticulture and Agriculture Market Access project for Fiji, Samoa, Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga and Vanuatu.<br />
• Commencement of <strong>Pacific</strong> Horticulture and Agriculture Market Access project in <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries and Territories provided a mechanism to support and expand export<br />
market opportunities for horticultural and other agricultural commodities through the<br />
creation of regional mechanisms to identify and prioritise suitable products and facilitate<br />
the development of market access submissions.<br />
• The Facilitating Agricultural Commodity Trade pilot project has facilitated the<br />
development of skills in post-harvest quality assurance, and processing and packaging<br />
of products to increase compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary standards. Products<br />
include essential oils (Papua New Guinea), cassava chips (Vanuatu), Virgin coconut oil<br />
(Fiji), banana chips (Samoa) and pandanus juice (Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>). Aspects examined<br />
included market access, shelf life, and value adding to enhance the competitiveness of<br />
export products.<br />
• Launching of the Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Shipping Commission to enhance trading route for small<br />
island countries.<br />
• Under the guidance of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Organic and Ethical Trade Community, formerly<br />
the Regional Organic Task Force, the national organics associations of Cook <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Fiji <strong>Islands</strong>, French Polynesia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa,<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga and Vanuatu, were assisted by the SPC with the development<br />
and promotion of local organic production and marketing. Some national associations<br />
have commenced exports, for example, coffee from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, and<br />
organic coconut oil from Samoa and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Enterprises from 14 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories were selected for the design<br />
of an independent economic and systems analyses of production, export and marketing<br />
requirements with support from the Facilitating Agricultural Commodity Trade project.<br />
Based on these studies, the project has begun to facilitate ongoing improvements to<br />
assist in developing commercially viable, sustainable and market-oriented production<br />
programmes for these enterprises.<br />
• Continued building <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories capacity on biosecurity and<br />
trade facilitation.<br />
• Both SPC Human Development Programme and Land Resources Division collaborated<br />
in training activities for approximately 80 people from four <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories, provided jointly with the Land Resources Division’s Facilitating Agricultural<br />
Commodity Trade project. Training covered areas such as food processing and<br />
entrepreneurship.<br />
• Through SPC’s Statistics for Development Programme, four staff members from the<br />
Kiribati National Statistic Office received 20 days of on-the-job training in international<br />
trade statistics.<br />
63
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Technical assistance provided to at least 5 countries in support of meeting seafood export<br />
requirements.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Further PACER Plus meetings are anticipated in the next 12 months, with the next<br />
meeting expected to be held in Brisbane in late 2011 and a subsequent meeting to be<br />
held in early 2012. Australia will provide assistance to support <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries’<br />
involvement in these meetings. The next meeting of PACER Plus Officials will focus<br />
on customs procedures, rules of origin and regional labour mobility. Other priority<br />
negotiating issues will be discussed at the subsequent officials meeting.<br />
• There remains good prospects for completing WTO accession negotiations with Samoa<br />
and Vanuatu in 2011.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
PACER Plus<br />
• Further progress and development is expected. The Cook <strong>Islands</strong> will attend further<br />
regional conferences in anticipation of strengthening the PACER agreement for the benefit<br />
of the region and that of the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
Partnership Agreements<br />
• Further advances in identifying and signing potential partnerships with local business in<br />
an attempt to increase their “import substitution” and/or “export capabilities”.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Cooperation Foundation<br />
• Business Trade and Investment Board to continue supporting local businesses identified<br />
by <strong>Pacific</strong> Cooperation Foundation as: capable of supplying Cook Island products/produce<br />
through PCF distribution network; and further advance other local businesses in order to<br />
achieve the minimum requirements of being an accepted supplier, a joined with PCF and<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong> brand mechanism.<br />
Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Branding<br />
• Progress towards the mechanism that can support a Cook <strong>Islands</strong> branding initiative in<br />
country namely: a logo; administration processes; application processes; criteria; and<br />
legislation.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
PICTA<br />
• To revisit the PICTA trade in goods implementation by working closely with Ministry of<br />
Finance and Economic Development (MFED); to submit draft Cabinet memo on PICTA<br />
services offer for consideration.<br />
EPA<br />
• To submit joint Cabinet memo for consideration.<br />
PACER Plus<br />
• To undertake national consultations on PACER Plus issues in Tarawa and Kiritimati.<br />
64
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The next PACER Plus officials meeting is scheduled for November 2011 with the<br />
possibility of another in early 2012 before the next <strong>Forum</strong> Trade Ministers Meeting. It has<br />
been agreed that the focus of the next PACER Plus meeting will be customs procedures,<br />
rules of origin and labour mobility.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Progress in trading with other <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries.<br />
• Appointing a National Trade Advisory to finalize trade issues mentioned above.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The Department of Trade will continue to work and explore potential sectors for<br />
possibility to export under PICTA. It will continuously work towards achieving<br />
outstanding activities under PICTA, such as training on Rules of Origin and monitor<br />
progress under this agreement.<br />
• To continue conducting national consultations on PACER Plus. There is a need for<br />
technical assistance to assist with national consultations on PACER Plus.<br />
• Continue national consultations on EPA. There is also a need to request external technical<br />
assistance to assist with conducting national consultations.<br />
• Work towards Tier 1 funding and budget for Cabinet endorsement.<br />
• National consultation on the formulation of Trade Policy for Tuvalu.<br />
• Closely working with the Tuvalu National Private Sector Organization (TNPSO).<br />
• Start implementing activities under the Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study Action Matrix.<br />
• The Department of Trade will continuously work with PIFS to achieve common priority<br />
issues approved by Trade Ministers in all the trade agreements that Tuvalu is or would be<br />
party to.<br />
• Work closely with PIFS in conducting workshop(s) for customs, private sector and all<br />
relevant stakeholders in Tuvalu on the outstanding activities.<br />
• A new structure for the Department of Trade will be finalised when new officers are<br />
recruited, hopefully before the end of 2011. The Department desires to conduct training<br />
for employees involved in all trade related activities and businesses in order to improve<br />
service and products delivery.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu will continue to carry out consultations on its EU EPA with the hope of<br />
completing negotiations by end of 2011 and envisages its accession to the WTO to be<br />
ratified in 2012.<br />
• Review of the Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study (DTIS 2008) and the approval and<br />
implementation of the Enhanced Integrated Trade Framework to implement projects<br />
within the Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study Action Matrix which support areas in<br />
improving and facilitating trade.<br />
• To complete the Trade in Service negotiations under PICTA by December 2012.<br />
• The kava restrictions imposed by Australia will be pursued with a view of allowing<br />
commercial exports to commence.<br />
65
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong><br />
• The sixth round of PICTA Trade in Service negotiations is anticipated to be held in mid-<br />
August, 2011, focusing on the PICTA Trade in Service text, as well as the finalization of the<br />
PICTA Trade in Service offers.<br />
• National consultations and training on PICTA implementation and the Rules of Origin are<br />
expected to continue based on requests by Members.<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> Trade Ministers at their meeting in Vava’u, Tonga on 18 – 19 May 2011<br />
agreed that the next Meeting of the PACER Plus Officials be held before the end of 2011,<br />
preferably in November, and the possibility of another meeting of PACER Plus Officials in<br />
early 2012.<br />
• The next Non-State Actor Dialogue on PACER Plus would be held in the margins of the<br />
next PACER Plus Officials Meeting.<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> will continue to provide support upon request to individual<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Island countries for the formulation and implementation of their Trade Policy<br />
Frameworks.<br />
• PACP Trade Ministers met in February 2011 in Apia, to take stock of the EPA negotiations.<br />
They considered a number of approaches to the negotiations, including the option<br />
of ceasing negotiations with the EU. Ministers agreed, however, that the region<br />
should continue negotiations on the EPA as a single region, with a view to concluding<br />
negotiations before the end of 2011. In this regard, Ministers adopted the PACP EPA draft<br />
2011 Strategy document which outlined a number of options and strategies for moving<br />
the negotiations forward, and established the negotiations with the EU as top-priority for<br />
2011 with a commitment to its conclusion by the end of 2011.<br />
• Eight PACPS, namely Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, the Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Palau, Samoa,<br />
Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, submitted their draft market access offers to the EC between<br />
15-22 July 2011. The PACP position on the draft legal text was also submitted to the EC<br />
on 15 July 2011. A joint PACP Fisheries and Trade Ministers’ meeting as well as a PACP<br />
Trade Ministers’ Meeting was held on 8 and 9 August 2011, respectively, in Port Moresby,<br />
Papua New Guinea. Fisheries and Trade Ministers reviewed their mandate of 2006 and<br />
agreed on a broad approach for the region to adopt with regards to fisheries in the EPA<br />
negotiations. PACP Trade Ministers also agreed to the revised EPA roadmap that would<br />
see the negotiations now brought to a conclusion in 2012. The revised EPA roadmap was<br />
also endorsed by PACP Leaders at their meeting in September 2011. It is anticipated that<br />
the region will be busy preparing for their meeting with the EC over the next few months<br />
into the second quarter of 2012.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Convene a meeting between exporters and imports from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu<br />
to enhance further opportunities for increased trade between the four countries to benefit<br />
from the new sub-regional shipping service.<br />
• Complete the commodity mapping study on trading between <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
and Territories, as well as trade flows into <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories, in<br />
particular comparative analysis of freight costs for goods using direct routes and certain<br />
transhipment routes to benefit from the newly established sub-regional feeder shipping<br />
services.<br />
66
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Under the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Economic Integration Programme (PACREIP), assistance will be<br />
provided to Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
by the end of 2010. French Polynesia has also been assisted.<br />
• Specific pest surveys will be conducted in some <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories in<br />
relation to market access to New Zealand, Australia and other trading partners. Ongoing<br />
training will be provided for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories quarantine staff, for<br />
example in pest and disease identification, and pest risk analysis for imports.<br />
• Support will be provided for enacting biosecurity laws in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories that have yet to enact such laws, and assistance will be given for drafting<br />
supporting regulations and a biosecurity strategy for Fiji and Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• The biosecurity information facility will be made fully operational in Fiji, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Kiribati, Niue, Tonga and Tuvalu.<br />
Assistance will be given to French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna to<br />
ensure the facility is operational in the French language.<br />
• Under the new AusAID <strong>Pacific</strong> Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA)<br />
project, <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories will be assisted with capacity<br />
strengthening in relation to market access and trade negotiations.<br />
• Support will be provided through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural<br />
Research project on improving commodity pathway for taro and ornamental to Australia<br />
and New Zealand. Selected <strong>Pacific</strong> Island export enterprises will be helped to diversify<br />
into semi- and fully processed products, with added value but reduced biosecurity risks<br />
and cost, for example frozen and cooked taro and root crops. Value-adding strategies for<br />
key <strong>Pacific</strong> crops including coconut, breadfruit, pandanus, cocoa and sandalwood will be<br />
developed through research and development technical support.<br />
• A marketing strategy for exports to the EU and other regions will be developed for cultural<br />
industries, and Community Education Training Center will pilot customized business<br />
training modules in the areas of handicrafts, food processing and export planning.<br />
• The Statistics and Demography Programme will work with <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
and Territories to improve national capacity in managing core statistical collections<br />
and reporting through administrative databases, assisted by the recruitment of two<br />
additional professional staff: an Economic Statistician (Trade) and a Database Specialist<br />
(Civil Registration). It will undertake a gap analysis in seven <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories that have reported incomplete or poor civil registration and develop plans to<br />
improve their systems.<br />
• The Land Resources Division will lead the implementation of the Increasing Agricultural<br />
Commodity Trade (IACT) project which aims to ‘improve <strong>Pacific</strong>–ACP Community of<br />
States economic integration through strengthened national systems and institutional<br />
frameworks to develop trade capacity, increase private sector competitiveness and<br />
increase international market access’. The project aims to strengthen productive export<br />
capacity in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Organic and Ethical Trade Community invited to put up an organic display and<br />
arrange an organic luncheon for the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders Meeting in September 2011 in<br />
Auckland.<br />
67
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Turner and Growers<br />
• If history has any bearing, it will be difficult for local pawpaw growers to increase their<br />
production yield due to the following reasons: worker scarcity; lack of resources; lack of<br />
capital (purchasing capability of fertilizers); heat treatment deficiencies; and land scarcity.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Adverse impacts of trade liberalization (for example revenue loss due to reduced or no<br />
import duties, and influx of people).<br />
• Limited export capacity.<br />
• Lack of funding to undertake national consultations.<br />
• Need for capacity building and training of nationals.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The current data base and system in place to track the 5,000 non-resident workers is hardly<br />
usable. The amount of time and resources it takes to track all foreign workers (who must<br />
renew their contracts every two years) is wasteful when considering there are many other<br />
important things needed to be done. An updated, easily navigatable data base/system can<br />
deliver tremendous improvement in record keeping, information sharing and monitoring<br />
of the country’s foreign workers for better policy making. The Bureau is now looking to<br />
approach SPC for assistance on obtaining such a network.<br />
• Due to the Most Favoured Nation Clause, the United States takes priority in trade.<br />
Consulting the United States before signing and implementing agreements causes delay in<br />
progressing in the area of regional and sub-regional trade.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The Department of Trade has a fairly large workload shouldered by only one staff member.<br />
There is a need to increase staff numbers.<br />
• The Department always seeks external technical assistance due to lack of knowledge and<br />
experience on trade related technical areas.<br />
• The Department needs timely legal assistance on trade agreements and other trade legal<br />
issues.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The lack of human resources in trade remains a problem.<br />
• A trade policy that is late in the making thus not providing the policy guidelines to<br />
advance trade issues in a coherent way. Resulting from this and amongst other things,<br />
it will be necessary to ensure trade is mainstreamed into government policy making<br />
and policy implementation and to ensure a climate for enhanced development partner<br />
engagement with Vanuatu. A National Trade Development Committee that is currently<br />
inactive must be reactivated.<br />
• The need to develop industrial policies that are compatible with trade policy and the<br />
Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study action matrix.<br />
68
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> undertakes its work on the instruction of Members and is guided<br />
accordingly by Ministerial decisions.<br />
• Much progress relating to negotiation and implementation of trade agreements hinges on<br />
delivery at the national level.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The major risks associated with facilitating export trade of agricultural and forestry<br />
products relate to adverse climatic conditions, natural disasters and any possible<br />
downturn in the global economic outlook and trading environments.<br />
• Availability and reliability of shipping services and storage infrastructure is a key<br />
constraint for trade in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• For Community Education Training Centre, more financial and human resources are<br />
needed for continued development and delivery of appropriate business training modules.<br />
• The culture sector has not reached its full potential in many of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
and Territories, particularly in the areas of heritage preservation and the promotion of<br />
cultural industries. This is mainly due to lack of qualified personnel in the area of heritage<br />
and cultural management and entrepreneurship, museum management, cultural law,<br />
cultural economic, <strong>Pacific</strong> ethno-biodiversity and cultural studies.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(viii)<br />
Strengthening the ability of the private sector to participate competitively in an<br />
integrated economy through the necessary enabling environments and support<br />
mechanisms.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia provides support to the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO),<br />
the ADB, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP).<br />
• Australia’s support for PFIP (AUD4.3 million to 2012) has assisted in their work on policy<br />
and advocacy, innovative banking solutions, knowledge sharing, financial awareness and<br />
competency training.<br />
• Australia funds <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Trade & Invest, the trade arm of the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong><br />
(AUD1.25 million annually). In 2010, this support has led to:<br />
• AUD7.4 million goods exports facilitated (around AUD6 million from Papua New Guinea,<br />
Vanuatu and Tonga);<br />
• AUD3.5 million in investment facilitated, particularly into Tonga, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
Cook <strong>Islands</strong>; and<br />
• A 44 percent increase in Wotif bookings and a 92 percent increase in room nights over a<br />
two-month campaign period, with Lonely Planet and SPTO.<br />
69
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Business Trade & Investment Board<br />
• Partnerships (MoU): The continued pursuit to develop key partnerships with local<br />
business entities in order to stimulate import substitution and exports internationally.<br />
For example: Signed a MoU between the Business Trade and Investment Board and<br />
CISFP (Cook Island Smoked Fish products limited). This is a 100 percent locally owned<br />
business venture that was established to meet a niche market demand in the supply of<br />
smoked fish products. With strong import substitute and export possibilities, this was<br />
further strengthened when CISFP received their Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points<br />
certification in May, 2011; a certificate in recognition of quality food processing standards.<br />
• In May 2011 BTIB identified four local businesses with a preparatory view to establish<br />
a MoU in and around the potential growth and development of the following products:<br />
tabasco sauce; vanilla; coconut harvesting; and algae harvesting.<br />
• There is a high degree of interest, on the part of BTIB, to monitor and support businesses in<br />
the pursuit of exporting Cook <strong>Islands</strong> products.<br />
• Labelling/ Branding: The BTIB ‘Trade and Marketing Division’ has worked closely with<br />
a number of private sector businesses and individuals in order to support their business<br />
interest. There is a need to utilise the expertise of BTIB staff in the field of graphic<br />
design, to create cost effective labels and branding designs, in order for Small to Medium<br />
Enterprises (SMEs) to develop their products in preparation of market entry and without<br />
expending high costs typically associated with product labelling and design.<br />
• Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Made: BTIB have conducted two workshops in country to brainstorm a Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> Branding Strategy. It is important to establish a branding initiative through public<br />
consultation and awareness. Following this process, we envisage the next stage being the<br />
development of a plan to drive this strategy through to implementation.<br />
• Support local products/promotional awareness (Go Local): BTIB commenced a ‘Go Local’<br />
marketing strategy that has since gripped the nation. Local people have quickly embraced<br />
this concept and have jostled to attach their businesses and products to it. BTIB is working<br />
through a mechanism to further explore the opportunities that surround this marketing<br />
phenomenon in an attempt to ultimately stimulate import substitutes in country; a key<br />
objective of BTIB.<br />
• After 5 Biz talks – 3 (150 attended): workshops have attracted some 200+ plus businessminded<br />
individuals. The after 5 Biz talk targets existing SMEs as well as business ‘fence<br />
sitters’, uncertain of the next step, stagnant in terms of progress, de-mobilised due to<br />
inadequacies’ and fearful of failure being common denominators.<br />
• The monthly After 5 Biz talk is designed to fill the void of uncertainty by encouraging,<br />
motivating and educating business minded, ‘fence sitting’ individuals into business.<br />
• Economic Development Taskforce: In January 2011, the Prime Minister established an<br />
Economic Development Taskforce, comprising members from a broad cross section of the<br />
community to conduct consultations and propose to the Government directions that will<br />
energise, invigorate and grow the economy.<br />
• A National Economic Development Summit, held on 11 - 12 March 2011, provided an<br />
open forum for the community to raise issues and discuss/dispute the Taskforce findings,<br />
as well as raising further economic development ideas. A strong partnership between the<br />
public and private sectors was a key focus of the Taskforce consultations and the Summit.<br />
70
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati (through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives)<br />
has been working collaboratively with the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce & Industry<br />
to develop a Private Sector Development Strategy to address the needs of the private<br />
sector. This exercise is still in progress and being considered by Secretaries/Development<br />
Coordination Committee.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has a strengthened focus on supporting the private sector. Key successes<br />
include: the introduction of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Business Mentor Programme into 4 countries,<br />
including the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu; and increased support to<br />
businesses in Tonga, through the funding of the new Tonga Business Enterprise Centre<br />
and a full-time Business Advisor.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• By promoting the private sector through capacity building, Palau’s Small Business<br />
Development Centre has helped many business owners with their monitoring services.<br />
A new five-year strategic plan is under review and is looking to be adopted soon.<br />
Comprehensive annual, semi-annual, and monthly reports help in analyzing their success.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Plans are underway to review potential for a re-energized Local Economic Development.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The development of a fist ever Medium Small Micro Enterprise Policy was launched<br />
including the fully fledged Department of Industry (commenced in February 2011) to<br />
focus on the capacity and strengthening of SMEs and industries in down processing with a<br />
view to improving trade in goods both domestically and internationally.<br />
• The strengthening of cooperatives throughout Vanuatu under the Ministry of Ni-<br />
Vanuatu Business Development and Cooperatives has targeted the provinces, seeing<br />
the establishment of 18 new cooperatives societies in 2010 (overall there are now 254<br />
cooperatives nationwide) and the diversification of another 18 cooperatives into fisheries<br />
and poultry industries. This has included the offer of 30 training plans to existing<br />
businesses to ensure smooth operations; and in doing so boost their level of participation<br />
and competitiveness in the economy.<br />
• Development of a database with up-to-date registered businesses, contacts, form of<br />
business and services provided which has provided, a close network between the<br />
cooperatives, businesses and the Department of Ni-Vanuatu Business Development.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP’s Faculty of Business and Economics has carried out a number of relevant<br />
presentations and seminars. For example, USP gave a presentation at the <strong>Pacific</strong> Business<br />
Conference in June 2011, on the topic of “Economics and Regional Integration”. Another<br />
paper on “New Opportunities for Enhancing Sources of Economics Growth in the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong>” was presented at a conference in February 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.<br />
• The faculty also worked with Vanuatu on the formulation of a trade policy framework.<br />
71
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The recently commenced <strong>Pacific</strong> Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA)<br />
is AusAID’s flagship program. It works with government and industries to address<br />
regulatory challenges associated with gaining and maintaining access to key markets<br />
for high-value primary products. Australia will provide funding of AUD14 million from<br />
January 2011 to June 2013 to the PHAMA program, which will cover Fiji, Samoa, Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga and Vanuatu.<br />
• Australia is committed to expanding the provision of basic financial services to the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> through the: <strong>Pacific</strong> Microfinance Initiative in partnership with the IFC (AUD9.5<br />
million for 2010-13); Papua New Guinea Microfinance and Employment Project (AUD6.7<br />
million for 2010-13) in partnership with the ADB; and <strong>Pacific</strong> Financial Inclusion Program<br />
(AUD4.3 million to 2012).<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Adoption of a Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Branding mechanism.<br />
• Development of a Business portal.<br />
• Increased export capabilities.<br />
• Increased import substitute.<br />
• A framework for economic development was presented at the National Economic<br />
Development Summit. Following the Summit, taking into account all feedback from<br />
the community, the Taskforce presented a list of 200 recommendations to Cabinet for<br />
consideration of which 199 were approved by Cabinet. The final Summit report is yet to<br />
be presented.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• To continue assisting the private sector and to ensure they operate in compliance with<br />
relevant business regulations.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The following key areas of focus are being developed: ongoing roll-out of the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Business Mentoring Programme to the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Kiribati<br />
and Tuvalu; support of a strong Private Sector Dialogue at the <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders’ Meeting; an<br />
enhanced focus on supporting tourism development in the region; and a strong focus on<br />
strengthening Business Support Services across the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Formulation of preliminary study and research on business opportunities for outer<br />
islands.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Finalization of the National Trade Policy Framework.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP intends to hold more presentations related to regional integration and will include<br />
stakeholders in these events.<br />
72
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Lack of funding, political reform, loss of specialist expertise, maintaining the momentum<br />
to implement the recommendations, and prioritising the implementation of the<br />
recommendations.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Financial aid needed by Small Business Development Centre to enhance their office<br />
infrastructure. The renovations to include solar panels and other methods of energy<br />
efficiency.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Lack of resources and export market opportunities.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• There is need to stream line and improve mechanisms of coordination between the<br />
government arms that assist and develop policies for the private sector, including the<br />
Department of Industry, Department of Ni-Vanuatu Business Development and the<br />
Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.<br />
• The need for a private sector incentive scheme.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(ix)<br />
Addressing issues that hinder the movement of goods and services through expediting fitfor-purpose<br />
solutions in the transport sector and, in particular:<br />
• improving and developing necessary infrastructure;<br />
• supporting the implementation of the region’s 2009 Shipping Ministers’ directions; and<br />
• the ongoing implementation of PIASA in the aviation sector, to ensure greater security,<br />
safety, reliability and competition of services across the region.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Government of Kiribati’s Kiribati Shipping Services Ltd (KSSL) company has assisted<br />
the PIFS in the implementation of the feeder services which is needed by Smaller Island<br />
States.<br />
• The Government of Kiribati and Japan has signed an agreement for the extension of the<br />
port under the Kiribati Ports Authority (KPA) Port Upgrading Project. The project will<br />
commence in 2012 and aims to improve and expedite the loading and unloading of goods<br />
from container vessels.<br />
73
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Government of Kiribati has also identified an Airport Upgrading Project, to improve safety<br />
and reliability of air travel domestically and internationally. The project is expected to<br />
commence in the near future.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand is supporting current improvements “to ship to shore” facilities in Tuvalu<br />
and the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• New Zealand is a partner in the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Infrastructure Facility (PRIF), providing<br />
regular input on policy and programming decisions via the PRIF work group and senior<br />
management team.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau is the latest nation to join the ship registries entities. Under the Palau Open<br />
Ship Registry Act, President Toribiong appointed the International Shipping Bureau<br />
Management Limited (IML) to provide ship registry and management services to Palau.<br />
• Malakal Port needs improvement not only in its infrastructure, but also in its management<br />
and enforcement of proper protocols as assessed by the United States.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• A Majuro small committee is working with Our Airlines - the Nauru-based jet service – to<br />
re-establish a new weekly flight that will reconnect the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> with Australia<br />
and Fiji.<br />
• The airport road realignment project commenced in May 2011. The project budgeted<br />
at nearly USD16 million, is funded by the US Federal Aviation Administration and is<br />
expected to take about 18 months to complete. When completed it will create an open<br />
space at the end of the runways as a safety buffer and improve security fencing around the<br />
airport (new location), setting the stage for a possible 1,000 foot extension of the runway at<br />
a later date. The bulk of the project is focused on land filling a significant area that is now<br />
part of the lagoon next to the western tip of the runway.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Installation of new navigational equipments has been completed.<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Aviation Safety Office (PASO) has completed its review to identify<br />
requirements for the improvement of aviation legislation; policies and procedures;<br />
security operations and aerodrome operations. PASO’s report and their recommendations<br />
is yet to be received.<br />
• The World Bank has indicated its interest to assist Tuvalu in developing aviation<br />
infrastructure, equipment and capacity building, under their <strong>Pacific</strong> Aviation Investment<br />
Project (PAIP).<br />
• The Tuvalu National Security Programme has been drafted and is currently with PASO for<br />
revision.<br />
• Airport security operation is meeting the minimum international standards with the<br />
recruitment of a private firm to provide the service.<br />
• The trade in agricultural products between Rotuma and Tuvalu had been enabled by<br />
Tuvalu shipping.<br />
74
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• There are in total 29 airports in Vanuatu, with three declared as international airports.<br />
Upgrading works are being undertaken on nine of the airports. Vanuatu has signed ten Air<br />
Service Agreements (ASA) with four agreements currently being utilised with Australia,<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, New Caledonia and New Zealand.<br />
• In line with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities Corporate Plan, work<br />
has been undertaken over the past 12 months to rehabilitate and maintain national<br />
road networks and feeder roads in four of the provinces to facilitate economic growth<br />
and service delivery. The government with support from AusAID has embarked on<br />
the first phase of the Vanuatu Transport Sector Support Program (VTSSP) to improve<br />
rehabilitation and maintenance of road transport infrastructure in the provinces of<br />
Penama (Ambae), Tafea (Tanna) and Malampa (Malekula).<br />
• The Millennium Challenge Account funded 220 kilometres of paved and tar-sealed roads<br />
on Efate and Santo, supported by the governments of the United States and New Zealand.<br />
• JICA funded improvement of the main Port Vila wharf infrastructure, cargo shed<br />
administration buildings, navigational aid (installation of new harbour lights to enhance<br />
safety measures for ship entry) and provision of pilot and tug boat to better service this key<br />
commercial port.<br />
• Vessels Safety Measures were introduced via a weekly 15 minute radio program to revalidate<br />
importance of safety certificates, and avoid the overloading of passengers and<br />
cargo.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• SPC has done preliminary testing of the methodology for the commodity mapping<br />
exercise undertaken as part of technical assistance to countries.<br />
• SPC continued with implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> regional audit regime with<br />
safety and security audits completed in Fiji, French Polynesia, Niue, Samoa, Papua New<br />
Guinea, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga and Tuvalu.<br />
• SPC conducted an analysis of the viability of a short-term feeder shipping service<br />
agreement to selected Smaller Island States by Kiribati Shipping Service Limited (KSSL).<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division undertook geophysical baseline surveys to support improved<br />
decision making in the planning and design of two new outer island jetty facilities in Rabi<br />
and Qarani, Fiji.<br />
• SPC signed a MoU with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to provide<br />
closer links with the SOPAC Division’s existing hydrographic capacity and provide<br />
opportunities to bring SPC hydrographic work compliant with IHO standards and thus<br />
allow its inclusion of SPC data in nautical charts. This has obvious application in marine<br />
safety, navigation, maritime boundaries.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Kiribati Shipping Services Ltd will continue to support the feeder service and plans to<br />
have a new vessel in the near future to support this route. The company has indicated its<br />
full support for the Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Shipping Commission.<br />
• Complete the designing phases of the Port Upgrading projects, and monitor the<br />
implementation of the projects.<br />
75
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Expected completion of work to upgrade airports on Kiritimati Island in Kiribati, Munda<br />
in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, and ‘Eua, Tonga.<br />
• Improvements in inter-island shipping services and facilities in Vanuatu.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Seeking funding for the needed upgrades and changes in the Malakal Port.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Complete and implement security procedures compatible with local operations.<br />
• Complete development of a security training program.<br />
• Progress with the production of relevant policies, and other legislative work.<br />
• Improvement in aviation facilities, equipments and capacity building through the<br />
assistance of the World Bank.<br />
• Improvement of reef channels on the outer islands under the Tuvalu Ship to Shore Project.<br />
• The installation of a navigational aid at the Funafuti main passage for the entry of ships.<br />
• The review of existing legislation and regulations.<br />
• The implementation of the Port Security Plan.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The upgrading and extension of Pekoa and Whitegrass International Airports is<br />
anticipated over the year, including the review of the Infrastructure Master Plan and<br />
prioritising of projects where economic benefits have been revealed.<br />
• The development of a Port Vila Master Plan is envisaged to support the longevity and<br />
sustainability of roads.<br />
• Review and amend the Port and Marine Act Chapter 26 and Shipping Act Chapter 53<br />
which were first introduced around the 1960s to improve maritime infrastructure and<br />
marine transport efficiency, safety and reliability.<br />
• Development of Security Plan to improve and develop ports, security and safety.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Work in the areas mentioned above is expected to continue given adequate resources and<br />
expertise.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Some market (profit making) challenges experienced by the KSSL company but has been<br />
addressed.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Implementation depends on funding from development partners.<br />
76
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The biggest hurdle for the Department is the lack of financial capacity to support the<br />
implementation of aviation strategies and activities.<br />
• The lack of technical expertise in the department in most areas of aviation slows the<br />
progress of the industry.<br />
• The unavailability of the necessary equipments in aviation operations restricts Tuvalu in<br />
meeting required standards.<br />
• The existing facilities are in great need of refurbishment or replacement.<br />
• International Ship and Port Facility Security draft regulation has not been incorporated<br />
into the national law due to the lack of legal expertise in Maritime Law to deal with such<br />
issues.<br />
• Port Facility Security Plan has not been implemented yet as the above regulation has not<br />
been endorsed.<br />
• Review of national legislation such as the Shipping Act, Harbour Act and the Port Tariffs<br />
has not been done due to lack of technical expertise.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The need for wide ranging reform and review of maritime policies, institutional, legislative<br />
and governing arrangements to improve the domestic shipping services.<br />
• Continued donor support and funding in the infrastructure sector.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Lack of political support, funding and relevant, accessible statistics.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(x)<br />
Implementing the directions provided by the region’s Ministers for ICT and, in particular,<br />
revising and updating the Regional Digital Strategy.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati, through Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd its telecommunication<br />
state owned enterprise has established telecommunication facilities on 11 (out of<br />
19) remote islands (60 percent coverage) such as public telephone and internet. This<br />
accomplishes Strategy 4.2.1 ‘Promote and support the provision of accessible and<br />
affordable communication to rural areas and remote islands’ of the Framework.<br />
• Government of Kiribati (through Ministry of Communications, Transport & Tourism<br />
Development) has developed a draft National ICT Policy that is now being reviewed. The<br />
Policy’s short, medium, and long-term goals are mostly aligned with the 4 objectives under<br />
Theme 2: ‘ICT policy, legislation and regulatory framework’ of the Framework.<br />
77
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• After the ICT workshop hosted by Palau in February 2011, the Ministry of Infrastructure,<br />
Industry, and Commerce is formulating a National ICT framework, and updating the<br />
telecommunication regulations to include new technology. The National Framework for<br />
ICT will take time to finalize, legislate, and implement.<br />
• Our region has adopted a new roadmap for using ICT to assist sustainable development<br />
(Framework for Action on ICT for Development in the <strong>Pacific</strong>, formulated by SPC),<br />
but lack of government funding and given the low priority level of this sector, and ICT<br />
development at the regional level, it will take some time to progress at the National level.<br />
• The next step would be removing the monopoly held by Palau’s sole service provider, the<br />
Palau National Communication Corporation (PNCC) and creating a competitive market<br />
to entice foreign investment. Work between the Division of Communication and PNCC<br />
to develop ICT advances for the country is challenging. PNCC is protected by Republic of<br />
Palau Public Law 5-43, which allows them the freedom to address the ICT sector so long as<br />
they provide communication services to the Republic.<br />
• A regional initiative can only be driven at the national level when there is government<br />
support. Steps have been taken to move forward in other areas, such as the workshop in<br />
February to encourage public awareness in ICT development, hoping public demand can<br />
spark the political will to move ahead.<br />
• Holding of ICT awareness workshops and training can only be possible with funding<br />
support from partner organizations.<br />
• Improvement in technology through the <strong>Pacific</strong> Digital Library workshop held by the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Resources for Education and Learning. Participants from different libraries and<br />
agencies in Palau were trained on how to select, prepare, and properly scan materials to<br />
contribute to the <strong>Pacific</strong> Library.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Drafting of the ICT Policy.<br />
• Filling vacant positions held by temporary staff.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Vanuatu government opened up the telecommunications sector in 2008 and issued<br />
its draft National Information Communications Technology (ICT) Services Policy for<br />
consultation in 2011. This was brought about through the support from the International<br />
Telecommunications Union and the European Commission (ITU-EC) project for <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries (ICB4PAC).<br />
• Currently mobile coverage is around 90 percent resulting from these reforms and the<br />
set up of a Universal Access Policy (UAP) Fund to subsidize the delivery of mobile<br />
telecommunication services to selected rural areas.<br />
• The e-government network has been established to maximize the effectiveness of modern<br />
ICT equipment and services in further supporting service delivery.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Progress on implementation of the recommendations endorsed under the Tonga Declaration:<br />
• 1(ii) Recognise the CROP Heads decision for SPC and USP to co-chair the CROP ICT<br />
Working Group: SPC and USP alternate chairing the CROP ICT Working Group.<br />
• 1(iii) Request that SPC participate at global fora such as Governmental Advisory<br />
78
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Committee (GAC) and the Internet Governance <strong>Forum</strong>s (IGF): SPC is now an official<br />
observer of GAC. SPC also convened, in partnership with development partners, the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Internet Governance <strong>Forum</strong> in April this year.<br />
• (iv) Acknowledge the need for the media to be partners in ICT development and to<br />
build their capacity to engage more actively in this area, particularly where relevant and<br />
practical <strong>Pacific</strong> content needs to be promoted and developed: SPC’s <strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Outreach<br />
(PICTO) Programme secured funding from International Programme for the Development<br />
of Communications/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to<br />
conduct training for community radio operators.<br />
• (vi) Urge national, regional and international agencies to collaborate better and ensure<br />
there is greater information sharing to promote effective coordination to reduce<br />
duplication and wastage of already limited resources, and in doing so to coordinate with<br />
SPC regarding ICT development in the region: SPC has signed a MoU with Asia <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Network Information Centre and NetSafe Ltd, and Partnership Arrangements with<br />
International Telecommunication Union and United Nations Asian and <strong>Pacific</strong> Training<br />
Centre for Information and Communication Technology to strengthened collaborative<br />
and cooperative efforts in ICT sector.<br />
• 3(i) Endorse the establishment of the <strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Regional Regulatory Resource Centre<br />
(PIRRRC), to be located at USP’s Japan-<strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Centre: The World Bank has recruited<br />
a Director for the Centre. The board of the Centre has representatives from Samoa, Papua<br />
New Guinea, Vanuatu, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, the Federated States of Micronesia, and USP. SPC and<br />
the Centre currently work on a MoU.<br />
• 3(ii) Direct their Officials to work with SPC, Council of Europe, International<br />
Telecommunication Union and development partners on developing appropriate policy,<br />
legislative and regulatory frameworks and strategies to combat cybercrime and promote<br />
Internet safety and security, including child online protection: The ITU / ICB4PAC project<br />
conducted a workshop in Vanuatu on assessment of cybercrime legislation in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
SPC/ Council of Europe/Australia’s Attorney General’s Department conducted a workshop<br />
in Tonga in April 2011 to build capacity of <strong>Pacific</strong> countries in developing cybercrime<br />
legislation and explore possibility of international collaboration.<br />
• 3(iv) Urge Officials to engage with the regional organizations, private sector and civil<br />
society to prepare for the transition of critical Internet Protocol based infrastructure to<br />
Internet Protocol version 6 due to Internet Protocol version 4 space exhaustion: Asia<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Network Information Centre/Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and<br />
Numbers/Asia <strong>Pacific</strong> Top Level Domain conducted a workshop in the fringe of the<br />
Ministerial meeting in Noumea. <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Telecommunications Association/USP<br />
hosted a <strong>Pacific</strong> Network Operator Group (PacNOG) workshop on IPv6 in Japan <strong>Pacific</strong> ICT<br />
Centre at USP in June. SPC in partnership with APNIC will promote to Governments the<br />
need to move to IPv6.<br />
• 4(i) Encourage the University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> to work with International<br />
Telecommunication Union, <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Telecommunications Association, SPC and<br />
partners to develop appropriate higher education and training programs in ICT policies,<br />
regulations and telecommunications management: <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Telecommunciations<br />
Association/International Telecommunication Union/USP developed a Post Grad Diploma<br />
for Telecom management. USP developing ICT specialisation for its Masters in Business<br />
Administration programme.<br />
• 4(ii) Request SPC and USP to collaborate with partners to ensure that human and<br />
institutional capacity building initiatives are developed in accordance with the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Plan and the regional ICT framework to address the capacity constraints in the PICTs: SPC<br />
79
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
partnership with United Nations Asia and <strong>Pacific</strong> Training Centre for Information and<br />
Communications Technology to rollout an Academy of ICT Essentials for Government<br />
Leaders in the <strong>Pacific</strong>. SPC in 2011 conducted two national workshops on ICT for<br />
Development in Palau and the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Commonwealth <strong>Secretariat</strong>, in partnership with SPC, jointly organized a business process<br />
re-engineering workshop in Sydney, January 2011 and e-Government in Samoa, May 2011.<br />
These were both identified as priority areas in the ICT Framework.<br />
• The ADB/SPC/ITU jointly organized a workshop on Universal Access in Samoa, October<br />
2010. ITU/ICB4PAC Project organized a capacity building workshop on Universal Access<br />
in Kiribati, June 2011. Universal Access is a key area in ICT Framework and key for rural<br />
and remote communities’ development.<br />
• 4(iii) Agree to request the ITU to liaise with the European Commission and ACP<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> to extend the ICB4PAC project beyond the original two year time frame: ITU is<br />
liaising with EU on possible extension of ICB4PAC project.<br />
• 5(i) Call on PITA, SPC, and USP to collaboratively explore options for ICT infrastructure,<br />
and access development using new and innovative technologies, and to organise for such<br />
information to be transmitted to key national ICT focal points or provided at appropriate<br />
regional meetings: This is ongoing. Sessions on the topic were included in the ICT Senior<br />
Officials meeting in April 2011, and at the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Telecommunications Association<br />
AGM meeting April 2011, Universal Access workshops in Samoa and Kiribati, and<br />
e-government workshop in Samoa.<br />
• 5(ii) Call on SPC, in collaboration with SOPAC, ITU and PITA to develop a Regional ICT<br />
Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework to be tabled at the next ICT<br />
Ministers Meeting, planned for 2012: SPC PICTO and SOPAC division working on a draft<br />
framework. ITU convened an Asia <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> on Emergency Communication July<br />
2011. The SPC SOPAC division convened <strong>Pacific</strong> Disaster Network meeting, in July 2011<br />
in Auckland.<br />
• 6(i) Encourage the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories to participate in the Joint<br />
ADB/SPC Study on ICT for Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction: ADB/SPC hosted a<br />
workshop in Samoa in October 2010 to consult with countries on progress of project. The<br />
first phase of the project has now been completed.<br />
• 6(ii) Support the proposal to organise a Regional Internet Governance <strong>Forum</strong> in the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
in 2011: SPC convened the <strong>Pacific</strong> Internet Governance <strong>Forum</strong> (PIGF) in Noumea on 9-10<br />
April 2011. There were about 70 participants.<br />
• 7(i) Endorse the establishment of <strong>Pacific</strong> Computer Emergency Response Team (PacCERT),<br />
to be hosted at the University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong>’s Japan-<strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Centre: PacCERT is<br />
now recruiting staff. USP, SPC, <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Telecommunications Association, <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong> Chapter of the Internet Society, Papua New Guinea, Cook <strong>Islands</strong> and Kiribati are<br />
board members.<br />
• 7(ii) Support SPC, ITU, and other development partners to implement the ICT applications<br />
for Telecentre project: International Telecommunication Union convened the Asia <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
ICT Application <strong>Forum</strong>. This forum discussed telecentres and initiatives that can support<br />
telecentres. A partnership between ITU and telecentre.org was launched to promote ICT<br />
training for women.<br />
• CTA/SPC developing a proposal to conduct research on status of telecentres in <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• 7(iii) Encourage <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories to establish e-waste programmes:<br />
SPREP and SPC signed a MoU to work on a regional programme on e-waste. Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
80
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
had an e-waste Day. Tonga has secured funding to deal with e-waste. Tuvalu, Kiribati,<br />
Samoa have also expressed interest in running similar programmes.<br />
• 8(ii) Request SPC to work with USP, <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories and<br />
development partners to develop the 3 year rolling Strategic Action Plan that will<br />
be updated annually, and to report back on targets set in the framework, and outline<br />
upcoming ICT activities in the region: SPC tabled a draft <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional ICT Strategic<br />
Action Plan (Implementation Plan of the ICT Framework) at the Ministerial Meeting<br />
in April, 2011. SPC is currently working on a revised Strategic Action Plan taking into<br />
account the comments and feedbacks received from the Noumea meetings. The revised<br />
Action Plan will be circulated to Members for consideration.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• In the area of policy and legislation, USP has offered to host the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Resource<br />
Centre at the Japan <strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Centre. USP has participated in various workshops and<br />
seminars, and is formulating a Working Group to draft the Policy for ICT in Education.<br />
With regard to ICT Capacity Building, Phase I of the Japan-<strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Centre at USP’s<br />
Laucala Campus has been completed. USP conducts various seminars on global trends in<br />
ICT, covering topics such as software quality, software performance, mobile telephony,<br />
and cloud computing. USP is also offering special courses for the telecommunications<br />
industry in finance and administration.<br />
• USP has made a significant impact on regional ICT infrastructure and access. USP is<br />
upgrading USPnet with iDIRECT, thus improving USPNet’s performance by 300 percent.<br />
USP also runs seminars on very small aperture terminal technology.<br />
• USP has an improved Internet Gateway, and has secured funding from Australia for<br />
Synchronous Transport Module 4.<br />
• USP is also working on issues related to cyber security and ICT applications. USP has<br />
assisted with the establishment of PacCERT and has agreed to host it at no cost. USP has<br />
also negotiated with JICA to include the equipment for PacCERT in the USP- JICA project.<br />
USP has participated in cyber security workshops and seminars.<br />
• The South <strong>Pacific</strong> Information and Communication Technology Exposition took place in<br />
July 2011.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Government of Kiribati to approve the National ICT Policy and key implementers and<br />
stakeholders to implement, monitor and evaluate the policy.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau’s ICT policy is currently being drafted and the next step is a wider public<br />
consultation.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The ICT Policy will be endorsed and implemented.<br />
• Computer Crimes Act implementation.<br />
• Some services of Government are accessible online.<br />
• Review the Telecom Regulatory authority.<br />
81
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Finalization and implementation of the National ICT Service Policy.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• More activities in using ICT to promote and protect culture. An ICT and Culture<br />
Conference, is planned for February 2012.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Regulatory Resource Centre fully operational and providing technical<br />
assistance to Member countries. <strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Regulatory Resource Centre and SPC signing<br />
an MoU on how they can collaborate.<br />
• Assisting Nauru, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Niue, Fiji, Vanuatu with cybercrime legislation.<br />
• An advocacy and awareness programme for <strong>Pacific</strong> on IPv6. Capacity building programme<br />
for government officials on transition from IPv4 to IPV6.<br />
• ICT policies training/curriculum incorporated into more tertiary programmes.<br />
• More collaboration and complementary activities between partners in capacity building.<br />
• Draft ICT for Disaster Risk Management/Disaster Management Framework completed.<br />
• Launch of second phase of the ADB project on inclusive growth and poverty reduction.<br />
• Convening of next <strong>Pacific</strong> Internet Governance <strong>Forum</strong> either as a standalone event<br />
or as part of regional events such as PacINET or <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Telecommunications<br />
Association annual general meeting.<br />
• Securing funding for PacCERT, recruitment of PacCERT Manager and ensuring PacCERT is<br />
operational.<br />
• Completing the telecentre study and establishing a <strong>Pacific</strong> network of telecentres.<br />
• Resources secured to undertake more work and to assist member countries in dealing with<br />
e-waste.<br />
• Completion of the revised <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional ICT Strategic Action Plan, and circulated to<br />
Member countries for endorsement.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• With regard to policy and legislation, the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Resource Centre will soon open.<br />
The Working Group to draft the policy for ICT in Education will be meeting to draft this<br />
policy shortly.<br />
• In terms of ICT capacity building, the second phase of the Japan-<strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Centre has<br />
been completed ahead of schedule. The keys were handed over to USP in October 2011.<br />
USP is also introducing a computer literature course for all students enrolled at USP, and<br />
will offer two new programmes in Computing Science, in Net-Centric Computing and<br />
Software Engineering, from 2012.<br />
• USP is planning to use Ku-band for remote areas and will give full connectivity access to<br />
Niue High School (USP’s campus in Niue shares its site with Niue High School). USP is<br />
assisting the Tongan Government with their submarine fibre negotiation.<br />
82
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of technical assistance and implementation, along with capacity building.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• A need for better political buy-in.<br />
• Lack of ICT skills and high cost of recruiting and retaining of qualified professionals in<br />
ICT.<br />
• Lack of technical expertise in ICT to provide support in reviewing policies and drafting of<br />
cyber legislation.<br />
• Lack of infrastructure in ICT and very high costs of connectivity among the islands.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Shortages of technical skills, and engineers to assist in regulatory matters or project<br />
management.<br />
• Sustainability of the e-government project.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Dependency on project funding.<br />
• Lack of long term resources (financial and human) to enable <strong>Pacific</strong> ICT Outreach to focus<br />
on priorities rather than seeking resources.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• There is no risk in hosting the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Resource Centre. The risk relates to<br />
whether or not the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Resource Centre will meet the expectations of the<br />
region. USP is the prime institution for developing ICT capacity in the region and there is<br />
no risk of ICT’s importance at USP diminishing. If FINTEL imposes high costs on landing,<br />
then that will be a risk to improving the internet gateway at USP to STM4.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(xi)<br />
Continuing the implementation of the economic integration agenda promoted and<br />
regularly reviewed by the <strong>Forum</strong> Economic Ministers and, in particular, establishing<br />
components of the Regional Regulatory Stepladder as directed by these Ministers.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati through the Ministry of Finance & Economic Development has<br />
continued to implement the economic integration agenda to promote and regularly<br />
review the <strong>Forum</strong> Economic Ministers Meetings outcomes especially the Regional<br />
83
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Regulatory Stepladder. This included undertaking studies such as Financial Management<br />
Information System (FMIS), Revenue Modernization, and Public Expenditure and<br />
Financial Accountability (PEFA), with recommendations fed into Public Financial<br />
Management. It also reviewed the Government Financial Regulation as well as the<br />
Development Fund and Stores Regulations for relevance, effectiveness and sustainability.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has actively contributed to FEMM’s economic integration agenda.<br />
• Australia and New Zealand prepared a paper “Trends in Remittance Fees and Charges”<br />
presented to FEMM and have been pursuing a number of initiatives to foster competition<br />
in the remittance market and increase transparency and financial capability. The<br />
cost of sending remittances from New Zealand to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries has fallen<br />
approximately 3.5 percentage points in the past two years, from an average of 18.6 percent<br />
to 15.0 percent of the amount remitted.<br />
• Supporting initiatives to broaden the economic base and support the ability of <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries to reap greater value in sectors where they have a comparative advantage<br />
(for example, fisheries, tourism, agriculture), including through regional cooperation<br />
where appropriate.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Government of Kiribati will: share the findings and recommendations from the said<br />
studies to its development partners; and review its Macro-economic Policy Framework<br />
and the Financial Regulatory and Supervision Framework to enhance their relevance,<br />
effectiveness and sustainability.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Taking forward the Regional Regulatory Stepladder’s model policy and legislative<br />
framework and adapt it to country context (pending guidance from PICs).<br />
• Exploring opportunities to strengthen relationships between NZ government agencies and<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> counterparts (for example, Customs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) to<br />
support capacity development and enhanced regional cooperation.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(xii)<br />
Increasing support for infrastructure development and maintenance across the region.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• At the 2008 <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong>, Australia (together with New Zealand, the World Bank,<br />
and ADB) announced the establishment of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF)<br />
to improve coordination and increase investments in infrastructure development and<br />
maintenance in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island countries.<br />
84
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• A long term pipeline of works totalling approximately AUD600 million of combined<br />
donor resources to 2017 has been developed through PRIF. Investments include transport,<br />
energy, water and sanitation and telecommunications sector works, with a focus on<br />
planning and budgeting for whole of life costs including recurrent costs for maintenance.<br />
• Energy sector investments are focused on the development of whole of sector approaches<br />
to energy sector planning that consider recurrent cost implications in line with the<br />
Framework for Action on Energy Security in the <strong>Pacific</strong> developed by SPC.<br />
• Approximately 50 percent of pipeline investments are in the transport sector, with<br />
significant programs in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, and Vanuatu.<br />
Programming includes components focused on strengthening the domestic private sector<br />
through providing long-term opportunities for domestic contracting of maintenance<br />
works.<br />
• In the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, PRIF partners have directly assisted with the rehabilitation and<br />
maintenance of approximately 25 percent of the road network.<br />
• In Vanuatu, 140km of priority road on three outer islands is being rehabilitated and<br />
maintained.<br />
• In Samoa, assistance enabled a rapid response to the 2009 tsunami with the rehabilitation<br />
of 30km of coastal wall and the repair of seawall infrastructure.<br />
• In line with PRIF’s expansion into energy, water and sanitation, and telecommunication<br />
sectors, in Tonga, PRIF has helped the government develop a 10 year energy roadmap of<br />
investments to reduce reliance upon imported fuel and increased energy security.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Commencement of harbour projects in the Southern Group.<br />
• Confirmation by Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong> that water, waste and sanitation will be the<br />
priority investment in the infrastructure sector.<br />
• Cyclone shelters built in the Northern Group.<br />
• Commencement of water projects in the Northern Group.<br />
• Completion of funding proposal to the United Nations Development Programme for<br />
adaptation projects with specific focus being in the water sector.<br />
• Completion of a water project in Mauke.<br />
• Progress on the <strong>Pacific</strong> Action Climate Change Project (PACC).<br />
• Feasibility study completed for Arorangi Jetty (alternative berthing).<br />
• Construction of Avatiu Port Redevelopment.<br />
• Implementation of the New Zealand funded “Improved Waste and Sanitation<br />
Programme”.<br />
• Implementation of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Strategy.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has provided support for: the National Transport Plan in the Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>; and improvements to waste management in the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Palau Public Utility Corporation purchased two 5-megawatt Niigata Engine<br />
Generators. While they proved successful in operation, they are still in transition to full<br />
85
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
operation at the commercial level. The generators are set up in the Malakal Power Plant<br />
which services the majority of the country’s population.<br />
• The Palau International Airport is currently undergoing construction work to expand the<br />
runway to allow for plane/jet parking. The expansion will help in daily operations while<br />
accommodating airlines servicing the islands and increase visitor arrivals.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• World Bank identification mission under the Proposed <strong>Pacific</strong> Aviation Investment Project<br />
identified the following requirements: resealing of the runway; replacement of tower and<br />
new terminal building; security screening equipment; and Air Traffic control equipment.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Completion of the rehabilitated Efate ring road and the South East Coast Santo Road<br />
in April 2011 through the Millennium Challenge Corporation. This has seen a total of<br />
220km of paved and tar-seal roads, from an original 73km and totalling around USD73.8<br />
million. The improved infrastructure has seen an increase in the consistent supply of local<br />
food products and also social services to the rural communities.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The SPC SOPAC Division continues to provide crucial technical baseline information<br />
and assessments to support data based and improved decision making, especially in<br />
coastal zones and with relevance to coastal communities and infrastructure. Surveys and<br />
assessments of this type have been completed in specific locations over the last 12 months<br />
in: Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati, Cook <strong>Islands</strong> and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Interim support arrangements for PRIF will be bolstered with the establishment of a<br />
Management Unit from July 2011. The Management Unit will improve the capacity of the<br />
PRIF to coordinate increasing pipeline investments with <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and will<br />
establish sectoral advice and analysis in transport, energy and water and sanitation.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Adoption of polices in the water, waste and sanitation sectors.<br />
• Completion of harbour projects in the Southern Group.<br />
• Completion of water projects in the Northern Group.<br />
• Policy development under the <strong>Pacific</strong> Action Climate Change Project (PACC).<br />
• Implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management.<br />
• Construction of the Arorangi Jetty Project.<br />
• Improved lagoon quality under the NZ funded “Improved Waste and Sanitation<br />
Programme”.<br />
86<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Planned support for: upgraded water supply in the northern Cook <strong>Islands</strong>; and upgrade of<br />
sewage treatment and disposal facilities in Rarotonga, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Completion of the airport expansion.<br />
• Fully operational generators at the Malakal Power Plant.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Consideration by the Government of Tuvalu whether it wants to be part of the World<br />
Bank <strong>Pacific</strong> Aviation Investment Project (PAIP). If Tuvalu wishes to be in Phase 1, then the<br />
proposal will go to the World Bank Board in October.<br />
• Continuation of the ship-to-shore project on the improving of sea-channels in the outer<br />
islands.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• To complete the development of the Vanuatu Infrastructure Master Plan (VIMP) and to<br />
take account of disaster and climate impacts.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Over the next 12 months, the SPC SOPAC Division expects to undertake additional surveys<br />
in support of improved understanding of coastal systems and hazards to inform decision<br />
making in relation to infrastructure, settlement and adaptation in Tonga, the Federated<br />
States of Micronesia, Fiji and French Polynesia.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Strengthening of the private sector in the <strong>Pacific</strong> will be challenging and will require long<br />
term approaches to infrastructure maintenance that provide a consistent supply of work<br />
and certainty to invest in the domestic private sector.<br />
• Assistance will need to focus on streamlining access to existing development partner<br />
resources.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Limited capacity in specialist areas – i.e. engineering and is primarily related to not being<br />
able to afford the going rates.<br />
• Over engineered technical support.<br />
• Ability to invest in infrastructure.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of funding and lack of resources.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Whether the Government of Tuvalu decides to be part of the Proposed <strong>Pacific</strong> Aviation<br />
Investment.<br />
• Bad weather conditions in terms of the sea-to-shore project.<br />
87
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Budgetary and human resources are insufficient to address the backlog of inadequately<br />
maintained infrastructure.<br />
• The need to establish separate Land Transport Authority to regulate licensing and safety.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Lack of Programme funding and recent cuts to Programme funding threaten the Division’s<br />
ability to sustain these critical services to Members.<br />
88
| B |<br />
Improving livelihoods<br />
and the well-being of<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> peoples<br />
89
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(i)<br />
Continuing efforts to better ensure food security for people across the region and, in<br />
particular, expediting efforts to improve food standards and food quality and support<br />
agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, through initiatives such as the <strong>Pacific</strong> Food Summit<br />
proposed for 2010.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia provided AUD3.8 million, in addition to core funding, to support efforts by<br />
SPC Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems and the FFA to increase sustainable<br />
production, processing and trading of sustainable <strong>Pacific</strong> fisheries. The additional funding<br />
will strengthen policy, legal and regulatory frameworks, support the development<br />
of mariculture and sustainable aquarium fisheries opportunities, will provide export<br />
assistance, and support increased contribution of sustainable oceanic fisheries’ resources<br />
to domestic revenues, food supplies and employment. These actions are in line with the<br />
Draft Framework for Action on Food Security in the <strong>Pacific</strong> 2011-15.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• National efforts to revive agriculture have been re-established by the Ministry of<br />
Agriculture through the ‘Te One Kura’ project. This project aims to revitalize agriculture<br />
using the Outer <strong>Islands</strong> based in the Southern group i.e. Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and<br />
Atiu, to produce fruits and vegetables to supply Rarotonga. The objectives of the project<br />
also dovetail into the current economic development priorities that were finalised<br />
following a National Economic Summit held in 2011, highlighting key development<br />
priorities for the agriculture sector to grow the economy.<br />
• The National Steering Committee for the Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods<br />
Programme (FSSLP) was established to advise and promote the implementation of<br />
the agriculture programme in the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> over the next three to four years. It is<br />
envisaged that two projects will comprise agriculture priorities and another two projects<br />
will be presented by the Ministry of Marine Resources. Food and Agriculture Organisation<br />
as well as the International Fund for Agricultural Development are supporting the<br />
programme with funds and technical assistance. The Cook <strong>Islands</strong> has been earmarked<br />
total funding of AUD4.3 million for this programme.<br />
• The Cook <strong>Islands</strong> participated in the sub-regional consultation on policy and<br />
programmatic actions to address high food prices in the <strong>Pacific</strong> sub-region held in Nadi,<br />
Fiji 14-15 April, 2011. The draft proceedings of this meeting has prompted the Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> to request assistance to run a national consultation on addressing high food prices<br />
given Cook <strong>Islands</strong> heavy reliance on imports. Food and Agriculture Organisation is<br />
taking the lead to support this agenda in country and at the sub-regional level.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Government of Kiribati (through the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agricultural<br />
Development) has conducted a National Food Summit Workshop in 2010 to raise<br />
awareness of issues related to food security, safety and quality.<br />
90
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has contributed to improved food security for <strong>Pacific</strong> people through:<br />
support from NZ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) for improved <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
bio-security; and support for project in Papua New Guinea to improve fresh produce<br />
& commodity production and value chains.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The National Steering Committee for the FSSPL conducted a high-level stakeholders’<br />
meeting on 8 April to introduce the FSSPL project and objectives in the areas of food<br />
security and poverty reduction. The meeting was attended by Olbiil Era Kelulau<br />
representatives, government ministries, private sector and community groups and<br />
organizations.<br />
• The EU funded project “Development of Sustainable Agriculture in the <strong>Pacific</strong>” (2004-<br />
2009), implemented by SPC amongst other priorities taught locals how to farm and<br />
process foods, such as turning mango into jam or tapioca into flour. Palau has acquired the<br />
equipment needed for the processing of such foods, however further funding is needed for<br />
more technical support. The Bureau of Agriculture is working through SPC to secure more<br />
funding and is currently waiting for responses from the governments of Australia and<br />
New Zealand.<br />
• President Toribiong initiated Palau’s “green revolution” project to cultivate food crops<br />
to ensure food security for our people and promote local agricultural industry. One<br />
of the projects within the past year comprised agriculture and marine resources. Five<br />
states (Ngchesar, Ngaraard, Ngatpang, Aimeliik, and Ngerchelong) have planted 1000<br />
coconut trees each as part of the “Green Revolution” initiative, resulting with each state<br />
receiving an environment grant of USD10,000. The grants were from ROC/Taiwan given<br />
to five states for the promotion of food security and the protection of marine resources.<br />
Although there was success with the coconut trees, the marine resources area has faced<br />
some difficulty with viruses and other variables taken into account for failed hatcheries.<br />
Thankfully at least one type of fish has prevailed, successfully encouraging the hatcheries<br />
to keep trying. The Green Revolution support warehouse was completed in the spring of<br />
2011.<br />
• Palau held its first National Water Summit on 22 March 2011. The Protected Areas<br />
Network (PAN) and the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) were key players<br />
in this summit, which featured water resources, state of water in the country, and cost of<br />
treating water. Palau is on track to meet this Millennium Development Goal; however<br />
there is still room for improving the process and mechanism used. The stage for integrated<br />
water management was one of the outcomes of the conference.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• The Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> National Stakeholder consultations on FSSLP took<br />
place from 21-22 February 2011 at the International Convention Centre . The food<br />
security and sustainable livelihoods program supports improved food security, import<br />
substitution, development of market opportunities and income generation, as well as<br />
institutional strengthening and programme development support processes. It will also<br />
address agricultural productive supply constraints, such as access to inputs, extension<br />
services, improved agricultural information availability and dissemination, and<br />
improved market infrastructure. In that context, National Stakeholders, all ministries,<br />
agencies, and non-governmental organisations were invited to: discuss issues of food<br />
security and sustainable livelihoods in our country; facilitate exchange of information<br />
among governments, civil society and possible solutions and potential points of<br />
91
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
collaboration; examine ways of enhancing partnerships and development effectiveness in<br />
country; and discuss the proposals for FSSLP and agree on next steps for finalizing project<br />
designs.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Promotion of home-gardening in both urban and rural Tuvalu in the production of<br />
vegetables to improve diets of household members, particularly infants; and adults<br />
suffering from diabetes and hypertension. This was supported by the Taiwan/ROC<br />
International Cooperation and Development Fund program.<br />
• Production of vegetables by the Fatoaga o Taugasoa Fiafia farm on Funafuti supported by<br />
the Taiwan/ROC International Cooperation and Development Fund to alleviate the high<br />
demand for imported vegetables.<br />
• An assessment of food security and nutrition status of Tuvalu in preparation for the Food<br />
and Agriculture Organisation funded FSSLP implementation in 2011.<br />
• Promotion of farm terracing to farmers and land owners as the way forward to enhancing<br />
sustainable food production from Tuvalu’s traditional farming system, supported by the<br />
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) project funded by EU.<br />
• A survey has been carried out on some of the outer- islands to determine the viability of<br />
undertaking aquaculture activities in the existing inland ponds.<br />
• A Milkfish farm was established on Vaitupu <strong>Islands</strong> with the assistance of Taiwan/ROC<br />
through the International Cooperation and Development Fund project. Two trainees from<br />
Nanumaga Island were attached to this farm with view to establish a milkfish farm on<br />
Nanumaga.<br />
• Milkfish farming is now extended to Funafuti in collaboration with the Fisheries<br />
Department.<br />
• Deployment of Fish Aggregating Devices around the fishing grounds of four islands -<br />
Nanumea, Vaitupu, Funafuti and Nanumaga.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The government continues to undertake research on traditional crops with the view of<br />
enhancing production and related farming systems. This is important in the light of<br />
emerging risks posed to food security.<br />
• The maintenance of root plots and related training on breeding and propagation<br />
techniques is ongoing to maintain agro-biodiversity and enhance food security. This<br />
included the establishment of three plots of forty varieties of sweet potato, cassava, yams<br />
and taro at the main agriculture stations.<br />
• There has been little effort in food standards. Work is progressing on the establishment of<br />
a Seafood Authority.<br />
• Aquaculture development is supported through the National Aquaculture Development<br />
Plan 2008-2012. The mari-culture hatchery was refurbished through assistance from<br />
JICA targeting trochus, green snail, giant clams and the production of available seeds for<br />
reseeding purposes in community reefs. Resource stock assessment and monitoring was<br />
carried out on inshore resources.<br />
92<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and national management<br />
development planning programs have a strong focus on managing the interplay between<br />
commercial and artisanal/semi commercial fisheries.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• EAFM and tuna management plan stakeholder consultations targeted at promoting and<br />
enhancing domestic developments to ensure availability of fish.<br />
• Continued work in support of small scale fisheries, including the introduction of smallscale<br />
commercial pole and line fishing that promotes fuel efficiency, food security and<br />
rural livelihood.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Launch of a trade statistics database and continued support to national statistics office to<br />
collect data relevant for food security assessment.<br />
• Adoption of nutrition-rich crops/varieties, such as orange-fleshed sweet potato.<br />
• Increase in number of media outlets covering rural development issues.<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division input from water and disaster programme relating to vulnerable<br />
group and food security.<br />
• Endorsement of the Framework for Action on Food Security in the <strong>Pacific</strong> at the 41st<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Leaders meeting in held Vanuatu in August 2010.<br />
• Coordinated reconvening of the Food Secure <strong>Pacific</strong> Working Group meeting to undertake<br />
a food security mapping exercise to identify existing and planned activities that contribute<br />
to the achievement of the Framework and to identify gaps at the regional level that must<br />
be addressed.<br />
• In collaboration with the Global Health Institute, conducted a regional Community Based<br />
Access Workshop for selected representatives from health, statistics and agriculture<br />
ministries of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories to consider policy initiatives aimed at<br />
improving the quality and nutritional value of food and beverages.<br />
• Workplan for the Food Secure <strong>Pacific</strong> Working Group was developed and regional<br />
priorities identified in its first workshop held in Suva in March 2011.<br />
• Collaborated with Global Health Institute in conducting the regional Food Industry<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> which was held in Fiji to discuss enhancing partnership with the private sector in<br />
advancing the Framework for Action.<br />
• Through the 2-1-22 non-communicable diseases project, promoted production and<br />
consumption of nutritious local foods.<br />
• In collaboration with partners, support for capacity building and mainstreaming of<br />
sustainable land management; sustainable forest management including communitybased<br />
forest initiatives; and support for poor and vulnerable households through<br />
assistance in providing seedlings and fruit trees for community gardening.<br />
• Studies are being conducted on the projected impact of climate change on <strong>Pacific</strong> fisheries<br />
and food security, and appropriate responses are being developed to mitigate risks and<br />
enhance the preparedness of island communities to deal with the effects of natural<br />
disasters on the agriculture sector.<br />
• Continue with quarantine awareness efforts to prevent transborder movement of invasive<br />
pests and diseases threatening trade and food security.<br />
• In collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organisation finalised the FSSLP. This is<br />
an FAO initiative with the goal of ensuring food security for vulnerable populations,<br />
particularly women and youth throughout <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories. The<br />
major outcome planned includes increased ecologically sustainable crop, livestock,<br />
fisheries/agro forestry production and production, improved land and market access for<br />
93
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
94<br />
vulnerable and poor households, and the development of policies and strategic actions at<br />
country and regional levels to address food security challenges.<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong>’s genebank (CePaCT) moved to a new location providing the region with<br />
vastly improved facilities to improve the services it provides to the region. The CePaCT<br />
is currently working with national partners to expand collections of <strong>Pacific</strong> bananas,<br />
aroids, breadfruit and yams. Collecting in countries is being supported along with<br />
characterisation so that unique accessions can be transferred to the CePaCT for virus<br />
indexing and sharing with other countries in the region. This expanded crop diversity<br />
supports all pillars of the World Food Summit food security definition as used in the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Food Summit and Framework.<br />
• The CePaCT is developing in collaboration with relevant partners a climate ready<br />
collection comprising of crops and varieties with climate tolerant traits: some accessions<br />
from this collection are under evaluation in 11 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories.<br />
The taro leaf blight breeding programme in Samoa has been expanded to include breeding<br />
for drought tolerance; selected varieties are made available to the region through CePaCT.<br />
This work on climate change will assist countries in planning which crops/varieties to use<br />
depending on the climatic conditions, thus supporting food security.<br />
• Other climate change related work supportive of food security includes: the development<br />
of a swamp taro collection and screening methods for salinity tolerance. The diversity<br />
of swamp taro will be screened to determine which varieties are truly salt tolerant; crop<br />
modelling for cassava which will enable <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories to see the<br />
impact of climate change on cassava production; adaptive capacity studies – what are the<br />
factors that influence adaptive capacity; and agrobiodiversity studies with communities –<br />
to raise awareness as to agrobiodiversity can assist with managing climate change.<br />
• Nutritional analysis of breadfruit and banana and nutrition awareness programmes.<br />
• SPC is one of the implementing agencies for the International Network for Edible Aroids<br />
(INEA) which will: increase the diversity of taro and Xanthosoma in the <strong>Pacific</strong>; make<br />
available drought tolerant varieties; and assist with the functional identification of<br />
varieties so facilitating market development.<br />
• Holding of a Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture capacity building workshop<br />
in collaboration with FAO.<br />
• Support provided to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories to enhance on-farm food<br />
production and yield through improved production technologies and plant protection<br />
strategies.<br />
• Land Resources Division provided support to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories in<br />
promoting agroforestry to integrate planting of trees in their farming system to optimize<br />
farm production. The establishment of model agroforestry areas were encouraged and<br />
training on plant propagation was conducted. Resilient tree species and climate ready<br />
crops were identified and recommended for planting.<br />
• Improved rural advisory services in technical capacity support to farmer associations on<br />
sustainable agricultural practices.<br />
• Improved capacity and skills of farmers in soil fertility testing and soil nutrients.<br />
• In collaboration with International Fund for Agricultural Development supported atoll<br />
agriculture research and development at the Centre of Excellence for Atoll Agricultural<br />
Research and Development in Kiribati. Areas of work include atoll soil management,<br />
water management, cultivar evaluation, and improving the resilience of food production<br />
systems to climate change. The centre is also documenting sustainable food production<br />
systems, and food preservation and utilisation methods for atolls.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division’s continued development of maritime boundary solutions and<br />
completion and defence of the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) claims, as well and<br />
bathymetric mapping of nearshore environments in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries brings new<br />
opportunities in seafloor and oceanographic data. This has the potential to provide<br />
invaluable information in regard to living resources management, especially for food<br />
security in the context of coastal fisheries.<br />
• Continued to provide technical support to the development of organic standards to<br />
comply with international standards and agreements through the <strong>Pacific</strong> Organic and<br />
Ethical Trade Community (POETCOM).<br />
• The Disaster Risk Management function concentrates on the development of in-country<br />
National Action Policy (NAPs) and planning for disaster risk management (DRM).<br />
• Inclusion of integrated agriculture and aquaculture training, food processing and food<br />
safety standards in Community Education Training Centre’s annual regional training for<br />
women.<br />
• The Land Resources Division Crops Team managed two projects aimed at improving<br />
the livelihoods of cocoa growers in the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>: the AUD800,000 ACIAR Cocoa<br />
Livelihoods Project, which aims to improve the quantity and quality of cocoa produced<br />
in Vanuatu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa and Fiji, and the AUD600,000 <strong>Pacific</strong> Agribusiness<br />
Research for Development Initiative ‘Facilitating Improved livelihoods for <strong>Pacific</strong> Cocoa<br />
Producer Networks Through Premium Market Access’ through facilitating improved<br />
access to premium markets. This activity aims to improve the prices growers receive<br />
for their cocoa by assisting them to access premium market niches, such as in certified,<br />
fine flavour and single origin chocolate. The ACIAR Cocoa Livelihoods Project began<br />
in January 2011 and will run until the end of 2013. The PARDI Cocoa project began in<br />
May 2011and runs until the end of 2014. Under the ACIAR cocoa project, over the last<br />
6-months (since inception) an impact assessment of the two main cocoa pests and diseases<br />
– Phytophtora and rats – was carried out in 8 different locations in Vanuatu. It established<br />
that more than 75 percent of cocoa is lost to these two threats. Subsequently, an Integrated<br />
Pest and Disease Management program was developed, and 134 farmers in 10 different<br />
networks across the country, were engaged to be involved in a Participatory Research<br />
Appraisal of this Integrated Pest and Disease Management approach.<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative cocoa project has just<br />
begun. SPC brought one cocoa exporter from the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> to the World Cocoa<br />
Foundation Conference in San Francisco in May 2011 to meet potential niche market<br />
buyers, certifiers, and identify next steps for the project.<br />
• The Land Resources Division Crops Team also manages the SPC component of the<br />
implementation of <strong>Pacific</strong> Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative – a 5-year<br />
AUD10million project which includes soon-to-commence agribusiness projects aimed<br />
at improving the livelihoods of <strong>Pacific</strong> growers of taro, cannarium, ‘european’ vegetables,<br />
breadfruit and virgin coconut oil.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP’s Faculty of Business and Economics staff are involved in a high profile <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Agricultural Research for Development Initiative (PARDI) research project. This<br />
research involves collaboration with Australian academics. Topics include taro, pearls,<br />
consumption patterns, fisheries research, and the role of agricultural extension offices<br />
in PIC. This research aims to promote development and improve the livelihood of small<br />
holder farmers and communities in the <strong>Pacific</strong> region.<br />
95
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia through AusAID will increase funding support for <strong>Pacific</strong> fisheries under its<br />
Food Security through Rural Development Initiative.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• The Te One Kura project is expected to be revised by a small team comprised of key<br />
personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of<br />
Infrastructure and Planning, who also have the mandate for the Outer <strong>Islands</strong>, as well as<br />
all the Island Secretaries of each island involved. It must be noted that this is a project that<br />
is being driven by the Minister, the Honorable Nandi Glassie and his Associate Minister,<br />
Kiriau Turepu as they believe that this will improve the welfare and economic status of<br />
each of these outer islands.<br />
• For the FSSLP, it is hoped that the first four priorities will be finalised and that funding will<br />
roll out with key activities being implemented following the National Professional Service<br />
Convention meeting. There is a National Project Coordinator who will work closely<br />
with all key stakeholders to ensure that this project gets off the ground and achieves its<br />
objectives.<br />
• It is expected that following national consultations on addressing high food prices, that<br />
some regulations and/or price related policies will be implemented into an already robust<br />
welfare system to support those most vulnerable to price shocks. Despite the introduction<br />
of the withholding tax, it is hoped that addressing this ‘issue’ of increase in food prices may<br />
shed some light on how government policy and/or regulation can support families who<br />
may be struggling to make ends meet.<br />
• A smaller initiative for the Ministry of Agriculture is to launch a ‘Food Secure Home’<br />
where awareness and education is going to be the main focus. The Ministry wants to<br />
encourage families to grow fruit trees and or have a small family garden to drive home the<br />
message of food security. This will be made possible through other key partners, such as<br />
the Ministry of Health through their non-communicable disease policy and other ongoing<br />
programmes that are implemented every year. The Ministry for their part will be making<br />
fruit seedlings available for sale at cheap prices to encourage families to grow food around<br />
their homes. Also, the government has reduced the cost to the grower for fertilizer to<br />
encourage production. Providing cheap alternative to inputs such as fertilizer is one way<br />
to encourage small farmers.<br />
• Other small initiatives are also being planned by the Ministry, however following the<br />
National Agriculture and Fisheries Census that will be held jointly with the National<br />
Census in December 2011, it is hoped that more information and data will provide some<br />
direction for the future of food security initiatives and programmes for the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Assess the implementation of the outcomes of the National Food Summit Workshop.<br />
• Develop the National Action Plan to implement outcomes of the National Food Summit<br />
Workshop.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Further improvements in <strong>Pacific</strong> biosecurity through scaled up support from New Zealand<br />
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.<br />
96
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• High value and niche product development for import substitution and exports,<br />
particularly organic and fair trade commodities and horticultural produce, mainly<br />
through support for non-governmental organisations.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> agribusinesses more profitable and resilient through better access to business<br />
support.<br />
• Fresh produce infrastructure in Papua New Guinea improved through a new market<br />
infrastructure project.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Marine Resource building is under construction and is nearing completion, to be<br />
ready by the summer of 2011.<br />
• Palau’s first Taro Festival (6-9 July 2011) expects to bring in greater awareness of taro and<br />
the importance it has in Palau’s future for food security. Greater efforts and exploration of<br />
ideas will help bring back Palau’s reliance on taro as a staple food.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The implementation of key FSSLP projects to achieve the three main anticipated outputs;<br />
increased agricultural production, increased local fish production and marketing of added<br />
value food products from both the agriculture and fisheries sectors, for both the domestic<br />
and overseas food markets.<br />
• Milkfish farming activities to be extended to other outer-islands.<br />
• Rehabilitate the existing land-based clam hatchery.<br />
• Deployment of Fish Aggregating Device around fishing ground of the remaining islands.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The approval and accreditation of local freshwater prawns training modules and<br />
continued work on freshwater aquaculture development given that these are relatively<br />
new activities under the responsible agency.<br />
• Work on agriculture to boost food security will be a continuous initiative.<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• In country support to national priorities, including the implementation of Ecosystem<br />
Approach to Fisheries Management outcomes.<br />
• Raise awareness and promote implementation of the Regional Tuna Management and<br />
Development Strategy by FFA members.<br />
• Funding sourced to undertake specific consultations with artisanal fishing sectors for<br />
promotion of management measures to protect and enhance food security.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• Future research projects on food production and agriculture workshops are planned.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• In collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organisation, implement components of the<br />
FSSLP in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Characterization and evaluation of bananas, aroids, breadfruit and yams.<br />
97
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• More information available from the countries on the crops and varieties in their<br />
collections that have climate tolerant traits and better evaluated CePaCT climate ready<br />
collection.<br />
• More information available on drought and salt tolerant crop varieties.<br />
• Improved capacity in participatory plant breeding to support proactive approaches at the<br />
community level to climate change.<br />
• Completion of an overview of food security and climate change report (contracted by<br />
Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency).<br />
• Completion of a report on adaptive capacity (contracted by Department of Climate<br />
Change and Energy Efficiency in collaboration with USP).<br />
• Work on identifying cheaper feed sources for livestock.<br />
• Support national food summits.<br />
• Hold a 2 week integrated agriculture training of trainers for 10 Vanuatu Rural<br />
Development and Training Association Rural Training Centre trainers in July 2011.<br />
• Under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research cocoa project,<br />
over the next 12 months farmers will be managing three comparative demonstration<br />
plots and keeping detailed records to identify the most effective approach. In addition,<br />
three trainings will be held with the Vanuatu Department for Agriculture and Rural<br />
Development staff to improve their cocoa management and pest management skills.<br />
Farmers will also be trained on proper pruning methods in October 2011. Finally,<br />
an assessment of the Vanuatu Agriculture Research Training Centre (VARTC) cocoa<br />
collection genetic resources, and methods for improving the genetic material disseminated<br />
to farmers, will be carried out in July 2011.<br />
• Under the <strong>Pacific</strong> Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative cocoa project, cocoa<br />
bean samples will be sent to buyers in Australia and the United States for evaluation,<br />
and supply contracts negotiated. Training on record keeping and establishing basic<br />
product traceability systems will be held in Vanuatu and the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, as well<br />
as facilitating visits to Vanuatu and the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> by the niche market chocolate<br />
companies Haighs, Guittards and TCHO. A training mission will also be arranged from<br />
Ameljaro, UTZ and potentially Fair Trade. Training on establishing the Participatory<br />
Guarantee Systems required for organic certification will also be held.<br />
• Over the next 12 months, the <strong>Pacific</strong> Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative<br />
projects cited above are expected to be funded, and begin implementation.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Capacity issues will always plague the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> when it comes to implementing key<br />
programmes such as those mentioned above. The absorptive capacity is very limited and<br />
there are key challenges in relation to implementing projects where there are not enough<br />
labour in country to physically implement some of the activities.<br />
• Lack of funding remains a risk to implementing projects and programmes as sometimes<br />
the development partners’ priorities will override that of the country.<br />
98
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
• Lack of human resource capacity to organize and provide local information on further<br />
studies required for implementation of projects and programmes as requested by technical<br />
assistance.<br />
• Timing of funding and releasing of finances is always a critical risk and contributes to<br />
delays in the implementation of projects.<br />
• The institutional mechanisms of implementation can actually work against the effective<br />
and efficient implementation of any programme or project i.e. some national policies/<br />
guidelines actually hinder or delay implementation, in particular, financial mechanisms<br />
should ensure efficient flow of funds from and to projects.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Resources constraints, including human, technical, financial and capacity in general.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Limited funding for proposed food security projects and maintenance for existing projects.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Delays in procurement of project materials to project sites in rural Tuvalu due to project<br />
financial mechanisms and due to unreliability of internal shipping service.<br />
• Lack of human resources at a technical level to facilitate project activities.<br />
• Lack of funding to support national initiatives.<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Limited national capacity to carry forward work identified and or commenced.<br />
• Tuna management plan not implemented.<br />
• Insufficient funding and/or local capacity to support implementation.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Capacity in country to fully evaluate any new importations.<br />
• Cultural constraints in adopting new varieties.<br />
• Resources to enable planned activities to be delivered to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories.<br />
• National level capacity to provide required support for project implementation.<br />
99
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(ii)<br />
Ensuring healthy populations through: the ongoing implementation of the Vanuatu<br />
Commitment and the recent Madang Declaration for Action from the 2009 Ministers of<br />
Health Meeting including enhanced efforts to better understand health determinants and<br />
build the sector’s governance and ability to respond pro-actively to current and emerging<br />
health needs.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia provided an estimated AUD22 million for regional programs in 2009-2010<br />
to tackle key health issues such as workforce and specialised clinical services, increase<br />
immunisation rates, and to combat malaria, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, noncommunicable<br />
diseases and emerging infectious diseases.<br />
• With Australian support, the Fiji School of Medicine has increased its annual medicine<br />
degree intake from 70 <strong>Pacific</strong> Islander students in 2007 to 90 in 2011. In addition, 240<br />
doctors from <strong>Pacific</strong> countries graduated between 2007 and 2010.<br />
• Australian support through the Royal Australian College of Surgeons from 2009-2010<br />
enabled 101 specialist clinical visits to 11 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries, with approximately<br />
2,550 patients receiving specialist surgical operations, and training provided to almost 700<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island medical officers during these visits.<br />
• Australian support for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Project<br />
helped build capacity in the <strong>Pacific</strong> to prevent or respond to, a possible outbreak of<br />
pandemic influenza, by working across both human and animal health sectors.<br />
• With Australian support through the 2-1-22 <strong>Pacific</strong> Non-Communicable Diseases<br />
Programme, 18 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories received funding to support<br />
implementation of activities under their national Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)<br />
Plans.<br />
100<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati has accomplished the key issues highlighted in the Madang<br />
Declaration as outlined below:<br />
(source: Country Health Information Profiles on WHO Western <strong>Pacific</strong> Region website, unless<br />
otherwise stated).<br />
Achievements in Minimizing the Child Mortality Rate<br />
• Building of the Health Facility that promotes the 10 steps to successful Breastfeeding<br />
which is one of the four regionally recognized facilities as ‘baby-friendly’ by UNICEF and<br />
WHO.<br />
• Increased coverage by 30 percent (1994-2010) of vaccination programs throughout the<br />
country.<br />
• Increase by 40 percent (1994-2005) in trained nurses in paediatrics medicine.<br />
Analysis & Impact<br />
• Infant mortality has improved.<br />
• Decline of 52/1,000 live births (2005) compared to 67 (1995).
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• About 46 percent (from 89/1,000 live births in 1994 to 48 in 2010) decrease of deaths per<br />
1,000 live births from 1994-2010.<br />
• Although the 2010 <strong>Pacific</strong> MDGs Tracking Report claims that Kiribati is slightly off track<br />
in relation to MDG 4 Reducing Child Mortality, the current situation as presented by<br />
Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) achievements and WHO figures prove<br />
some improvements.<br />
Achievements of Minimizing Maternal Mortality Rate<br />
• Improvement of midwifery trainings and effective selection of nurses to become midwives<br />
on annual basis.<br />
• Enhancement of pap smear programmes.<br />
• Building a new Obstetrics and gynaecology centre at the Kiritimati hospital.<br />
• Building a new Obstetrics and gynaecology centre at the Betio hospital.<br />
• Building of new health centres and clinics throughout the country.<br />
Analysis & Impact<br />
• Maternal health is improving.<br />
• About 90 percent of all births are attended by skilled health personnel.<br />
Achievements to Minimize and control incidence of HIV/AIDS & Minimize and control sexually<br />
transmitted diseases<br />
• Building of clinics for voluntary confidential counselling and testing (VCCT).<br />
• Providing medical care to 6 identified people living with HIV/AIDS.<br />
Analysis & Impact<br />
• It is reported that Kiribati is gaining momentum to get back on track with combating HIV<br />
and other disease (MDG 6) as reported by WHO.<br />
• Increased prevalence of utilizing VCCT services as provided by Kiribati Family Health<br />
Association (KFHA), MHMS and other service providers by the public including men<br />
and youths. KFHA is a local non-governmental organisation with funding support by<br />
International Planned Parenthood Federation that supports MHMS in the health sector.<br />
• Observations from Kiribati Association of NGOs staff employed by the Up-Scaling of HIV/<br />
AIDS Intervention Project involved with outreach program to night clubs/bars stated that<br />
there was an increase of condom use by the public and more awareness and increased<br />
knowledge about HIV and AIDS.<br />
Achievements to Minimize and control Hepatitis cases<br />
• Encouraged the public for blood testing on Hepatitis.<br />
• Enhanced children vaccination against Hepatitis.<br />
Analysis & Impact<br />
• No or limited data/information on the impact of the achievements shown above.<br />
Achievements to Minimizing and eliminating incidences of TB cases<br />
• Improved programmes/strategies in identifying people with TB.<br />
• 93 percent increase of TB patients being treated.<br />
Analysis & Impact<br />
• It is evident that there is a decline in incidence, prevalence and mortality of TB (and HIV)<br />
cases in Kiribati.<br />
• WHO released and presented 3 graphs showing a decline in incidences, prevalence and<br />
mortality of TB (with HIV) in Kiribati between the years 1990 and 2008.<br />
101
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Achievements to Minimize and control incidences of non-communicable diseases (NCD)<br />
• Establishment of the NCD Unit within MHMS.<br />
• Improving public awareness on encouraging physical activities and gardening.<br />
• Building one multi-purpose court in South Tarawa.<br />
• Maintaining the supply of essential medicines for NCD.<br />
Analysis & Impact<br />
• The prevalence of NCD is increasing despite MHMS achievements outlined above as<br />
reported by WHO. The increase is due to the social and cultural aspects for example gifts<br />
(mweaka) usually involve tobacco and providing cigarettes (whether locally made or<br />
imported) to guests or friends is always considered polite.<br />
• The changes in lifestyles (especially in urban areas) where daily food intakes are<br />
dependent from imported goods and paid-job work requirements have meant reduced<br />
amount of physical activities. As a result, approximately 20 percent of the adult<br />
population have diabetes, and diseases of the circulatory system which are now the second<br />
leading cause of mortality. This is based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance<br />
(STEPS) of risk factors using a simple, standardised method for collecting, analysing and<br />
disseminating data for chronic disease risk factors in WHO member countries.<br />
Achievements to Improving the status of medical clinics on outer islands<br />
• Building of new health centres and clinics throughout the country (EU’s EDF9 Project).<br />
Analysis & Impact<br />
• It was observed by medical assistants and health professionals on the outer islands that<br />
people in these rural areas are developing a liking of visiting the newly built health<br />
centres.<br />
Achievements to Improve delivery of services and performance of Nawerewere Central Hospital<br />
• Increased number of overseas referrals to 50 per year.<br />
• Identifying and making agreements with 5 overseas hospitals to cater for overseas<br />
referrals.<br />
• Increased number of intakes to Nursing School as well as trained medical assistants and<br />
midwives per year.<br />
• Improved database system.<br />
Analysis & Impact<br />
• MHMS is able to provide data/info to WHO for the production of the Kiribati Progress<br />
Report 2010. The general observation was that there is a need to ensure that the graduates<br />
from the Nursing School are professionally qualified.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has provided significant support for health programmes across the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health, preventing non-communicable<br />
and communicable diseases and strengthening the health workforce. For example, New<br />
Zealand continued to support the <strong>Pacific</strong> HIV/STI Response Fund, implementation of the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Regional NCD Framework and supported countries to ensure that they are able to<br />
respond effectively to an influenza pandemic.<br />
• New Zealand also provides targeted support for country health systems in Papua New<br />
Guinea and Samoa.<br />
102
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Health Officers Association (PIHOA) supported Resolution 48-01, which<br />
declared a regional state of health emergency due to the epidemic of NCDs. Earlier reports<br />
in Palau indicate Palauans are increasingly affected by diabetes, stroke, and heart disease<br />
from unhealthy lifestyles. Closely following this, Minister Stevenson Kuartei declared<br />
a “state of health emergency within the Ministry of Health due to the crisis of NCDs in<br />
Palau.” Now that we have recognized the necessity of immediate attention, the success of<br />
decreasing the Republic’s numbers on NCD cases relies on implementing healthy settings<br />
through appropriate policies and promoting health protection activities.<br />
• WHO/Tobacco Free Initiative held a two-day workshop themed “National Action Planning<br />
Process for Tobacco Control” to start the process of stakeholder consultation to develop<br />
priority action areas and specific actions to move tobacco control forward in Palau.<br />
Participants considered specific actions within the WHO Regional Action Plan 2010-<br />
2014; assessed Palau’s community readiness to undertake these actions; identified issues<br />
and challenges related to each action; and reviewed recommended indicators to measure<br />
progress. Continued community consultation is needed before the action plan is finalized.<br />
• The Ministry of Health conducted the 6th Public Health Convention addressing NCDs<br />
and lifestyle choices relating to NCD cases in Palau. Discussions about cultural changes on<br />
health issues, as well as culture and health amongst youth, were held.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The Education Ministry plays a complementary role to that of the Health Ministry’s<br />
efforts to promote healthy living through diet and sufficient exercise by promoting sports<br />
throughout the country.<br />
• This began with the introduction of the Inter-Primary & Secondary School Games a couple<br />
of years back. This is a bi-annual event and it brings together school children from Year 4<br />
in Primary to Year 12 in Secondary School. The school games have attracted a great deal of<br />
interest from school children as young as those in elementary school. Their involvement<br />
will ensure healthier children so long as sports competitions continue to be organised.<br />
• At the adult level, the Tuvalu Games were introduced in 2008. Not only does it serve as<br />
Tuvalu’s trials for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Games and other international meets, it is also intended<br />
to maintain the link and interest in sports from the school team. Once again, the<br />
involvement of youth in such activities keeps them healthy.<br />
• A National Sports policy is also being formulated to better coordinate these events, as well<br />
as underpin the government’s commitment to developing sport in Tuvalu.<br />
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has undertaken the following:<br />
Food Security and <strong>Pacific</strong> Food Summit.<br />
• Endorsed the regional <strong>Pacific</strong> Food Summit and is now planning to host its first Food<br />
Summit later in 2011.<br />
• Development of its Food Based Diet and Guidelines, engaged with local businesses to<br />
discuss the quality of food that is being sold locally.<br />
• Conducting regular inspections of all food outlets at schools and public places.<br />
• Enforcing the food and nutrition policy under the Public Health Act in this regard.<br />
However the specific Food and Nutrition Legislation is not yet passed by Government.<br />
• Health Promotion Unit is implementing the health promoting school program and<br />
conducting community based education and radio programs on dietary choices.<br />
• Implementing the Healthy Family Programme which focuses on the family promoting the<br />
healthy island concept in Tuvalu.<br />
103
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• MOH is part of the national climate change program which looks at the development of<br />
clear strategies to mitigate its effects on local food production.<br />
• The Government of Taiwan/ROC is now operating a garden that supplies the entire<br />
capital island of Funafuti.The same program is conducting home gardening education<br />
programmes and competitions in the country.<br />
Health and Climate Change<br />
• Very little work has been done to develop national strategies and action plans for health<br />
sector adaptation due to lack of support from the national climate change program.<br />
• Dependent on the outcomes of regional studies on health vulnerability due to climate<br />
change.<br />
• Conducted seminars, radio programmes and presentions to national stakeholders about<br />
climate change and health.<br />
Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Health Care<br />
• Completed renovation of health facilities in outer islands with two more left to complete<br />
in 2011. The upgraded facilities will further improve the delivery of health services to the<br />
outer islands.<br />
• Distributed medical equipments to all outer island medical centers in early 2011.<br />
• Revamped its healthy islands program implemented in 2010 with the development of the<br />
“Tuvalu Healthy Family Program” covering all the outer islands under a specific vote in its<br />
recurrent budget 2011.<br />
The Asia <strong>Pacific</strong> Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED) and the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Influenza Pandemic<br />
Preparedness Project<br />
• Currently implementing the International Health Regulations and <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional<br />
Influenza Pandemic Preparedness project in Tuvalu.<br />
• Focal points have been established with full access to the electronic warning system.<br />
• MOH is also implementing its new Syndromic Surveillance System with weekly<br />
monitoring and reporting to WHO.<br />
Maternal Child and Adolescent Health-Progress on MDG4 Reduction Under 5 Maternal Mortality Rates<br />
• Providing free medical services across the country.<br />
• Maternal deliveries are attended by a qualified midwife and all first pregnancies are<br />
referred to the main hospital for deliver and proper ante-natal screening.<br />
• Under five mortality trends are reducing.<br />
• No maternal deaths.<br />
• Recruited a special nursing officer to lead family planning services with the aim to<br />
improve family planning coverage.<br />
• Continues to work with the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) in expanding<br />
family planning services, including condom distribution.<br />
• Recruited one full time staff to work on the national Reproductive Health program under<br />
direct funding from UNFPA. Through this programme MOH is receiving commodities and<br />
support for various Reproductive Health programs.<br />
• Completed the Reproductive Health Policy.<br />
• Completed 12 months of programming with UNFPA funding covering all Reproductive<br />
Health services in Tuvalu.<br />
104
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Continues to implement its pap smear program to detect early cervical cancer and provide<br />
treatment for women who need it.<br />
• Started expanding this service to the Outer <strong>Islands</strong> with specimen collection and referral<br />
to Princess Margaret Hospital.<br />
• Referring women with cervical cancer abroad for surgery and chemotherapy.<br />
Pooled Procurement from Improving Access to Essential Medicines in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories<br />
• Procuring medicines and supplies from the bulk purchase system in Fiji.<br />
• Completed revision of its Essential Medicine List in 2010.<br />
• A National Drug and Therapeutic Committee is in place to oversee the overall<br />
management of medicines in Tuvalu.<br />
• MOH Central Stores supplies all the outer islands with essential medicines on a quarterly<br />
basis.<br />
Human Resources for Health<br />
• Through its WHO program MOH is training more staffs in specialised clinical services, i.e.<br />
surgical nursing, intensive care nursing and midwifery.<br />
• Implementing its <strong>Pacific</strong> Open Learning Health Network program with more than 10 staff<br />
studying online towards various certificates and diploma level qualifications ranging from<br />
public health to clinical courses.<br />
• Implementing its own internal Continuous Medical Education program every week for all<br />
hospital staff, which also includes a Medical Journal Club and medical audits.<br />
Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases<br />
• Completed its NCD plan, including the monitoring and evaluation framework.<br />
• Secured funding under the SPC 2-1-22 program to implement its NCD plan for the next 2<br />
years.<br />
• Completed its STEP (UN Stepwise Approach to Surveillance – a simple standard method<br />
of collecting, analyzing and disseminating information) survey and is now awaiting the<br />
outcome of the report.<br />
• MOH will implement a Mini-STEP program in Tuvalu targeting the various government<br />
ministries.<br />
• MOH has included a clinical component in its NCD plan focusing on common NCDs –<br />
diabetes, hypertension and cardiac diseases.<br />
• Established a National Diabetes Association comprising of diabetic patients and clinicians<br />
to strengthen efforts to control diabetes in Tuvalu and prevent the onset of complication<br />
among sufferers.<br />
• Currently engaged on an ongoing program with the Royal College of Surgeon Diabetes<br />
Team to assist with the development of treatment guidelines, protocols and the national<br />
diabetes program.<br />
• Trained nurses in diabetes clinical care and prevention in Australia to improve clinical<br />
management of diabetic patients.<br />
Prevention and Control of HIV and other STIs<br />
• Held training of trainers on human rights and legal rights with the assistance of <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong> Aids Foundation – aimed at developing HIV legislation for Tuvalu.<br />
• Conducted a leaders’ seminar on HIV and other STIs covering leaders can do in the fight<br />
105
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
against HIV and AIDS.<br />
• Has in place a HIV and STI Unit with full time staff providing STI treatment and<br />
prevention programs.<br />
• Currently implementing its STI strategy.<br />
• Conducting chlamydia surveillance across the country and started the presumptive<br />
treatment of women attending ante-natal clinic for chlamydia infection.<br />
• MOH has integrated all programs as recommended to strengthen integration between<br />
HIV/STI and other services, including reproductive health, maternal child health and TB.<br />
• The HIV and STI Unit have completed courses on HIV counseling.<br />
• The HIV and STI Unit is providing voluntary confidential counseling and testing services.<br />
• MOH in collaboration with Tuvalu Family Health Association (non-government<br />
organisation), established voluntary confidential counseling and testing services at Tuvalu<br />
Family Health Association with referral of testing to Princess Margaret Hospital where<br />
necessary.<br />
• Conducting surveillance for STIs in country, except for chlamydia where specimens are<br />
shipped to Mataika House in Fiji.<br />
• HIV confirmation is being sent to Fiji.<br />
• The training of laboratory staffs on CD4 (white blood cells) completed.<br />
• Tuvalu will be receiving the CD4 (white blood cells) machine in the next few months.<br />
• MOH is receiving Antiretroviral from the pooled procurement program in Fiji.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Government, through the MOH, launched its Health Sector Strategy (2010 – 2016) to<br />
guide the development of Vanuatu’s health sector over the 6 year period. The strategy lays<br />
out the objectives and directions that will be taken to address the major constraints and<br />
health issues faced by the population with the initial priorities of reducing maternal and<br />
infant mortality rates through the continuity of improving primary health care services<br />
and supporting curative services. The strategy is in line with the Government’s Priority<br />
Action Agenda, the Millennium Development Goals’ and the declarations of the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong> Ministers of Health.<br />
• Vanuatu also launched the “Healthy Lifestyle” Women Intervention Program in March<br />
2011 to encourage healthy living, as according to the MOH around 70 percent of Vanuatu<br />
women could benefit from such an approach.<br />
• Furthermore, Vanuatu launched its revised National Strategy to Prevent and Control Non-<br />
Communicable Diseases (2010-2015) in April 2011. This document provides the policy<br />
directions to guide the implementation of effective intervention strategies to counteract<br />
the increasing threat of NCDs in the next 5 years.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Jointly led the implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Framework for the Prevention and Control of<br />
NCDs through the 2-1-22 <strong>Pacific</strong> NCD Programme in partnership with WHO.<br />
• Eighteen <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories now have comprehensive multi-sectoral<br />
costed national NCD plans and strategies in place following the provision of technical<br />
assistance and support to the additional <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories to finalise<br />
their plans.<br />
106
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Twelve health professionals appointed as national NCD coordinators, strengthening<br />
national level capacity to address NCDs.<br />
• Ninety two small competitive grants provided to countries for community projects to<br />
address NCD key risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco and<br />
alcohol misuse.<br />
• Eleven national, multi-sectoral NCD committees have been formed and supported to<br />
provide guidance for implementation of activities at national level.<br />
• Modifications to taxation, progress towards health promotion foundations and other<br />
sustainable funding mechanisms in four countries<br />
• In collaboration with regional partners and <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories, led the<br />
implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional HIV & STI Strategy, Three <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
and Territories (Kiribati, Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, and Federated States of Micronesia)<br />
published their second generation surveys during 2010. The body of data generated by<br />
these surveys allows identification of key priority areas that should be addressed.<br />
• Ongoing support provided to twelve national TB programmes to strengthen TB control in<br />
the region. TB annual surveillance report titled; Tuberculosis Surveillance in the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries and Territories published. Operational research commenced to assess<br />
the links between tuberculosis and diabetes in Kiribati, which will have relevance to other<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories.<br />
• In collaboration with regional partners, provided technical support to Solomon <strong>Islands</strong><br />
and Vanuatu through the national vector borne control programmes in line with the<br />
national malaria strategies.<br />
• Seventeen <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories have updated their national influenza<br />
preparedness plans up until August 2010, with most <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories reporting that the updated plans proved useful in responding to the 2009 H1N1<br />
pandemic.<br />
• The Guam Public Health Lab has now been established as a sub-regional Level 2<br />
laboratory.<br />
• Laboratory based influenza surveillance follow-up has been undertaken for three <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries and Territories.<br />
• Training programmes delivered in 12 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories to public<br />
and community health workers as part of SPC’s commitment to strengthening national<br />
capacity. Training has ranged from specialised technical subjects (such as continuum of<br />
care and chlamydia) to general health awareness.<br />
• Behavioural change communication and strategic health communication capacity have<br />
been strengthened in three <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories following in-country<br />
training.<br />
• Twenty centres / clinics in six countries have been designated to receive support and are<br />
delivering youth friendly services to reach young people. Approximately 32 percent of<br />
young persons aged 10–19 years amongst the target populations have accessed the centres<br />
and clinics.<br />
• CD4 testing strategy modified in mid 2010 – with the introduction and roll out of the pima<br />
analyzer to 12 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories – through in situ provision of CD4<br />
testing services in 5 out of 6 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories (excluding Tuvalu),<br />
with another 6 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories strengthening their referral systems<br />
with the regional reference laboratories in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
107
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• In August 2010, the Global Fund Phase 2 budget for HIV of USD13.8m was approved to<br />
support the second phase of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Strategy on HIV Implementation Plan.<br />
• Undertook a multi-agency rapid assessment of climate change and its impact on health<br />
in the <strong>Pacific</strong> as a first step towards identifying mitigation and adaptation strategies to<br />
strengthen the <strong>Pacific</strong>’s response and resilience.<br />
• Provided technical assistance to 7 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories in cost benefit<br />
analysis of potential policy initiatives aimed at improving the health outcomes in the area<br />
of NCD’s.<br />
• Coordinated the development of a phase II funding proposal for malaria in Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> and Vanuatu with USD15.9 million in incremental funding requested.<br />
• Twenty-two out of a target of 30 sites (73 per cent) are now providing HIV and STI<br />
counselling and testing that meet <strong>Pacific</strong> minimum standards. The capacity of the<br />
Fiji Central Pharmacy to fulfil its role as a regional procurement mechanism has been<br />
strengthened, thus securing continuity in the procurement of anti-retroviral and essential<br />
TB drugs.<br />
• Partners in Health agreements signed with Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Vanuatu as part of SPC’s<br />
commitment to improve alignment to country planning processes.<br />
• All 30 of the target sites that are providing voluntary, confidential HIV and STI counselling<br />
and testing will have been assessed and confirmed as complying with or exceeding the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> minimum standards for counselling sites.<br />
• CD4 testing is now available in 5 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories (Federated States<br />
of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa, Kiribati and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>). Roll out<br />
to continue in Tuvalu, while the remaining 6 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories will<br />
be continuing with the referral systems established earlier.<br />
• In countries SPC’s Public Health Division assisted the national AIDS committees/country<br />
coordinating mechanisms (CCMs) in developing their respective proposals for <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong> Regional Multi-Country Coordinating Mechanism HIV Grants (under the Global<br />
Fund Round 7) Phase 2 and in developing and implementing national strategies for<br />
prevention of HIV and STIs. The development of the Global Fund Phase 2 HIV proposal<br />
adopted a country based approach to ensure alignment with existing interventions.<br />
• Anecdotal reports from the Fiji Family Life Education programme have described<br />
success in changing behaviours among students. There is early evidence of pockets of<br />
reduction in the incidence of teenage pregnancy as reported by SPC’s Adolescent Health<br />
and Development project. The Sexuality Education and Adolescent Reproductive Health<br />
Education Programme is becoming very popular in nine <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories, with national working groups formed.<br />
• Expanded diagnostic coverage for malaria has been achieved with 86 per cent of all<br />
registered health facilities in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and 80 per cent of those in Vanuatu now<br />
able to confirm malaria diagnosis through either microscopy or rapid diagnostic testing<br />
(as compared to 51 per cent in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and 20 per cent in Vanuatu at the end of<br />
2008).<br />
• Twelve <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories implementing key aspects of the<br />
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), specifically providing assistance on<br />
drafting legislation and ensuring that tobacco control components of national NCD plans<br />
conform to framework requirements.<br />
108
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• In the area of alcohol intervention, SPC in collaboration with the Centre for Social and<br />
Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE) at Massey University, has progressed<br />
on major initiatives in Papua New Guinea and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> examining comprehensive<br />
alcohol policy. In Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, a National Alcohol Strategy 2010–2015 will be<br />
developed and endorsed by government after a process of consultation.<br />
• The three pilot studies (Palau, Nauru, and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>) for the Framework of Priorities<br />
for Health have been released and widely disseminated and have been used during<br />
discussions with development partners.<br />
• A pilot project undertaken to provide internet connectivity to 17 rural clinics in Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> to allow better reporting, enable distance learning and remote consultations, and<br />
help make health care better and more cost effective overall.<br />
• Coordination, governance and reporting on the second phase of <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Strategy<br />
on HIV Implementation Plan strengthened during 2011 following work to refocus the<br />
terms of reference of the PHD HIV & STI Advisor position to make this a priority role in<br />
2011, with support from the monitoring and evaluation resources available within SPC’s<br />
Public Health Division.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia will continue to support the above mentioned priority areas in the <strong>Pacific</strong> region<br />
over the next 12 months. There will be a focus on increasing the effectiveness of the<br />
support by streamlining processes, harmonising with development partners, and making<br />
sure support is responsive to country needs.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Need to improve and strengthen data collection for health statistics at the Central Hospital<br />
and in rural areas.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand will continue to support a range of activities aimed at addressing priority<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> health needs.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Reassessment of the workload and policies to align with health promotion and prevention<br />
of NCDs. The Government is looking at developing a policy on healthy food procurement,<br />
along with strengthening tobacco-free and chew-free zones, providing incentives to<br />
weight loss, and integrating environmental approach to wellness.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The Inter-Primary and Secondary School Games will remain and continue into the future<br />
with Government support.<br />
The Ministry of Health will undertake the following:<br />
Food Security and <strong>Pacific</strong> Food Summit<br />
• Full implementation of the Declaration on Food Security with Government funding under<br />
the Healthy Island program.<br />
109
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
110<br />
• Further engage with exporters from around the <strong>Pacific</strong> Region (New Zealand and<br />
Australia) to assess the quality of food and products sold to Tuvalu.<br />
• Engage in dialogue with local companies and businesses to reinforce the Food Based<br />
Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) guidelines, Food and the Nutrition Policy.<br />
• Continue to implement the Healthy Family Programme.<br />
• Advocate the impacts of climate change on health as a priority area of the overall<br />
government response to climate change.<br />
• The MOH NCD Strategic Plan prioritizes food and nutrition with an emphasis on home<br />
gardening and education on cooking healthy meals.<br />
Health and Climate Change<br />
• Continue to advocate for support from government to focus on climate change and health<br />
as an immediate threat to Tuvalu.<br />
• There is a need to do more to convince people on the impacts on the determinants of poor<br />
health on the livelihood of Tuvaluans.<br />
Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Health Care<br />
• Continue to complete three more medical centres over the next 12 months.<br />
• Seek further assistance from development partners to purchase more medical equipments<br />
for the newly renovated medical centres.<br />
• Expand the Healthy Family Program in 2011 onwards with the expectation that it will<br />
improve the standard of living and the standard of health in the Tuvaluan communities.<br />
The Asia <strong>Pacific</strong> Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED) and the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Influenza Pandemic<br />
Preparedness Project<br />
• Continue to implement International Health Regulations and will strengthen its<br />
Syndromic Surveillance system with the expectation of introducing it to the Outer islands.<br />
• Conduct more training on pandemic preparedness and response to disease outbreaks in<br />
the next 12 months.<br />
• The MOH is supporting more staff to enrol in the Disease Surveillance Courses now<br />
available via <strong>Pacific</strong> Open Learning Health Network.<br />
Maternal Child and Adolescent Health-Progress on MDG4 Reduction Under 5 Maternal Mortality Rates<br />
• Continue to make sure that all Tuvaluans have access to health care services.<br />
• Training of midwives will continue.<br />
• Training of more nurses to specialise in special MOH projects; TB program, HIV program,<br />
NCD program and maternal and child health program.<br />
• Implementation of the Reproductive Health Policy.<br />
• Continue to implement its Pap smear program.<br />
• Procure Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for young girls to prevent cervical cancer.<br />
Pooled Procurement from Improving Access to Essential Medicines in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories<br />
• Hold consultations with MOH Fiji on the MoU on bulk purchase from the Fiji<br />
Government Pharmaceutical Bulk Stores.<br />
Human Resources for Health<br />
• Devise a workforce plan, including a revision of its current structure and propose better<br />
packages for medical professionals (especially local doctors) to retain them in Tuvalu.<br />
Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases<br />
• Implement its NCD Plan and conduct monitoring of NCDs in accordance with its
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
monitoring and evaluation framework.<br />
• Focus on secondary prevention aiming at preventing diabetes complications, especially<br />
renal failure. This will reduce the need for patient to undergo haemodialysis treatment<br />
abroad.<br />
• The MOH will request an increase in national budget allocations for health towards<br />
“Healthy Island Activities”, which also includes NCDs prevention.<br />
Prevention and Control of HIV and other STIs<br />
• MOH and partners in non-government organizations lead the advocacy program on HIV<br />
and other STIs.<br />
• Continue to implement its STI strategy,presumptive treatment and to include other<br />
vulnerable groups.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Working with development partners to better coordinate technical and financial support,<br />
aligned with government strategy and plans to avoid duplications and gaps.<br />
• Reforms and review of the Health Practitioners Act, the Nursing Act, Vanuatu Centre for<br />
Nursing Education Board and Vanuatu Health Training Institute Board.<br />
• Training of nurse educators, in-service training for practicing nurses and reviving nurse<br />
aide training and running a new bridging course training for nurses.<br />
• Revitalising primary health care to assist in delivering essential health services at all levels<br />
of health care system.<br />
• Ensuring equitable access to services is captured in the national health sector strategy.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Support strengthening of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories national laboratories to<br />
diagnose chlamydia amongst antenatal women during routine screening.<br />
• Support <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories increase number of counselling sites that<br />
offer voluntary, confidential HIV and STI counselling and testing that meet the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
minimum standards.<br />
• Support for the distribution of long life insecticide treated bednets in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
Vanuatu.<br />
• Strengthening all five components of the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course<br />
strategy focusing on strengthening TB laboratories’ capacity to detect and diagnose TB<br />
and identify cases of Multidrug-Resistant -TB and TB / HIV co-infection, including targeted<br />
screening of high risk / vulnerable populations (such as prisoners).<br />
• SPC’s Public Health Division (PHD) will continue to deliver training on treatment and<br />
programme management guidelines and will monitor and where necessary recommend<br />
corrective measures for TB recording and reporting systems.<br />
• In conjunction with the Oceania Society for Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (OSSHM),<br />
national treatment providers will receive additional training in counselling HIV positive<br />
patients for treatment compliance, with the expectation that this will reduce the number<br />
of patients discontinuing treatment, resulting in 100 per cent of patients remaining on<br />
treatment for 12 months following initiation of antiretroviral treatment.<br />
• The PHD will work to obtain national policy commitment for national adolescent health<br />
and development policies with comprehensive action plans.<br />
111
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• The 2-1-22 NCD project is currently scheduled to end in Dec 2011. The PHD will<br />
continue to coordinate the project jointly with WHO and will actively look at options<br />
for maintaining technical assistance in support of the regional NCD framework, either<br />
through an extension of the current project or the design of a successor project, until the<br />
outcome of the longer term sustainable financing strategy is known.<br />
• Support training that will strengthen national monitoring frameworks and improve use of<br />
administrative data at national level.<br />
• As part of the wider SPC response, the PHD will map its current interventions contributing<br />
towards food security in the <strong>Pacific</strong>, as a first step towards identifying gaps at the regional<br />
level that must be addressed. It will contribute to the development of a joint multi-agency<br />
plan that will be implemented progressively from 2011 onwards.<br />
• PHD continues to support the implementation of the Healthy <strong>Islands</strong> vision as articulated<br />
by <strong>Pacific</strong> Ministers of Health in their 1997 Yanuca Declaration and reaffirmed during<br />
their 2009 meeting in Madang, Papua New Guinea. It will support a ‘return to basics’<br />
emphasising primary health care and enabling environments.<br />
• Support the establishment of facilities that have Internet access through the <strong>Pacific</strong> Rural<br />
Internet Connectivity System.<br />
• To contribute towards aid effectiveness, existing arrangements for channelling grants to<br />
countries will be reviewed and simplified / harmonised wherever possible, with a view to<br />
increasing the proportion of all PHD funding to countries that integrates with national<br />
financial systems and channels.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Limited number of technical health professionals (medical doctors, pharmacists, etc).<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack or over exhaustion of current resources and capacity to implement preventative<br />
measures of NCD and tobacco use.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Availability of funds will determine making the inter-Primary and Secondary School<br />
Games an annual event.<br />
Food Security and <strong>Pacific</strong> Food Summit<br />
• The market in Tuvalu is small and therefore it might be difficult to persuade companies<br />
to adhere to new import measures put in place to improve the quality of imported food<br />
items.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The need for further development and implementation of reforms in the organizational<br />
structure of the MOH; introduce more modern management methods and the effective use<br />
of limited resources.<br />
• Currently national health expenditure is at 4.1 percent of GDP and needs to increase to<br />
around 5 percent to address Vanuatu’s health needs.<br />
112
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
• Severe stress on the health budget and overall health system with existence of “double<br />
disease burden” in that both communicable diseases and emerging NCDs.<br />
• Low number and lack of technical professionals to drive the health sector plan and<br />
provide health service delivery in particular to the rural areas.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Within SPC<br />
• Ability to respond to the emerging health trends is hampered by the current structure<br />
of health funding, which is primarily project based and disease focused. More than 90<br />
percent of its 2011 budget was derived from project-based funding. The PHD depends<br />
heavily on this often volatile source to fund the provision of key services, including<br />
technical assistance, on which <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories depend.<br />
• Future trends in the health of communities in the <strong>Pacific</strong> (which will determine PHD<br />
responses) will be dominated by a number of factors. Risk factors and morbidity and<br />
mortality patterns are changing rapidly, and <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories are at<br />
different stages of demographic transition.<br />
• The current uncertainty of funding for NCDs beyond 2011 must be addressed, and<br />
technical assistance must be provided to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories that have<br />
yet to develop a national NCD strategy, along with strong technical support for <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries and Territories now implementing their national strategies.<br />
• A specific challenge for PHD is to formalise the routine reporting of data for monitoring<br />
and surveillance. Support from countries is requested to facilitate this. As part of the<br />
reform currently underway within PHD, an opportunity exists to redefine and expand the<br />
scope of surveillance under a more unified approach, as well as to adopt a health security<br />
approach to surveillance and response.<br />
From the Regional and National Environment<br />
• Although the overall TB rates in the region decreased over the last four years, rates have<br />
increased in the Micronesia sub-region, particularly in the Republic of the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia, where they have doubled in recent<br />
years. Multidrug-resistant TB in the northern <strong>Pacific</strong> poses real threats to TB control in the<br />
region, with recent outbreaks reported from the Federated States of Micronesia and the<br />
Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• The cost of delivering health services to small geographically dispersed communities in<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories, where roads are often either of poor quality or<br />
nonexistent, is a significant factor that limits more equitable access to basic services.<br />
• Service delivery needs to be better integrated throughout all levels of health care systems,<br />
particularly for primary health care.<br />
• The provision of drugs, inventory and reporting systems remain a challenge in many<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories. This is particularly critical for such services as the<br />
provision of antiretroviral therapy, STI and Multidrug-resistant TB treatments.<br />
• Countries’ absorptive capacity is a major challenge, and a pressing issue is the limited or<br />
volatile nature of the human resources available to implement and sustain activities both<br />
at the national and regional level.<br />
113
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
• Despite the size of the overall health budget for the region, significant funding gaps<br />
remain for many <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories in priority areas that are not<br />
well addressed by current financing modalities. There is some uncertainly over continued<br />
funding during and beyond 2011 in a number of these areas, including for NCDs,<br />
pandemic / epidemic response preparedness and adolescent health and development.<br />
There is a clear need for donors, development partners, <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories and PHD to jointly adopt a longer term strategy to bring some predictability to<br />
financing of priority health concerns in the region.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iii)<br />
Improving access to opportunities afforded through stronger education systems at<br />
all levels by implementing the directions given by <strong>Forum</strong> Education Ministers and,<br />
in particular, progressing the implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development<br />
Framework to better provide <strong>Pacific</strong> peoples access to economic opportunities through<br />
skills and prospects for mobility.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> Education Ministers Meeting (FEdMM) held in Papua New Guinea from<br />
11-13 October 2010 endorsed the concept of ‘Benchmarking the Quality of Education for<br />
Results’ to improve the quality of education and student performance across the <strong>Pacific</strong>,<br />
and to build on and regionalise the work on benchmarking already taking place in selected<br />
countries by international and regional partners and donors.<br />
• The aim of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Benchmarking for Education Results pilot program is to improve<br />
literacy and numeracy levels of children in the <strong>Pacific</strong> region. It was agreed that the<br />
SPC’s <strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Board for Educational Assessment (SPBEA) division<br />
and its development partners should negotiate with those countries that wish to<br />
participate in the pilot benchmarking initiative. Three countries - Papua New Guinea,<br />
the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Samoa – were selected to take part in the pilot. In November<br />
2010, representatives of these three countries met in Sydney to take further the idea of<br />
developing a pilot. The meeting included representatives from SPC’s SPBEA division,<br />
UNESCO, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), AusAID and the World<br />
Bank. This was followed by a workshop with all stakeholders held in Nadi, Fiji, 22 - 24<br />
March, 2011. A Steering Committee met in Brisbane in May 2011 and endorsed the draft<br />
design proposal.<br />
• AusAID continues to support SPC’s SPBEA division in its work on national assessment<br />
of literacy and numeracy through the project, Improving the Assessment of Literacy and<br />
Numeracy Across the <strong>Pacific</strong>. In addition, AusAID funds the development of the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Qualifications Register through a five-year agreement with SPBEA.<br />
114
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• The other regional program supporting skills development and prospects for mobility<br />
is the Australia-<strong>Pacific</strong> Technical College (APTC). The APTC is an initiative that spans<br />
over four years (2007-2008 to 2010-2011) and provides <strong>Pacific</strong> Islanders with Australian<br />
qualifications to increase productivity and the supply of skilled workers in the <strong>Pacific</strong>; as<br />
well as improving employment opportunities nationally, regionally and internationally.<br />
As at June 2011, 1,179 students were enrolled and 2,997 students had graduated. The<br />
APTC has four campuses in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu. Campuses have<br />
been established in partnership with various national training institutions (for example<br />
Fiji National University, Vanuatu Institute of Technology and the National University of<br />
Samoa).<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Ministry of Education<br />
• Governance level: revision of the Education Review processes to ensure quality education,<br />
development of internal quality management system for the Ministry of Education.<br />
Completion of Five Year Statement of Intent.<br />
• Human resources management: development of new Professional Development and<br />
Appraisal system for all staff, including Personal Development Plans that are then<br />
supported through personal development opportunities (sourced both internally and<br />
externally). Implementation of new Fast Track Initiative for Teacher Training (concurrent<br />
pathway allows for mix of formal university study and classroom practice).<br />
• School programmes: continued priority on early childhood education, literacy and<br />
numeracy (teacher training, resource development); and increasing the scope of<br />
programmes available at secondary level to meet students needs; and Pilot of Te Kura Uira,<br />
an online distance education programme.<br />
• Regional and international responsibilities: completion and moderation of baseline data<br />
for <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework, publication of Education For All End of<br />
Decade report.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
The Ministry of Education has accomplished some goals of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development<br />
Framework as highlighted below and in-line with the Kiribati Education Improvement Program.<br />
• The Kiribati Education Improvement Programme is the framework within which key<br />
donors to the education sector will support the Government of Kiribati to address its most<br />
pressing education issues over the next ten years. It will focus resources on access to and<br />
the quality of schooling in Kiribati. It is intended to improve the standard of education<br />
across all 115 primary and junior secondary schools in Kiribati, and to ensure progress<br />
towards the Millennium Development Goal 2 target of a net primary completion rate of<br />
100 percent by 2015. It also intends to: encourage and facilitate high transition rates from<br />
primary to junior secondary school; to strengthen the capacity of the teaching force; to<br />
improve learning outcomes so all children are literate and numerate; and to establish a<br />
strong education foundation for young iKiribati who wish to progress to higher education<br />
and training.<br />
SSE 2: Formal School Education (Primary and Secondary)<br />
• Reviewed Education Ordinance (part of the Kiribati Education Improvement Programme).<br />
• Implementing the Facilities Improvement Programme (also part of Kiribati Education<br />
Improvement Programme component).<br />
115
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
SSE 5: Teacher-development: In-Service & Pre-Service Education and Enhancing the Status of the Teaching<br />
Profession<br />
• Full assessment of the Kiribati Teachers’ College capacity under the Education<br />
Improvement Programme.<br />
• Government of Kiribati has also achieved the following MDG goals:<br />
- MDG 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education - Target 3: Ensure that, by 2015, children,<br />
everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary education.<br />
- MDG 3: Promote gender equality and empower women - Target 3.A: Eliminate gender<br />
disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of<br />
education no later than 2015.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand provided significant funding and technical support to education sector<br />
programmes across the <strong>Pacific</strong> (in Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Niue and Tokelau) and via targeted interventions in Tuvalu, Kiribati, Nauru and Fiji. Key<br />
focus of the support provided was targeted towards strengthening of national education<br />
systems at all levels (at the central, provincial and school level), teacher training (preand<br />
in-service), increasing access, improving education quality (particularly around<br />
literacy and numeracy), benchmarking and skills development/Technical and Vocational<br />
Education and Training.<br />
• New Zealand also provided core funding to USP, SPC’s SPBEA division, PIFS, and until<br />
December 2010, to <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Initiatives for the Delivery of Basic Education, to<br />
implement, monitor and provide support to education development in the <strong>Pacific</strong> in line<br />
with <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework priorities.<br />
116<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework (PEDF): work is still in its preliminary stage.<br />
At the 2010 FEdMM in Papua New Guinea, the <strong>Forum</strong> Ministers formally approved the<br />
implementation strategy for PEDF. The first stage of the implementation included a<br />
survey of the PIF countries to gather baseline data, followed by a visit of the PIF Social<br />
Policy Advisor (Filipe Jitoko) to the <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries to validate the baseline data.<br />
Palau has completed its survey and was the first country to be visited. Palau therefore has<br />
completed the first stage of the implementation process and awaits further direction from<br />
PIFS.<br />
• Executive Order no. 281: President Toribiong created a Public Education Task Force in<br />
October of 2010, and its role was to assess the current condition of the public schools<br />
and make appropriate recommendations. The outcome from the findings of the Task<br />
Force showed deficiencies, not only with the physical aspect of the schools, but also<br />
with its organizational structure and the operations of the Ministry. Implementation<br />
of the recommendations approved by the President started in early 2011. Among the<br />
recommendations being implemented is the merging of three primary public schools in<br />
the undeveloped island of Babeldaob into one school. Students living in Ngchesar, Ngiwal,<br />
and Melekeok will attend Melekeok Elementary School by August 2011, once the school<br />
has undergone renovations to accommodate increased number of students and staff.<br />
• Accessibility of online library services: The University of Maine at Augustana (UMA)<br />
made an agreement with Palau Community College to promote and include the islands<br />
in their online library services program. The Palau Community College’s library services<br />
program is now online to allow access and make it more widely available to the rest of<br />
Micronesia and is likely to increase enrolment to the College.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Training of Teachers: Teacher’s training is available at the Palau Community College<br />
when needed. A certificate course runs for a period of five weeks. The last course was held<br />
in 2008 for head start teachers. Another five week course will be held on 20 June 2011 to<br />
25 July, for nine participants from Chuuk of the Federated States of Micronesia and two<br />
from Palau. The certificate allows graduates to qualify for entry level positions for high<br />
school and elementary level. The Palau Community College also offers an Associate’s<br />
Degree in Education.<br />
• Palau Tourism and Hospitality School of Excellence (operating under the Palau<br />
Community College): infrastructure development has been completed and classes<br />
expected to start in the Fall of 2011. The school is equipped with a commercial kitchen,<br />
restaurant, bar, and alfresco area open to the general public (cost prices), while also having<br />
a hotel suite, reception, reservation, and concierge area. Practicum and theory classes will<br />
be incorporated. It is hoped that the vacancy of a culinary arts instructor will be filled by<br />
an Australian Youth Ambassador volunteer. Australia contributed around USD25,000<br />
while other local businessmen such as Shallum Etpison donated much of the material and<br />
labour.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Education in Tuvalu and training and re-training of teachers remains a priority. Every year<br />
a number of teachers are sent to universities to improve their qualifications and hence<br />
their skills and capabilities. This training has been extended to teachers at elementary<br />
school as these teachers are now being paid by government and more financial and<br />
teaching material assistance is being extended. There is also an intention to incorporate<br />
elementary school teachers into the public service. Government does not run the<br />
elementary schools so parents are currently paying fees. Government is also considering<br />
running the schools and extending free fees to all students.<br />
• Education has always been free and compulsory especially at the primary level. The<br />
objective is to ensure that all children complete primary school and have the opportunity<br />
to take the entrance exam in Year 8 to enter secondary school or the Technical and<br />
Vocational Education and Training (TVET), were skills such as carpentry, engineering,<br />
and home economics are covered. TVET arrangements have been implemented to keep<br />
students in school until Year 12. Once again, these approaches are intended to provide<br />
school leavers with skills that will help them prepare for later challenges.<br />
• At the tertiary level, USP’s distance and flexible learning program provides an excellent<br />
opportunity for further education to Tuvaluans. Government scholarships are offered<br />
every year and over the years this assistance has been increasing steadily. The Ministry<br />
also actively searches for more development partners to provide further tertiary level<br />
scholarships.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Vanuatu Education Road Map 2010-2012 has been funded jointly by AusAID, NZAID<br />
and UNICEF and incorporates the strategic vision for education in Vanuatu as set out it<br />
the Vanuatu Education Sector Strategy 2007-2016.<br />
• In 2010, the government introduced “fee free” primary education (Years 1-6) across all<br />
government and government assisted schools which has assisted immensely in ensuring<br />
equitable access to education.<br />
• Early Grade Reading Assessment baseline study completed and reading development<br />
program developed to improve literacy.<br />
117
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• National Assessment Task Force appointed to formulate a harmonised Senior Cycle<br />
Assessment and examination program consistent with National Curriculum Reform and<br />
regional standards and assessment systems.<br />
• The National Curriculum Statement launched and provides for a clear pathway and<br />
system for curriculum standards from elementary through to Year 13.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• The FEdMM held in October 2010 in Papua New Guinea, endorsed the implementation<br />
strategy for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework. This included a number of<br />
regional projects to be undertaken by regional and international organizations working in<br />
the education sector in the region. These regional projects provide common solutions to<br />
educational challenges that are common amongst the regional countries.<br />
• Baseline survey with in-country consultations on the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development<br />
Framework was completed in eight countries (Palau, Federated States of Micronesia,<br />
Nauru, Niue, Tuvalu, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Kiribati). Country reports include<br />
recommended activities under the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework to support<br />
country level efforts in their educational development to meet their national goals and<br />
move them towards achieving international commitments in Education for All and<br />
Millennium Development Goals.<br />
• Action plan on regional initiatives developed and negotiation with donors for funding are<br />
continuing. This includes the fast-tracking of the training of untrained teachers, extension<br />
of distance and flexible learning systems to schools for greater equity in service delivery<br />
to remote and rural communities and providing second chance education to out of school<br />
youths and adults.<br />
• The feasibility study on a Proposed Strategy to Strengthen Education Planning in the<br />
Region funded by UNESCO has been completed and the report presented to the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Heads of Education Systems (PHES) meeting held in Palau August 2010. The report has<br />
been endorsed for tabling in the 2011 FEdMM.<br />
• The mapping exercise in TVET under the supervision of SPC and through a consultant<br />
has been completed and presented to the CROP HRD Working Group. The results<br />
and recommendations of the mapping study will guide the use of the EU Fund for the<br />
development of TVET in <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries.<br />
• As the international community moves closer to 2015, the <strong>Pacific</strong> region is committed to<br />
achieving the Education for All goals and the education related Millennium Development<br />
Goals with the support of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework strategies.<br />
• Progressing work on the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualifications Register with linkage to Labour Mobility<br />
strategies. One week workshop conducted in Nadi with countries and development<br />
partners has been completed by SPBEA.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Community Education Training Centre<br />
• Thirty women from 14 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries graduated from the Community<br />
Education Training Centre (Fiji) in October 2010 in Applied Community Development<br />
and Management, and Community Development and Enterprise course (level II and III<br />
certificates).<br />
• Thirty one students from 16 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries enrolled in 2011 at the Community<br />
Education Training Centre for the 7 months Applied Community Development<br />
Management and Enterprise Course.<br />
118
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Based on tracer studies conducted by Community Education Training Centre, for<br />
countries such as Tonga, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Tuvalu, over 90 percent of Community<br />
Education Training Centre graduates are employed in the formal employment sector.<br />
• Community Education Training Centre was the first institution in Fiji to be registered<br />
under the Higher Education Commission and received a Fiji Business Excellence Award<br />
for Quality Management.<br />
• The Ministry for Women and Poverty Alleviation in Fiji provided 8 new treadle sewing<br />
machines to Community Outreach Programme (COP) villages, and the students used these<br />
machines for training in sewing and machine repair.<br />
• Approximately 240 participants from various <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries completed national<br />
level training under the Community Development course.<br />
• Short courses and electives were refocused to ensure that they include required workforce<br />
key employable skills. These include communication, teamwork, problem solving,<br />
initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, learning, and<br />
technology and occupational health and safety.<br />
• Decentralising Community Education Training Centre services and partnerships through<br />
signing of a MoU in February 2011 with the Vanuatu Rural Development and Training<br />
Centre Association comprising of 38 Rural Training Centres throughout Vanuatu to<br />
deliver Community Education Training Centre developed courses and modules allowing<br />
wider access to the community courses.<br />
• Hosting two staff from the Vanuatu Rural Development and Training Centre for two<br />
weeks in September at the Community Education Training Centre to observe training<br />
operations.<br />
• Development and piloting of customised handicraft modules for crafters and handicraft<br />
producers in Tonga.<br />
• Development and piloting of customised business improvement courses for business<br />
trainers and entrepreneurs.<br />
• Development and piloting of applied food processing course with a business focus<br />
in Pohnpei, the Federated States of Micronesia jointly with Facilitating Agricultural<br />
Commodity Trade, Land Resources Division.<br />
• Completion of the first set of modules in community development for multimodal<br />
delivery (self study/distant/e-study).<br />
• Provided input to the EU Regional TVET proposal and mapping process.<br />
• Provided information paper on regional TVET development to the 2010 FEdMM.<br />
• Held talks with the Solomon Island Rural Training Centre Association to discuss possible<br />
partnership agreements.<br />
• Technical input into Vanuatu’s national Micro and Small Medium Enterprises policy<br />
development in February 2011.<br />
• Tracer and impact studies completed for Wallis & Futuna, Samoa, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, and<br />
Kiribati.<br />
• Community Education Training Centre’s regional foods training, research and processing<br />
centre officially opened.<br />
South <strong>Pacific</strong> Board of Educational Assessment<br />
• Literacy, numeracy and life skills was endorsed by FEdMM in 2006 and reconfirmed each<br />
year since then. Improving the Assessment of Literacy and Numeracy across the <strong>Pacific</strong>, an<br />
119
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
120<br />
AusAID supported project commenced in November 2010 and is aimed at strengthening<br />
the institutional and technical capacity of the SPC SPBEA division to meet the increasing<br />
demands on its services.<br />
Progress to date and planned activities for the duration of Phase 1 (until April 2011) are outlined<br />
below:<br />
- Proposed programmes for country participation in the Literacy and Numeracy Project<br />
have been approved by nine <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries as follows:<br />
- Early Grade (Yr 2) Assessments for Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga,<br />
Fiji.<br />
- Higher Grades (Yrs 4 & 6) interventions (Regional and National Assessment Resource<br />
Tool for Teaching and Learning) for problems identified in previous round, before<br />
proceeding with 3rd round for Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>; and establishing<br />
baselines for Fiji (LANA – baseline development work based on 2010 data) and<br />
Samoa (SPELL– baseline development work based on 2010 data) before offering them<br />
Year 2 assessments.<br />
- Curriculum documents for Yrs 1-6 in English and Mathematics and some vernacular<br />
languages have been received from all countries except Nauru.<br />
- Literacy and Numeracy panels were identified in member countries in February, 2011.<br />
- Kiribati Assessment Resource Tool for Teaching and Learning (ARTTLe): intervention<br />
workshop held in April 2011. Developed activities for Years 3, 5 and 8. Draft<br />
Assessment Resource Tool for Teaching and Learning booklets for Years 3 and 5 were<br />
completed in May 2011. Trialling expected in late 2011. Tasks have been developed for<br />
Years 3 and 5 and will continue progressively. Materials have begun coming in after<br />
development and are being scrutinized by the Panel Leader. It is anticipated that the<br />
trialling will begin in 2011. Year 8 was for Standard Tests of Achievement for Kiribati<br />
(STAKI) which will have its first implementation in October 2011.<br />
- Early grades: instrument development and trialling proposed for July/August 2011.<br />
- Fiji – LANA: baseline development work based on 2010 administration was completed<br />
in May.<br />
- Early Grades: pre-trial conducted in March. Trialling proposed for July 2011.<br />
- Samoa - establishment of baselines using 2010 Samoa Primary Education Literacy<br />
Level data has just begun.<br />
- Tuvalu - ARTTLe: item writing workshop held in March 2011; draft ARTTLe assessment<br />
booklets for Years 1 - 6 should have been completed in April. The return of tasks<br />
from literacy and numeracy has been rather slow. Teachers and Education Officers will<br />
need more time to complete the work.<br />
- Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> - ARTTLe: developed in 2010 and trialled in first quarter 2011. Review<br />
workshop was held from 3 - 6 May 2011. The review process gathered information<br />
from the trial and external evaluation of the items by SPBEA-Literacy/Numeracy. The<br />
outcome of the review workshop called for another review to finalize the Assessment<br />
Resource Tool for Teaching and Learning assessment booklets before moving into the<br />
next stage of training of trainers/teachers.<br />
- Early grades: instrument development and trialling proposed for June 2011.<br />
- Vanuatu - ARTTLe: item development held in March 2011, focusing on Years 3 and 5<br />
for intervention activities.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PILNA) the regional literacy and
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
numeracy assessment, was developed in response to a FEdMM directive. SPC SPBEA<br />
division partnered with UNESCO to design and develop of <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Literacy and<br />
Numeracy Assessment instruments. The instrument was reviewed internally and will also<br />
be reviewed externally. It will be trialled in six <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries. Instruments will<br />
be developed in collaboration with UNESCO for years 4 and 6 and will be trialled in the<br />
later part of 2011.<br />
• Intervention strategies developed included ARTTLe – an intervention strategy to respond<br />
to the learning gaps identified by the literacy and numeracy instruments have been<br />
designed and being trialled.<br />
• Partnership with USP to plan and implement the regional conference on Literacy and<br />
Language in early 2012.<br />
Regional Teacher/Principal Standards/Teacher Competencies<br />
• The ‘Quality education for all in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries’ initiative was endorsed by<br />
FEdMM in 2010 in line with the vision of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework<br />
(PEDF).<br />
• The regional teacher standards have been completed and have been endorsed by all<br />
countries. One country has accepted them as its national standards, while others have<br />
used it as a starting point to develop their own standards. These standards have been<br />
incorporated into the Strategy for Monitoring and Improving Teaching Effectiveness<br />
software.<br />
• The Principal standards are in draft form and will be the focus of a regional workshop later<br />
in 2011.<br />
• Teacher Competency modules – an intervention strategy have been revised and<br />
distributed to national teacher training institutions for incorporation in their teacher<br />
training programs. Developed and finalized its five Teacher Competency modules to<br />
assist countries in their effort to improve teacher effectiveness and competency. Capacity<br />
building on the use of these modules has been implemented in nine <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries. The Kiribati Teacher College, Tonga Institute of Education, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong><br />
College of Higher Education, Vanuatu Institute of Teacher Education all have access to<br />
these modules. In these countries, two teacher education institutions are incorporating the<br />
modules into their teacher training programmes and other also plan to use them.<br />
• A Teacher Competency Training Workshop was carried out by SPBEA in Tuvalu for 25<br />
teachers covering two modules, motivation & professionalism and duty of care. UNESCO<br />
continued the workshop with an additional 20 principals. All 22 untrained teachers<br />
of Tuvalu have now undergone this training which is being accredited by the Kiribati<br />
Teacher College.<br />
• In collaboration UNESCO, Teacher Competency training workshop was held in Vanuatu<br />
for 21 teachers and in the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> for 20 lecturers of the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> College<br />
of Higher Education.<br />
• A Strategy for Monitoring Teacher Effectiveness (SMITE) software, which was develop<br />
by SPBEA from concepts provided by UNESCO, has been made available to Fiji, Samoa,<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Vanuatu. Regional teacher standards have been loaded onto this<br />
software and countries have adapted these as nationally required.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Qualifications and Standards (PRQS)<br />
• Support provided to Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Technical Working Group to develop their National<br />
Qualification Framework.<br />
• Country consultations on the draft <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register template in Samoa,<br />
Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Papua New Guinea.<br />
121
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
122<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register quality assurance processes developed and in final form.<br />
• Development of “accredited qualifications” domain of the register and developing criteria<br />
for accrediting National Qualification Agencies and the procedures for registration of<br />
country qualifications on the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register completed.<br />
• Development of <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register software and database to be completed by<br />
mid 2011.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register communication plan implemented.<br />
• Regional TVET mapping study design finalized and mapping exercise implemented.<br />
• Second regional consultation on the <strong>Pacific</strong> register completed in May 2011.<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Register was piloted in the latter half of 2011.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Benchmarking for Educational Results Program (PaBER)<br />
• Endorsed by FEdMM in 2010, this initiative will provide Education Ministries with a<br />
means to improve the quality of education. It looks at high levels of educational quality<br />
that <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries can measure against.<br />
• A three year pilot starting in 2011 in Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong><br />
is being undertaken with SPC SPBEA division as the lead agency in partnership with<br />
development partners and pilot countries. This will be followed by two years roll-out<br />
to other interested countries. AusAID is finalising funding for this initiative. To realize<br />
the potential of <strong>Pacific</strong> Benchmarking for Educational Results Program there is a need to<br />
strengthen SPBEA and national assessment, monitoring and information units. The three<br />
components of the programme are: learning assessment, policy and systems assessment<br />
and policy in practices and case studies. This initiative brings together a number of other<br />
initiatives that have been undertaken in partnership with UNESCO and UNICEF. <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong> Literacy and Numeracy Assessment is one such initiative.<br />
Assessment, Curriculum and Standards<br />
• SPBEA is playing a lead role in a number of initiatives under the PIF’s <strong>Pacific</strong> Education<br />
Development Framework.<br />
• Nineteen training workshops on assessment have been held with over 600 participants<br />
from all member countries.<br />
Senior Secondary School Qualifications<br />
• Regional examinations process implemented and completed successfully for 2010 for<br />
Form Six (<strong>Pacific</strong> Senior Secondary Certificate) and Form Seven qualification (South<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Form Seven Certificate).<br />
• The 2011 examination cycle is in full operation.<br />
• A review was undertaken of three South <strong>Pacific</strong> Form Seven Certificate prescriptions<br />
undertaken in 2010 in Mathematics (calculus and statistics) and English to move towards<br />
enhanced relevance of student learning and in reporting student achievements against the<br />
major learning outcomes as defined in the prescription.<br />
• In 2011, six Form 7 prescriptions were reviewed. These were Accounting, Biology,<br />
Chemistry, Economics, History and Physics.<br />
• A regional Certificate in Applied Learning is proposed with a focus on skills development<br />
and building an improved transition from formal school to either further studies or<br />
employment opportunities. If approved, a pilot may be carried out in 2013.<br />
• Outcome-based assessment trialled in South <strong>Pacific</strong> Form Seven Certificate Economics<br />
paper in November 2010 and will be implemented for Mathematics (Calculus),<br />
Mathematics (Statistics) and English in November 2011.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• ATLAS software deployed into countries to synchronies <strong>Pacific</strong> Senior Secondary<br />
Certificate Internal Assessment data captured in country with <strong>Pacific</strong> Senior Secondary<br />
Certificate examinations data that will be captured at SPBEA.<br />
Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Support<br />
• A regional workshop on data analysis, interpretation and report writing was conducted<br />
by SPBEA for Exams/Assessment Unit officers to identify linkages between suggested<br />
interventions and the data. SPBEA is also working with small island states to develop<br />
systems for processing their assessment data. Ongoing work for the IT officers includes<br />
fulfilling requests for modifications and specific data analysis as part of the software<br />
ATLAS, SMITE, and STALLIAN.<br />
• Support members education assessment units through the distribution of its board<br />
software (ATLAS) for the administration and management of national assessment data<br />
systems and providing capacity building and support for the software. Currently six of<br />
its nine member countries use ATLAS. Online support is also available via Team Viewer,<br />
MSN chat or Gmail, and where these do not work, by standard email and telephone.<br />
• Two research activities using SPBEA qualifications data are being undertaken this year,<br />
with the goal of using research to inform and improve practice and to use the findings to<br />
generate interest among countries.<br />
• As a result of technical assistance and support by SPC SPBEA division, a number of<br />
countries have developed national assessment policy frameworks to be in line with their<br />
national curriculum frameworks.<br />
Other Initiatives<br />
• Better linkage with the Kiribati Teacher College, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> College of Higher<br />
Education, Vanuatu Institute of Teacher Education, and USP following FEdMM endorsed<br />
initiatives.<br />
• Development of exemplars, study guides and item banks for <strong>Pacific</strong> Senior Secondary<br />
Certificate subjects in readiness for the compete nationalization of <strong>Pacific</strong> Senior<br />
Secondary Certificate in 2013.<br />
• A professional officer was part of the climate change work.<br />
• A Financial Education Project with UNDP and Fiji Government.<br />
• Three papers submitted to International Association for Educational Assessment has been<br />
accepted.<br />
• Undertaking impact assessment on national workshops conducted.<br />
• Implementation of the next version of ATLAS software in all countries.<br />
• Implementation of SMITE software in all countries – this is the software which is used to<br />
monitoring teacher effectiveness.<br />
• Implementation of the revamped STALLIAN – this is the new software for recording,<br />
interpreting and reporting on assessments for literacy, numeracy and life-skills.<br />
• Implementation of the scanner technology to reduced data entry time and data entry<br />
errors – thus speeding up reporting of assessment results and reports from TITAN to all<br />
examiners.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Association of Teacher Educators consultations attended and supported by SPBEA.<br />
123
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• There has been major progress in the teaching of education courses through print mode<br />
and satellite tutorials. Satellite tutorials cover all the regional campuses and students are<br />
able to interact with the tutors. Countries like Nauru, the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
and Cook <strong>Islands</strong> have cohorts in Early Childhood Education in which students have<br />
been trained in the last 12 months. USP has also worked in collaboration with UNICEF on<br />
learning modules to assist teachers in primary schools.<br />
• In July 2011, the <strong>Pacific</strong> Association of Teacher Educators (PATE) was reactivated at a<br />
conference in Samoa, where presentations were made by UNESCO, UNICEF and USP on<br />
education in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• The ongoing Network of Island University’s Education for Sustainable Development<br />
project, involving USP, the National University of Samoa, and University of Papua<br />
New Guinea, involves activities including course development, staff capacity building,<br />
community initiatives and stakeholder engagement.<br />
• In addition, USP has facilitated the development of a draft Higher Education for<br />
Sustainable Development Policy and has designed School of Education Courses (ED461<br />
Education for Sustainable Development; ED457 Advanced Study of Education in Small<br />
Island Developing States). The Faculty of Arts and Law Seminar Series to create wider<br />
public awareness about Education and Sustainable <strong>Pacific</strong> Societies has been held. The<br />
School of Education has been examining the issue of untrained teachers in the region,<br />
and the need to professionalize teachers. The School of Education also has worked with<br />
Fiji’s Ministry of Education on mainstreaming Education for Sustainable Development,<br />
and held a research pilot project in 2011. There are ongoing initiatives on HIV/AIDS and<br />
Sexual and Reproductive Health Education in the region.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia is investing an additional AUD124.5 million over four years to accelerate<br />
progress in education in the <strong>Pacific</strong> region. This will enable more children to attend<br />
and complete primary school, improve learning outcomes (particularly in literacy and<br />
numeracy in the early grades), and improve employability of young people. To achieve<br />
these objectives, Australia will reduce financial and social barriers to schooling for 250,000<br />
students, upgrade facilities at 500 schools in the region; and strengthen the pathway<br />
between secondary school and post-secondary, technical and vocational training.<br />
• Australia will improve learning outcomes by:<br />
- strengthening early childhood education for at least 25,000 students per year;<br />
- developing over 7,500 teachers and introducing teacher career structures to ensure that<br />
schools and teacher training institutions are staffed with motivated and competent<br />
teachers; and<br />
- improve curricula and providing high-quality learning materials annually to over<br />
100,000 students.<br />
• Once implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Benchmarking for Education Results begins in the<br />
pilot countries, the expected outcomes over the next 12 months are for the countries to<br />
be better positioned to plan and implement interventions that will improve learning<br />
through:<br />
124
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
- a field tested regional tool for measuring primary level literacy and numeracy for use<br />
in the wider <strong>Pacific</strong>;<br />
- systematic, benchmarked and comparable analysis of education policies and systems<br />
for replication in the wider <strong>Pacific</strong>;<br />
- information on education policies, practices and systems and the ways in which they<br />
are implemented on the ground.<br />
• In seeking to achieve these outcomes, the pilot program will help strengthen country<br />
systems and build technical capacity at both regional and country levels.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Review and improve legislation for the Education sector.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand is currently developing a new approach to support for education in the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong>. The new approach will have a strong focus on results at the classroom level.<br />
Proposed key results areas are access (all children in schools and completing basic<br />
education, especially girls); quality (increased number of children able to read and write;<br />
trained / capable / effective teachers and principals), management (incentivising improved<br />
school performance) and skills development (more people appropriately skilled to<br />
participate in the labour market).<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Students living in Ngchesar, Ngiwal, and Melekeok will attend Melekeok Elementary<br />
School by August 2011. The school is undergoing renovations to prepare for the increased<br />
number of students and staff.<br />
• After the PIFS Social Policy Advisor completes the validation of the baseline data for all<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries regarding the PEDF, PIFS will work with development partners for<br />
funding for technical support to implement recommended activities in the report. Palau is<br />
currently waiting for further direction from PIFS.<br />
• A pilot project, created to improve the learning scale and preparation of students on the<br />
college track, has taken a much more technologically advanced approach and will launch<br />
next school year at Palau High School. This iClassroom pilot project was introduced by the<br />
Ministry of Education and entails a network of laptops and hand held devices connected<br />
to servers containing rich content. It will run for one year after which its success will be<br />
evaluated.<br />
• The Health Academy, an initiative by the Ministry of Education, is aiming to jumpstart the<br />
path for students interested in the medical field. Students in the Academy will take courses<br />
stronger in health and science for better preparation in pursuing careers in the health field.<br />
This Academy is set to start in the coming school year of 2011-2012.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Maintain provision of training for teachers at secondary and primary education to have<br />
more qualified teachers.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Development of a National Human Resources Development Plan to identify labour market<br />
skill needs and how these can be met.<br />
125
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Teacher professional development in the literacy and numeracy (Years 1 – 4) to focus on<br />
improving student performance in these areas.<br />
• Implementation of a national senior cycle examination program to commence in 2012<br />
and fully integrated in 2013.<br />
• The focus for the national curriculum in 2010 – 2012 will be Years K to 3 (early childhood<br />
curriculum) and later moving to Years 7-10 and Years 11-13.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• Completion of baseline survey consultations in the remaining countries and<br />
recommended activities for all countries (Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Republic of the<br />
Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and Samoa) compiled for consultation with donors and development<br />
partners.<br />
• Full implementation of the regional initiative on Literacy and Numeracy in 2012. It is<br />
hoped that countries will come forward and adopt the regional toolkit for measuring<br />
literacy and numeracy levels using the benchmarks.<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> Education Ministers will next meet in May 2012 where the results of the<br />
feasibility studies will be presented for their decision. A clearer picture of where the<br />
countries are in relation to the priorities of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework<br />
will be discussed through the Monitoring and Evaluation Taskforce report. This is after<br />
one year of implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework.<br />
• An M&E Report to FEdMM 2012 will be compiled on progress of both regional initiatives<br />
and in-country strategies will be compiled over the new few months.<br />
• Continue consultation with the regional and international agencies tasked with the<br />
development and implementation of regional initiatives to ensure work is progressing and<br />
reports to be included in 2012 FEdMM agenda.<br />
• On-going partnerships and consultations with ADB and SPC on the TVET development<br />
and strategies for youth employment opportunities through skill development in both the<br />
formal and informal sectors.<br />
• Progressing work on AusAID’s Proposal to assist in the strengthening of Educational<br />
Management Information systems (EMIS) in <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries. Reports have been<br />
presented to the <strong>Pacific</strong> Heads of Education Systems (PHES) and Development Partners.<br />
Proposed consultation meeting for further discussion in February 2012.<br />
• Continue providing support to countries in terms of advice and technical expertise in<br />
areas where PIFS have the capacity to provide assistance.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Community Education Training Centre<br />
• Completion of Community Development and Management / Community Development<br />
and Enterprise training for 31 women from 16 countries.<br />
• Tailoring and designs training pilot in Fiji.<br />
• Handicraft business training in Vava’u, Tonga.<br />
• ‘Start Your Business in Food Processing’ training in Honiara, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Training of trainers for 10 Vanuatu Rural Training Centres trainers in the use of<br />
Community Education Training Centre modules.<br />
• Training of trainers in tailoring for the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> sewing trainers under<br />
the National Training Council.<br />
126
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Regional Business Improvement Course for micro-entrepreneurs and business facilitators.<br />
• Development of a module program for internet launch of Community Education Training<br />
Centre multimodal modules.<br />
• Piloting of Community Education Training Centre self-study modules in Vanuatu.<br />
• Other Fiji based vocational training including handmade paper making and crafts.<br />
• Partnership agreement with national agencies for training support.<br />
• Provisional Accreditation in Fiji’s Higher Education Commission.<br />
• New qualifications structure in specific domains developed.<br />
• Results of Community Education Training Centre’s first employer survey to guide<br />
program development.<br />
• First meeting of Community Education Training Centre’s regional advisory and technical<br />
council.<br />
Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills<br />
• Complete all the objectives of phase 1 and to continue into Phase 2.<br />
• Expansion into year 8.<br />
• Development of databank of questions that have been categorized.<br />
• Capacity building of staff to continue.<br />
Regional Teacher/Principal Standards/Teacher Competencies<br />
• Technical assistance to countries as requested to adapt the regional standards for national<br />
use and implementing these into SMITE for implementation at various levels in the<br />
education system.<br />
• Continue working with Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> College of Higher Education, Vanuatu Institute<br />
of Technology, Tonga Institute of Education and Kiribati Teacher’s College in the<br />
adaptation of the teacher competency modules for their contexts.<br />
• Collect more specific data of teachers as required by Education for All goals.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Qualifications and Standards (PRQS)<br />
• Conduct a pilot of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register from July – November 2011 in Fiji,<br />
Papua New Guinea, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga and Vanuatu.<br />
• Complete the operational procedures for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register and secure<br />
consensus and full support of member countries.<br />
• Implementation of professional standards on the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Qualifications and<br />
Standards.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Benchmarking for Educational Results Program (PaBER).<br />
• Benchmarking the Quality of Education in the <strong>Pacific</strong> – the project is being negotiated<br />
with AusAID and the World Bank. The concept of benchmarking the quality of education<br />
for results focuses on establishing the quality of schooling and student learning outcomes<br />
as central to education system performance and better understanding the influences<br />
of various inputs and education processes on those outcomes. Benchmarking provides<br />
substantial scope for better information to be provided to education policy-makers,<br />
planners and practitioners so that they may better ensure that resources directed to<br />
education systems and schools are more efficiently and more effectively used.<br />
• SPBEA will work closely with national curriculum and assessment units in the collection,<br />
recording and analysis and interpretation of data.<br />
127
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• An instrumentation workshop is being negotiated with World Bank for early 2012.<br />
• A technical working group will work with AusAID and World Bank on tools for<br />
policy assessment of teacher quality, assessment systems and school management and<br />
governance.<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Literacy and Numeracy Assessment instrument was reviewed<br />
internally and will also be reviewed externally. The reviewed <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Literacy and<br />
Numeracy Assessment tools should be ready by early 2012, for implementation towards<br />
the end of 2012.<br />
Assessment, Curriculum and Standards<br />
• Training workshops on outcome-based assessment.<br />
• Advocacy for inclusive assessment.<br />
• Development of exemplars, study guides and item banks for seventh form subjects.<br />
Senior Secondary School Qualifications<br />
• Capacity building for Examinations and Assessment Units of each member country.<br />
• High quality assessments and moderation practices employed.<br />
• Training of examinations personnel (Examiners, moderators, checkers etc) builds capacity<br />
at school and national educational levels.<br />
• Outcomes based reporting to be implemented alongside norm referenced reporting.<br />
• Development and implementation of a major marketing strategy for the SPBEA seventh<br />
form qualifications.<br />
• Investigation into the development of Certificate in Applied Learning.<br />
Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Support<br />
• Undertake research on the scaling model being used in national and regional<br />
qualifications.<br />
• Undertake more research with teachers and teacher lecturers under the PATE<br />
development plans.<br />
The Regional Rights Resource Team<br />
• The Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in conjunction with Centre for Continuing<br />
and Community Education of USP will develop a distance stand alone curriculum<br />
diploma course on human rights, governance and leadership.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• It is anticipated that education courses through various delivery modes (online, moodle,<br />
face-to-face, e-learning and blended approach) will be accessible to regional countries<br />
serviced by USP. A symposium will be hosted by SPC’s SPBEA division and USP in either<br />
January or July 2012 entitled ‘Lifting Literacy Outcomes: <strong>Pacific</strong> Language and Literacy<br />
Symposium’. USP representatives are on the organising committee.<br />
• USP will also continue with the EDULINK project and will focus on the training of<br />
untrained teachers in the region. Work on the professionalisation of teaching faculty<br />
in the region is also ongoing. USP aims to improve public awareness on Education for<br />
Sustainable Development through a seminar series.<br />
128
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Generic senior manager training around policy frameworks (not so much development<br />
but management).<br />
• While monitoring regularly occurs, there is a lack of capacity to fully evaluate<br />
programmes.<br />
• ICT support for integration and database development.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Resources constraints, including human, technical, financial and capacity in general.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Budget constraint, staff capacity and sustainability of activities.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Funding to enable more education opportunities especially at the tertiary level.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Improved and increased commitment and coordination to ensure strong linkages between<br />
curriculum development, assessment, teacher training and performance management<br />
given that the Early Grade Reading Assessment identified that only 10 percent of<br />
Anglophone students in grades 1-3 were reading at grade level, whilst only 8 percent for<br />
Francophone students.<br />
• Access to Early Childhood Education and under resourcing to Early Childhood<br />
institutions may lead to lower skill levels and abilities for children entering primary<br />
education.<br />
• Addressing human resource issues in particular inadequate number of certified teachers at<br />
school level.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• The lack of funding support from development partners would impact on the progress of<br />
implementation.<br />
• The support from all agencies will be critical in the success of implementing the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Education Development Framework.<br />
• The whole implementation strategy of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Education Development Framework is<br />
premised on agencies and countries working together in the development of education in<br />
the region.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Community Education Training Centre<br />
• The vision to develop Community Education Training Centre into a regional centre of<br />
excellence will require resources to establish state of art facilities to ensure training and<br />
research of the highest quality, and enable course materials to respond to emerging issues<br />
such as climate change and food security.<br />
129
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
130<br />
• With a reduced programme budget, resource constraints will affect the ability of<br />
Community Education Training Centre to deliver planned courses and ability to fund<br />
students from <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries.<br />
Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills<br />
• This project is funded until April 2011. It is anticipated that AusAID will continue to fund<br />
these activities into Phase 2 and continue with the achievements of the project.<br />
• Policy makers having a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of literacy and<br />
numeracy issues.<br />
• Competing priorities in the countries.<br />
Regional Teacher/Principal Standards/Teacher Competencies<br />
• Competing priorities in the countries could slow down the momentum generated in 2011.<br />
• Misuse of the regional standards as remuneration criteria rather than for professional<br />
development.<br />
• Ownership of these standards by the teachers, teaching service commissions and unions.<br />
• Continued partnership with UNESCO.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Qualifications and Standards (PRQS)<br />
• Dependency on AusAID for funds for this program.<br />
• Ownership of <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Qualifications and Standards and Program Quality<br />
Framework by member countries and National Qualifications Authorities.<br />
• Country endorsement of the structure of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register as well as<br />
associated instruments such as the quality assurance manual, policies and guidelines<br />
and the application for registration form is critical to the implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Qualification Register.<br />
• Registration of Qualifications by national agencies through conducting an accreditation<br />
exercise will depend on the country endorsement of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register<br />
structure.<br />
• Support is required for countries on the role of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong>, and this is expected to accelerate once the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register<br />
systems are implemented in countries that have national qualification systems in place.<br />
• Additional support will also be required for countries in the process of developing their<br />
National Qualification Frameworks.<br />
• Ongoing dialogue is required to take place for countries that are affiliated to other<br />
qualification systems, so that they are aware of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Qualification Register progress.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Benchmarking for Educational Results Program (PaBER).<br />
• Dependency on AusAID for funds for this program.<br />
• Understanding the purpose and value of benchmarking.<br />
Assessment, Curriculum and Standards<br />
• The core work of assessment could get swamped by donor funded projects and programs.<br />
Thus staff time is spent doing project work rather than core work of training, support and<br />
advising on education assessment issues.<br />
• Lack of knowledge and misuse of assessment results.<br />
Senior Secondary School Qualifications<br />
• With the nationalisation of <strong>Pacific</strong> Senior Secondary Certificate and huge portion of the<br />
funding for this section will be lost. Thus retaining appropriate staffing levels to cater<br />
effectively for the more costly 7th form will be a huge challenge.
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
• Nationalization of <strong>Pacific</strong> Senior Secondary Certificate requires full support from<br />
countries, particularly in the area of policy changes to bring about necessary amendments<br />
to their educational legislations and financial management regulations.<br />
• Countries must also strengthen their assessment units as they take ownership of their<br />
Form 6 qualifications. Better IT support needed at the national examinations and<br />
assessment units.<br />
• Building capacity at the national level must be prioritized.<br />
Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Support<br />
• Capacity of Staff could be an issue as staff are often given other work priorities.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP will need to recruit additional staff for the above-mentioned projects.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iv)<br />
Urging efforts to pursue the opportunities offered by the appropriate utilisation and<br />
development of land resources to minimise the risk of conflict, improve security and assist<br />
in economic development, while recognising that land is a national responsibility.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati is in the process of reviewing and approving the draft Land<br />
Planning Policy.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau’s Sustainable Land Management Policy is developing steadily. Participatory<br />
workshops open to many different agencies, non-government organisations, and other<br />
groups of people are useful in providing feedback on the best way to develop the policy.<br />
• Technical support was provided from the Natural Resources Conservation Service,<br />
under the United States Department of State, which has a field office here in Palau. Palau<br />
is also a member of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). Through this<br />
partnership, an online soil survey of Palau has been produced and made available. Its<br />
purpose is for conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, wildlife<br />
management, waste disposal, and pollution control to understand, protect and enhance<br />
the environment.<br />
• The Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB), known for issuing earthmoving<br />
permits, has an important role in assisting with Palau’s environmental wellbeing.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu held its Land Summit in 2006 and as a result some initiatives have been<br />
undertaken, such as the “Mama Graon Program” which was launched in Vanuatu in<br />
March 2011. This program seeks to support the Vanuatu’s governments land program<br />
131
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
goal of benefiting from equitable and sustainable development of the land, while securing<br />
the heritage of future generations.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Regional initiative on Land Management and Conflict Minimisation – SPC continued to<br />
collaborate with PIFS and other partners in advancing Land Management and Conflict<br />
Minimisation effort within respective national development contexts while taking into<br />
account capacity constraints. Throughout 2010/2011, SPC worked closely with USP to<br />
finalise the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Land Programme Project proposal for AusAID consideration.<br />
• Sustainable land management – SPC worked with UNHABITAT to complete its proposal<br />
to the Cities Alliance on regional institutional strengthening and support <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries strengthen implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Urban Agenda. The <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Urban Agenda was a result of the first <strong>Pacific</strong> Urban Workshop on Urban Management<br />
attended by 10 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries where the <strong>Pacific</strong> Urban Agenda was adopted and<br />
subsequently integrated into the <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan under initiative 13.5 by <strong>Forum</strong> leaders in<br />
2005. The current <strong>Pacific</strong> Urban Agenda Regional Action Plan identifies 10 priority areas<br />
of focus.<br />
• SPC is working with AusAID, PIFS and USP on a regional land initiative and on advancing<br />
national efforts towards improved land management and minimization of conflict<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP is working with SPC on a proposal to implement a regional initiative to support<br />
member countries in progressing land management and conflict minimisation efforts<br />
within their respective national development contexts.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Government of Kiribati (through Lands Division, Ministry of Environment, Lands<br />
and Agricultural Development) anticipates implementing, monitoring and evaluating the<br />
Land Planning Policy after Cabinet approval.<br />
• Review of internal processes and procedures to create an enabling environment for the<br />
Land Planning Policy.<br />
• Review and update of lands legislation if required.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Sustainable Land Management Policy is looking for assistance in providing a legal<br />
expert to help in the drafting of appropriate laws. An initial draft of the policy is likely<br />
to be ready by the second week of May. The policy is scheduled to be completed by<br />
November 2011.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Implementation resolutions of the Lands Summit and of the Mama Graon Program.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Continue to explore possible partnership with the regional component of the AusAID<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Land Programme in order to design a regional Land Management and Conflict<br />
132
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Minimisation initiative. The Human Development Programme will focus on capacity<br />
building for community land practitioners, gender and youth impact analysis for land<br />
reform and strengthening land information systems for policy planning. USP will provide<br />
land education, training and research for land professionals.<br />
• Capacity building of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories’ stakeholders in Sustainable<br />
Land Management and Land Conflict Minimisation aspects.<br />
• Support the development of an integrated land information system.<br />
• Establish linkages with International and regional land use and forestry and planning<br />
agencies.<br />
• SPC’s Human Development Programme will support national research and policy<br />
advocacy on women’s land and cultural rights in Vanuatu.<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division continues to provide GIS, geodetic, survey and terrestrial mapping<br />
support to members on request. Such mapping products are fundamental to the provision<br />
of improved, contemporary land management and boundary solutions.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Resources constraints including human, technical, financial and capacity in general.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of cooperation from agencies and organizations approached in order to complete the<br />
Land Management Policy on a timely manner, and a lack of funding.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The need to restructure the Department responsible, drive recruitment and capacity<br />
building to improve implementation of Lands Summit Outcomes.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Reduced programme funding.<br />
• Ability of Land Resources Division to continue to deliver well targeted services relies on<br />
mainlining key skills in the area of science and technology that are readily available at<br />
national level.<br />
• Development and implementation of the AusAID <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Land Programme<br />
is expected to play an important role in the design of a regional initiative on Land<br />
Management and Conflict Minimisation, although the focus and required resources may<br />
vary.<br />
133
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(v)<br />
Supporting the implementation of measures, existing commitments and programmes<br />
aimed at increasing awareness of and addressing the causes and consequences of sexual<br />
and gender-based violence and developing legislation to criminalise gender-based violence<br />
in all forms.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia has continued to support women’s crisis centres in Fiji, Papua New Guinea,<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Vanuatu to meet immediate needs of survivors of violence and to<br />
address the root causes of domestic violence.<br />
• Australia has supported UN Women <strong>Pacific</strong> to continue to provide funding for capacity<br />
building and small grants to organisations working to end violence against women.<br />
• Australia is also collaborating with the United States Department of State and the World<br />
Bank to host a policy dialogue in Australia in November 2011 on gender-based violence<br />
and women’s empowerment in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Australian-funded Family Health and Safety studies on the prevalence and impact of<br />
violence on women were endorsed by national governments of Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
Kiribati.<br />
• With Australian support, Kiribati and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>’ Governments have adopted<br />
national policies and action plans to address violence against women.<br />
• In Papua New Guinea, Australia has supported better access to justice and legal services for<br />
women through local village courts, and established ‘Stop Violence Centres’ in hospitals to<br />
improve access to medical treatment and counselling.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Government of Kiribati (through the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs) has<br />
continued to support the implementation of measures, existing commitments and<br />
programmes aimed at increasing awareness and addressing the causes and consequences<br />
of sexual and gender-based violence as outlined below.<br />
• Conducted legal analysis on violence against women in Kiribati, and completed drafting<br />
instructions for legislation reform.<br />
• Completed a study on Gender Based Violence, with the results published in a book and<br />
launched by the President.<br />
• Locally translated brochures on Violence Against Women study findings printed and<br />
distributed to raise awareness.<br />
• Developed the Gender Equality and Women Development Policy with the final policy<br />
ready to be endorsed by Cabinet.<br />
• Developed the Ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence Policy with the final policy<br />
ready to be endorsed by Cabinet.<br />
134
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Developed the National Action Plan for Gender Based Violence, with the Action Plan in<br />
place and ready to be approved by Cabinet.<br />
• Set up a new portfolio for Women as a new Division for Women Development was<br />
created in the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs.<br />
• Developed an Action Plan for Women in Decision Making; and set up Committees on<br />
Violence Against Women (CAVAW) in all outer islands.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand provides funding to NZ Police to implement the <strong>Pacific</strong> Prevention of<br />
Domestic Violence Programme, which aims to create a safer <strong>Pacific</strong> free from domestic<br />
violence. Its primary aim is to strengthen the capacity of <strong>Pacific</strong> Police Services in the<br />
Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa, Kiribati, Tonga and Vanuatu. The Programme also provides a<br />
modest level of support to other <strong>Pacific</strong> countries at the regional level.<br />
• New Zealand provides funding to the Federal Court of Australia to implement the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Judicial Development Programme. The Programme will provide training related to raising<br />
awareness on family violence issues to the <strong>Pacific</strong> judiciaries across the <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries.<br />
• The NZ Aid Programme provides funding to the NZ Crown Law Office to implement<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Law Officers Network Litigation Skills Training Programme. This<br />
programme aims to build the litigation capacity of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries government<br />
lawyers to enable effective legal representation for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island communities.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Ann Singeo took over the Division of Gender in September 2010. In October 2010, a public<br />
forum was organised at the Ngarachemayong Cultural Centre covering gender issues<br />
and civil societies’ matters on human rights, democratic rights and cultural mapping.<br />
Groups and organisations of women and men attended. Questionnaires were given out<br />
assessing the topics and recommendations. In addition, Convention on the Elimination of<br />
Discrimination Against Women was translated into the Palauan language and this version<br />
of CEDAW was passed out last year.<br />
• UN Women is a demand-driven section of the UN that replaced and absorbed the<br />
previously existing systems of the Division for Advancement of Women (DAW),<br />
International Research and Training Institute for Advancement of Women (INSTRAW),<br />
Office of the Special Advisor on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI), and<br />
the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). A representative was sent to Palau to<br />
engage with stakeholders to identify the priorities and needs for UN Women to address in<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong> region. The consultation was conducted on 11 March 2011, across the 15 <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Countries in which UN Women currently operates. Inputs from stakeholders in Palau<br />
helped UN Women identify a regional civil society advisory group and contribute towards<br />
the development of UN Women’s first strategic plan for 2011-2013. Some results from the<br />
Palau consultation suggested: capacity building for women by providing higher education<br />
and leadership training; economic and political empowerment such as ratifying CEDAW,<br />
but also being sensitive to each country’s diverse culture; strengthening and utilising<br />
UN offices already in-country to further solidify a regional office; and other workshops<br />
inclusive of the education of men’s roles in the household of today’s society now that more<br />
mothers and wives are part of the countries’ workforce.<br />
• In March 2011 Palau held its 18th annual Mechesil Belau Conference. This women’s<br />
conference was an all-day gathering of Palau’s women from all states to find ways to curb<br />
the burden of traditional and cultural obligations that have become more expensive and<br />
135
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
overwhelming in recent times. Experts formed panels to address the various matters, and<br />
it was recognised that the custom of giving money during funerals adds up alone to being<br />
over USD6 million a year.<br />
• The year 2011 marks the 100th year that the world has recognized International Women’s<br />
Day. To celebrate, the United States invited 100 highly distinguished women from<br />
around the world to partake in a three week visit, including New York where they were<br />
introduced to the UN and met with leaders as well as the newly formed UN Women.<br />
Out of the 100 women, 16 formed the Asia <strong>Pacific</strong> Group. From these 16, Palau’s Sandra<br />
S. Pierantozzi was in attendance along with women from Federated States of Micronesia<br />
and Kiribati. Among the issues discussed were good governance, accountability and<br />
transparency, women’s advancement, empowerment, and helping women and girls<br />
around the world to reach or achieve the highest level of their given talents. The women<br />
learned about American civic life in conjunction with interacting, experiencing, and<br />
learning about the different cultures represented.<br />
• Currently, Palau has two legislative bills for a Domestic Violence Family Act and a<br />
Victim’s Assistance Act to address gender violence, human trafficking legislation (the only<br />
one in the <strong>Pacific</strong>), and the intention to hold a wider consultation for the establishment of<br />
a national human rights institution.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• The Resource Development Committee, Women United Together Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
and the Office of the Legal Counsel for the Nitijela (Parliament) and SPC’s RRRT, have<br />
developed a Domestic Violence Protection and Prevention Bill which seeks to prevent<br />
domestic violence, protect complainants or survivors of domestic violence; ensure<br />
investigation, prosecution and punishment of perpetrators of domestic violence, and other<br />
related matters. Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with the Ministry<br />
of Justice in amending the Counter-Terrorism Act to include provisions of human<br />
trafficking. The Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Government is hopeful that these will be<br />
considered and subsequently passed by the Nitijela at its next session this year.<br />
• Violence against women is prohibited by law, and is placed in the same criminal<br />
category of assault and battery. Women United Together Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> is active in<br />
raising awareness of issues concerning the rights of women. In 2003, Women United<br />
Together Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> completed a study on violence against women, and since then<br />
has developed a DVD raising awareness on violence against women. The Republic of<br />
Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> celebrates an international day where, amongst others, radio programs<br />
are conducted to identify incidences of violence against women. The Criminal Code has a<br />
comprehensive coverage on sexual abuse and related violence against women, including<br />
rape. The police usually respond to reports on rape and other violence against women, but<br />
there is a general understanding that not all incidents are reported.<br />
• In addition Women United Together Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> has two projects that address the<br />
violence issue: Violence Against Women-Island Growth Initiative (VAW-IGI) is a twoyear<br />
project funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Reykjavík, Iceland; and the<br />
Initiative for a Better Response to Address Violence Everywhere (iBRAVE), a three-year<br />
project funded by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women. Both projects aim<br />
to educate the general public, national government and first responders about the issue<br />
of domestic violence, establish legislation in compliance with CEDAW, and establish<br />
First Response Protocols for the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Health to ensure<br />
proper actions to protect survivors and punish perpetrators. These projects are the first<br />
comprehensive efforts in the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> to develop national laws,<br />
136
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
policies and plans of action to end domestic violence, and that address three of the five<br />
goals of the UN’s UNiTE to end violence against women campaign.<br />
• Women’s activists have marked November 25 as a day to fight violence against women<br />
since 1981. On December 17, 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated<br />
25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women<br />
(Resolution 54/134).<br />
• Held a public forum with an audience mainly from USP, College of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
and public and private high schools. This forum focused on Bill 93- Domestic Violence.<br />
Sponsored by Women United Together Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Government, and College of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Issues of gender governance and mainstreaming gender issues discussed at a<br />
parliamentarian induction workshop March 2011 and greatly supported.<br />
• Violence Against Women policy paper supported by the Development Coordinating<br />
Committee and the parliamentarian induction workshop.<br />
• Police community policing and domestic violence promotions conducted nationwide.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• In partnership with SPC RRRT two separate trainings were delivered for the Judiciary;<br />
and police and non-governmental organisations to raise awareness of legal obligations of<br />
officers under the Family Protection Act.<br />
• Through the Department of Women’s Affairs, the National Family Protection Task Force<br />
was established, including Tasks Forces in the Provinces of Sanma and Tafea.<br />
• Review and update of the National Violence Against Women Policy, 2011-2015 and a<br />
consultation report on the current programs on Violence Against Women for 2011-2015.<br />
A draft hand book was developed for Authorized Persons and Registered Counsellors as<br />
required by the Family Protection Act.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• As a result of the recently completed gender-based violence and child abuse studies,<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Kiribati now have improved data that is being used to develop<br />
national policies and interventions for the elimination of violence against women. Both<br />
countries have established very high level multisectoral taskforces to address gender-based<br />
violence, and in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> the Royal Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Police Force has established<br />
a special unit within the force for gender-based violence. The internal capacity of both<br />
countries to conduct qualitative research in these areas has been improved as a result<br />
of training provided and the actual conduct of the studies. Nationwide dissemination<br />
of gender-based violence research was completed in both Kiribati and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
Both countries have approved policies and national action plans on eliminating violence<br />
against women.<br />
• Ongoing technical support is being provided to other <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories for the development of national domestic violence policies, as well as schoolbased<br />
advocacy programmes on domestic violence.<br />
• Technical advice was provided to Marshalls Island on a proposed Domestic Violence Bill.<br />
• Drafting Instructions for Comprehensive Integrated Violence Against Women Legislation<br />
Completed for five countries - Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and Samoa.<br />
137
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Comprehensive Domestic Violence Bill drafted for Tuvalu.<br />
• Established multi-sectoral task forces informed on comprehensive Violence Against<br />
Women legislation established in five countries - Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tuvalu, Tonga, Samoa,<br />
Kiribati.<br />
• Thirty police officers trained on the Family Protection Act in Vanuatu.<br />
• Training of 80 representatives of non-governmental organisations and government<br />
attended the Regional Training Program of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre. This program<br />
enhanced knowledge of comprehensive Violence Against Women legislative reform.<br />
• Violence Against Women was raised as a critical thematic area in Universal Periodic<br />
Review Reports for Papua New Guinea, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa, and Palau.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP has established a Gender Studies programme under the coordination and leadership<br />
of the Gender Studies lecturer. USP has mainstreamed gender modules into its four<br />
generic courses and has established a Gender Monitoring Mechanism. The University<br />
has also amended its gender policy on sexual relations to protect students against sexual<br />
harassment. These amendments will remain in force until the whole policy on sexual<br />
harassment is reviewed. USP organized workshops on sexual harassment training in<br />
November 2010. These sessions were aimed at general staff, and two workshops were<br />
also held specifically for supervisors, academics and senior staff. The workshops were<br />
conducted by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.<br />
• The University received funding from UN Women in 2010 to develop modules for the<br />
incorporation of <strong>Pacific</strong> Gender Media into the Journalism Programme. Two consultants<br />
have been hired to progress this.<br />
• Awareness raising, workshops, cultural events (drama, poetry reading) and research on<br />
gender-based violence are some other activities carried out at USP. A workshop designed<br />
to prevent violence against women and girls was held in partnership with the UN Women<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Office.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• In the May 2011 Federal Budget, Australia announced funding of AUD25 million over<br />
four years for addressing violence against women in the <strong>Pacific</strong>. Funding will be used to<br />
support <strong>Pacific</strong> governments, civil society and UN agency partners through:<br />
- Improved emergency accommodation for victims of violence;<br />
- training of health workers and appropriate procedures developed within national<br />
health systems for proper diagnosis and treatment of victims of violence;<br />
- legislative reform and improved access to judicial services for victims of violence; and<br />
- awareness programs integrated within school curricula for long term change to community<br />
attitudes on violence against women.<br />
• Australian support to UNFPA will build the capacity of health systems to respond to<br />
violence against women, and provide data on the safety and reproductive health needs of<br />
women with disabilities.<br />
138
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Australia will assist the Governments of Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Kiribati to implement<br />
national action plans to address violence against women.<br />
• With Australia’s support, studies on the prevalence and impact of violence against women<br />
will continue in Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu, and further studies commenced in Micronesian<br />
countries.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Draft instructions for Violence against Women and Family legislation reform to be sent to<br />
cabinet for endorsement.<br />
• Review legislation on laws related to Violence against Women in the Penal code.<br />
• Continue work on the State CEDAW Report, final draft to be completed by July 2011.<br />
• Continue to implement the Action Plan for Women in Decision Making.<br />
• Conduct trainings on gender, CEDAW, Gender Based Violence and human rights to<br />
Division’s staff and all internal and external (outside Ministry of Internal and Social<br />
Affairs) stakeholders.<br />
• Implement the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).<br />
• Conduct the 3rd National Consultation on Violence Against Women Legislation Reform.<br />
• Launch the two gender policies after endorsement and approval from Cabinet.<br />
• Conduct the HIV legislative and policy consultation.<br />
• Conduct consultations with People Living With Disabilities before end of June 2011.<br />
• Seek and secure funds to implement the National Action Plan for Ending Sexual and<br />
Gender Based Violence National Action Plan.<br />
• Seek funds to implement the Strategic Action Plan of Gender Policy.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Wider official consultation regarding the establishment of a National Human Rights<br />
Institution is expected to be held in August of 2011. The next steps forward will be<br />
identified following this consultation.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• The Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Parliament members and Cabinet to approve Bill 93-<br />
Domestic Violence.<br />
• Continue to educate the public on domestic violence through radio station, flyers, and<br />
presentation.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Increased police monitoring of domestic violence.<br />
• Drafting of legislations for Violence Against Women issues.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Finalize and launch report on Protecting Women’s Human Rights in Vanuatu.<br />
• Implement program and activities to complement the Family Protection Act.<br />
139
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Seek support to conduct similar gender-based violence research in other countries that<br />
had requested support, including the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>. Technical support on<br />
legislative advocacy for Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
Gender-based violence in Kiribati<br />
• Assistance with a new policy on the elimination of violence against women and a new<br />
gender equality policy.<br />
• Assistance with roll-out of the costed and time bound National Action Plan for the<br />
Elimination of Violence Against Women.<br />
• Support for a new strengthened and dedicated Women’s Division under the Ministry of<br />
Internal and Social Affairs.<br />
• Implementation of the SAFENET referral network by key service providers, in order to<br />
ensure better service delivery to survivors of violence both in South Tarawa and in the<br />
outer islands.<br />
• Assistance with support to multi-sectoral task force, action plans and strategies in<br />
supporting Violence Against Women legislation reform.<br />
Gender-based violence in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Implementation of the newly approved Gender Equality and Women’s Development<br />
and Elimination of Violence Against Women policies in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> through the<br />
National Action Plan.<br />
Legislative reform relating to violence against women<br />
• The SPC RRRT will work with governments and non-governmental organisations in nine<br />
countries - Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu with financial support from the United Nations Trust<br />
Fund on Violence Against Women to reform laws relating to violence against women.<br />
The initial objective is development of model legislation to be adapted by each country.<br />
Legislative lobbying toolkit<br />
• In collaboration with the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, SPC RRRT published a<br />
legislative lobbying toolkit that will assist governments and civil society in understanding<br />
how laws are passed in the <strong>Pacific</strong>. In the next 12 months, training will be provided<br />
to both government and civil society in 6 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories on<br />
legislative lobbying.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• The Gender Studies programme will be offered from 2012 as a minor in Gender Studies.<br />
A gender mainstreaming effort will be undertaken across all disciplines, schools and<br />
faculties. The gender modules in the journalism programme will help raise awareness<br />
and build the regional capacity of young journalists to be gender-sensitive. USP hopes to<br />
conduct more awareness-raising and decrease instances of sexual harassment and violence<br />
against women. A Gender Awareness Campaign will be organized by the Students<br />
Association and the Gender Mainstreaming Committee.<br />
140
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Lack of secured funds to implement policy and the National Action Plan (NAP).<br />
• Lack of relevant legislation to address issue.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Due to the lack of resources and capacity, Palau needs the help of the international<br />
community for technical and financial assistance to meet its obligations.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• There is still wide public scepticism on human rights agendas pursued by various NGOs<br />
as they are generally perceived as threats to traditional authority therefore a violation of<br />
societal norms.<br />
• Inadequate budgets to provide ongoing community participation in gender sensitivity<br />
trainings and awareness.<br />
• Appropriate laws need to be enacted to provide monitoring and executing officials with<br />
powers to enforce and resolve domestic violence problems especially those against<br />
women.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• There is a need for mechanisms to be established for the prevention, reporting and<br />
responding to cases of abuse, violence and exploitation in communities and to strengthen<br />
linkages with traditional social protection through community-based institutions and<br />
customary leadership.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Very low political will and prioritisation of gender equality issues.<br />
• Continued resourcing of work on the elimination of violence against women at national<br />
level.<br />
• Continued engagement of development partner and donor community in these efforts<br />
with an emphasis on improved coordination.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• There are limited resources and there is a need to update policies (for example, the Gender<br />
Policy and the Sexual Harassment Policy).<br />
141
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(vi)<br />
Prioritising national actions to mainstream youth issues into the national development<br />
agenda.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia continues to provide core support to USP to become a flagship professional<br />
institution dedicated to providing high quality tertiary education, innovation, leadership<br />
and research for young people in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Leadership Program (PLP) is an AusAID initiative recognising and supporting<br />
the pivotal role leadership plays at all levels in a nation’s path to development. Advised<br />
by a panel of eminent <strong>Pacific</strong> Leaders, PLP supports specific and willing nations to pursue<br />
their own plans for leadership nurturing and development.<br />
• AusAID is funding the <strong>Pacific</strong> Youth Council through PLP. At the national level, support<br />
is currently being offered to the Vanuatu and Tonga National Youth Councils through<br />
partnership agreements. In the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, PLP will support the review of the<br />
National Youth Council as well as Provincial Youth <strong>Forum</strong>s in all 10 provinces. The<br />
Provincial forums will discuss the National Youth Strategy and feed into the development<br />
of a national youth framework.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati (through the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs) has continued<br />
to prioritise national actions to mainstream youth issues into national development<br />
agenda by implementing the following activities/programmes:<br />
- Start to improve your business (commenced July 2010);<br />
- National Youth Week (August 2010);<br />
- Human rights training to identified youth leaders (September 2010);<br />
- Life Skills training to identified youth leaders different from above (October 2010);<br />
- Outer Island monthly reports on Island Youth Associations;<br />
- Ongoing monthly meetings of the Youth Panel whose role is to develop annual national<br />
programmes for Youth Associations; and<br />
- Review of the National Youth Policy (November 2010) and the National Youth Strategic<br />
Plan.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme supports youth related programmes in the region<br />
through bilateral, multi-country and regional programmes. Our support has largely<br />
covered programmes in the areas of education (in particular), health, leadership and good<br />
governance.<br />
142
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• To honour Palau’s youth, a Senate Joint Resolution 8-74 was made to recognize the<br />
Non-Profit Corporate Charter of the Palau National Youth Council (PNYC). PNYC’s<br />
Constitution includes, but is not limited to, the following objectives: to serve all youth; to<br />
develop and organize the Youth Council to represent and advocate the economic, social,<br />
educational, health, cultural, and environmental needs of the youth; and to develop an<br />
effective leadership role for the youth and to serve as the liaison between the national<br />
government and other relevant organizations and agencies on matters of importance<br />
affecting the youth.<br />
• Youth Day, a national holiday, took place 15 March. Palau’s youth participated in science<br />
fairs, activities, and other academic and cultural activities and programs in celebration.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Bill 89 was passed in March 2011 by the parliament members amending the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> Youth Advisory Board Act, to reflect changes to the RMI’s National Youth Policy<br />
and the composition of a youth board.<br />
• The National Youth Policy 2010-2014 is a statement of national agenda that expresses<br />
recognition and commitment to the youth of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>. In 2005, the Youth<br />
Service Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs initiated a consultation process aimed<br />
at developing a more dynamic, focused, cross-sectoral national youth policy that would<br />
be implemented and monitored by a wide range of stakeholders including all relevant<br />
ministries non-government organizations, churches, youth groups and the private sector.<br />
• In January 2010, the National Youth Policy was approved by Nitijela. This policy is<br />
accompanied by a National Youth Strategic Plan that provides further detail on how the<br />
priorities outlined in the National Youth Policy will be implemented.<br />
• In December 2010, the Ministry of Internal Affairs contracted Dr. Hilda Heine, Ms. Marie<br />
Maddison, Ms. Brook Takala, and Mr. Bernard Adinwin, to conduct a research study<br />
on Child Protection Baseline Regional Research Project, funded by UNICEF. The scope<br />
of the consultancy was to align the Child Protection Baseline Research Plan with the<br />
Northern <strong>Pacific</strong>, as agreed between the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and UNICEF. The<br />
research team carried out the components of the projects as follows: Component 1: Child<br />
protection Legislative and Regulatory compliance review; Component 2: Institutional<br />
Stocktaking of Child Protection Social Welfare and Protection System and Inter-agency<br />
Collaboration; and Component 3: Societal Behaviour Component: Assessing Current<br />
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Key Child Protection. A draft report has been<br />
compiled and submitted, and is waiting for final approval and printing.<br />
• Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Youth Leadership Conference “Transformational Leadership Training”<br />
was held 25-29 July, 2011 for 40 participants from throughout the Republic of<br />
Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>. The training introduced some basic concepts, distinctions and skills<br />
in transformational leadership to improve the quality and effectiveness of the HIV/<br />
AIDS response; and empower participants to develop transformational leadership for<br />
themselves, their organizations, families and communities.<br />
• The first Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> National Youth <strong>Forum</strong> & Festival was held 1-5<br />
August, 2011. The forum and festival offered youth a platform to raise their concerns<br />
regarding youth development needs and their priority areas. The <strong>Forum</strong> also supported an<br />
evaluation and assessment of the implementation of the RMI National Youth Policy and<br />
created an awareness to ensure the implementation of the policy in all youth councils.<br />
Youths had an opportunity to exhibit and display their projects, activities, products and<br />
other initiatives at the Festival.<br />
143
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The National Youth Policy 2010-2015 has recently been developed following review of the<br />
2005-2010 policy.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Vanuatu Youth Empowerment Strategy 2010-2019 was also developed including<br />
the establishment of a National Youth Council in 2010 to ensure that youth issues are<br />
also highlighted in national development plans. The fully-fledged establishment of the<br />
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Training Development and non-governmental organisations<br />
has assisted in prioritizing and identifying youth issues.<br />
• Engaging the private sector, civil society and government in reforming the TVET system<br />
and developing a revitalized curriculum, assessment and qualification arrangements<br />
based on competency standards has led to piloting of TVET for youth in the provinces of<br />
MALAMPA and SANMA, to enable self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• SPC continued to provide technical assistance and support to the <strong>Pacific</strong> Youth Council to<br />
engage civil society in youth development work to compliment and strengthen national<br />
youth institutions.<br />
• National youth policies for the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> have been finalised<br />
following the provision of technical support and assistance.<br />
• National youth councils have been re-established in Nauru and Tuvalu. Programmes and<br />
services for the development of youth in Micronesia were strengthened as a result of the<br />
Micronesia Youth Summit, organised jointly with the Micronesia Youth Services Network<br />
Partnership.<br />
• In close collaboration with partner organisations embarked on the early stages of<br />
gathering information on the scale and scope of existing youth services and intervention<br />
to form the new regional youth strategy.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP held two leadership forums in August and October 2010, focusing on community<br />
social activism, self employment and micro finance information. USP youth groups have<br />
also branched out into the community, and are working with youth with disabilities<br />
conducting counseling at St Giles, and working on empowering marginalized youths.<br />
• A workshop for USP students on Domestic Violence against Women and Girls was held in<br />
conjunction with the UN Women Office on 12 May 2011.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Continued support to USP, the Australian Sports Outreach Program and through the PLP<br />
will result in further partnerships to improve the education and training of young people<br />
across the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Youth Division (under the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs) identified the<br />
need to build and strengthen the capacity of youths in: Commercial/income-generating<br />
144
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
activities and skills; effective communication skills in seeking employment; and<br />
upholding their rights, freedom, dignity and protection. The following commitments are<br />
envisaged:<br />
- Hold Career Fairs for youths seeking employments.<br />
- Undertake Outer island outreach programme.<br />
- Conduct capacity building trainings to all Island Community Workers.<br />
- Conduct the Youth Officers’ capacity building training.<br />
- Finalize the National Youth policy.<br />
- Implement Sport Checks for Youth.<br />
- Conduct the Leadership training to Youth Panel members and selected youths from<br />
different Youth Associations.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand will continue to take an integrated approach in support of youth issues.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Establish a youth centre, which may fall under Ministry of Education or Ministry of<br />
Community and Cultural Affairs. This youth centre can serve multiple purposes such as<br />
a summer camps for passing on cultural heritage, a youth business development centre,<br />
and more importantly it can house the office of the Palau National Youth Congress with at<br />
least one or two full time staff.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The National Youth Policy 2010-2015 will be presented to Cabinet before end of the year<br />
and it comprise all issues pertaining to youth development. It is also an attempt to draw<br />
government’s attention on the importance of issues that challenge the youth of today.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Extending the TVET programs into other provinces and ensuring youth issues are<br />
addressed in other sectors.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• In collaboration with regional partners, a new regional youth strategy will be developed to<br />
address health, education and employment issues in holistic framework.<br />
• Continue support to build and strengthen capacity of regional and national youth<br />
institutions to deliver youth programmes.<br />
• In collaboration with partners, support towards the development of a comprehensive midterm<br />
strategy and framework on youth in the <strong>Pacific</strong> for endorsement by the Ministers of<br />
Youth.<br />
• In collaboration with other SPC programmes, support the implementation of the<br />
Adolescent Health and Development Programme and the <strong>Pacific</strong> Youth in Agriculture<br />
Strategy.<br />
• Conduct a regional consultation with relevant stakeholders to allow increase ownership<br />
of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Youth in Agriculture Strategy by <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories, and<br />
to link national programs targeting youth in agriculture and rural development to outputs<br />
in the strategy.<br />
145
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• The University will continue with follow-up workshops. Outcomes from the initial<br />
workshop will be integrated into the Faculty of Arts and Law Youth Leadership <strong>Forum</strong>s<br />
and the USP “Really Make a Difference” Students Association’s Workshops.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Funding, political will, and human capacity and technical resources to build and maintain<br />
the proposed youth centre.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Funding is a major issue that could affect the capacity of the Ministry in realising the<br />
issues covered in the youth policy.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Ministry responsible has a broad mandate with very limited staff; also currently lacks<br />
basic information and data on youth employment and other youth issues.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Funding constraints will affect implementation of planned activities.<br />
• Lack of political will to progress commitments.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• Youth development courses are no longer offered by USP. This may be reintroduced in the<br />
future depending on demand.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(vii)<br />
Acknowledging the importance of ensuring access to greater and more equitable<br />
opportunities for those with disabilities, to enhance their quality of life and promote and<br />
protect their rights and dignity.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
146<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that its assistance to <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries and Territories explicitly recognizes and responds to the needs of people with<br />
disability in its Development for All Strategy. Early progress in implementation includes:<br />
- Through AusAID TVET programs in the <strong>Pacific</strong>, Australia’s increasing work with partner<br />
countries to assist people with disability to access training; to be retained in training;<br />
and to move to employment from that training, for example in Tonga and Samoa.<br />
These programs will include strategies to increase the participation in training and
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
skilling for work of people with disability, through funding for: providing additional<br />
support to trainees in existing classes; targeted new classes and places; and equipment<br />
and access;<br />
- AusAID’s assistance with training of workers in disability-related fields through the<br />
disability worker streams of Community Services vocational training courses run by<br />
the Australia-<strong>Pacific</strong> Technical College;<br />
- Funding Motivation Australia’s partnership with the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> Ministry of<br />
Health and Medical Services to establish effective wheelchair provision in five provinces,<br />
to meet the immediate and ongoing needs of people with a mobility disability<br />
for access to appropriate wheelchairs, training and support through local sustainable<br />
services;<br />
- Jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand, the <strong>Pacific</strong> Eye Institute aims to train<br />
specialist eye doctors and nurses to work in the <strong>Pacific</strong> and is a key component of the<br />
Fred Hollows New Zealand’s <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Blindness Prevention Programme. In August<br />
2010, Australia made a contribution of AUD4.8 million towards this Programme.<br />
Through the <strong>Pacific</strong> Eye Institute and the Modilon General Hospital in Papua New<br />
Guinea, 21 nurses have graduated with postgraduate diplomas in eye care. All graduates<br />
have returned to their home countries to work in the public health system.<br />
• At a regional and global level, Australia is seeking to raise the profile of disability-inclusive<br />
development with other bilateral donors, UN agencies and multilateral banks and to<br />
shape development partner commitment for greater regional and global effectiveness and<br />
impact.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• A National Policy on Disability has been developed with the assistance of PIFS and <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Disability <strong>Forum</strong>.<br />
• Kiribati National Council of People with Disabilities has been established and terms of<br />
reference has also been developed which included – among many others – the role of<br />
implementing, monitoring and evaluating the National Policy on Disability.<br />
• A workshop on Promoting and Protecting the Rights of People with Disability was<br />
conducted in early 2010 by Te Toa Matoa – a national non-government organisation for<br />
people with disability - and the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs which aimed to<br />
elaborate, discuss and assess the workability of the Convention on the Rights of Persons<br />
with Disabilities in Kiribati.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has continued to be a strong supporter of disability rights at the regional<br />
and international level. Regionally New Zealand has been a core supporter of the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Disability <strong>Forum</strong> in its work to improve the lives of people living with disability.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Omekasang, a non-government organization, is actively involved in the promotion of<br />
disability awareness in Palau.<br />
• The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Community and Cultural<br />
Affairs, drafted Palau’s National Disability Policy through a consultation workshop. The<br />
said policy is pending, waiting to pass in congress.<br />
• 3rd December 2011 was observed as International Disability Day.<br />
147
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Progress has been slow for Tuvalu to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons<br />
with Disability.<br />
• The Red Cross has started a small Disability Centre on Funafuti and is advocating for the<br />
rights of people with disability.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Ministry of Justice and Social Welfare has established and recruited for the first time a<br />
Disability Desk Officer who will look specifically at implementing the National Disability<br />
Policy.<br />
• A MoU signed between the local provincial TVET in Santo and the two disability<br />
associations for the formal working relationship between SANMA TVET and the disability<br />
associations to increase the number of people with disabilities participating in the skills<br />
development training.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• The proposal for the AUD2.1 million funding of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Strategy Disability<br />
action plan on has been approved by AusAID. The Exchange of Letters (EoL) has been<br />
finalised and signed off by the Secretary General. Disability policy development in Niue<br />
and Kiribati in its final phase.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Fifteen representatives from the disability network under the Fiji Disabled People’s<br />
Association trained on human rights based approaches and the Convention on the Rights<br />
of People with Disabilities. Participants increased awareness of human rights to integrate<br />
into existing plans and policies.<br />
• The Country Focal Point Tuvalu supported the establishment and assisted with securing<br />
grants for Fusiolofa, Disability Organization in Tuvalu.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Side Event during the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva presented an<br />
opportunity to generate international interest on the situation and rights of persons with<br />
disabilities in the <strong>Pacific</strong>. Persons with disability from NUANUA O LE ALOFA participated<br />
during the 11th Universal Periodic Review Session when Samoa, Palau, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
and Papua New Guinea were under review.<br />
• The SPC RRRT supported Vanuatu Disabled Persons’ Organisation in reporting against the<br />
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
148<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia will continue to provide funding support (AUD2.144 million over four years) to<br />
PIFS’ efforts to promote and support implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Strategy on<br />
Disability 2010-2015.<br />
• Australia has committed AUD3 million over four years (2011-14) to support Papua New<br />
Guinea’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities<br />
and towards the Government’s efforts to improve the quality of life of people living with<br />
disabilities.<br />
• Australia will continue to respond to other partner government requests to support their<br />
efforts to ensure development includes and benefits <strong>Pacific</strong> people with disability.
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Review of internal processes and procedures to create an enabling environment for the<br />
National Policy on Disability.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Signing into law the National Disability Policy, and the beginning stage of<br />
implementation of the Policy.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Formulation of a guideline to initiate the development of a national policy on disabled<br />
people.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Developing programs and activities under the National Disability Policy.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• Implementation of the May to December 2011 workplan will be implemented. The<br />
expected funding for this work is approximately AUD300,000.<br />
• PIFS representation to attend the Disability Reference group, Australia’s Development for<br />
All Strategy in Canberra in July 2011.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• RRRT in partnership with PIFS will provide technical assistance and support to <strong>Forum</strong><br />
Island Countries which wish to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with<br />
Disabilities, and for those that have ratified, to report on the progress of implementation.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Once the Disability Policy is passed, lack of funding may hinder companies, both<br />
government and private, to abide to the structural and physical changes required to their<br />
buildings.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Removing the stigma of people with disabilities.<br />
• Slow recognition of the concepts and principles for advocating support for people with<br />
disabilities.<br />
• Public perceptions that people with disabilities are tolerable but their consequent loss of<br />
productivity to public activities should render them as more of a liability.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Government commitment to the National Disability Policy.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• Two major risks have been identified: the departure of key personnel; and commitment by<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Island governments to the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Strategy on Disability waning.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Limited funding and support to disability organizations.<br />
149
| C |<br />
Addressing the impacts<br />
of Climate Change<br />
150
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(i)<br />
Continuing the implementation of the Niue Declaration on Climate Change.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia’s support for adaptation to climate change in the <strong>Pacific</strong> is being delivered<br />
through programs with governments, community-based activities and supporting the<br />
adaptation work programs of key regional organisations. Assistance in the <strong>Pacific</strong> is<br />
consistent with the principles endorsed by Leaders at the 2010 <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong>,<br />
which called for effective coordination and delivery of climate change adaptation efforts.<br />
• At the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting in Cancun<br />
in December 2010, Australia announced an additional AUD80 million for the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
to support adaptation activities, bringing the total allocation to the <strong>Pacific</strong> to AUD160<br />
million.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• A functional review on Climate Change has been carried out and a report presented to the<br />
Public Service Commission in March 2011. A key recommendation in the report is that<br />
a dedicated climate change agency or organisational body be established to coordinate<br />
and implement adaptation initiatives and action plans. At UNFCCC meeting 2010, the<br />
team sent out strong messages, raising issues of concern to island countries, such as: cofinancing<br />
under the Adaptation Fund, which should not be a burden to Smaller Island<br />
States; and capacity building for coordinating and administering the funds. The chair<br />
of Organising Association of Small Island States (Alliance of Small Island States) and<br />
Grenada’s Ambassador to the UN, Dessima Williams, also noted that “in the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
for example, it is now impossible to insure against damage caused by named cyclones<br />
because they are considered too high risk due to their increasing frequency over the past<br />
decade. We cannot allow the most vulnerable to be left without recourse to avenues for<br />
addressing risks and damage exacerbated by the impacts of climate change.”<br />
• A delegation from the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> attended climate change talks in Bonn, Germany and<br />
called on the moral and legal obligations of Annex 1 countries to reduce greenhouse gas<br />
emissions responsible for climate change.<br />
• The Cook <strong>Islands</strong> is a member of the Small <strong>Islands</strong> Developing States (SIDS) group. In<br />
recognizing common challenges, the SIDS group, for first time, jointly coordinated with<br />
the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). SIDS and LCDs agreed that progress must be made<br />
in the following key areas in the next climate change talks in Durban later this year:<br />
- Annex 1 parties must agree to a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol;<br />
- developed countries must raise the ambition of their commitments to reduce emissions;<br />
- parties must agree to the scope and modalities of the 2015 review of the long-term<br />
global goal;<br />
- the Transitional Committee must complete its work designing the Green Climate Fund<br />
so that it is fully operational in 2012;<br />
151
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
- the need to identify long-term sources of climate change finance;<br />
- increasing the transparency of the delivery of fast start finance;<br />
- developing an international mechanism to address loss and damage associated with<br />
the impacts of climate change; and<br />
- a recent International Energy Agency report revealed that energy-related CO2 emissions<br />
rose to their highest level in history 2010.<br />
• Cook <strong>Islands</strong> attended the workshop in Tianjin, China, in September 2010, which covered:<br />
shared vision, finance, technology, capacity building, mitigation, bunkers, and adaptation.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Develop <strong>Pacific</strong>-tailored approaches to combating climate change: Progress in Kiribati’s<br />
approach, with external assistance, includes continuing implementation of its<br />
Environment Act and Regulations and structured adaptation. While slow on delivering<br />
physical outputs, other supplemental approaches and opportunities for adaptation are<br />
being explored.<br />
• Advocacy at international forums on impacts of climate change and sea level rise to our<br />
territorial integrity with immediate impacts on social, economic and security situations:<br />
Kiribati actively participates at ad hoc international forums on climate change and at<br />
the forums for international implementation of the UNFCCC. Kiribati plays major part<br />
in attracting attention of international community to climate change as being a security<br />
issue also.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong>’s development partners to increase their technical and financial support for climate<br />
change action: Support in financial and technical assistance and capacity building.<br />
But for adaptation there is a need to supplement Kiribati Adaptation Project with an<br />
approach that gives priority to national needs and focuses on two sectors – water and<br />
coastal. Other sectors at the national level, and all sectors, particularly at community and<br />
household levels, require adaptation including mobilizing their capacities to reduce their<br />
vulnerability to climate change. These needs are not yet addressed.<br />
• Support for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries’ efforts to move towards alternative and renewable<br />
energy: Support is received by Ministry of Works and Public Utilities for solar powered<br />
energy that benefit rural communities, and for developing biofuels using coconut oil as<br />
major ingredient.<br />
• International partners to assist through undertaking immediate and effective measures<br />
to reduce emissions, use cleaner fuels, and increase use of renewable energy sources:<br />
Negotiations as part of the UNFCCC process and leading up to COP16 has been ongoing<br />
since COP15 held in Copenhagen. Developed countries and big emitter developing<br />
countries accept the need for deep cuts, but their positions on details of how much, what<br />
base year, by what year, when to start and the length of the periods are widely diverse or<br />
simply not yet announced.<br />
• High sensitivity and vulnerability of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries to climate change, means<br />
that adaptation for <strong>Pacific</strong> governments requires urgent support from regional agencies<br />
and development partners alike: As stated above there has been support but additional<br />
sectors and communities have needs that remain unaddressed.<br />
• Encourage all <strong>Pacific</strong> Island countries to act on the ability and information they have<br />
now, with the assistance of development partners, to continue to address the impacts of<br />
climate change through ‘no regrets’ or ‘low regrets’ actions in affected sectors that are<br />
already facing development challenges, including food and water security, health, and<br />
152
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
the capacity to deal with extreme events such as tropical cyclones, flooding and droughts,<br />
thereby simultaneously delivering on sustainable development aims: Current adaptation<br />
activities focus on coastal and water sector and are being implemented under the Kiribati<br />
Adaptation Project (KAP). Wider coverage of sectors and community levels needs for<br />
adaptation require support but these needs are not addressed. Impacts of extreme weather<br />
are occasionally experienced by scattered communities but due to lack of resources there<br />
is usually no assistance provided by government.<br />
• Agree that the exacerbating effects of climate change in the region will require <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island countries to incorporate adaptive strategies into their national sectoral planning,<br />
and that this integration will require a high degree of whole-of-government coordination<br />
and leadership: Kiribati has included in its National Development Strategy (2004-2007)<br />
and Kiribati Development Plan (2008-2011) adaptation issues. Wider sectoral planning<br />
has largely depended on available external assistance such as those provided under the<br />
Kiribati Adaptation Project but as noted above the Adaptation Project concentrated on<br />
two sectors and at the national levels. Mainstreaming adaptation throughout operational<br />
planning of various sectors remains a challenge.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Climate change objectives are increasingly being integrated into projects and programmes<br />
funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme.<br />
• Full engagement in UNFCCC processes and <strong>Pacific</strong> regional climate change forums.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• A solar project was recently built at the Educational Building at the Palau High School,<br />
funded by Taiwan/ROC. An airport solar project is currently being constructed with<br />
funding from Japan, with completion expected by end of 2011.<br />
• The National Development Bank of Palau is progressing with the solar residential panel<br />
initiative supported by Italian and Austrian grant assistance.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Implementation of National Adaptation Program of Actions (NAPA) water, coastal erosion<br />
and food security projects and <strong>Pacific</strong> Adaptation to Climate Change projects.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu drafted a Climate Change Policy in 2010, and the implementation of all climate<br />
change activities is overseen by the Climate Change Unit in the Meteorology and Geo-<br />
Hazards Department and the National Climate Change Committee.<br />
• Ten talkback shows were produced with the local radio station covering climate change<br />
issues relating to labour, forestry, fisheries, infrastructure, water, food security and coral<br />
reefs.<br />
• The Vanuatu Parliament passed the following Environment and Conservation Bills: the<br />
Bill for the Environmental Management and Conservation (Amendment) Act No. 2010,<br />
Bill for the Montreal Amendment (1997) to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that<br />
Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) Ratification Act No. 2010, Bill for the Beijing Amendment<br />
(1999) to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987)<br />
(Ratification) No. 2010, and the Bill for the Ozone Layer Protection Act No. 2010.<br />
153
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• In support of climate change mainstreaming and institutional and capacity strengthening<br />
in the <strong>Pacific</strong>, SPC developed the first draft of its Corporate Engagement Strategy on<br />
Climate Change to ensure mainstreaming of climate change across all sectors (for example<br />
human security, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, health and human development).<br />
• Support was provided for a regional study on dengue and climate change.<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division, in partnership with AusAID, Australia Bureau of Metrology and<br />
Geoscience Australia delivers the South <strong>Pacific</strong> Sea Level & Climate Change Monitoring<br />
Project (SPSLCMP). Phase IV has been extended to the end of 2011. The associated<br />
Observation Network Upgrade Project, which will bring significant improvements in<br />
measurement and instrument longevity, is now being implemented throughout the 12<br />
stations in the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• In collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (formerly<br />
Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit) and other SPC programmes, finalised joint<br />
submission for the new AusAID International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative<br />
(ICCAI), to include marine, agriculture and land resources components. Awaiting final<br />
endorsement.<br />
• Secured AusAID funding to develop a project on monitoring the impact of climate change<br />
on coastal fisheries.<br />
• Climate change impacts on Western and Central <strong>Pacific</strong> tuna stocks completed and<br />
published. Also completed a study on the vulnerability of fisheries and aquaculture in the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> to climate change.<br />
• Compiled research on the impact of climate change on <strong>Pacific</strong> fisheries.<br />
• Represented the region at international forums, such as United Nations Convention<br />
to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD),<br />
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and <strong>Forum</strong> on Forests (UNFF), and<br />
the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)<br />
and the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).<br />
• SPC’s Centre for <strong>Pacific</strong> Crops and Trees (CePaCT) continue to play an important role in<br />
climate change adaptation efforts, improving food security and increasing domestic and<br />
export trade in agriculture and forestry products.<br />
• In partnership with International Fund for Agricultural Development, supported<br />
the atoll agriculture research and development at the Centre of Excellence for Atoll<br />
Agricultural Research and Development in Tarawa, Kiribati. Areas of work include atoll<br />
soil management, water management, cultivar evaluation, and improving the resilience of<br />
food production systems to climate change.<br />
• In collaboration with the SPC/GIZ through the Adaptation to Climate Change in the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Region, carried out a Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest<br />
Degradation policy scoping study for Fiji and produced a scoping report including a<br />
capacity needs and gap analysis and a proposed roadmap for ‘REDD readiness’ in Fiji.<br />
Assistance was also provided for the drafting of Fiji’s National REDD Policy.<br />
• With the support of the AusAID International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative<br />
(ICCAI) and the United States government, SPC through CePaCT established a ‘climateready’<br />
collection of crops and varieties known to have suitable traits. The collection is<br />
now being evaluated in individual <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories for climate<br />
tolerant traits such as resistance to drought, salinity and water-logging.<br />
154
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• The SPC/GIZ project Coping with Climate Change in the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Region (CCCPIR)<br />
expanded to cover 12 countries namely Papua New Guinea, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu,<br />
Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Nauru, Kiribati, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Tuvalu and<br />
Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, and additional sectors (for example agriculture, forestry,<br />
fisheries, tourism, and energy).<br />
• Adaptation approaches tested in two pilot sites in Tonga and three in Vanuatu.<br />
• Support will be provided for development of national adaptation strategies (land based<br />
resources) in Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu, and a climate change communication strategy for<br />
Vanuatu.<br />
• Collaboration with the Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency<br />
and National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health in regard to adaptation<br />
strategies for communicable and emerging diseases<br />
• Completion of coastal vulnerability assessments and critical baseline data collection with<br />
immediate relevance to climate change vulnerability and adaptation in Nadi, Fiji; Mangia<br />
and Rarotonga, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>; Nukualofa, Tonga. Work presently underway in Rangiroa,<br />
French Polynesia.<br />
• Collection and provisions baseline date to improve understanding of water flow patterns<br />
and possible pollution pathways in Saipan Lagoon, Commonwealth of the Northern<br />
Mariana <strong>Islands</strong>. Work was also undertaken to improve understanding of shoreline<br />
processes and sediment transport all of which has direct relevance to the management of<br />
climate change vulnerability.<br />
• Completion of a rapid technical assessment of 4 coastal adaptation/engineering projects<br />
in Samoa with the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme staff<br />
and community stakeholders and with the Govt. of Kiribati (NZ Bilateral funding) on<br />
Kritiimati Island, Kiribati.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP has started to offer a Post-Graduate Diploma and Masters of Science in Climate<br />
Change Programmes. USP also offers a PhD and is actively recruiting research students in<br />
the field. The University is proud to announce that the first group of students registered<br />
for the Post Graduate Diploma in Climate Change have graduated and have moved on to<br />
pursue their Masters in Climate Change.<br />
• With AusAID and EU funding, the <strong>Pacific</strong> Centre for Environment and Sustainable<br />
Development (PACE-SD) at USP has been awarding scholarships to students.<br />
• The EU-funded Climate Change project being implemented by PACE-SD at USP will<br />
develop and strengthen <strong>Pacific</strong> ACP countries’ capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate<br />
change. The development and implementation of sustainable strategies for community<br />
adaptation to climate change, based on improved understanding of the impacts of climate<br />
change and variability in the <strong>Pacific</strong> region are among the planned priority outcomes of<br />
the project. The project contributes to improving the capacity of the region to adapt to<br />
climate change through the provision of scholarships to support students (as mentioned<br />
above) and the organisation of non formal training sessions to train climate change<br />
practitioners at the national, sub-regional and regional levels. It is also envisaged that the<br />
project will contribute to the establishment of a network of local, national and regional<br />
specialists on climate change who will support communities, governments within <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
ACP countries, NGOs, and regional organizations in their efforts to address the effects of<br />
climate change over the long-term and in a sustainable approach manner.<br />
155
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• PACE-SD has received additional funding from AusAID to duplicate its community<br />
adaptation activities in a further six communities in Fiji. In addition to this, the EU<br />
project will be implementing low-input, high-quality and replicable community climate<br />
change adaptation actions that will entail a robust process of participatory community<br />
engagement, knowledge of best-practice, and securing project ownership on the side of<br />
adaptation practitioners involved in project implementation. About 40 sites in total will<br />
be selected. For this particular exercise, in-country coordinators have been recruited to<br />
spearhead the implementation of the activities.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The main focus of Australia’s climate change assistance to the <strong>Pacific</strong> will continue to be<br />
the provision of adaptation support at the national level (bilateral support). Support will<br />
also continue to be provided through regional mechanisms where appropriate, including<br />
for scientific research and to support key regional organisations.<br />
• With the support of Australia, PIFS is leading the development of an Options Paper on<br />
climate change financing for presentation to FEMM in July 2011. The Options Paper will<br />
canvass a set of options for how climate change financing can be effectively delivered at<br />
the national level in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Adaptation activities will be extended to meet the needs of other sectors and community<br />
and households’ needs.<br />
• Advocacy will result in agreed emission reduction and limitation.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Climate change objectives are increasingly being integrated into projects and programmes<br />
funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme.<br />
• Full engagement in UNFCCC processes and <strong>Pacific</strong> regional climate change forums.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• As of June of 2011, the <strong>Pacific</strong> Adaptation for Climate Change project has progressed<br />
to include additional implementing partners due to increased project activities. The<br />
concluded food security survey will be used for the proposed food security policy as well<br />
as identify other activities left to be completed before the end of the project in 2013.<br />
• Three workshops focusing on weather have resulted in a data collection project. The<br />
project in collaboration with the Weather Bureau and the Australian Government’s <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Climate Change Science Program (PCCSP) spent two weeks training staff from Palau’s<br />
National Weather Service Office in the use of two new computer-based climate science<br />
tools for data collection purposes.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Formulation of Tuvalu’s Climate Change Policy and its National Action Plan.<br />
• Completion of Tuvalu Second National Communication to the UNFCCC.<br />
• Enhance implementation of National Adaptation Program of Actions.<br />
156
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Adoption of the Climate Change Policy.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Coastal vulnerability assessment and baseline data collection work will continue in<br />
Rangiroa French Polynesia, Navua Delta, Fiji and work also expected to begin in the areas<br />
of the Rewa Delta, Fiji and Lifuka, Tonga.<br />
• In partnership with AusAID, Bureau of Meteorology Australia and Geoscience Australia,<br />
SPC will continue to implement South <strong>Pacific</strong> Sea Level & Climate Change Monitoring<br />
(SPSLCCM) project Phase IV (Phase V expected to start in February 2012) and the<br />
associated Observation Network Upgrade Project. The SPSLCCM project includes<br />
collecting, processing and analyzing sea level and climatic data and makes these openly<br />
available as data and information products targeted towards <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
needs.<br />
• Continued partnership with the GIZ on the Adaptation to Climate Change in the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Region (ACCPIR) programme. This programme reflects SPC’s commitment to<br />
member countries to address climate change issues in agriculture, forestry and land use.<br />
• Continue the collection and evaluation of climate ready collections.<br />
• Continue training of field staff and deployment of monitoring equipment to build<br />
national capacity to monitor the impact of climate change on coastal fisheries.<br />
• Complete more detailed and comprehensive analysis of climate change impacts on tuna<br />
fisheries.<br />
• Develop and implement climate change adaptation measures in selected coastal<br />
communities as a pilot project to assist adaptation to impacts on coastal fish resources.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• More regional students will graduate with Climate Change qualifications and return<br />
to their home countries well equipped to address the issues faced by their respective<br />
communities. More communities in the region will have the opportunity to engage in<br />
community awareness raising activities (for example, to understand the science behind<br />
climate change) and will have input to the type of adaptation measures that are suitable<br />
for their respective communities and, more importantly, have ownership over the<br />
strategies that will be implemented.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Cooperation between implementing agencies and sector ministries or government<br />
requires much confidence building.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The risk of non-maintenance was solved by including personnel from the Palau Public<br />
Utilities Corporation in training toward the maintenance of the solar equipment. Future<br />
risks remain with potential lack of funding for staff, personnel, and/or maintenance.<br />
157
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• In country capacity to evaluate collection is limited.<br />
• Delays in getting policies finalised and approved due to political and other unforeseen<br />
circumstances.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(ii)<br />
Developing <strong>Pacific</strong>-tailored responses to support adaptation and mitigation measures and<br />
better coordination of Disaster Risk Management-Climate Change Adaptation (DRM-<br />
CCA), and furthering regional and international efforts and research to support national<br />
action in combating climate change.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia’s assistance in this area is focused on timely, practical and sensible initiatives<br />
that are integrated with wider development programs, including:<br />
- in the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, upgrading roads and bridges vulnerable to extreme weather<br />
events (AUD4 million);<br />
- in Vanuatu, relocating/realigning vulnerable roads, improving erosion protection and<br />
drainage infrastructure and upgrading river and stream crossings (AUD3 million);<br />
- in Kiribati, undertaking water sustainability and coastal protection work; and<br />
- strengthening the capacity of the region to make informed adaptation decisions by<br />
supporting the development of implementation of climate change education programs<br />
at USP.<br />
• Australia is encouraging greater integration of disaster risk reduction and climate<br />
change adaptation responses to weather and climate related hazards. Australia is already<br />
supporting Tonga’s Joint National Action Plan which combines the government’s climate<br />
change adaptation and disaster risk management plans. Australia has also provided<br />
additional financial support in Kiribati for the integration of Disaster Risk Management<br />
(DRM) as a component of Climate Change Adaptation assistance.<br />
• Australian assistance has supported the development of National Disaster Management<br />
Plans in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and has funded non-governmental organisations to help<br />
local communities better prepare for disasters when they strike. Over 140 community<br />
disaster management committees have been established in vulnerable communities in<br />
Fiji, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga and Vanuatu.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• A National Adaptation Planning Week was held in Rarotonga in late February 2011<br />
coordinated by the National Environment Service and Emergency Management Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, in collaboration with SPREP, Government of Australia and UNDP. The workshop<br />
included presentations on the science of climate change, its impact on the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
158
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
adaptation and disaster risk management, planning and budgeting, including participant<br />
group work to feed into a Joint National Action Plan (JNAP). The draft JNAP has been<br />
developed.<br />
• The Directors of Central Policy & Planning (CPPO), Office of the Prime Minister, and<br />
Emergency Management Cook <strong>Islands</strong> (EMCI) represented the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> at the Global<br />
Platform for Disaster Risk Management in Geneva. The Director of CPPO was a panel<br />
member on behalf of the <strong>Pacific</strong> region, in the session entitled “Disaster Risk Reduction<br />
in times of Climate Change”. Her presentation outlined efforts made by <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries in integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change and the rationale<br />
and challenges faced by the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> in regard to the efforts of integration. She also<br />
presented the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>’ Country Statement reinforcing the priority Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Government has placed on developing more robust disaster risk management and climate<br />
change adaptation policies, supported by stronger legislation and governance structures.<br />
• The Aitutaki Recovery Programme. 95 Category 3 homes were completed. Added benefits<br />
for the island has been increasing the skill base and providing new technical capacity<br />
to now manufacture septic tanks, water tanks and has improved the quality of concrete<br />
and concrete blocks which are made on the island. Construction and administrative<br />
capabilities have improved significantly under the New Zealand Aid Programme.<br />
• Two cyclone centres were upgraded on the northern Cook Island of Manihiki in 2010,<br />
supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme.<br />
• A cyclone shelter funded by the EU was built on the northern Cook Island of Pukapuka.<br />
The Cook <strong>Islands</strong> government will be responsible for any major maintenance work on the<br />
building while the local community will be tasked with general ongoing maintenance.<br />
• It is estimated that 300 homes and 1300 people will benefit from improved catchment<br />
systems (water tanks, guttering, and first flush), with some improved roofing implemented<br />
under the Northern Water Project on the Northern Cook <strong>Islands</strong> of Pukapuka, Nassau,<br />
Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Rakahanga. Community water tanks will also be renovated<br />
across all islands. Water security will be fostered by supporting awareness programmes.<br />
The combination of these activities is expected to mitigate risks related to drought and<br />
assist local government to better manage water systems in future. The New Zealand Aid<br />
Programme and AusAID are supporting the project. Other stakeholders are Ministry of<br />
Infrastructure & Planning (project principal), island councils/administrations, Ministry<br />
of Health (Public Health), Internal Affairs, Red Cross and the Ministry of Finance and<br />
Economic Management.<br />
• An officer from Emergency Management Cook <strong>Islands</strong> attended a climate change and<br />
emergency response conference in Samoa. The work currently being carried out in the<br />
Cook <strong>Islands</strong> highlights the need for climate change adaptation and emergency risk<br />
response to be always considered jointly in all government policy.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Adaptation and mitigation measures are project based, and linkages to Disaster Risk<br />
Management are currently explored through initiatives from the latter’s focus: the premise<br />
being that addressing current disasters (related to climate) enhances adaptive capacity.<br />
But this would be correct only if disaster risk management consciously incorporates the<br />
consideration of climate change. The Kiribati government is included in the regional<br />
programme to strengthen disaster risk management in the region.<br />
159
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Climate change objectives are increasingly being integrated into projects and programmes<br />
funded by New Zealand Aid Programme. Disaster risk reduction forms an integral<br />
component of our support for climate change adaptation work in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Full engagement in UNFCCC priorities and <strong>Pacific</strong> regional climate change forums.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• In early 2010, the Palau National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) under the office<br />
of the Vice-President put together the National Disaster Risk Management Framework<br />
2010 with assistance from UNEP and was coordinated with all relevant agencies within<br />
the Government, as well as other organizations involved during disasters.<br />
• A Task Force has been created to assess and improve the current system of disaster risk<br />
management. New emergency radios for the outer lying island states have been set up.<br />
• The idea of combining climate change and disaster risk management is in its early stages<br />
and has not been implemented. A workshop in Samoa held in May 2011 considered of<br />
issues for both areas. The two offices of the National Emergency Management Office<br />
and Office of Environmental Response and Coordination are in the discussion phase of<br />
merging into one central office. National Emergency Management Office is taking the<br />
lead in a proposal that will be provided to heads of Office of Environmental Response and<br />
Coordination (climate change) and National Emergency Management Office (disaster risk<br />
management) for review and presenting the idea to decision makers toward the end of<br />
2011.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• On April 2011 a Public Validation Workshop for the Joint National Action Plan on<br />
Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management (JNAP) was conducted.<br />
The goals of the plan are: establish and support an enabling environment for improved<br />
coordination of disaster risk management / climate change adaptation in the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>; education, awareness and understanding of effective DRM/CCA responses<br />
from local to national level; enhanced emergency preparedness and response at all<br />
levels; improved energy security, working towards a low carbon future; enhanced local<br />
livelihoods and community resilience; and integrated approach to development planning<br />
including consideration of climate change and disaster risks.<br />
• The National Disaster Risk Management Plan is completed and was endorsed and later<br />
approved by Cabinet in 2011.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The Tuvalu Disaster Risk Management Plan (DRM) was developed with the assistance of<br />
SPC SOPAC division and was endorsed by the Cabinet in principle.<br />
160<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu has implemented the first phase of its National Action Plan on Disaster Risk<br />
Reduction and Disaster Management including mainstreaming risk reduction and<br />
disaster management into Vanuatu’s macroeconomic policy and fiscal management and<br />
budgetary processes. With the assistance of the UNDP, the National Disaster Management<br />
Office (NDMO) has carried out workshop and awareness program for communities to<br />
better understand the risk reduction and disaster management issues.<br />
• The development of National Emergency Operation Centre Standard Operating<br />
Procedures has been completed for some emergencies such as the Cyclone Plan.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Three out of six provinces have established Provincial Disaster Coordinators and<br />
consultations have taken place with the remaining provincial governments to establish<br />
coordinators. The <strong>Pacific</strong> Community Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction under the<br />
Vanuatu Christian Council has worked in partnership with the National Disaster<br />
Management Office and has set up 74 Community Disaster Committees around Vanuatu<br />
in particular on the islands of Tanna, Ambrym, Efate and Tongoa. A comprehensive<br />
Hazard and Risk Management Tool developed followed with annual on-going program<br />
focusing on risk reduction.<br />
• Four provincial advocacy programs in promoting disaster risk reduction were carried out<br />
in the provinces in preparation for the development of provincial disaster risk reduction<br />
programs. Two contingency planning and training exercise was also undertaken with<br />
the assistance of the Australian Defence Force and response agency with 50 participants<br />
from government, non-governmental organisations, UN agencies and donor partners. A<br />
national climate change adaptation strategy and disaster risk reduction mainstreaming<br />
in the Forestry and Agriculture sector meeting was carried out with stakeholders<br />
including farmers and government departments. Twenty five disaster risk management<br />
workshops were carried out at the national and provincial level including 20 volcanic<br />
risk awareness programs on Gaua, Ambrym and Tanna. Five flood and draught awareness<br />
programs on Emae, Makira, Mataso and Tanna and eight tsunami awareness programs on<br />
Efate. Awareness programs were also conducted for earthquake on Efate and for private<br />
institutions.<br />
• Vanuatu hosted the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) Technical Workshop on<br />
mainstreaming climate change into national development planning and budgeting,<br />
and also the policy dialogue on Aid Effectiveness and Climate Change and Disaster Risk<br />
Reduction in 2011. This was followed by the hosting of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Conference of<br />
GCCA and High Level Regional Ministerial Conference on Climate change in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The EU EDF 9 funded Supporting Disaster Risk Reduction in <strong>Pacific</strong> Overseas Countries<br />
and Territories project concluded agreements with New Caledonia, French Polynesia,<br />
Pitcairn <strong>Islands</strong> and Wallis & Futuna on the allocation of resources to support a range<br />
of disaster risk reduction interventions in these territories. The interventions target the<br />
reduction of vulnerability to losses from natural and anthropogenic disasters and from<br />
climate and weather extremes.<br />
• On-going implementation of the EU EDF 9 funded Support to Disaster Risk Reduction<br />
in eight <strong>Pacific</strong> ACP States. The project addresses the reduction of vulnerability and risk<br />
to both climate and geophysical hazards through the implementation of interventions<br />
to support availability of safe drinking water and also to strengthen emergency<br />
communications and operations coordination.<br />
• A 3-year extension of approximately USD1 million for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Disaster Risk<br />
Management Programme supported by the Asia Foundation and funded by the US Agency<br />
for International Development through the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.<br />
The programme conducts a suite of 6 training courses in Disaster Risk Management. The<br />
programme also facilitates advocacy for disaster risk management across the region and,<br />
as of 2011, the development of a post graduate disaster risk management course under the<br />
Fiji National University. This will be the first such tertiary level disaster risk management<br />
course offered by a <strong>Pacific</strong> regional institution and is expected to be launched in Semester<br />
2 in 2011.<br />
161
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• The Environmentally Safe Aggregates for Tarawa (ESAT) project, has signed a contract<br />
with Heavy Load Industries (ship builder) to build an aggregate dredge ship to supply<br />
sustainable sand and gravel to urban South Tarawa. This activity addresses critical<br />
shoreline vulnerability issues which are aggravated by beach mining.<br />
• The ESAT has also completed an environmental impact assessment for aggregate dredging<br />
and undertaken extensive community awareness work explaining the project. The work<br />
will continue.<br />
• Development of the regional and national risk exposure database was completed and will<br />
be officially launched in August 2011. The databases provide data and information on<br />
hazards, vulnerable elements and related risk levels to allow for more informed decisionmaking<br />
for disaster risk management and other development priorities.<br />
• In collaboration with the <strong>Pacific</strong> Disaster Risk Management Partnership Network on the<br />
development and implementation of Disaster Risk Management National Action Plan<br />
support provided to Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of<br />
the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Tuvalu<br />
and Vanuatu.<br />
• Final report on the mid -term reviews of the Regional Disaster Risk Management<br />
Framework and the Hyogo Framework for Action presented in 2011 to the <strong>Pacific</strong> Platform<br />
for Disaster Risk Management, as well as the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction<br />
in Geneva in May 2011.<br />
• Geonetwork and <strong>Pacific</strong> Disaster Net development continue to be supported to provide<br />
a critical hazards, vulnerability and geoscience information access platforms for <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries.<br />
• Development of regional/national risk exposure databases through the <strong>Pacific</strong> Catastrophe<br />
Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative funded by the World Bank and ADB.<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division has undertaken baseline surveys (bathymetry and topography) to<br />
support tsunami inundation modelling for Tongatapu, Tonga.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• PACE-SD continues to work with local communities and assist them with community<br />
adaptation programs. The focus has been on communities that are already experiencing<br />
problems with either water supply or coastal erosion, both of which are projected to be<br />
made worse by climate change.<br />
• The centre is also offering a 400-level course on Disaster Risk Assessment and<br />
Management (DRAM) from Semester 2, 2011.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia has committed to direct at least 25 percent of its AUD599 million ‘fast start’<br />
climate change finance package to Small <strong>Islands</strong> Developing States, including in the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> and the Caribbean. This will include support to the <strong>Pacific</strong> under the International<br />
Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, totalling AUD160 million over five years (2008 –<br />
2013).<br />
• Australia will continue to support greater integration between disaster risk reduction and<br />
climate change adaptation and will encourage the adoption of Joint National Action Plans.<br />
162
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• From 2012, a new follow-on program of assistance in Disaster Risk Management will be<br />
established. This program will be well integrated with and complement assistance being<br />
provided for climate change adaptation.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Adaptation and mitigation measures are project based, and linkages to Disaster Risk<br />
Management are currently explored through initiatives from the latter’s focus: the premise<br />
being that addressing current disasters (related to climate) enhances adaptive capacity.<br />
But this would be correct only if Disaster Risk Management consciously incorporates<br />
the consideration of climate change. Kiribati government is included in the regional<br />
programme to strengthen disaster risk management in the region.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Climate change objectives are increasingly being integrated into projects and programmes<br />
funded by New Zealand Aid Programme. Disaster risk reduction forms an integral<br />
component of our support for climate change adaptation work in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Full engagement in UNFCCC priorities and <strong>Pacific</strong> regional climate change forums.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The completion of the National Emergency Management Office located near the airport in<br />
the state of Airai.<br />
• Improvements to the existing emergency plans.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Cabinet’s full endorsement of the Tuvalu Disaster Risk Management Plan would enable<br />
the implementation of the Disaster Risk Management Arrangement Implementation Plan<br />
2011 (also produced with the assistance of SPC SOPAC division).<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu will continue to mainstream disaster risk reduction and disaster management<br />
into other sectors including the carrying out of awareness programmes and workshops<br />
with key stakeholders and completion of the National Emergency Operation Centre<br />
standard operating procedures. Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and disaster<br />
management into other government Ministries planning including Ministry of Health,<br />
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Quarantine, Ministry of Education,<br />
Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Ministry of Public Utilities and<br />
Infrastructure, Ministry of Justice and Social Welfare and Ministry of Internal Affairs.<br />
• Promoting disaster risk management and climate change adaptation strategies and<br />
policies within the tourism Industry.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Support ongoing efforts to develop and implement disaster risk management and climate<br />
change national action plans in <strong>Pacific</strong> island countries.<br />
• Ongoing development of intervention areas and investments at regional and national<br />
level in <strong>Pacific</strong> ACP States under the EDF10 EU ACP- Natural Disaster Facility.<br />
• Ongoing development of intervention areas and investments under the World Bank<br />
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery Single Donor Trust Fund Windows for<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
163
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• In partnership with UNDP, support the implementation of South-South Cooperation with<br />
the Caribbean Small Island Developing States and partner organization.<br />
• Early warning systems strengthened in member countries.<br />
• Ongoing support for the Melanesian Volcanological Network.<br />
• Ongoing implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing<br />
Initiative under a Phase 3 project.<br />
• In partnership with UNESCO, support for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Tsunami Warning System and<br />
related capacity building at regional and national level in <strong>Pacific</strong> island countries.<br />
• Undertake tsunami inundation modelling in Tongatapu, Tonga once the anticipated<br />
AusAID funded light detection and ranging (shallow water bathymetry) mapping has<br />
been completed at the end of 2011.<br />
• In partnership with National Institute of Water and Atmospheric completing hazard maps<br />
for the coastal zones of Mangaia, Cook <strong>Islands</strong> to allow improved decision making in the<br />
coastal zone and to reduce vulnerability to coastal hazards.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Disaster Net web (PDN) 3-year Strategic Plan developed and undergoing<br />
implementation. The PDN provides <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories with up to<br />
date disaster risk management data and information to inform decision-making on DRM<br />
and other country development priorities.<br />
• Implementation of training courses under the <strong>Pacific</strong> Disaster Risk Management<br />
Programme supported by The Asia Foundation/USAID Office of US Foreign Disaster<br />
Assistance linked to SPC SOPAC Division. The programme will introduce a course in<br />
Disaster Risk Reduction in 2011.<br />
• Ongoing implementation of tertiary level training in Disaster Risk Management through<br />
the Fiji National University.<br />
• Conduct of the 2011 <strong>Pacific</strong> Platform for Disaster Risk Management, with the major<br />
outcome being the development of a ‘Roadmap’ for the development of an integrated<br />
regional policy framework for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change by 2015.<br />
• Endorsement by <strong>Pacific</strong> Leaders of a ‘Roadmap’ for the development of an integrated<br />
regional policy framework for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change by 2015.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP anticipates that a large number of students will enrol in its Disaster Risk Management<br />
course. More communities will take the initiative to address climate change impacts with<br />
the knowledge and skills gained from awareness activities.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Lack of coordination and coherence between assistance to Disaster Risk Management and<br />
assistance to Climate Change Adaptation.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Cooperation between implementing agencies and sector ministries or government<br />
requires much confidence building.<br />
164
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Loss of participation from partner agencies and lack of resources for proper training.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The disaster office is managed by one staff member which could impend implementation.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The need for an increase in personnel and training in developing standard operating<br />
procedures for other agencies i.e. dedicated Provincial Disaster Coordinators are required<br />
to support the Community Disaster Committees; a technical officer is required to<br />
undertake the Hazard Risk Management and Reduction work. Budget required for Disaster<br />
Risk Reduction and Disaster Management policies and the need for more commitment<br />
from the above mentioned sectors.<br />
• The organisation responsible is constrained by having no power to require other agencies<br />
to act on any identified prevention measures.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• To effectively mainstream disaster risk management, countries must demonstrate<br />
commitment via increasing level of national investments through the annual budgetary<br />
framework.<br />
• Development of a risk database will require country level commitment to ensure<br />
mechanisms are in place to facilitate sharing of the risk data and information to relevant<br />
stakeholders by adjusting national planning and decision-making frameworks as may be<br />
required to embrace a risk management emphasis.<br />
• Cuts in funding to SPC and other partner organisations will inhibit support for the<br />
implementation of focused Disaster Risk Management capacity building opportunities for<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iii)<br />
Coordinating regional efforts in the completion and early implementation of the<br />
outcomes of the December 2009 Copenhagen meetings.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• At the FEMM in October 2010, Ministers tasked PIFS to coordinate the development of<br />
an options paper to explore a range of approaches – at international, national, regional<br />
and sub-regional levels for – improving access to, and management of, climate change<br />
adaptation assistance. Australia has provided AUD284,321 to PIFS to support the<br />
development of this options paper.<br />
165
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• The Cook <strong>Islands</strong> has presented a concept note for the Adaptation Fund Board under the<br />
UNFCCC to fund activities for adaptation to climate change focusing on areas identified in<br />
the second national communication as most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.<br />
The majority of activities proposed target the outer islands. This was accepted in March<br />
2011. A full project proposal is to be presented in July 2011.<br />
• Project components are: strengthening and implementing national climate change<br />
adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies; strengthening capacities for climate<br />
change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the Pa Enua (outer islands); implementing<br />
climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies and plans in the Pa Enua;<br />
and climate change adaptation knowledge management.<br />
• Cook <strong>Islands</strong> attended an international conference on climate change in Bangkok in April<br />
2011. The purpose of the conference and its associated workshops was to discuss access<br />
to major international funding allocated to climate change adaptation. The delegation<br />
was able to engage with other Small Island States and potential donor organizations and<br />
collectively address Small Island States concerns. As a result processes to access funding<br />
will become more transparent and donors will be more aware of the difficulties that small<br />
countries with capacity constraints have in accessing funding. A committee has been<br />
established to oversee the development of criteria for accessing funds, on which Small<br />
Island States have two representatives – Samoa and Barbados.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Kiribati initially hesitated to associate itself with the Copenhagen Accord, however it has<br />
now decided to.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Full engagement in UNFCCC priorities and <strong>Pacific</strong> regional climate change forums.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The legally binding agreement failed to materialise, taking away the incentives from the<br />
developing countries. After the Conference of the Parties (COP) 16 in Cancun, trying to<br />
achieve an agreement from parties to be approved at COP17 in South Africa will represent<br />
progress.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Achieved positive outcomes out of COP16 at Cancun. In particular, an agreement on the<br />
framework of international action on climate post 2012 was reached by the following key<br />
factors which are consensus, open consultation, and respecting all views and a political<br />
hand to move together.<br />
• Every party saw some key wins for the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, including; getting<br />
mobilisation on structure of the long-term Green Fund (USD100 billion); resolving<br />
the “vulnerability question”; getting a workplan on addressing “loss and damage; and<br />
anchoring the existing mitigation/emissions pledges in the UNFCCC.<br />
• Ambassador Phillip Muller was elected as a member of the Bureau of the UNFCCC,<br />
signalling Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>’ increasingly visible interest in international<br />
climate action. The Bureau has a political role in paving the way towards further progress<br />
at the next round of climate negotiations, scheduled to wrap up in COP17 to be held in<br />
December 2011,Durban, South Africa.<br />
166
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Tuvalu continued to maintain its coordinating efforts in the implementation of the<br />
UNFCCC process through attending UNFCCC negotiation processes and COPs.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Climate Change Unit in the Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department and the<br />
National Climate Change Committee is the mandated government entity to oversee the<br />
implementation of all climate change activities emanating from the UNFCCC or through<br />
any bilateral or multilateral initiatives.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong>’s options paper on the management of climate<br />
change assistance will be considered by FEMM in July 2011 and by <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders in<br />
September 2011 at the <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders Meeting.<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Anticipating approval on the full project proposal to the UNFCCC Fund Board.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• There would be available to Kiribati benefits through aid funds to be made available for incountry<br />
activities addressing climate change. However, more importantly it is anticipated<br />
that there will be agreement on levels of green house gas reductions, for the globe and for<br />
groups of countries and individual countries up to and beyond 2012.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Full engagement in UNFCCC priorities and <strong>Pacific</strong> regional climate change forums.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• To make use of the opportunities by accessing the Fast Start Financing promised during<br />
COP15 (for projects on mitigation and adaptation) before the deadline in 2012. At the<br />
same time parties must work diligently to come to an agreement in this year’s last climate<br />
change talks before COP17 in South Africa.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Given that some issues in Cancun were glossed over and not fully resolved, progress is<br />
anticipated over the following issues;<br />
• develop a more focus process to eventually get greater emission cuts. Right now, the<br />
emissions pledges do not come close to “below 2 degrees” and need more from all though<br />
it will be a difficult political process;<br />
• need to get a work plan leading up to COP17 which provides more specifics on “loss and<br />
damage”; and<br />
• Need to confront the extension of the Kyoto Protocol. The reason for pushing this is<br />
trying to get a firm balance on the long term cooperative action track for all nations, and<br />
especially all major emitters.<br />
167
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Creative engagement in the UNFCCC negotiation for a second commitment period to<br />
continue the Kyoto Protocol.<br />
• Kick-start work on National Adaptation Programme of Action as per UNFCCC decision<br />
that focus on medium and long-term adaptation needs.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The regional project on the <strong>Pacific</strong> Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) which envisages<br />
to reduce vulnerability and to increase adaptive capacity to adverse effects of climate<br />
change in key development sectors. The PACC will be piloted on Shefa province (Epi<br />
Island) and will focus on climate proofing coastal infrastructure.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• The possibility that the UNFCCC funded project may not be approved.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Uncertainties about the funds under the Copenhagen Accord (CA) and over the<br />
procedures to tap into these funds. To date Government of Kiribati has not received any<br />
funding under the Copenhagen Accord.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Inability to come to an agreement at COP17, and not getting the fullest potential of<br />
funding from COP 15 due to lack of proposals turned in for review.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Regarding “loss and damage”, Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> (and the <strong>Pacific</strong>) needs to do<br />
more on this, to see what models (such as trust fund) best fit the <strong>Pacific</strong>, in addition to<br />
an “insurance” model. This is a clear development barrier but we have to work through<br />
some complex questions like how we define the “baseline” or valuation for the insurance<br />
scheme.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• There is no risk to the Department of Environment in implementing this process.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Delay in disbursement of funds to implement the <strong>Pacific</strong> Adaptation to Climate Change<br />
project and activities.<br />
168
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iv)<br />
Enhancing the resilience of ecological systems and associated biodiversity and providing<br />
ecosystem services with a focus on the impacts of climate change in line with the Year of<br />
Biodiversity in 2010.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati (through Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural<br />
Development) has:<br />
- developed a Biodiversity Bill which will be read (second and last Reading) in next Parliament<br />
sitting in June/July 2011;<br />
- established lease agreements with landlords/landladies for water collection areas and<br />
develop policies to protect these areas;<br />
- improved control and security for sand and gravel mining;<br />
- about 72,000 mangroves planted in places where erosion is badly experienced in<br />
Tarawa and in some outer islands;<br />
- implemented awareness programs for the promotion of agroforestry in outer islands;<br />
- enforcement and implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment process as<br />
stipulated in the Environment Act 2009;<br />
- developed policy papers for improving initiatives/strategies to address climate change<br />
impacts; and<br />
- about 40,000 coconut trees planted in several targeted outer islands.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Support for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Invasives Initiative throughout the reporting period and funding to<br />
SPREP.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Protected Areas Network, the Micronesian Challenge, Palau Conservation Society,<br />
and Palau International Coral Reef Centre all play roles in the protection, conservation,<br />
and preservation of Palau’s biodiversity with respect to the impacts of climate change. Not<br />
only is this done through their resilient efforts for greater public awareness, but there are<br />
also laws in place to protect the biodiversity and ecological systems, with punishment<br />
resulting in fines or jail time.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The monitoring and strengthening of existing conservation areas on all islands by Island<br />
Councils (Kaupule) have enhanced the resilience of ecological systems and biodiversities.<br />
169
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Completed lagoon habitat maps and oceanographic baseline data collected in Rarotonga<br />
Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, to assist government to understand lagoon ecological processes and to act as<br />
a baseline for the detection of environmental change.<br />
• Completion of baseline date collection and modelling to improve ecological<br />
understanding, water flow patterns and possible pollution pathways in Saipan Lagoon,<br />
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP’s Institute of Applied Science supports the community- based management of coral<br />
reefs to enhance their resilience to climate change. It has worked on reforestation in three<br />
districts for watershed management and resilience to climate change. USP’s scientists are<br />
also studying the biodiversity of cloud forests as a baseline to interpret future effects of<br />
climate change, and are gathering data on biodiversity plots in a corridor from ridge to reef<br />
to monitor future changes that may be due to Climate Change.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• More activities on biodiversity protection, conservation and enhancement, and wider<br />
and more extensive coverage of the geographic extent of Kiribati with such activities are<br />
desired, for example mangroves replanting.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Support for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Invasives Initiative throughout the reporting period and funding<br />
to SPREP, but anticipated increase in <strong>Pacific</strong> Invasives Species management through the<br />
design and implementation of a new partnership activity.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Increase of the Green Fee, which is the departure tax paid by departing visitors to assist in<br />
funding conservation efforts.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Continue to pursue initiatives as outlined above.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• The activities mentioned above will continue in the next year.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Ignorance of the issue and lack of funding or shift in political and government priorities.<br />
170
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Since the conservation areas were managed through traditional arrangement by<br />
communities themselves, there was no related risk to the Department of Environment.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community<br />
• Yes, continual cuts to programmatic funding and elevated reliance on project based<br />
funding places regional technical support services, such as those of the Ocean & islands<br />
Programme, under untenable strain. It is not possible to maintain such a technical service<br />
to members unless adequate programmatic funding is made available.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(v)<br />
Assisting with the assessment called for by the United Nations General Assembly<br />
Resolution A/Res/63/281 Climate Change and its possible security implications.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• This has been followed up internationally and Kiribati has been invited at times to<br />
participate in key forums on the issue.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Full engagement in UNFCCC priorities and <strong>Pacific</strong> regional climate change forums.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• According to the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) during the climate<br />
change talks last June 2011 in Germany, the Security Council is to meet in September<br />
2011. A proposed meeting of AOSIS members is to take place beforehand to discuss the<br />
issue further.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Full recognition of this issue and for this to be linked with measures to guarantee<br />
avoidance of ultimate plights of those who would be displaced if measures to address<br />
climate change should prove to be inadequate.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Full engagement in UNFCCC priorities and <strong>Pacific</strong> regional climate change forums.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The UN Security Council is to take up this issue come September 2010 assembly in New<br />
York.<br />
171
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of agreement from heads of states for lobbying at the UN Security Council.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(vi)<br />
Strengthening data collection and analysis for improved climatic monitoring and<br />
preparedness through integrated whole-system approaches.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia has supported two long-standing projects to strengthen data collection for<br />
improved climatic monitoring and preparedness:<br />
- the South <strong>Pacific</strong> Sea Level and Climate Monitoring Project, which has collected<br />
records of changes in absolute sea levels for 19 years. Data will inform <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries governments’ risk assessments, planning and vulnerability reduction efforts;<br />
and<br />
- the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Climate Prediction Project, which supports <strong>Pacific</strong> national meteorological<br />
services in developing long range rainfall predictions and helping climatesensitive<br />
industries and public utilities to use them effectively.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Some activities under the Kiribati Adaptation Project II (KAP) intend to provide<br />
equipment for Kiribati Meteorological Services, and personnel participated in regional<br />
projects on capacity building.<br />
• Analysis of data is also carried out by the Environment and Conservation Division of<br />
Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agricultural Development (MELAD).<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand continues to fund the production of the Island Climate Update, administered<br />
by SPREP.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Palau International Coral Reef Centre (PICRC) launched a database to help monitor<br />
Palau’s marine resource, aiming to standardize information on data gathered from the<br />
field. The new database, financed by the Micronesian Conservation Trust and Palau<br />
Automated Land and Resource Information System, will be more user-friendly and will<br />
maintain the integrity of the data gathered, being able to provide a summary of the useful<br />
172
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
information. Persons or states, especially those with marine protected areas, are welcomed<br />
to learn how to use the database.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• A team from the Australian <strong>Pacific</strong> Climate Change Science Program (APCCSP) spent a<br />
week in Majuro training staff from national government ministries, agencies, academic<br />
institutes as well as non-governmental organisations in the use of two new computer –<br />
based climate science tools. A key part of the PCCSP has been developing computer based<br />
tools to support the role of national weather service offices in partner countries.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Some achievements were made through participation of the Tuvalu Meteorological<br />
Service in the APCCSP and in the Severe Weather Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction<br />
Demonstration Project (SWFDDP) in Region Association V – South <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. Both<br />
activities are currently ongoing.<br />
• Under the APCCSP, assistance received was in the form building capacity of Met staff<br />
through trainings and meetings, and a few equipments. Other benefits from the Project<br />
included, such as networking with people who can offer help on climate science<br />
information, getting new and up to date information on climate variability, climate<br />
change and what may happen to the country’s climate in the future.<br />
• The SWFDDP provides useful internet online access to a website called MetConnect<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> where all relevant information for preparing forecasts and warnings are available.<br />
The availability of this information is a resource to improve ability of the Tuvalu Met<br />
Service to forecast severe weather events.<br />
• Another achievement was the endorsement in June 2010 of Tuvalu becoming a member<br />
to the World Meteorological Organization. This represents a great national success which<br />
will open up more assistance to Tuvalu from the organisation that has an authoritative<br />
voice on weather, climate and water.<br />
• Planting of protective trees “togo” in coastal waters at Nanumea and Funafuti are seen<br />
as achievements that influence the build-up of resilience of social-ecological systems to<br />
absorb recurring extremes such as tropical cyclones and swells. In fact, the activity will<br />
also protect the island should a tsunami hit.<br />
• The Department of Meteorological Services continued and maintained its climatic data<br />
collection and analysis.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• A Climate Baseline Report was developed in 2010 following the Second National<br />
Communications Project (SNC) funded climate data digitization programme. This will<br />
enable the compilation of climate, environmental and socio-economic baselines in 2011.<br />
• Completion of the agriculture sector greenhouse gas inventory work from data collection<br />
to data analysis.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division continues to support the ongoing monitoring of sea level and climate<br />
data in 12 locations across the region through the SPSLCMP (South <strong>Pacific</strong> Sea Level and<br />
Climate Monitoring Project). Additionally, SPC has linked tasks in the area of shoreline<br />
monitoring (PRISMS – <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Island Shoreline Monitoring System) and salinity<br />
monitoring in the Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Atolls given their critical issues of coastal vulnerability<br />
related to climate change.<br />
173
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia will continue to support data collection for improved climatic monitoring and<br />
will integrate the above mentioned two projects into a single program by 2012.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Full recognition of this improved climate monitoring and preparedness issue and for this<br />
to be linked with measures to guarantee avoidance of ultimate plights of those who would<br />
be displaced if measures to address climate change should prove to be inadequate.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Continued support for the Island Climate Update and a broader review of the provision of<br />
climate forecast information/service for the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Development of a standard indicator on what measures will be used in monitoring the<br />
marine resources within the region, approved during the Micronesian Challenge Measures<br />
Meeting held last February-March by representatives from Palau, Federated States of<br />
Micronesia, Guam, Saipan and Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>. Technical Assistance provided by JICA<br />
will train staff on how to use the database and the information gathered. Security and<br />
backup protocols for the database need to be developed.<br />
• Another team at APCCSP is working with the Office of Environmental Response and<br />
Coordination in assisting the Palau Automated Land and Resources Information System<br />
toward data collection as well.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Continue to pursue assistance to support institutional strengthening of the Meteorology<br />
department, to build the capacity of indigenous people in climate science, to establish an<br />
early climate warning system in the meteorology department.<br />
• Improved quality of weather forecasts and climate predictions and their lead time in<br />
alerting severe weather events and the extreme climate events is a supporting response to<br />
mitigate risk from disasters caused from weather and climate.<br />
• Advocate the planting of indigenous trees such as fala and felo that are edible and can<br />
stand the strong winds and tolerate droughts. These trees can also become climate<br />
monitoring instruments also because if they show signs of decay and dying, we<br />
presumably can tell the pace at which climate has changed.<br />
• The Department of Meteorological Services will continue and maintain its climatic data<br />
collection and analysis.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The compilation and finalization of the report on the greenhouse gas inventory work in<br />
the Agriculture sector.<br />
• New version and upgrade of the VanuaCLIM climate change model will commence in<br />
2011.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Phase V of the SPSLCMP is expected to be implemented from Feb 2012. The associated<br />
Observation Network Upgrade Project, which will improve the detection capacity and<br />
lifespan of the SPSLCMP array, is also underway.<br />
174
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Still searching for funding support for the scheme and to provide infrastructure to get<br />
away with the manual time consuming quality checks of meteorological observations and<br />
climatological data.<br />
• A major issue in the implementation of APCCSP and SWFDDP is the lack of capacity<br />
and limited number of staff in the department to carry out climate tasks and weather<br />
forecasting duties. In the current structure of the department, the climate section does not<br />
exist, therefore climate jobs and duties and any climate related tasks have been loaded on<br />
to the two existing staff, This has created a lot of stress on these staffs and problems for the<br />
department.<br />
• Getting the paper work completed by designated authorities within the government is<br />
an issue that is impacting the Meteorology department since the decision was passed by<br />
Cabinet.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The reduction in New Zealand government programme funding for 2011 will negatively<br />
impact both shoreline monitoring work in Central <strong>Pacific</strong> Atolls and salinity monitoring<br />
efforts.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(vii)<br />
Building scientific capacity across the region through strategic partnerships with bodies<br />
such as the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, and an expansion in scientific<br />
education and training programmes.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Participation of nationals in regional workshops that are organized under the auspices of<br />
the IPCC and UNFCCC.<br />
• Some measures of collaboration between international scientists assigned to undertake<br />
studies on Kiribati related to climate change impacts, and national technical personnel.<br />
• Mentoring by the international scientists can be useful to build the capacity of nationals.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand fully engages in the IPCC and secured a number of author positions for the<br />
upcoming fifth assessment report.<br />
175
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Scientific capacity building still continued and maintained through collaborative<br />
partnerships with regional organizations and institutions such as SPREP, UNDP, SPC, GIZ<br />
and the USP; as well with international affiliated counterparts such as IPCC.<br />
• Access to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scholarship programme from 2010.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Three week long regional workshop on the Assessment of Climate Change Impacts in<br />
agriculture organized by the Cuban National Meteorology Institute and by UNDP, in<br />
collaboration with SPREP and SPC covering impact assessments, weather and climate<br />
forecasts for agriculture and the models that determine crop production based on climate<br />
change.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• The University offers postgraduate courses on climate change. The Postgraduate Diploma<br />
is relevant to anyone involved with planning for natural resources, economic and<br />
social development, and/or the natural environment, especially graduates working in<br />
governments or non-governmental organisations who are not yet familiar with climaterelated<br />
issues but need to be so. With funding from EU and AusAID, research students and<br />
staff will have the opportunity to engage in exchange visits with centres of excellence to<br />
take up new and innovative research that is relevant to the <strong>Pacific</strong> region.<br />
• In terms of USP’s partnership with IPCC, key staff members are engaged in research and<br />
the writing of chapters that contribute to the Fifth Assessment Report.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The SPC SOPAC Division supports IPCC process through the provision of input into the<br />
Fifth Assessment Report on the Small <strong>Islands</strong> Chapter. The SPC SOPAC Division provided<br />
a Lead Author to IPCC’s Working Group II - Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Continued input to the work of the IPCC through its working group and on the Bureau.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Such collaborative partnership will continue in the future.<br />
• Advocate the opening up the scholarship programme to all ages and not only will those<br />
who are young be more suitable for island countries and also not discriminative.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The development of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fifth Assessment<br />
Report is underway and expected to be released in 2013. SPC SOPAC Division will<br />
continue to support this effort.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• Staff and students exchange visits will be successful, and will see those involved returning<br />
with acquired skills and knowledge that will be used to address the issues of the impacts of<br />
climate change in the region more appropriately.<br />
176
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The age-discriminatory nature of the scholarship program is an issue that does not cater<br />
for different needs of countries.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Competing time constraints.<br />
• Limited financial resources and technical capacity to invest in appropriate adaptation and<br />
mitigation actions.<br />
• Limited reliable information on specific impacts of climate change for different countries<br />
and the relative timing and severity of these impacts which makes targeting and<br />
prioritising response difficult.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(viii)<br />
Building support, with the assistance of regional and international partners, for the new<br />
Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food security, and capitalising<br />
on the offer made by Papua New Guinea and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> to share relevant lessons<br />
learned.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Initial consultation was undertaken in July 2010 with the Australian Government’s three<br />
priority countries for Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) support. Of the <strong>Pacific</strong> countries, these<br />
include Papua New Guinea and the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>. The purpose of this consultation<br />
was to meet and establish positive working relationships with respective counterparts and<br />
identify priority needs in their CTI National Plans of Action (NPOA) that would benefit<br />
from Australian Government support. This support is being provided as part of the AUD3<br />
million grant from AusAID for CTI Support, managed by the Department of Sustainability,<br />
Environment, Water, Population and Communities. In addition, AUD245,000 has been<br />
obtained through AusAID’s <strong>Pacific</strong> Public Sector Linkages Program (PPSLP) for specific<br />
governance support to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• At the regional level, work has been ongoing to support the transition from an interim to<br />
a Permanent CTI <strong>Secretariat</strong>. This has included provision of a range of technical expertise,<br />
including legal drafting and advice, organisational planning and communications<br />
support. This support has been provided to the working groups of the Interim <strong>Secretariat</strong>,<br />
which is currently hosted by Indonesia. Although support to the Interim <strong>Secretariat</strong> is<br />
outside of the <strong>Pacific</strong>, the establishment of a Permanent <strong>Secretariat</strong> will have positive flow<br />
on benefits to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, and to the effectiveness and<br />
longevity of this regional forum as a whole.<br />
177
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Support to SPREP and relevant UN system agencies and processes.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs did not include Palau.<br />
• Palau adheres to the Micronesian Challenge. The Micronesia Challenge is a commitment<br />
by the Chief Executives of the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, the<br />
Federated States of Micronesia, the US Territory of Guam, and the Commonwealth of the<br />
Northern Mariana <strong>Islands</strong> to “effectively conserve at least 30% of the near-shore marine<br />
and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by the year 2020.” The Protected<br />
Areas Network is the framework agreed upon by government and non-government<br />
organizations to fulfil this commitment.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP’s Institute of Applied Science has provided consultancy services to the development<br />
of the Coral Triangle Initiative, and will be the main implementer of the capacity building<br />
component.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The next 12 months will see the implementation of phase one of the Australian<br />
Government CTI Support Plan and the PSLP grant. This includes support to nongovernment<br />
and community-based organisations in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, to undertake activities that support National Plan of Action priorities. It will also<br />
involve direct support to government counterparts to improve their capacity to engage in<br />
the CTI.<br />
• Planning for phase two with priority countries will be undertaken concurrently during<br />
phase one implementation.<br />
• Regionally, it is anticipated that the legal documents required to establish the Permanent<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> will be signed by the CTI countries at the Third Ministerial meeting. This will<br />
be a significant milestone in the evolution of the CTI.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau being at the end of the biodiversity current of the world, there are many benefits<br />
of joining the Coral Reef Triangle Initiative. Senior officials will discuss Palau’s<br />
reengagement with the Initiative.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of political will, shift in priorities.<br />
178
| D |<br />
Achieving stronger<br />
national development<br />
through better governance<br />
179
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(i)<br />
Demonstrating strong national leadership and enhanced regional attention to accelerate<br />
improvements to development coordination in the region, to maximise the effectiveness<br />
and impact of the resources of <strong>Pacific</strong> island governments and development partners to<br />
make faster progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia has strongly supported regional efforts to strengthen development coordination<br />
and effectiveness through implementation of the Cairns Compact on Strengthening<br />
Development Coordination in the <strong>Pacific</strong>. Working closely with PIFS, other <strong>Forum</strong><br />
members and development partners, Australia has made a significant contribution to the<br />
substantial progress that has been made to date. Specific contributions from Australia<br />
include:<br />
- preparing a Development Partner Report on Australia’s efforts to reduce aid fragmentation,<br />
ease the burden of aid administration and improve development effectiveness;<br />
- participation in the Technical Working Group supporting preparation of the 2010<br />
MDG Tracking Report;<br />
- funding for PIFS’ work to manage implementation of the Compact (AUD1.41 million<br />
for 2010-2011); and<br />
- convening a high level informal consultative group of key development partners<br />
to support implementation of the Cairns Compact (comprising ADB, Australia, EU,<br />
France, Japan, New Zealand, United States of America, UNDP, World Bank and PIFS).<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Key development Ministries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and Ministry<br />
of Finance & Economic Development) have collaboratively worked together to improve<br />
reporting mechanism internally and for developing reports for external, regional and<br />
global requests.<br />
• Regular meetings and consultations with development partners have also been effectively<br />
undertaken.<br />
• Government of Kiribati has launched its Public Financial Management Plan (PFMP) which<br />
accomplished one of the peer review recommendations.<br />
• Several initiatives had been undertaken to complement/accomplish the peer review<br />
recommendations, such as the establishment of a working group that would provide input<br />
on priorities selected for reform under the PFMP, and ensure result-oriented guidance and<br />
monitoring of a balanced coordination between prioritised PFMP reform activities and<br />
broader economic and structural reform priorities.<br />
180<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand actively supports development coordination by assisting PIFS with Cairns<br />
(<strong>Forum</strong>) Compact implementation with funding and analytical support.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• New Zealand Aid Programme is operationalising the Compact as part of its own<br />
operations. New Zealand actively supports <strong>Pacific</strong>-country led donor coordination<br />
mechanisms at national and sectoral level, and supports sector wide approaches in a<br />
number of <strong>Pacific</strong> countries.<br />
• New Zealand has also supported the 2011 Vanuatu Compact peer review as a peer<br />
reviewer.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• A delegation from Palau participated in a Cairns Compact Workshop in February 2011.<br />
The trip established better communication between the <strong>Forum</strong> and Palau’s Ministry<br />
of Finance, more specifically in the area of the Cairns Compact. In correlation to this,<br />
PIFS assisted the Republic with the Paris Declaration Monitoring Survey. This survey is<br />
imperative in the area of aid effectiveness and ultimately lays down a better understanding<br />
of the country’s development coordination system, the main element of the Cairns<br />
Compact.<br />
• The Director and Special Assistant from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industry and<br />
Commerce attended the roundtable discussions on regional Aid for Trade and a workshop<br />
on a Development Cooperation chapter for the EU EPA.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• PIFS supported the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> with the Paris Declaration Monitoring<br />
Survey.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Consultation process held for the Mid-term Review of Te Kakeega.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The national governments Priority Action Agenda 2006 - 2015 is recognized amongst<br />
government and donor partners as the top level policy of Vanuatu’s development<br />
direction. The 2009 Annual Development Report, which provides a snapshot on the<br />
progress and challenges in the PAA, and the Plan Long Act Short matrix, were launched in<br />
September 2010.<br />
• Vanuatu has acknowledged the importance of the Cairns Compact on Strengthening<br />
Development Coordination and had a peer review in February 2011.<br />
• Reviews of the progress of the Priority Action Agenda was undertaken to update it. The<br />
review highlighted a number of cross-cutting issues either requiring further attention or of<br />
which have not received much attention.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• In its responsibility to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the Cairns (<strong>Forum</strong>)<br />
Compact, the <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> convened a regional workshop in February 2011 to<br />
engage <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries and development partners to provide guidance on:<br />
priority actions to strengthen development coordination; the thematic focus of the 2011-<br />
2013 Regional MDG reports; and policy work on climate change financing and role of<br />
Economic Ministers in the <strong>Forum</strong> Compact.<br />
• In addition to the peer reviews of Kiribati and Nauru in 2010, the <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong><br />
convened and facilitated three additional peer reviews in Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Niue in<br />
2011. Peer review teams comprised of senior officials from the Nauru, Papua New Guinea,<br />
Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu with development partner representation on the peer review<br />
181
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
teams from New Zealand, UNESCAP and Australia.<br />
• The peer reviews provided an opportunity to assess development and budget planning<br />
processes, aid coordination mechanisms and the involvement of all development<br />
stakeholders in these processes, through peer to peer leaning and exchange between<br />
countries and development partners. Recommendations from the peer review process<br />
targeted actions that would achieve immediate gains for both countries and development<br />
partners built on the fundamental premise of country leadership and ownership.<br />
• Country reports were received through the Paris Declaration Monitoring Survey and<br />
Evaluation process from Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> outlining results on progress made on implementation of the Paris<br />
Declaration and recommendations for strengthening relevant structures and processes for<br />
improving aid effectiveness.<br />
• PIFS supported the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
and Palau in undertaking self assessments of the strengths and challenges of their<br />
existing systems and processes of national planning, budgeting, public financial and aid<br />
management processes. Priority areas of focus were identified for the governments to<br />
consider supporting existing efforts in development coordination. The assessments were<br />
based on the Paris Monitoring Survey questionnaires to ensure consistency of information<br />
across the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Development partners reported on their efforts to apply aid effectiveness principles in<br />
their bilateral and multilateral programmes with a view to developing performance<br />
measures to monitor good practice in their engagement with partner countries. To<br />
maintain consistency across <strong>Forum</strong> Compact reporting, development partners used the<br />
Donor Questionnaire of the Paris Declaration Monitoring Survey and provided data for<br />
those <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries who had not participated in the global monitoring of the<br />
Paris Declaration.<br />
• In assessing the overall state of development coordination in the region, the annual<br />
Tracking the Effectiveness of Development Efforts Report was published and endorsed by<br />
the <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders in September 2011. The report combines the key messages from the<br />
Compact deliverables, with recommendations aimed at specific actions for <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries and development partners to strengthen development coordination efforts and<br />
results. This also included the key <strong>Pacific</strong> messages for the 4th High Level <strong>Forum</strong> on Aid<br />
Effectiveness scheduled for Busan, Republic of Korea in November 2011.<br />
• Tracking MDGs progress remains a central part of PIFS responsibilities under the Compact.<br />
The 2011 MDG <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Tracking Report was endorsed by the <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders in<br />
September 2011. The thematic focus of the 2011 Report was on ‘Health’, focussing on the<br />
progress, constraints and key intervention policies to accelerate the achievement of the<br />
health-related MDGs, including NCDs. Although NCDs are not included in the global<br />
MDG targets, majority of <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries included combating NCDs as part of its<br />
national MDG targets. The 2011 Report highlighted that excluding Papua New Guinea,<br />
the region is on track towards reducing child mortality, with mixed progress on all the<br />
other goals. Polynesia’s progress is comparatively better than any other sub-region, with<br />
Micronesia not on track for any goal.<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> in collaboration with New Zealand and PIPSO coordinated and<br />
convened the High Level Private Sector Dialogue with <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders in Auckland. The<br />
meeting brought together key private sector representatives from <strong>Forum</strong> countries,<br />
discussing with Leaders opportunities for private sector financing and the importance of<br />
strengthening the enabling environment for private sector growth.<br />
182
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> is facilitating and leading the regional and international<br />
preparations and engagement of the <strong>Pacific</strong> in international preparations and shaping of<br />
the agenda for 4th High Level <strong>Forum</strong> on Aid Effectiveness in Busan Korea.<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> is also facilitating <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries involvement in<br />
finalising the global Partner Country Position paper highlighting the views and<br />
perspectives of partner countries to inform the agenda and outcomes document for Busan<br />
pushing for <strong>Pacific</strong> positions and consideration of special situations of (SIDS) to be made<br />
explicit in global partner country positions.<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> is collaborating with the PIFTAC to facilitate the implementation<br />
of the Public Financial Management Road Map. As a result of the efforts of <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries and PIFTAC on the Public Financial Management Road map and through efforts<br />
of ADB and EU, numerous public expenditure and financial accountabilities have been<br />
implemented across <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries resulting in significant Public Financial<br />
Management reforms to improve Public Financial Management systems.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia will continue to strongly support this work through the Cairns Compact,<br />
and will be an active participant in, and advocate for, regional initiatives to advance<br />
development effectiveness and coordination. This will include continued involvement<br />
in the Cairns Compact Development Partner Group which will play an important role in<br />
building partner consensus on actions required to improve development coordination in<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Negotiations are still underway between Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration<br />
and Ministry of Finance & Economic Development to expand the terms of references of<br />
the current MDG Task Force to coordinate reporting mechanisms of the Government of<br />
Kiribati’s commitments to regional and global reporting requirements.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Continued support for implementation of the Cairns (<strong>Forum</strong>) Compact at both national<br />
and regional level.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Better communication and coordination between the Grant Office and all other<br />
departments and bureaus in the country.<br />
• Palau needs to centralize an office to track donor development assistance. We have the<br />
Office of Budget and Grant Oversight, an ideal candidate; however the intention for this<br />
office was more for national fiscal administrative measures. Hence, Palau needs an office,<br />
not only to serve as a clearing-house, but also to document and keep an institutional<br />
memory of all assistance and how it applies in accordance with our national priorities.<br />
This will allow us to determine where the gaps are and provide donors a better idea of<br />
where their assistance is best placed.<br />
183
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Experience from the <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries who are most advanced in managing their<br />
relationships with development partners.<br />
• Government to review and then identify next steps to progress towards fully controlling<br />
and managing their development agenda that takes into account their domestic and<br />
external resources.<br />
• Participate in the peer review process in 2012.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Undertake the mid- term review of Te Kakeega.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Familiarising parliamentarians with monitoring reports on the Priority Action Plan<br />
and a program to support them in finding and using information on the Action Plan to<br />
contribute effectively on discussions regarding Vanuatu development plans.<br />
• Consultation on the updated Priority Action Plan and strengthening policy objectives and<br />
strategies in areas of climate change, disaster risk reduction, gender mainstreaming and<br />
youth.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• Facilitate and convene peer reviews for those countries expressing interest to undertake<br />
the peer review process.<br />
• Facilitate a coordinated approach within PIFS and across development partners to support<br />
the implementation of peer review, country report and development partner reports’<br />
recommendations and actions.<br />
• Consult on and establish a regional mechanism for south-south/triangular cooperation to<br />
ensure practical support to <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries that have undertaken peer reviews to<br />
strengthen development coordination including through implementation of their peer<br />
review recommendations.<br />
• Prepare and share widely within the <strong>Pacific</strong> and globally, good development coordination<br />
practices of governments and development partners gathered over the past two years.<br />
• Follow up and track progress of <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries and development partners in<br />
implementing priority development coordination actions including the peer review and<br />
Country Note recommendations.<br />
• Performance measures developed for monitoring development partner good practice.<br />
• Establish a monitoring framework for the implementation of the <strong>Forum</strong> Compact.<br />
• Resource mobilisation to support PIFS coordination and implementation of <strong>Forum</strong><br />
Compact and associated aid effectiveness efforts – both country and regional levels.<br />
• Streamlined country and development partner reporting on development coordination<br />
progress and results.<br />
• Regional reporting on development partner performance and tracking effectiveness of<br />
development efforts.<br />
• 2012 <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional MDGs Tracking Report with the thematic emphasis on Poverty.<br />
184
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The Cairns Compact is a long term endeavour whose success depends on the sustained<br />
commitment and participation of <strong>Forum</strong> members, development partners and other<br />
stakeholders. The benefits of better development coordination – more effective use<br />
of development resources, reduced administrative burden for countries, improved<br />
information to guide decision-making – will only be fully realised over time. As such there<br />
is a risk that insufficient commitment from key parties will undermine achievement of<br />
these important objectives.<br />
• Adopting new, more coordinated approaches to delivering development assistance<br />
requires changes in practice, and in perspective. There is a risk that Australia, along<br />
with other <strong>Forum</strong> members and partners, will not manage the transition to these new<br />
approaches effectively, which would also undermine achievement of objectives.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of resources or qualified personnel.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• While the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> does not have a National Sustainable<br />
Development Plan, the vision 2018 is actually quite similar to other National Sustainable<br />
Development Plans in the <strong>Pacific</strong> but recognize that there is a need for a more operational<br />
strategy to guide sector planning and budgeting.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The lack of linking the Priority Action Plan, budgeting process and the corporate plans of<br />
respective ministries.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• Sufficient resource mobilisation for PIFS efforts to support implementation of<br />
recommendations from Compact deliverables, and also resources for <strong>Forum</strong> Island<br />
Countries themselves to implement the recommendations remains a risk to ensure<br />
sustainability of the Compact’s work.<br />
• Coordination and streamlining Compact work into existing regional and country<br />
programmes of both <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries and development partners presupposes<br />
support across all stakeholders for the Compact – significant work still remains to leverage<br />
some <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries and development partners to recognise the value of the<br />
Compact process.<br />
185
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(ii)<br />
Committing to sustainable and appropriate collection and compilation of statistics,<br />
information management and records-keeping, to ensure the development and<br />
implementation of better-informed national policy.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia has provided an estimated AUD6.9 million this financial year to improve data<br />
across the <strong>Pacific</strong>. This funding will support implementation of the <strong>Pacific</strong> region’s Ten-<br />
Year <strong>Pacific</strong> Statistics Strategy, through:<br />
• AUD1.6 million to support the Statistics and Demography Programme at the SPC, which<br />
provides technical assistance and training to <strong>Pacific</strong> countries across a broad spectrum<br />
of statistics. This includes planning, implementing and evaluating censuses and major<br />
household surveys, strengthening administrative databases and compiling economic<br />
indicators such as national accounts. SPC also maintains the regional Minimum National<br />
Development Indicators database and the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional MDG database.<br />
• AUD1 million for the Australian Bureau of Statistics to provide technical support and<br />
capacity building for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island National Statistics Offices.<br />
• Core funding of PFTAC, which provides advice and capacity building in four main areas<br />
of financial and economic policy formulation and management, including economic and<br />
financial statistics (approximately AUD250,000 for statistics).<br />
• AUD300,000 to the Partnerships in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century<br />
(PARIS21) for their work to strengthen statistical capacity in the <strong>Pacific</strong> region. PARIS21<br />
assists low-income countries in the development, implementation and monitoring of<br />
National Strategies for the Development of Statistics.<br />
• Approximately AUD3.7 million through bilateral programs to support the roll-out of<br />
surveys in country and strengthen sectoral data (recent examples include Papua New<br />
Guinea Household Income and Expenditure Survey; Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Kiribati<br />
censuses; education, health and transport management information systems in Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Nauru and Papua New Guinea respectively).<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The National Statistics Unit has completed the 2010 Population Census with the<br />
assistance of the SPC <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Information System (PRISM).<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme funds the <strong>Pacific</strong> Judicial Development Programme<br />
(PJDP) which will help to build the capacity of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island judiciaries and courts to<br />
improve case management and record keeping to enable prompt access to justice for<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> communities.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Island data profiling project works toward this objective.<br />
186
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• National data collation on Vanuatu’s labour shortages and surpluses to assist with<br />
labour mobility policy. The national Statistics Office was also awarded a Certificate of<br />
Appreciation for the quality of data and statistics collected and shared to all levels of<br />
governance and civil society.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Capacity building/training<br />
• Capacity transfer and skills development have been integrated into all aspects of Statistics<br />
for Development work, with an emphasis on training national statistical officers to<br />
undertake census and household survey field operations, including field edits, data<br />
processing, tabulations, analysis and report writing. Of the 83 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories staff that received training or were on attachments during the report period, 50<br />
were female (or 60 percent).<br />
• Technical assistance totalling 138 person-weeks has been provided to 15 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries and Territories this year to date in support of national statistical systems.<br />
• Six staff from four <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories spent a total of 75 days on<br />
professional attachments with Statistics for Development in support of national census<br />
and survey analysis, geographic information system (GIS), satellite imagery and economic<br />
statistics.<br />
• Seventy four national statistical office and field staff from seven <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
and Territories received a total of 490 person-days of training during national and subregional<br />
workshops conducted in support of census planning and implementation,<br />
consumer price index compilation and the use of the International Household Survey<br />
Network (IHSN) toolkit.<br />
• Four staff members from the Kiribati National Statistics Office received 20 days of on-thejob<br />
training in international trade statistics.<br />
Population and Household Census, Household Income and Expenditure Surveys (HIES) and Demographic<br />
and Health Surveys (DHS)<br />
• 2010 census rounds in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and the Republic of the<br />
Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> are being implemented following technical assistance provided by SPC<br />
Statistics for Development.<br />
• SPC Statistics for Development provided assistance to Tonga and Tuvalu on their<br />
household income and expenditure surveys. Reports have been finalised and endorsed by<br />
government. The Kiribati demographic and health survey report and summary fact sheets<br />
have been published and were disseminated in May 2011.<br />
• Demographic and health surveys guide policy development work and anticipate future<br />
demand for social and other services, including health, education and housing. Household<br />
income and expenditure survey provide important information on household income, on<br />
expenditure, assists in the rebasing of consumer price indices, and also provides critical<br />
poverty benchmarks.<br />
Facilitating decision making health<br />
• Improved targeting of health interventions in Kiribati as a result of technical assistance<br />
and support provided by Statistics for Development to conduct, collect, analyse and<br />
publish a demographic and health survey for Kiribati. This report was been published and<br />
disseminated in May 2011.<br />
187
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• With technical support from Statistics for Development, senior health planners in Tuvalu<br />
are better informed about inequitable access to health services and other health concerns<br />
following the publication and dissemination of the Tuvalu demographic and health<br />
survey report and the Tuvalu ‘Facts and Figures at your Fingertips’ policy briefs.<br />
Minimum core dataset of development indicators<br />
• A third annual update of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Region’s MDG indicators was produced, and has<br />
been supplied to PIFS to feed into the annual tracking report; it has also been supplied to<br />
the UNDP <strong>Pacific</strong> Centre regional MDG database, to feed into the World MDG database.<br />
Multiple reporting by agencies, and inconsistent use of national and regional statistics,<br />
continues to jeopardize consistent reporting on development progress.<br />
• In parallel to this routine activity, development has begun in earnest in compiling a core<br />
list of development indicators across sectors, as mandated by the <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan. A stock-take<br />
report will be presented to the SPC Committee of Representatives of Governments and<br />
Administrators (CRGA) meeting in November 2011.<br />
Strategic and Corporate Activities<br />
• Development of the Ten-Year <strong>Pacific</strong> Statistics Strategy (TYPSS) and the associated <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Statistics Action Plan 2011-2014, which also provides the framework for the Statistics for<br />
Development programme’s own Strategic plan 2011-2014.<br />
• Long-term strategies for developing functioning national statistical systems are being<br />
guided by the gradual introduction of national strategies for the development of statistics.<br />
Four countries have committed to this process (Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Fiji and<br />
Tonga), with work well advanced in Samoa, which has completed its draft design in<br />
April 2011, and Papua New Guinea recently completing its “road map” to statistical<br />
development.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Information System (PRISM)<br />
• A publication of important regional economic and social statistical tables is occurring<br />
as part of the redevelopment of the SPC <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Information System (PRISM)<br />
website. Key developments include setting up a full test website for PRISM that includes<br />
an interactive map viewer, graphics system, and will include a table-builder in 2012.<br />
Comprehensive analyses of National Statistics Office website requirements were<br />
undertaken for Fiji <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa and Vanuatu, with training in article maintenance, file<br />
uploads and menu management.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP’s Faculty of Business and Economics recently launched a book based on papers<br />
presented at a joint United Nation Population Fund USP regional symposium on<br />
population and development in the <strong>Pacific</strong> held in December 2009. The book is a<br />
compilation of all the presentations and discussions. This publication is expected to be<br />
a comprehensive and useful resource for <strong>Pacific</strong> population and development policy<br />
makers, academics, students, development partners and the general public.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia is providing funding for SPC to strengthen the statistical capacity of <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island countries (AUD10 million over 4 years to 2013).<br />
188
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Initial technical assistance and training conducted to support planning and budgeting for<br />
implementation of regular censuses and surveys. Skills audits also need to be undertaken<br />
in National Statistics Offices across the <strong>Pacific</strong> and long-term training strategies developed.<br />
• We expect regional endorsement of the National Minimum Development Indicator<br />
dataset in 2011. Statistical master plans for five <strong>Pacific</strong> island countries should also be<br />
completed and approved by 2011.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The official release of the Population Census Report is scheduled soon.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme will continue to support initiatives such as the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Judicial Development Programme.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Continue the work on analysing data and disseminating them to stakeholders.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• In line with <strong>Pacific</strong> Statistics Action plan, Statistics for Development will continue to<br />
provide technical assistance and training support to countries across the full spectrum of<br />
population census and household survey activities.<br />
• A major new strategic initiative under TYPSS and the <strong>Pacific</strong> Statistics Action Plan will<br />
focus on strengthening national administrative databases to help fill data and information<br />
gaps in four priority sectors identified by the benchmarking study and TYPSS: economic<br />
sectors (which will include agricultural and also labour force statistics); vital statistics<br />
and civil registration; and health and education statistics and associated information<br />
management systems. A key outcome will be to make available data more accessible, fill<br />
critical data gaps in certain sectors, and to ensure existing databases are set up in such a<br />
way that they are able to produce real-time data (not just statistics referring to 2-3 years<br />
ago).<br />
• While the programme’s strategic and operational focus will be on strengthening the four<br />
thematic priority areas identified by the benchmarking study and the ten year strategy,<br />
assistance will also be provided, pending available resources such as staff time and budget,<br />
to assist other SPC programme areas (such as Human Development Programme with<br />
gender and cultural statistics; fisheries and agriculture), as well as contribute to crosssectoral<br />
policy priorities such as food security and climate change.<br />
• Begin implementing the <strong>Pacific</strong> region statistical development strategy and develop<br />
and manage a regional database on agreed core minimum development indicators.<br />
It will update MDG indicators for all 22 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories as its<br />
contribution to the annual regional MDG Tracking Report. It will continue the work<br />
undertaken during 2010 on harmonisation of standards regarding statistical collections<br />
and products.<br />
• In line with TYPSS priority objectives, the programme will also undertake a skills audit<br />
of staff of all <strong>Pacific</strong> island statistical agencies, with the results providing the empirical<br />
basis for developing a long-term <strong>Pacific</strong> statistics training strategy and human resources<br />
development plan.<br />
189
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Undertake a gap analysis for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories that have reported<br />
incomplete or poor civil registration and develop plans to improve their systems.<br />
• In collaboration with PFTAC and other potential providers of statistical assistance,<br />
SPC’s Statistics and Demography Programme (SDP) will coordinate assistance in the<br />
compilation of national accounts, including short-term capacity supplementation to assist<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories through arrangements for cooperative assistance<br />
between countries.<br />
• Planning for a demographic and health survey in Tonga has been completed and survey<br />
implementation, originally scheduled for 2011 has been postponed until 2012, due to<br />
Government of Tonga’s decision after the recent elections to hold a full population<br />
census at the end of 2011. Planning for such a survey is about to begin for Fiji, and funding<br />
permitting, will be implemented in 2012.<br />
• National planning, policy and statistical offices in Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu, the<br />
Federated States of Micronesia and development partners will have access to updated<br />
population census data before the end of 2011, as a result of technical support that has<br />
been provided by Statistics for Development with data processing, tabulation, analysis,<br />
report writing and dissemination of countries’ 2009 and 2010 census data. Similar analyses<br />
and reports will be forthcoming for Kiribati and the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> in<br />
early 2012.<br />
• In collaboration with Paris21, technical support will be provided to support the gradual<br />
implementation of national strategies for the development of statistics in Fiji <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Tonga.<br />
• Human Development Programme and Statistics for Development inaugural regional<br />
workshop on cultural statistics bringing together National Statistics Office and cultural<br />
agencies of nine countries held in collaboration with, and funded by the UNESCO<br />
Institute of Cultural Statistics with financial assistance from the UNESCO Office of <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
States and support from PIFS.<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• USP plans to introduce an Official Statistics programme, in partnership with UNFPA. The<br />
UNFPA - Fiji Economic Update took place in September 2011 in Suva and Nadi.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Consistent collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistics by national resources will<br />
see an increase in the use of such statistics for: national policy development; planning and<br />
lobbying; and informing development assistance decisions of financial/technical partners<br />
and other stakeholders.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Citizens might be reluctant to participate.<br />
190
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Generally, <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories’ national capacity to collect, process and<br />
analyse statistical data is limited due to staff and budgetary constraints, with few countries<br />
currently able to sustain key statistical collections with their own resources.<br />
• The lead times that some <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories schedule for planning<br />
and implementing censuses and printing relevant documents are still way too short, and<br />
collections are still more often than not undertaken when funding is available rather than<br />
in line with domestic policy development and planning requirements. Widespread lack of<br />
capacity to understand and properly use statistics across the board limits evidence-based<br />
decision making, planning and the regular tracking and reporting of policy performance<br />
and development progress. This lack of statistical literacy impacts on the ability to read<br />
and interpret numbers and time series, and transcend sectors from social statistics, such as<br />
gender statistics to health and economic data.<br />
• Concerted efforts will be undertaken during Phase 1 of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Statistics Action Plan<br />
to address this situation, targeting statisticians and policy analysts, as well a sectoral<br />
specialists and journalists.<br />
• Weak statistical legislation and limited enforcement capacity makes it difficult for <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries and Territories to collect economic statistics from businesses.<br />
• Limited financial resources are accorded to the regular collection of statistics across the<br />
board.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iii)<br />
Implementing efforts to allow for improved access to official information.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) funds the UNDP <strong>Pacific</strong> Centre to<br />
provide training and technical assistance to support freedom of information to the media.<br />
In previous years training has been provided in Palau, Nauru, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga<br />
and Vanuatu, as well as to regional policy-makers from 10 countries. Training has been<br />
followed up with technical assistance to a number of countries.<br />
• In 2010-2011, the program has particularly worked to build freedom of information<br />
approaches with the Government of Vanuatu and is working with the Commonwealth<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Governance Facility in support of the Tongan Government’s push to develop a<br />
freedom of information policy in 2011.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has provided funding to support initiatives aimed at increasing the demand<br />
for transparency and good governance at national levels within the <strong>Pacific</strong> region, and<br />
strengthening the integrity of institutions and the legislative environment to help<br />
promote improved access to official information.<br />
191
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• For instance, the New Zealand Aid Programme funds the Commonwealth Ombudsman<br />
Alliance, which provides organisational and institutional support to members of<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong> Ombudsman Alliance (POA) such as training in financial investigations,<br />
development of complaint handling systems, legislation development, and sharing of<br />
information.<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme also funds Transparency International (TI) in Fiji,<br />
Vanuatu, Tonga and the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>. TI is a global network of over 90 national TI<br />
Chapters, who work cross-sectorally to promote transparency in public administration,<br />
procurement and business. TI’s global network of national chapters and contacts use<br />
evidence based advocacy campaigns to lobby and support governments and businesses to<br />
undertake and implement anti-corruption reforms.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Article 4, Section 12 under the Fundamental Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of<br />
Palau states: “A citizen has the right to examine any government document and to observe<br />
the official deliberations of any agency of government.”<br />
• To ensure the Palauan citizens their fundamental right to the freedom of speech while<br />
discouraging the anonymous posting of false, libellous, or defamatory statements, a bill<br />
was proposed that takes action against, while at the same time protecting, anonymous<br />
writing. If comments by an anonymous writer are false and injurious to one’s personal<br />
reputation, business reputation, or other pecuniary interest the bill allows the victim to<br />
take action on identifying the anonymous writer.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The draft ICT Policy will assist in improving access to official information as within<br />
Government, the e-Government network system has been completed in early 2011 with<br />
the funding assistance from the Peoples Republic of China.<br />
• Rural internet connectivity pilot sites have been established in 2011 to allow more access<br />
by the wider community.<br />
• Training and capacity building for agricultural officers and meteorology officers to ensure<br />
information is passed on to farmers and those in the agricultural sector to support the<br />
increase of food security through weather services.<br />
• The completion of the e-Government network across all ministries.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Implementation of TYPSS priority objectives and associated activities are on track, with<br />
most planned activities implemented and completed on time. Those not implemented,<br />
such as completing the Papua New Guinea census cartography for the 2011 census or<br />
undertaking the 2011 Tonga Household Income and Expenditure Surveys, were outside<br />
our control.<br />
• Some delays were experienced with recruitment of two key positions due to our<br />
requirement to await final sign-off of priorities by the <strong>Pacific</strong> Statistics Steering Committee<br />
in March 2011.<br />
192
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Media Assistance Scheme Program (PACMAS) was reviewed in 2010 and a redesign<br />
of the program will be completed in late 2011. Under the new design there will be<br />
an increase in the program’s resources and a continued focus on supporting governments<br />
and media organisations to improve access to official information. PACMAS will support<br />
four strategic regional activities, which will include a media policy and legislation activity.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand will continue to support initiatives such as those described above aimed at<br />
improving transparency and access to official information.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Discussions on passing a Freedom of Information Act in Congress. This Act will ensure<br />
that information sharing is protected by law if denied by any person or agency.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Training and awareness on the use of the e-Government network system.<br />
• Expansion of the rural internet connectivity initiative to all six provinces.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Expect to make good progress in the area of economic statistics (national accounts, trade,<br />
as well as agricultural statistics and labour force statistics) and vital statistics and civil<br />
registration; these are two of the four TYPSS priority thematic areas earmarked for early<br />
attention in 2011-2012.<br />
• Complete provision of technical assistance to all countries undertaking census in 2011<br />
and 2012, which completes the 2010 World census round (with activities not picking up<br />
again until 2014/2015).<br />
• Conduct demographic and health surveys in Fiji and Tonga, in collaboration with UNFPA<br />
(with financial support from UNFPA and ADB, as well as <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and their<br />
donor’s.).<br />
• Conduct household income and expenditure surveys in at least Nauru and the Federated<br />
States of Micronesia, which we are committed to completing.<br />
• Successfully test the new multi-development indicator household survey, with protype<br />
testing in Vanuatu scheduled for October 2011-September 2012.<br />
• Develop and obtain country endorsement of the new household income and expenditure<br />
surveys regional methodology, in line with <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan request to strive for greater<br />
harmonization of concepts, systems, classifications, methodologies.<br />
• Start planning/development process pertaining to regional statistical training and human<br />
resource development strategy.<br />
• Get country sign-off and commitment to contribute to maintaining/sustaining the<br />
regional National Minimum Development Indicator database.<br />
193
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Little progress has been made on the Freedom of Information Act.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Failure to acquire increased capacity to maintain the sustainability of the e-Government<br />
network system.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Financial partners reneging on their budgetary commitments to SPC as a whole, or to<br />
specific programme activities, thus jeopardising programme delivery.<br />
• Technical and financial partners ignoring national data/statistics/ indicators and at best<br />
rely on “estimates” from major multilateral organizations instead. Recent examples<br />
are the 2010 UNDP HDI report ignoring 5-7 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries for which data was<br />
available, and the 2010 WHO Progress report on Achieving Health-related MDGs in the<br />
Western <strong>Pacific</strong> Region.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iv)<br />
Supporting efforts to allow an enhanced role for women in national decision-making<br />
processes.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Continued support through the <strong>Pacific</strong> Leadership Program of the Gender Equality in<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Governance program, which supports women’s leadership across all political levels<br />
in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Support to the Centre for Democratic Institutions on women’s political participation.<br />
• Collaboration with the US Department of State and New Zealand to increase support for<br />
women’s leadership in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Australia had also supported the Women’s Leadership Mentoring Program in the Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, which has supported women within government, civil society and the private<br />
sector to build their leadership skills and develop mentoring networks.<br />
194<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati through the Ministry of Internal & Social Affairs (MISA), has<br />
developed a National Action Plan on Women in Decision Making through a national<br />
consultation; endorsed Regional Action Plan for Women in Decision Making; reviewed the<br />
draft cabinet paper for Reserved Seats for women in Local Government for approval; and<br />
planned for Mock Parliament Session for women.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme provided funding to a number of initiatives aimed at<br />
enhancing the role of women in decision-making processes at all levels. For instance:<br />
- Initiated, consulted on and funded the Emerging <strong>Pacific</strong> Women’s Leadership Programme,<br />
a joint initiative supported by New Zealand, the United States, Australia,<br />
the World Bank Group and the ADB, to build women’s economic empowerment and<br />
public leadership in the <strong>Pacific</strong>;<br />
- Fostering leadership and capacity development of <strong>Pacific</strong> police women across the<br />
region through providing funding to support the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Chiefs of Police (PICP)<br />
Women’s Advisory Network (WAN).<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• An official from the Ministry of State attended the “Empowering Women in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.”<br />
meeting in Nadi, July 2011. A draft regional action plan was finalised and will be presented<br />
to the next <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> leaders’ meeting for endorsement.<br />
• A National Action Plan regarding women in policy-making decisions has been drafted and<br />
is pending to be reviewed and finalized by the appropriate authorities.<br />
• Women’s roles in decision-making positions are making progressive steps by having a new<br />
Assistant Attorney General, Ruth Victoria Roe, sworn in. The Assistant Attorney General’s<br />
focus is on felony and child abuse cases.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Police has developed a ‘No Drop’ policy on cases of violence against women.<br />
• Tuvalu National Council of Women has established a Women Crisis Centre to provide<br />
counselling services to victims of Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women.<br />
• National CEDAW Coordinating Committee ongoing review meetings.<br />
• Study and survey on barriers to women participation in decision making.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The National Plan of Action for Women 2007-2011 has identified 12 critical areas of<br />
concern for women consistent with the Beijing Platform for Action. Vanuatu has also<br />
developed a draft Women in Government Policy which will soon be finalized.<br />
• The Shefa Provincial Government Council has reserved 5 allocated seats for women<br />
within the overall 15 provincial nominates seats as an outcome of the BRIDGE Workshop<br />
on Gender and Election with the province.<br />
• A training workshop with Head Boys, Head Girls and Head Teachers in selected Schools in<br />
Port Vila were carried out on Civic Education, Human Rights, Democracy and Leadership.<br />
• A Sexual Harassment Policy document was developed as an outcome from a training<br />
workshop organized in collaboration with the Department of with all Government<br />
Ministries, Human Resource Officers and non-governmental organisations.<br />
• A review of the Women in Decision Making Policy was completed and the reestablishment<br />
of Gender Equality for Political Governance Committee which will oversee<br />
and direct program activities on gender equality.<br />
195
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• In 2010, all Smaller Island States conducted national consultations on women’s<br />
participation in decision making processes to discuss barriers and opportunities at the<br />
national level and agree on recommendations and activities to be carried out over the next<br />
five years. Following these national consultations, a Smaller Island States Sub-Regional<br />
Action Plan for Women Participation in Decision Making was developed by PIFS in<br />
collaboration with the Smaller Island States countries and subsequently endorsed at a<br />
regional meeting in November 2010. The action plan has five major outputs: increased<br />
public support for women in decision making; stronger institutional capacity to support<br />
women’s advancement in decision making; increase in number of women in legislature/<br />
parliament; increase capacity of women to enter parliament; and increased capacity of<br />
members of parliament to dialogue and raise issues of gender equality in the House.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The 11th Triennial Conference of <strong>Pacific</strong> Women endorsed a range of strategies proposed<br />
by Human Development Programme to accelerate gender equality commitments<br />
previously made but not yet implemented. These include a recommendation that at least<br />
one representative of national women’s machineries for each sub-region and a regional<br />
sectoral gender expert be included as official delegates to all key sectoral meetings and that<br />
all CROP agencies strengthen their implementation, monitoring and reporting on gender<br />
equality commitments.<br />
• Establishment of an SPC gender committee is a significant step forward towards<br />
mainstreaming gender within the organisation through the endorsement in principle a<br />
monitoring and planning framework for gender commitments.<br />
• The Kiribati National Action Plan was presented to Cabinet for consideration in<br />
September 2010, and subsequently approved.<br />
• With support from Human Development Programme, a National Women’s Policy was<br />
endorsed by the Government of Tokelau.<br />
• Capacity assessments for gender mainstreaming have been conducted in six <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries and Territories (Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New<br />
Guinea, Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Tonga) as a prerequisite to<br />
delivering targeted capacity building programmes in 2011.<br />
• Terms of reference have been finalised for coordination of a multi-agency network of<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> gender and development partners.<br />
• Technical expertise and assistance have been provided to undertake a review of the<br />
progress over the past 15 years across the region in implementing the 1995 Beijing<br />
Declaration and Platform for Action. The report was presented at the 11th Triennial<br />
Conference of <strong>Pacific</strong> Women.<br />
• A workshop was conducted for French-speaking territories on using gender statistics in<br />
international reporting to the UN CEDAW.<br />
• In the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, 20 female community leaders were trained in leadership and<br />
rights based reporting and documentation. Support was provided to enhanced capacity on<br />
women’s leadership at the national level.<br />
196
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Mock Parliament Session for Women to be held in August 2011.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme continues to support a number of initiatives aimed at<br />
enhancing the role of women in national decision-making processes for example, capacity<br />
development of <strong>Pacific</strong> police women via core funding to the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Chiefs of Police<br />
(PICP) Women’s Advisory Network (WAN).<br />
• The first phase of the Emerging <strong>Pacific</strong> Women’s Leadership programme will be<br />
completed, improving <strong>Pacific</strong> women’s formal participation in the labour force; increasing<br />
opportunities to engage in entrepreneurship; and increasing young women’s participation<br />
and leadership in civil society.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The finalization and initial implementation of the Women in Policy-Making Decisions<br />
National Action Plan.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• The Clerk of the Parliament Office is organizing with PIFS a Women’s Mock Parliament<br />
Session at the end of August 2011. This is part of empowering women through political<br />
participation, hence this Mock session will give an opportunity, for women to learn and<br />
understand the issues that are usually discussed in this High office and the importance of<br />
being a leader, especially at the political level.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Development of a Plan of Action to focus on the elimination of Domestic Violence and<br />
Violence Against Women.<br />
• Counselling services had been established within the Tuvalu National Council of Women.<br />
• Formulate a policy on Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women to strengthen the<br />
role of traditional leaders, government and island communities.<br />
• Complete reporting to United Nations – Civil Society Organisations on women status.<br />
• Temporary special measure to participate in local municipal elections.<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• In August and September 2011, PIFS, UNDP <strong>Pacific</strong> Centre and national stakeholders<br />
in Kiribati and the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> respectively, will convene a Mock<br />
Parliament training for women. The idea of a Mock Parliament for Women draws on the<br />
very positive experiences that have been reported from recent youth parliaments, for<br />
example, in Tonga, Samoa, Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and Niue. Such Mock Parliaments have been<br />
shown to provide a practical forum to expose participants to the realities of policy-making<br />
and parliamentary engagement. While a range of training opportunities have been<br />
provided to <strong>Pacific</strong> women, there has been a criticism that these have not often resulted in<br />
concrete impacts in terms of leading to women actually engaging in parliament processes.<br />
This activity seeks to directly address that concern by specifically training women on<br />
parliamentary engagement, and then immediately providing them with a forum to apply<br />
the skills they have learnt.<br />
197
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories gender mainstreaming: finalisation of phase one<br />
stocktake reports and roll out of an implementation plan.<br />
• Gender mainstreaming in CROP agencies: implementation of the CROP gender<br />
mainstreaming monitoring mechanism across all CROP agencies, including transparent<br />
reporting of findings.<br />
• Gender equality architecture: continued conceptualisation of a regional strategy to<br />
enhance the architecture and support for gender equality in the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
• Implementation of the Union des Femmes Francophones de l’Océanie project.<br />
• Compiling baseline data in all 22 SPC member <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories<br />
and providing national level technical assistance in analysing existing data and filling<br />
statistical gaps. Funds are currently being sought by the Human Development Programme<br />
to support this multi-year initiative.<br />
• Continue to advocacy for gender-balanced legislatures in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
Territories.<br />
• Continue support for efforts to address domestic and gender based violence. Support<br />
for this was initially funded by the UN Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate<br />
Violence against Women, which is phased out at the end of 2011. Additional support is<br />
expected to come from AusAID and UN for Women.<br />
• Resource mobilisation to implement gender statistics initiative.<br />
• Implement strategic for strengthening gender mainstreaming capacity.<br />
• Enhancing women’s participation in politics – RRRT will work with other SPC<br />
programmes and UNIFEM to assist Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> to develop temporary special<br />
measures to enhance women’s participation in politics.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Resources constraints, including human, technical, financial and capacity in general.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of political will.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Division of men’s attitude towards the participation of women in decision making.<br />
• Government’s commitment to the above mentioned women issues.<br />
• The continuation of funding after the 2 year programs under Australian funding.<br />
• Capacity of Tuvalu National Council of Women on domestic violence and violence<br />
against women.<br />
• Traditional reconciliation may interfere with the police ‘No Drop’ policy.<br />
198
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision (continued)<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong> <strong>Secretariat</strong> (PIFS)<br />
• The only real issue is funding. However, the <strong>Secretariat</strong> continues to work strategically<br />
with development partners to combine resources and minimise risks of duplication of<br />
efforts.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Uncertainty of funding will affect the delivery of current services to members.<br />
• Low political attention to prioritise women’s issues.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(v)<br />
Continuing to strengthen accountability and integrity institutions, through approaches<br />
such as the <strong>Pacific</strong> Ombudsman Alliance and <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Audit Initiative.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia’s support for the <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Audit Initiative (PRAI) is provided to the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI). In 2010/11, Australia provided AUD1<br />
million to PRAI as core funding support, which maintained 80 percent of the PASAI work<br />
program.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Kiribati National Audit Office (KNAO) was highly commended on the effectiveness<br />
and success of the PRAI through the Sub-Regional Audit Support (SAS).<br />
• The SAS has greatly improved the National Audit Office staff audit practices and assisted<br />
to improve its processes in auditing government ministries and state-owned enterprises.<br />
The performance of the National Audit Office was acknowledged in the last Parliament<br />
sitting by the Public Accounts Committee.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has provided practical support to address corruption and strengthen the<br />
rule of law in the <strong>Pacific</strong> through core funding the work of the POA, and TI to develop and<br />
advocate for strengthened systems and zero-tolerance of corruption.<br />
• New Zealand has provided funding to PASAI to assist with the delivery of outputs for<br />
PRAI. This includes training to: build and sustain public auditing capacity, conduct<br />
cooperative financial and performance audits, and strengthen communications for<br />
advocacy of accountability and transparency.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau’s involvement with the POA has led to the creation of the Office of the Ombudsman,<br />
which sits in the Ethics Commission office. The current Ombudsman, Lucio Ngiraiwet,<br />
attended the annual <strong>Pacific</strong> Ombudsman Alliance.<br />
199
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Much like our fellow Small Island State countries, Palau’s politicians have had frequent<br />
incidences questioned by the Ethics Commission and the Special Prosecutor. The House<br />
of Delegates proposed a bill to actively decrease these occurrences by having a mandatory<br />
training on code of ethics.<br />
• Bill 83 was passed on March 2011, which amended the proceeds of crime act establishing<br />
provisions for dealing with international money laundering and combating the financing<br />
of terrorism.<br />
• The position of Special Prosecutor is still vacant as the nominee, Mr David Hutton, who is<br />
the former Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana <strong>Islands</strong> Assistant Attorney General,<br />
was rejected by the Senate. Rather than nominating another candidate, the President has<br />
asked the Senate to advise on a further act, allowing the Senate to determine the outcome<br />
of the office of the Special Prosecutor.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The PRAI has assisted in strengthening accountability and integrity through the Tuvalu<br />
Audit Office. The initiatives that have performed this strengthening are:<br />
- Providing training to the staff of the Tuvalu Audit Office. One staff member attended<br />
the Supervisory skills for audit staff training held in the first half of 2011 and two other<br />
staff members have been involved in the multiple co-operative performance audit<br />
trainings held in Fiji over the last 12 months.<br />
- Providing assistance in the form of co-operative performance audits. The Waste Management<br />
Performance Audit has been completed and tabled, Access to Safe Drinking<br />
Water Performance Audit is waiting to be tabled in Tuvaluan Parliament and Sustainable<br />
Fisheries Performance Audit is currently in the planning phase. The co-operative<br />
performance audits ensure that staff experience and perform a high quality International<br />
Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions audit methodology and are able to<br />
consult with extensively experienced reviewers who have significant knowledge of the<br />
topic within the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
- Providing assistance in the form of the Sub-regional Audit Support (SAS) program,<br />
both through strengthening of staff seconded to the program and the provision of quality<br />
audit services in Tuvalu. To date two staff has been seconded to the SAS program,<br />
one of which is currently on the SAS program in Kiribati. The SAS assisted the Tuvalu<br />
Audit Office perform the Tuvalu Whole of Government 2008 Financial Statement<br />
Audit and is expected to visit and assist Tuvalu in early 2012. Additionally, the SAS<br />
Financial Audit methodology, which is based on the NZ Audit Office, has been adopted<br />
to ensure the maximum benefit is received from staff members attending the SAS program.<br />
- There has however, been no progress in the area of Ombudsman Office under the Leadership<br />
Code Act 2006.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Australia’s support for PRAI will continue in 2011/12 with the aim of ensuring that<br />
throughout the region, 70 per cent of available <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Country public accounts are<br />
audited in a timely fashion to internationally accepted standards.<br />
200
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Continuing sharing of experiences between Tuvalu, Nauru and Kiribati regarding best<br />
practices as gained from the SAS programme and implemented in work.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand will continue to support practical initiatives aimed at strengthening<br />
accountability and integrity of institutions through the POA, TI, and the PRAI.<br />
• New Zealand’s support to PASAI to deliver the PRAI is expected to continue. During<br />
this period, PASAI will facilitate a follow-up study to their 2009 Accountability and<br />
Transparency Report. The new report will assist in monitoring trends in the use of public<br />
resources, as well as providing a means for Auditors-General to influence the development<br />
of accountability institutions in their countries.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• More awareness, which in turn gains more support for the Ombudsman’s office.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• These initiatives will continue to strengthen accountability and integrity in the Tuvalu<br />
Audit Office.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of cooperation with other departments and agencies.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(vi)<br />
Encouraging greater involvement of parliamentarians in the development agenda,<br />
through the <strong>Forum</strong> Presiding Officers and Clerks/<strong>Pacific</strong> Parliamentary Assembly for<br />
Population and Development (FPOC-PPAPD) and other leadership groups.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme provided funding to a number of initiatives aimed at<br />
encouraging the greater involvement of parliamentarians in the development agenda.<br />
201
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Palau hosted the 14th Micronesian Chief Executive Summit, held 15-17 December 2010.<br />
As opposed to the Micronesian Presidential Summit, which requires the collaboration<br />
of the heads of states and works on an international level, the Chief Executive Summit<br />
is inclusive to all governments in Micronesia. This summit brings an opportunity for<br />
governments to share common issues at the national and regional level and is highly<br />
important on the practice of good governance.<br />
• Palau hosted the 5th Micronesian Traditional Leaders Conference from 22-25 November<br />
2010. The main issues discussed consisted of the role of traditional leaders and how they<br />
can be awarded leadership roles as a separate system to be included in traditional and<br />
political decisions; historical and cultural preservation through education and language;<br />
environmental protection; and the traditional settling of disputes regarding land and<br />
money. At the conclusion of this conference, the body will now be recognized as the<br />
Council of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Traditional Leaders Incorporated and is expected to hold its<br />
first summit in 2012 in the island of Phonpei. Palau is the secretariat and focal point of<br />
exchange of information, contact, and administrative coordination. Another important<br />
end result is the eight resolutions adopted to help overcome, alleviate, and/or prevent<br />
future challenges for the preservation of cultural heritage and identity while promoting<br />
social, economic, and political autonomy.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The <strong>Forum</strong> Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference (FPOCC) and the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Parliamentary Assembly for Population and Development (PPAPD) <strong>Secretariat</strong> [a one-man<br />
secretariat] operated within SPC. In 2009 there was an agreed proposal for that <strong>Secretariat</strong><br />
to be re-located to Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, to be renamed as the <strong>Pacific</strong> Legislature on Population<br />
and Governance and to be managed by a Coordinator and a Project Manager. This did not<br />
come to pass due to financial issues and nothing has been heard since.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Facilitated the Symposium on Population and Development for legislators of the<br />
Federated States of Micronesia.<br />
• Conducted a Benchmarking Exercise for the Federated States of Micronesia National<br />
Congress.<br />
• Facilitated the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> Peoples <strong>Forum</strong> for Change, which allowed candidates<br />
contesting for seats during the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> general elections in November 2010 to speak<br />
on their proposed policies and to answer questions posed by the general public.<br />
• Facilitated the Open <strong>Forum</strong> for Youth in the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>. This was similar to the Peoples<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> for Change but focused on young people under 34 years of age.<br />
• As part of the national commentaries on the outcomes of the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>’ general<br />
elections, PIFS organised the publication of the <strong>Forum</strong> Principles of Good Leadership<br />
and Accountability through Cook Island’s media sources. This was provided to allow the<br />
elected Parliamentarians and the general public to generate discussions on the peoples’<br />
expectations of the newly elected national leaders.<br />
• Supported the preparations for the Climate Parliament regional parliamentary hearing for<br />
the <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries held in October 2010 in Lautoka, Fiji on the theme “Climate<br />
Change and Energy Access for All”. Over the three days, parliamentary representatives<br />
from the Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Palau, Vanuatu, Kiribati, the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Papua New<br />
202
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Guinea and East Timor were joined by experts in discussing how best to design green<br />
energy systems – focusing on both household-level standalone systems and village-level<br />
mini-grids.<br />
• Facilitated consultations with the local media outlets, freelance journalists and a number<br />
of NZ and Australian based media outlets, to establish working relationships and to secure<br />
support in effectively promoting the activities of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Legislatures for Population<br />
and Growth. A draft MoU is in place for finalisation with members.<br />
• Completed pre-testing of a Mapping Exercise methodology on national capacity building<br />
priorities for the Parliament of the Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Facilitated the participation of Parliamentary Champions on Gender, HIV/AIDS and ICT<br />
issues in regional and international meetings.<br />
• Organised the formal incorporation of <strong>Pacific</strong> Legislatures for Population and Growth.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme will continue to advocate for a greater involvement of<br />
parliamentarians in the development agenda for instance via the Women in Leadership<br />
initiative.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Annual Micronesian Chief Executive Summit meeting will be held in Pohnpei, Federated<br />
States of Micronesia in July 2011.<br />
• Better sub-regional coordination in overcoming common issues and challenges.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Ongoing work to improve capacity of national parliaments to enable the efficient and<br />
effective performance of oversight, accountability, legislative and representative functions<br />
and roles.<br />
• Support for a national advocacy campaign with parliamentarians and various sectors on<br />
Population and Development thematic issues.<br />
• Continue to provide advocacy materials.<br />
• In collaboration with UNDP and other partners, undertake an International Conference on<br />
Population and Development thematic advocacy workshop and induction workshops for<br />
members.<br />
• In collaboration with member countries, continue to support for national advocacy<br />
campaign with parliamentarians on raising awareness on issues relating to population<br />
and development.<br />
• Continue mobilising resources to support advocacy programmes for legislators.<br />
203
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of funding and limited human resources.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Acknowledgement by parliamentarians of the important role they play in shaping future<br />
population and development issues and effective engagements by them in population and<br />
development debate and decision-making.<br />
• Limited financial and human resources available to support the advocacy initiatives of<br />
parliamentary groups on population and development.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(vii)<br />
Addressing corruption through the use and implementation of relevant and existing<br />
national, regional and international mechanisms and commitments.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand has provided practical support to address corruption and strengthen the<br />
rule of law in the <strong>Pacific</strong> through core funding the work of the POA and TI to develop and<br />
advocate for strengthened systems and zero-tolerance of corruption.<br />
• New Zealand has also funded initiatives aimed at enabling prompt access to justice for<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> communities through:<br />
- the <strong>Pacific</strong> Judicial Development Programme which provides capacity development<br />
training to approximately 400 <strong>Pacific</strong> judicial and court officers to strengthen their<br />
professional competence, and the capacity of their systems and processes; and<br />
- the 2010 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Legal Officers Network Basic Litigation Skills Training Programme,<br />
which trained up to 40 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Government legal officers to support<br />
prompt access to professional legal representation for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island communities.<br />
204<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• A priority in the <strong>Pacific</strong> that links to every issue or agenda item is that of human rights.<br />
Palau’s opportunity to improve the country’s implementation of these rights came on 3<br />
May 2011 during our presentation of the Universal Periodic Review to the Office of the<br />
High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. Many achievements and<br />
constraints were highlighted, providing an accurate and blunt report where the country<br />
could be proud of their achievements while shining light on areas of improvement,<br />
which will require financial assistance from donors. Palau’s progress towards achieving<br />
the MDGs is promising alongside the many commitments to democracy and the respect<br />
for the rule of law. Ratifications of conventions were recommended as were the urgency<br />
to address food security (to complete the MDGs) and revisions of laws in accordance
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
with international norms. Although there is always room for improvement, Palau must<br />
be delicate in addressing these recommendations while protecting the unique culture,<br />
heritage and tradition. Currently, Palau has two legislative bills for a Domestic Violence<br />
Family Act and a Victim’s Assistance Act to address gender violence, a human trafficking<br />
legislation (the only one in the <strong>Pacific</strong>), and the intention to hold a wider consultation for<br />
the establishment of a national human rights institution. Due to the lack of resources and<br />
capacity, Palau needs the help of the international community for technical and financial<br />
assistance to meet its obligations.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• From 16-17 February 2011, the Nitijela (National Parliament) of the Republic of Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> hosted a National Workshop on Ratification and Implementation of the UN<br />
Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) for members of the Nitijela. The workshop<br />
was facilitated by the UNDP <strong>Pacific</strong> Centre. The workshop discussed the value of UNCAC<br />
ratification to the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> national development efforts and<br />
achievement of the MDGs. The provisions of UNCAC were explained in detail to Senators,<br />
as well as the UNCAC Review Mechanism.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Tabling before Parliament of the Auditor-General’s Report 2009 - 2010.<br />
• Public Accounts Committee studied report, made investigations and made<br />
recommendations to the Parliament.<br />
• Parliament debated Public Accounts Committee’s recommendations for the first time.<br />
• Parliament obligated the Government to act on Parliament’s decisions from Public<br />
Accounts Committee’s recommendations and submit to Parliament a Government<br />
Response Report.<br />
• Government Response Report tabled in Parliament in August session 2010.<br />
• Procurement policy and system now in place and implemented.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Vanuatu ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption Act No. 15 of 2010<br />
and officially commenced in March 2011.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• RRRT, in partnership with PIFS conducted further research and scoping towards the<br />
development of a regional human rights mechanisms for the region, including meeting<br />
with:<br />
- <strong>Pacific</strong> Judges and Magistrates in December 2010;<br />
- <strong>Pacific</strong> Lawyers and the <strong>Pacific</strong> Human Rights Lawyers Network in November 2010;<br />
- regional civil society human rights defenders in September 2010; and<br />
- drafting a policy paper and information kit on the advancement and proposed path<br />
towards a human rights mechanism for the region.<br />
Human Rights<br />
• Report to the UN Human Rights Council under the new Universal Periodic Review<br />
reporting mechanism on human rights in partnership with the Office of the High<br />
Commissioner for Human Rights, RRRT assisted both civil society and the governments<br />
of Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Papua New<br />
205
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Guinea, Palau, Nauru and the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> in reporting to the UN<br />
Human Rights Council under the new Universal Periodic Review reporting mechanism on<br />
human rights.<br />
• Support was provided in the form of training in each country, as well as technical<br />
assistance in report writing. In addition, “mock” UPR sessions were conducted for the<br />
Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Kiribati and the Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• RRRT staff provided technical assistance in Geneva to the government delegations of<br />
Nauru, Samoa and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• In partnership with UNDP and SPC’s Human Development Programme, assistance was<br />
provided to Fiji and Kiribati to update reports on international conventions such as<br />
CEDAW, as well as support to Nauru for ratification of CEDAW.<br />
• Develop model legislation for protection of people living with HIV/AIDS – RRRT will help<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories develop legislation that protects people infected<br />
or affected by HIV from discrimination through the development of model legislation<br />
that could be adapted. Initial work with Tuvalu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Palau and Vanuatu will<br />
review existing legislation and look at improved legislative options.<br />
• The Universal Periodic Review “Road Map” publication was launched in September 2010<br />
to be followed by the <strong>Pacific</strong> Human Rights Law Digest III in December 2011.<br />
• Development of a regional human rights mechanism for the <strong>Pacific</strong> – In partnership with<br />
PIFS, RRRT developed the concept of a regional human rights mechanism for the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
for consideration by <strong>Pacific</strong> Island <strong>Forum</strong> leaders, as well a draft proposal submitted to<br />
EU for a three-year project to increase the rate of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and Territories<br />
ratification and implementation of international human rights treaties.<br />
• Provision of training and technical assistance to Kiribati, Fiji and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> in<br />
CEDAW reporting.<br />
• Provision of technical support to regional non-governmental organisations and<br />
government organisations dialogue on CEDAW Implementation and monitoring.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme will continue to support initiatives to address<br />
corruption and strengthen the rule of law in the <strong>Pacific</strong> through core funding the work of<br />
the POA and TI to develop and advocate for strengthened systems and zero-tolerance of<br />
corruption.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• A gap analysis needed to complete the UN Self-Assessment Checklist on UNCAC started<br />
16 May 2010 by Dr Henry Ivarature and finalized in November 2010. The next step is to<br />
await review by Palau in order to see what policies and laws are compliant and/or need<br />
revision to align with that of UNCAC. Palau’s peer review is set for 2014, giving Palau a<br />
chance to review the legal framework for anti-corruption, and the opportunity to involve<br />
the entire government in completing the reporting exercise.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Tendering out of the procurement system development.<br />
206
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Regional consultation on regional human rights mechanisms to be held in November<br />
2011.<br />
• Finalization of a policy paper to be adopted through PIFS of a path towards a regional<br />
human rights mechanism.<br />
• Further scoping and liaison with key actors in the region and in the Asia <strong>Pacific</strong> region<br />
through regional and national dialogues with lawyers, senior civil servants and civil<br />
society actors.<br />
• Further training and national consultations on CEDAW and CEDAW reporting to be held<br />
in Fiji and Kiribati.<br />
• Assistance provided to Vanuatu on reporting on International Covenant on Civil and<br />
Political Rights, Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities and ratification of the<br />
Rome Statute.<br />
• Under a new initiative with PIFS, RRRT will provide training and technical assistance to all<br />
14 <strong>Forum</strong> Island Countries in reporting and ratification of all human rights treaty reports,<br />
plus encouraging countries to develop a “common core” human rights treaty document<br />
which will reduce the burden of reporting to human rights treaty bodies through<br />
consolidation of reporting information. Countries will be encouraged to ratify the core<br />
human rights treaties, as well as the Rome Statute.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Cooperation and coordination amongst partners needed in completing the Human Rights<br />
reporting exercise.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The availability of local business capacity to provide the service (technical and capital<br />
resources) for the procurement system.<br />
• The length of time it takes for the completion and availability of public accounts for the<br />
audited year – for reconciliation purposes with the Auditor-General’s Report.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Political will to advance a regional mechanism that is independent and provides for<br />
human rights protection.<br />
• Capacity to report on human rights treaties.<br />
207
| E |<br />
Ensuring improved<br />
social, political and legal<br />
conditions for stability,<br />
safety and security<br />
208
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(i)<br />
Improving human security outcomes for Members, through advancing effective conflict<br />
prevention, conflict resolution mechanisms and peace building.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Kiribati Police Service has visited about 30-40 communities from Eita to Bikenibeu<br />
(east end) to conduct training. Outcome of these visit/trainings included:<br />
- Development of Community Policing Groups (CPG) consisting of male elders (60+ yrs)<br />
from communities around South Tarawa. The Police Service have provided trainings to<br />
these CPGs in their roles as peace makers and conflict preventers and negotiators; and<br />
- addressing the common community 6:00 pm policy, requires any offender (community<br />
member) who is excommunicated (dismissed and evacuated) to leave the village before<br />
6:00pm.<br />
• The Police Service has also developed a Mobilization Plan to address issues such as civil<br />
unrest. Drills have been conducted to assess the feasibility of the Plan.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• NZ Police have provided a range of assistance in the <strong>Pacific</strong>, including operational<br />
engagement in peace support operations and technical assistance under a coaching model.<br />
• The New Zealand Aid Programme commenced funding a new initiative from January<br />
2011 called the Partnership for <strong>Pacific</strong> Policing. Under the initiative NZ Police will provide<br />
a range of policing assistance to Kiribati and Tuvalu (for example for youth offending<br />
strategies, prosecution training). The programme will also include <strong>Pacific</strong>-regional<br />
supervision courses and targeted specialist police training for <strong>Pacific</strong> police forces.<br />
Although the programme has a community policing focus, it will also cover training/<br />
mentoring/advising in other core components of policing such as investigations, police<br />
prosecutions and youth offending.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The <strong>Pacific</strong> Judicial Council held a conference in Koror, Palau from 3-7 April 2010. The<br />
agenda comprised of sessions and presentations about juvenile prosecution, writing and<br />
editing, and ethics of which were all presented by lawyers and judges both from the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
(United States Affiliated <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>) and the United States.<br />
• The Attorney General and the Minister of Justice travelled to Almaty City, Kazakhstan<br />
to attend an international conference entitled, “Joining forces to asset recovery and<br />
counteraction international corruption” held from 9-11 March 2010. Following this, they<br />
also travelled to Bali for the Bali Process on Human Trafficking and People Smuggling<br />
held at the end of March. Related to this, in May 2005 the Palau National Congress passed<br />
a law entitled “Anti-People Smuggling and Trafficking Act” to provide stiff criminal<br />
penalties for smuggling and trafficking people in accordance to the Nasonini Declaration,<br />
the Protocol Against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air, and the Protocol<br />
209
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children,<br />
supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Organized Crime. As the<br />
Bali Process is the only grouping in our region that addresses the challenges of people<br />
smuggling, trafficking in persons and irregular migration generally, Palau is committed<br />
to the Bali Process as through its workshops, conferences, and seminars, it has helped us<br />
develop our laws to comply with international standards of the elimination of trafficking.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Bill 83 was passed on March 2011, which amended the proceeds of crime act establishing<br />
provisions for dealing with international money laundering and combating the financing<br />
of terrorism.<br />
• Bill 92 was also passed on March 2011, amending the Ministry of Justice Special Revenue<br />
Fund Act splitting collections 50-50 between the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
General Fund and the Special Revenue Fund to support police, immigration and Attorney<br />
General’s office activities.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Two Good Will tours have been undertaken by the Vanuatu Mobile Force to two of the<br />
Provinces of Malampa and Penama to promote remote service delivery and security. The<br />
awareness conducted included peoples lawful rights to live, freedom and rights of others<br />
and other important aspects of the Family Protection Act.<br />
• The Crime Prevention Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs has undertaken<br />
crime prevention and community safety, resulting in 30 percent of its target being met<br />
towards down scaling of use of illegal drugs and crime in the provinces.<br />
• To improve the operations of the Vanuatu Police Force in enhancing community safety,<br />
crime prevention and victim support, 53 percent of Force members underwent various<br />
forms of training in the mentioned areas with 262 trainings held over the year.<br />
• In line with promoting and improving community perception of the Vanuatu Police<br />
Force, 35 schools undertook awareness programs on proactive community policing.<br />
• To advance arrangements in the development of a customized Community Policing<br />
Concept in Vanuatu, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Vanuatu Police Force<br />
deployed a scoping team to Suva, Fiji in September – October 2011 to study the<br />
Community Policing Concept currently practiced in Fiji.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The Kiribati Police Service plans to expand the CPG to rural areas (outer islands) and<br />
visit Maiana Island in the next few months to conduct this Community Policing Group<br />
training.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• Scoping work under the Partnership for <strong>Pacific</strong> Policing programme will also be carried<br />
out in Vanuatu and Tokelau this year to assess what type of assistance would be<br />
appropriate in those countries.<br />
210
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Compilation of input and feedback from the Human Trafficking Task Force’s assessment<br />
of current laws and practices that need to be improved and amended.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Work on improving administrative systems, procedures and training to enhance service<br />
delivery through the update of the draft Force Orders.<br />
• Working with stakeholders in Vanuatu including civil society and private investors to<br />
jointly develop a Community Policing Policy Document and present to the Council of<br />
Ministers for approval and implementation.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Limited funding has always been experienced in undertaking this new initiative because<br />
although it has been budgeted for in the Kiribati Police Service recurrent budget, the<br />
budget has not been realistic because of the ceiling limitations set by the Ministry of<br />
Finance and Economic Development.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of resources and staff to enforce laws.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Any reduction in budget and recruitments.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Political will, commitment and human resources at the national level to integrate human<br />
rights into national plans and policies.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(ii)<br />
Strengthening cooperation in the law enforcement and border security sectors to address<br />
terrorism and transnational crime.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Financial support (AUD50,000) for the continuing United Nations Office on Drugs and<br />
Crime (UNODC)/PIFS technical assistance project in the <strong>Pacific</strong> in the counter-terrorism<br />
field.<br />
• Endorsement by the PIFS Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in May 2011 of the<br />
commencement of an Australian-led work programme, including assistance with meeting<br />
211
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
reporting requirements and a review of the region’s compliance with UNSCR 1267, to<br />
complement the continuing UNODC/PIFS technical assistance project in the <strong>Pacific</strong> in the<br />
counter-terrorism field.<br />
• Financial support for the proposed UNODC Transnational Organized Crime Assessment<br />
(TOCTA) for East Asia and the <strong>Pacific</strong>.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• The establishment of the Combined Law Agency Group (CLAG) has been effective<br />
in strengthening the cooperation in the law enforcement and border security to<br />
address transnational crime. The CLAG consists of the Kiribati Police Service; Customs<br />
Department (Ministry of Finance & Economic Development); Immigration Department<br />
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration); the Ministry of Health & Medical Services.<br />
The main objective of CLAG is to share resources and information to combat national and<br />
transnational crimes; and it meets regularly to achieve its main objective.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand supports a range of activities to assist <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries address<br />
terrorism and transnational crime. Examples include:<br />
- Funding the annual <strong>Forum</strong> Working Group on Counter-terrorism and Exercise Ready<br />
Pasifika II held in NZ in May 2011 (which tested members national counter-terrorism<br />
response capacity);<br />
- Financial assistance to the joint <strong>Forum</strong>/UNODC counter-terrorism project to assist<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> members finalise CT legislation and ratify remaining CT instruments;<br />
- Funding to Police Dog programmes in Tonga, Cook <strong>Islands</strong> and Samoa for drug detection;<br />
- Methamphetamine Awareness Training;<br />
- Supply and installation of safes and training in armoury management in Niue, Kiribati<br />
and Tuvalu;<br />
- Aviation Security Development Training Programmes and provision of equipment;<br />
- <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Immigration Identity Project to develop capacity to detect investigate<br />
and prevent the use of identify fraud and improve collaboration and information sharing<br />
among law agencies.<br />
• Support provided to the Cook <strong>Islands</strong> and New Zealand Customs Services to develop<br />
an integrated Border Management System (BMS) as improving border management, an<br />
important priority for both Cook <strong>Islands</strong> and New Zealand.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• A MoU signed in March 2011 between the Government of Palau and the international<br />
anti-poaching organisation, known as the Sea Shepherd, has been terminated by President<br />
Toribiong. The US Embassy and the Government of Japan had expressed concerns<br />
about the organization’s presence in the <strong>Pacific</strong>. Under the Compact agreement with<br />
Palau, the US has the exclusive right to regulate the presence of anyone within the<br />
islands’ jurisdiction, therefore terminating Palau’s contract with the organisation. The<br />
Sea Shepherd conveyed their support for protecting the waters of Palau and offered<br />
future assistance should Japan fail to follow through with assistance in marine security.<br />
Currently, Palau’s waters go unpatrolled on a consistent basis.<br />
212
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
The following activities are planned:<br />
• Annual Defence Cooperation talks with the Australian Defence Force.<br />
• Annual <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Commissioners of Police Conference (PICP).<br />
• Annual <strong>Pacific</strong> Immigration Directors Conference (PIDC).<br />
• Annual Oceania Customs Conference.<br />
• Exclusive Economic Zone Surveillance patrol for people, drug, weapon trafficking.<br />
• Participate in the Kurukuru EEZ Surveillance Exercise.<br />
• Police participation in counter-terrorism training.<br />
Government of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong><br />
• Joint Border Document Training Program for Law Enforcement Agencies in Collaboration<br />
with PIFS was held in 2010. The training programs seek to strengthen the capacity of law<br />
enforcement officers working at the border and enhance inter-agency cooperation. The<br />
training included Officers from Customs, Immigration, Police, and Quarantine.<br />
• A workshop to help stop fraudulent acts related to immigration was held in 2011 with<br />
related government agencies, and Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Police Force and officials<br />
from the Federated States of Micronesia. The meeting was also followed up by a workshop<br />
on Interagency Border Management.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• The Vanuatu government has continued to strengthen its boarder security sectors through<br />
the execution of boarder control checks in six of its port of entries. It has also approved its<br />
legislation processes to accommodate its passport computerized system to enable it to be<br />
on par with other international standards.<br />
• Over the year the government, through its national and boarder surveillance programs,<br />
has undertaken 12 inspections and ten remote area patrols with the cooperation of other<br />
law enforcement and security agencies.<br />
• The Government of Vanuatu through the Vanuatu Police Force has conducted workshops<br />
on National Framework on Information Sharing and Monitoring and Surveillance. The<br />
workshops were attended by all law enforcement agencies in the country including civil<br />
societies.<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Remained engaged with the PIFS Regional <strong>Forum</strong> Security Committee (FRSC) in areas of<br />
overlapping interest between fisheries and transnational crime.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division is working with 14 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries to improve their<br />
understanding of regional maritime boundary status and monitoring and effective<br />
management of fishing vessel, and other trans-boundary vessel movements. This can<br />
only be achieved if clear, UNCLOS compliant information and data exists which correctly<br />
defines <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries maritime boundary limits. Specific work over the last 12<br />
months relates to continued work on extended continental shelf claim development for10<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries, and work with Niue, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> and Tuvalu on their marine spaces legislation, baseline and delimitation solutions,<br />
towards declaration of their respective maritime zones and limits.<br />
213
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Australia<br />
• Completion of the Australian-led work programme endorsed by the PIF Working Group<br />
on Counter-Terrorism in May 2011.<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Continuing meetings and sharing of information and resources.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand will continue to fund a range of activities that enhance security in the <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
including continuing progress in Customs reform in the region.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Bureau of Immigration continues to play a significant role in Palau’s security through<br />
management of its borders and the heavy task of overseeing the county’s arrivals and<br />
departures (in people and goods) in coordination with many other government agencies.<br />
However, lack of resources limits the Bureau from advancing in terms of computerised<br />
systems for screening people coming in and going out of Palau; and getting training for<br />
immigration and customs officers.<br />
• Through Executive Order 293, President Toribiong created a taskforce to investigate<br />
allegations of human trafficking and abuse of non-resident workers. It is not only<br />
imperative that all people in Palau are safe, but also required by the Anti-People<br />
Smuggling and Trafficking Act that non-residents who are brought to Palau are done so<br />
legally and do not breach Human Rights violations. Non-residents play an important role<br />
to Palau’s economy and every-day life, and their safety needs to be ensured. The taskforce<br />
has a time frame of reporting back to the President no later than 30 April 2010.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Set up network of stakeholders.<br />
• Discussions for a Policy under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 to identify and specify<br />
department roles in such a situation.<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Closer coordination with Quad members in areas of law enforcement, border security,<br />
terrorism and transnational crime to leverage the use of their resources to support<br />
members in addressing these issues.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• SPC SOPAC Division in collaboration with Geoscience Australia, Commonwealth<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> and UNEP Global Resource Information Database Shelf Programme and<br />
14 <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries maritime boundaries technical teams will continue to<br />
develop enduring and UNCLOS compliant solutions for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries<br />
maritime boundaries, as well as continued support to ten <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries in the<br />
development and defence of their extended continental shelf claims.<br />
214
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Lack of resources, staff, law enforcement officers, boats, and sustainable funding.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Commitment by stakeholders.<br />
• Government commitment to have a policy on counter –terrorism actions.<br />
• Technical and financial assistance when government approves the formulation of a policy<br />
on counter-terrorism.<br />
Government of Vanuatu<br />
• Lack of maintenance and budgeting for the patrol boats may hinder the surveillance being<br />
undertaken in Vanuatu boarders.<br />
• Climate of political instability may cause delay in decision from the Council of Ministers<br />
on some of the policies which needed their official endorsements.<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• The reduction in New Zealand programmatic funds for 2011 has impacted the SPC SOPAC<br />
Division’s ability to deliver on the above important task areas and alternative funding is<br />
urgently required.<br />
2009 <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priority<br />
(iii)<br />
Promoting and consolidating regional stability through adherence to <strong>Forum</strong> values and<br />
the principles of the Biketawa Declaration.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Government of Kiribati (through the Kiribati Police Service) has provided more than<br />
20 police officers to participate in the Regional Assistance Mission (RAMSI) to Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> program, and continues to offer assistance and support to RAMSI.<br />
• The Police Service found that its involvement and participation in the RAMSI program has<br />
provided an exceptional platform of learning for its officers in leadership and people skills;<br />
these officers have contributed positively to the Police Service’s Community Policing<br />
programme.<br />
Government of New Zealand<br />
• New Zealand continues to have an active involvement in RAMSI.<br />
• New Zealand has provided funding to the Regional Security Fund (RSF), held by PIFS to<br />
assist in implementation of the Biketawa Declaration.<br />
215
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• The Bureau of Public Safety is consistent in their support for RAMSI and have been<br />
deploying officers since November 2006. Two police officers are currently in the<br />
Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and are expected to return shortly, while two other officers have already<br />
undergone training and await their turn to participate in RAMSI.<br />
• The Bureau of Public Safety deployed two Police Peacekeepers to Darfur, Sudan under the<br />
United Nations Africa Mission in Darfur (UNMID).<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• A participating contingent to RAMSI.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
Government of Kiribati<br />
• Depending on RAMSI programme, continued assistance will be provided.<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Two other officers have already been selected for the new Peacekeeping rotation in Darfur,<br />
but this will depend on an agreement by the UN. The current situation of visas not being<br />
issued in Sedan has been the sole reason for the delay.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• Continue to form part of RAMSI<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
Government of Palau<br />
• Same risks as in the past, such as: an over-crowded jail, lack of officers to enforcement laws,<br />
and lack of boats/ships to patrol the EEZ.<br />
Government of Tuvalu<br />
• The selection of right people who could pass through the physical and health tests during<br />
the pre-engagement training in Australia. One or two officers had not passed the test in the<br />
past and were declined participation in RAMSI.<br />
216
Other On-going<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Priorities<br />
This section provides an update on priorities set by<br />
Leaders at previous meetings of the <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Forum</strong>.<br />
217
Priority<br />
Development of a regional cultural strategy to maintain and strengthen <strong>Pacific</strong> cultural identity.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Drafting of A <strong>Pacific</strong> Culture and Education strategy progressing in consultation with<br />
countries and partners with progression of a number of goals already underway.<br />
• Technical assistance has been provided to Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> for preparations for the 11th<br />
Festival of <strong>Pacific</strong> Arts.<br />
• A review of Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> copyright legislation and development of new legislation on<br />
the protection of traditional knowledge is underway in close collaboration with the World<br />
Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Completion of the strategy and implementation plan and actions underway.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Lack of human resources regionally and nationally.<br />
• Resource constraints at national level to implement cultural mapping policies.<br />
Priority<br />
Sustainably increase the coverage of safe drinking water and basic sanitation service.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
218<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
Water Resources Management<br />
• The EU funded <strong>Pacific</strong> Hydrological Cycle Observing System (HYCOS) project being<br />
implemented in collaboration with World Meteorological Organisation, UNESCO and
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
the Fiji Meteorological Service. A Project Regional Centre was established including<br />
hydro(geo)logical advisers, database and technical support. The project was extended until<br />
December 2010 and is currently in a transition stage prior to ending.<br />
• Individual Country Implementation plans have been implemented over the last four years<br />
including mobilisation of hydrological monitoring equipment and on the ground capacity<br />
building in all <strong>Pacific</strong> ACP Countries.<br />
• All <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries now have the equipment, technologies and capacity to<br />
monitor the status and trends of their water resources within their pilot basins and<br />
aquifers.<br />
• Resource assessments and monitoring status reports are finalised and sustainability plans<br />
are being drafted for each participating country.<br />
• Regional outcomes of the project include the establishment of a Regional Hydrological<br />
Database and a <strong>Pacific</strong> Catalogue of Rivers.<br />
• Support was provided to the Fiji Global Environment Facility (GEF) Integrated Water<br />
Resources Management Demonstration Project on river/water ecosystem health through<br />
enhancing the capacity in river water quality and biological surveillance and monitoring<br />
in collaboration with International Union for Conservation of Nature.<br />
• Ongoing liaison with National Meteorological Services and climate information<br />
stakeholders under <strong>Pacific</strong> Hydrological Cycle Observing System <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Centre<br />
through various programmes including <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Climate Predictions Project,<br />
SCOPIC, <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Climate Update and Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives such as<br />
undertaken under GIZ, <strong>Pacific</strong> Adaptation to Climate Change, and International Climate<br />
Change Adaptation Initiative (Tuvalu, Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, Nauru, Niue, Tonga)<br />
as well as contributions to general climate change discussions in the region.<br />
• Demonstration project designs finalised and being implemented through National<br />
Coordinators inclusive of the following progress in countries:<br />
- Technical works underpinning flood early warning systems and floodplain mapping in<br />
Vanuatu and Fiji.<br />
- Scoping work in Samoa and Palau for the establishment of riparian protection areas<br />
and buffer zones.<br />
- Septic waste management upgraded for Neiafu, Tonga.<br />
- Study identifying sanitation options completed in Nauru and initiated in the Federated<br />
States of Micronesia and Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
- Installation of composting toilets commenced in Tuvalu.<br />
- Planning of wastewater management strategies ongoing for Laura Lens in Majuro<br />
Atoll, Niue and Samoa.<br />
- Integrated Water Resources Management principles incorporated into national strategic<br />
frameworks of three countries (Vanuatu, Kiribati and Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>), under<br />
development in six countries (Samoa, Fiji, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Nauru, Niue and Tuvalu)<br />
and being followed through other paths in four countries (Tonga, Federated States of<br />
Micronesia, Palau and Republic of Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>).<br />
- Ten countries (Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Tonga, Samoa, Solomon, Vanuatu and Tuvalu) have established Apex bodies, and three<br />
countries (Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>)<br />
are planning national water summits to launch water policy and legal reform process<br />
through national committees and Presidential decrees.<br />
219
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
220<br />
- Local capacity for water quality monitoring established in Vanuatu, Niue, Cook <strong>Islands</strong><br />
and Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> through training and equipment.<br />
- Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> Environmental Protection Agency lab certification by<br />
United States Environmental Protection Agency.<br />
- Development of electronic water quality database and training provided to Vanuatu,<br />
Niue, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, Fiji and Samoa.<br />
- Regional training for the South <strong>Pacific</strong> to be held in Fiji and for North <strong>Pacific</strong> in Guam.<br />
- Development of national drinking water quality standards for Fiji and Samoa.<br />
- Local capacity in-country built to develop and implement drinking water safety plans<br />
in Tonga, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu, Palau, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Republic of the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
- Drinking water safety plans for selected water supplies (urban and rural) in the above<br />
eight participating countries.<br />
- Technical review of drinking water safety plans for Palau, Niue, Cook <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
Tonga.<br />
- Costed improvement schedules for Palau, Nauru, Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Tonga, Fiji and<br />
Vanuatu.<br />
- Regional lessons learned workshop held in Vavau, Tonga.<br />
- Promotion and Monitoring of implementation of <strong>Pacific</strong> Wastewater Policy and Framework<br />
for Action.<br />
- Increased capacity in wastewater management through trained pool of mid-high level<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> wastewater technicians and managers.<br />
- Sub-regional trainings in Fiji, Guam and Papua New Guinea.<br />
- National training in Tonga, Kiribati, Fiji and Cook <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
- Evaluation and review of regional wastewater framework for action and recommended<br />
way forward/next steps.<br />
- All member countries provided with World Water Day 2010 campaign material on the<br />
theme “Clean Water for a Healthy World” through national World Water Day focal<br />
points.<br />
- Gender mainstreaming workshop being planned for Tuvalu in collaboration with<br />
Global Environment Facility Integrated Water Resources Management.<br />
- Ongoing campaigns regarding Water, Sanitation and Hygiene through school and<br />
community WASH campaigns in Tonga and Tuvalu, school hand-washing campaign<br />
in Fiji and trials to demonstrate health outcomes of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene<br />
interventions in Tuvalu.<br />
- Reference produced on mainstreaming gender into WASH activities.<br />
- Rainwater harvesting asset condition surveys of domestic infrastructure are supported<br />
in Nauru, Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and Tuvalu with translation of community participation<br />
documents in local languages.<br />
- Formation in December 2010 of a Water and Sanitation Sub-Committee under the Micronesian<br />
Chief Executives Summit to coordinate sub-regionally water and sanitation<br />
issues and to monitor progress.<br />
- Agreement by the Melanesian Spearhead Group in June 2011 to the formation of<br />
a Water, Sanitation and Climate Sub-Committee to promote the development of<br />
national water policy and coordinate sub-regionally water and sanitation issues and to<br />
monitor progress.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Planning arrangements supported on water management through national Integrated<br />
Water Resources Management coordinators, in-country consultations, support for water<br />
and sanitation apex bodies, and advice on policy, planning and legislation.<br />
• SPC’s SOPAC Division as Sub-Regional Coordinator for Oceania for the Asia <strong>Pacific</strong> Water<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> contributed to Steering Committees and preparations for the 2nd Asia <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Water Summit in Bangkok, Thailand in 2012 and the 6th World Water <strong>Forum</strong> to be held<br />
March 2012 in Marseille, France.<br />
• The Coordination Unit has been established and is fully functional with newsletters being<br />
produced and focal groups established as well as a water action matrix database.<br />
• An MOU has been signed with Caribbean Environmental Health Institute, and the Global<br />
Water Partnership, to allow the exchange of information and experiences on small island<br />
country water issues, actions and lessons learned on Hydrological Cycle Observing<br />
System, Integrated Water Resources Management and Water and Sanitation Programme.<br />
• A new Strategy for the Water and Sanitation Programme has been drafted.<br />
• Conduct three-monthly <strong>Pacific</strong> WASH Coalition meeting. Coordinate technical support<br />
to <strong>Pacific</strong> WASH Cluster during periods of emergencies and disasters. Conduct gender<br />
mainstreaming and community participation workshops. Support World Water Day<br />
2011 celebrations regionally. Link resource materials to World Water Day 2011 theme;<br />
implement hand washing campaign in selected Fiji schools. Strategy for effective hand<br />
washing campaign developed through lessons learned and disseminated across the region<br />
through <strong>Pacific</strong> WASH Coalition and Partners.<br />
• <strong>Pacific</strong> Integrated Water Resources Management Resource Centre updated and<br />
maintained. Fourth Regional Steering Committee meeting and IWC Training<br />
Workshop carried out. Regional Indicator Framework signed off by Countries and<br />
formal baselines established. Continuous review activities carried out. International<br />
and Regional Partnership Position paper drafted. <strong>Pacific</strong> Leaders on Water Material<br />
developed. Continuous media engagement and products developed and inputs provided<br />
to a civil society and youth forums on water and sanitation. Country programmes<br />
being implemented in Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
Nauru, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu with continuous support being provided to ongoing<br />
efforts of Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong> and Tonga.<br />
Capturing Integrated Water Resources Management best practices in a technical report.<br />
Development of water use efficiency guidelines. Integrated Water Management Post<br />
Graduate Certificate Course implemented and Community Capacity Building for<br />
Integrated Water Resources Management technical assistance carried out.<br />
• Quarterly newsletter produced, Website established and maintained, E-mail focal groups,<br />
Interactive Water Action Database maintained.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• In the area of water resources management assisting with establishing surface water<br />
stations in Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia under GEF Integrated Water<br />
Resources Management project.<br />
• Carrying out investigations to assess groundwater resource potential in Tonga.<br />
• Assess major landuse threats and risks associated with current groundwater abstractions<br />
in Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>, development of landuse planning.<br />
221
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Respond to member country requests through technical missions and/or advice provided<br />
in a timely and effective manner.<br />
• Conduct annual reporting on status of water resources in Tonga and the Republic of the<br />
Marshall <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Populating and managing the regional HYCOS database improving confidence in the<br />
quality of hydrological data.<br />
• Carrying out water quality and biological monitoring and evaluation program for<br />
Nadi (Fiji) coastal water and river discharges, developing a capacity building strategy<br />
for participatory water quality monitoring in the Nadi basin, involving stakeholder<br />
monitoring. Compiling water quality data for the Nadi coastal waters and Nadi River<br />
discharges. Assessing temporal and spatial variability of water quality in the coastal<br />
waters and discharging river water, and carrying out a preliminary design study to value<br />
mangrove goods and services in and adjacent to the Nadi basin and assessment of impacts<br />
of flood discharge scenarios.<br />
• The Resource Centre will continue to provide a platform for water resources managers and<br />
increase its involvement in providing the necessary information and guidance for climate<br />
adaptation initiatives regarding water management through agreed coping and adaptation<br />
strategies. Planned outputs include: strengthened capacity for water resources assessment<br />
and monitoring; enhanced application of climate information to cope with climate<br />
variability and change; and mainstreaming risk management approaches in Integrated<br />
Water Resources Management.<br />
• Implementing the <strong>Pacific</strong> Integrated Water Resources and Wastewater Management<br />
Demonstration Project.<br />
• Improvements noted in the laboratory monitoring and evaluation template. Recertification<br />
of the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> EPA laboratory by United States<br />
Environmental Protection Agency. Training to be conducted for Kiribati and Papua New<br />
Guinea counterparts. Improvements noted and follow up through proficiency testing,<br />
databases populated and being used for information sharing, training conducted in Fiji,<br />
Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and Tuvalu. Follow up visits to communities<br />
to note change in behaviour through improvements in the sanitary surveys, water quality<br />
training and/or technical advice provided in partnership for effectiveness and efficiency.<br />
• In the area of water demand management equipment to be delivered and installed for use,<br />
water balance figures for the Republic of the Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and Palau developed, System<br />
Loss Management Plans (SLMP) finalised for Cook <strong>Islands</strong>, Vanuatu and Republic of the<br />
Marshall <strong>Islands</strong> and a regional benchmarking report being made available.<br />
• Training using Global Programme of Action methodology to be delivered. Report on<br />
demonstrating health benefits from WASH interventions in Tuvalu produced and shared<br />
regionally through <strong>Pacific</strong> WASH Coalition and partners.<br />
• Revising and publishing rainwater harvesting guidelines and manual and delivering<br />
training in Cook <strong>Islands</strong>. Producing a bibliography for dissemination through <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
WASH Coalition, drafting a position paper through research and lessons learned on<br />
compost toilet trials in <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries.<br />
• Organising the review and consultation process for the regional water, sanitation and<br />
climate outlooks and strategies with a view to finalising consultations and outlooks in<br />
2012 and development, adoption and presentation of a new regional strategy before the<br />
Asia-<strong>Pacific</strong> Water Summit in 2012 and <strong>Forum</strong> leaders meeting in 2012.<br />
222
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Strategic planning for the improvement of regional support programmes in the areas of<br />
water resources assessment and management; water supply and wastewater management;<br />
and water governance and awareness for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries in line with SPC SOPAC<br />
division Strategy 2011-2015.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Secretariat</strong> of the <strong>Pacific</strong> Community (SPC)<br />
• Poor high level appreciation of National Water and Sanitation issues. Water is often seen<br />
as a limitless renewable resource provided and therefore not an issue of concern. However<br />
health statistics, infant morbidity rates and occasional cholera and typhoid outbreaks<br />
indicate otherwise. There is an urgent and paramount need for <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries to<br />
address at the highest strategic level national actions that address and remedy current and<br />
projected water and sanitation issues. This level of national engagement would greatly<br />
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regional programmes.<br />
• Lack of adequate levels of core funding: Water resource management is information poor<br />
In the <strong>Pacific</strong>. The capacity for national and regional level modelling of climate variability<br />
and climate change is grossly constrained by the inadequacy of hydrological monitoring<br />
and analysis. The responsiveness at a national level to water related disasters and stressors<br />
is compromised by this deficiency. Water resource assessments are required to ensure<br />
ongoing availability for the people of the <strong>Pacific</strong>, development and environmental<br />
services.<br />
• Project based funding: the reliance on project funding means the water and sanitation<br />
related work is driven by donor priorities rather than national and regional water and<br />
sanitation strategies. The lack of a core funded programme results in poor ongoing<br />
monitoring of water and sanitation indicators and results in substandard reporting against<br />
key human well-being indicators, such as the MDG targets.<br />
• Establishing and maintaining core expertise and capacity: unpredictable project based<br />
funding constrains the development of <strong>Pacific</strong> Small Island Developing States expertise<br />
and lowers the responsiveness of the program to the needs of <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries and<br />
their capacity to deal with climate variability and change on a growing population.<br />
• Better national level integration: lack of integration at a national level for a key cross<br />
cutting element impacts on access by <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries to improved water<br />
availability and sanitation.<br />
Priority<br />
Developing effectively managed and sustainable national tuna industries.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Information on FFA support for this priority is at pages 16 - 18.<br />
• Under the newly-established FFA Regional Economic Integration Project (REI) Unit,<br />
collaborative arrangements to advance and accelerate tangible fisheries-related<br />
development projects have been concluded with the Governments of Tonga, Vanuatu,<br />
223
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
Niue, Nauru, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Samoa and the Federated States of<br />
Micronesia. This will facilitate the establishment of national tuna industries in the nine<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries.<br />
• Arrangements for financial and technical support to <strong>Pacific</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> Tuna Industry<br />
Association provided under EU funded DevFish2 project.<br />
• Developed a programme to improve the capacity of countries to export seafood, noting<br />
work already underway in several countries including Vanuatu, Solomon <strong>Islands</strong>, Cook<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Information on FFA support for this priority is at pages 23 and 24.<br />
• Continued support for the establishment of national tuna industries under the REI<br />
programme and initiate new projects on an “as-requested” basis in other eligible countries.<br />
• Liaise and monitor the progress of national and regional industry associations.<br />
• Continue existing work and expand to include other countries.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Information on risks to this priority is at pages 28 and 29.<br />
• Currently the FFA REI Unit is funded from project funding external to the FFA core budget<br />
and is hence vulnerable to funding discontinuance or curtailment.<br />
• Donor funding for continued implementation ceases or is reduced.<br />
• Projects not effectively implemented at the national level due to political interference and<br />
lack of government support.<br />
• Industry associations not effective due to financial constraints and lack of capacity.<br />
• Delays encountered in approving regulatory processes and in developing technical<br />
capacity.<br />
• Political will for the full implementation of the current projects.<br />
224
Priority<br />
Implementing (with the assistance of the FFA) comprehensive conservation measures to<br />
protect stock levels in coastal, exclusive economic zones and on the high seas. (<strong>Forum</strong> Leaders<br />
Communiqué – <strong>Pacific</strong> Plan Annex A) - Strengthen national management frameworks.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Information on FFA support for this priority is at pages 16 - 18.<br />
• Country workshops and visits to assist in addressing respective national priority and<br />
policy needs.<br />
• Collaboration with SPC’s Oceanic Fisheries Program on the analysis of tuna management<br />
options for FFA member countries.<br />
• Preparation of fisheries management papers to be considered by the Officials and<br />
Ministerial <strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Committee meetings.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Information on FFA support for this priority is at pages 23 and 24.<br />
• Workshops planned for numerous member countries.<br />
• Preparation of fisheries management papers to be considered by the Officials and<br />
Ministerial <strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Committee meetings.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Information on risks to this priority is at pages 28 and 29.<br />
• Insufficient country workshops and visits by the FFA <strong>Secretariat</strong> to assist members.<br />
• Fisheries management recommendations not endorsed by the Officials and Ministerial<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Committee meetings.<br />
225
Priority<br />
Implementing (with the assistance of the FFA) comprehensive conservation measures to protect<br />
stock levels in coastal, exclusive economic zones and on the high seas.<br />
Participate in the establishment of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Fisheries Management<br />
Organisation.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Prepared information paper on general South <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Fisheries Management<br />
Organisation issues for <strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Committee. <strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Committee<br />
established small working group to lead participation in the Preparatory Conference.<br />
• Supported members participating in the South <strong>Pacific</strong> Regional Fisheries Management<br />
Organisation (SPRFMO) 2nd Preparatory Conference in January 2011.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Preparation of SPRFMO brief for FFA members for the remaining Preparatory Conference<br />
(January 2012) and inaugural meeting of the SPRFMO.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Lack of effective participation due, among others, to lack of funding and lack of clear<br />
understanding of issues.<br />
Priority<br />
Implementing (with the assistance of the FFA) comprehensive conservation measures to protect<br />
stock levels in coastal, exclusive economic zones and on the high seas.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
226<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Key aspect of implementing conservation measures includes giving domestic legislative<br />
effect by incorporating such measures into national laws. Continued assistance to <strong>Pacific</strong><br />
Island Countries on their legislative reviews as detailed below.
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months (continued)<br />
• Continued legislative reviews of Acts for a number of countries - Samoa, Fiji, Nauru,<br />
Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Palau, and Niue.<br />
• Joint legislative review with SPC completed for Tuvalu and Samoa. Work on the coastal<br />
and offshore components is consolidated in one legislation.<br />
• Comments provided to draft fisheries legislation developed for Kiribati, and the Solomon<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
• Continued drafting of approaches to reflect WCPFC obligations in a more efficient manner<br />
to assist countries with their national legislative updates.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Complete/continue drafting and consolidation of fisheries legislation.<br />
• Use of national consultants promoted where available.<br />
• Ongoing support individually and collectively.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Legislation to give effect to conservation measures not enacted or not enforced.<br />
• Members do not actively use the approaches to draft WCPFC legislation to adapt their<br />
national laws, due to factors such as limited resources, or other national priorities.<br />
• Members do not update national laws, or national consultants or counterparts do not<br />
follow up on legislative work/collaboration with the FFA <strong>Secretariat</strong> at national level, due<br />
to factors such as limited resources, or other national priorities<br />
Priority<br />
Adopting full implementation, as called for by PNA Leaders without delay, of the 3rd<br />
Implementing Arrangement including the Additional Terms and Conditions of Access to the<br />
EEZs of the Parties.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Assistance provided to PNA on the development of regulations to implement the 3rd<br />
Implementing Arrangement.<br />
• Assistance provided to PNA to amend the 3rd Implementing Arrangement to extend<br />
fishing prohibitions to high seas areas and to prohibit setting on whale sharks.<br />
227
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Provision of ongoing assistance to PNA members to ensure that standardised regulations<br />
and licence conditions adopted and implemented by all PNA members.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Inability to implement new terms and conditions due to legislative reforms needed.<br />
Priority<br />
Action to expedite improved monitoring, control and surveillance as required by regional<br />
agreement.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Endorsement by <strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Committee of FFA Observer Implementation Plan,<br />
including schedule of activities to meet observer requirements of United States Treaty,<br />
Federated States of Micronesia Arrangement, PNA 3rd Implementing Arrangement and<br />
WCPFC Conservation Measure 2008-01.<br />
• FFA conducted three national observer training courses and one regional observer course.<br />
Financial support was also provided to a Federated States of Micronesia National Observer<br />
course.<br />
• Improved processing of observer collected Monitoring, Control Surveillance data.<br />
• Operation of FFA Observer Implementation Plan, noting that the Plan sets out the<br />
priorities and that supplementary resources will be required.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
228<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Expansion of observer training, to include debriefer and train the trainer training directed<br />
at PNA 3rd Implementing Arrangement and WCPFC CMM 2008-01.<br />
• Train the trainer courses to enhance national training capacity.<br />
• On-going development of regional observer database.<br />
• Provision of urgent assistance to Members to develop national and sub-regional capacity<br />
to meet the observer requirements of CMM 2008-01.
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months (continued)<br />
• Improved coordination of national observer programmes.<br />
• Similar numbers of placements for the coming six months<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Projected numbers of national observers cannot be achieved because of capacity and<br />
resource limitations.<br />
• Lack of development of infrastructure and finance to support observer expansion.<br />
• Failure to achieve observer numbers.<br />
• Non-adoption by countries.<br />
• Database not implemented or utilised by members.<br />
• National and sub-regional observers’ capacity targets not achieved due to resource and<br />
capacity constraints.<br />
• Fleet fluctuations and movements reducing effective placements<br />
Priority<br />
Continuing to press distant water fishing nations to comply with all relevant national and<br />
international laws and conventions to ensure the long-term sustainability of tuna stocks.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• To support compliance, the FFA continued to provide vessel monitoring tracking system<br />
services to WCPFC under a Service Level Agreement that was concluded in December<br />
2008. The Commission Vessel Monitoring System services commenced on 1 April 2009.<br />
• FFA Observers Programme (FFA-OP) Strategy endorsed and action taken to commence<br />
implementation.<br />
• To support monitoring and compliance on the High Seas, FFA supports the<br />
implementation of WCPFC High Seas Boarding and Inspection (HSBI) Procedures (CMM<br />
2006-08). The FFA provided HSBI training in 2008 and plans to conduct another course in<br />
2011 and continues to provide technical and legal advice on the implementation of these<br />
procedures.<br />
• All FFA positions and interventions at WCPFC meetings promote compliance and data<br />
submissions.<br />
229
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Ensure the continued provision of vessel monitoring system services to WCPFC taking<br />
into account outcomes of the audit. The Commission vessel monitoring system allows<br />
for the monitoring of vessels fishing on High Seas in the Convention Area in order to<br />
determine those who are fishing legally/illegally which impacts on sustainability of<br />
stocks.<br />
• Continued provision by FFA of technical and legal advice on implementation of HSBI.<br />
• Support the sharing of HSBI platforms.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Confidentially provisions of WCPFC deny FFA member state access to data of vessels<br />
fishing in High Seas coming into FFA member Exclusive Economic Zone, unless a member<br />
country enters into a bilateral agreement with WCPFC.<br />
• Non-adoption of strategy by countries for various reasons, including resource and capacity<br />
constraints to establish national observer programmes.<br />
• Insufficient infrastructure to meet observer obligations and opportunities.<br />
• FFA members unable to implement HSBI procedures because of capacity and resource<br />
constraints.<br />
Priority<br />
Progressing urgent efforts to delineate extended Continental Shelves and prepare submissions to<br />
the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf by May 2009 and efforts to delimit<br />
maritime boundaries for improved governance and management of ocean resources.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• FFA consulted with SPC SOPAC Division on cooperation in assisting <strong>Pacific</strong> Island<br />
Countries towards maritime boundary solutions to support the enhancement of FFA<br />
vessel monitoring and operations systems.<br />
• Assistance provided on request to ensure that legislation supports maritime boundary<br />
technical solutions.<br />
230
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Close cooperation between FFA and SPC in any maritime boundary work.<br />
• Close cooperation with <strong>Pacific</strong> Island Countries that request assistance to settle and<br />
declare their maritime boundaries.<br />
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• FFA vessel monitoring and operations systems not updated due to lack of updated<br />
boundary information.<br />
Priority<br />
Progressing collectively, while also seeking to engage the USA and France, strengthened<br />
mechanisms to protect regional fisheries via new multilateral <strong>Pacific</strong> regional arrangements<br />
patterned on the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement model for exchange of fisheries law<br />
enforcement data, cross vesting of enforcement powers and the use of fisheries data for other law<br />
enforcement activities.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Fourth meeting of the Parties to the Niue Treaty in May 2010 agreed to progress a<br />
multilateral Niue Treaty subsidiary agreement (NTSA) to promote enhanced Monitoring,<br />
Control and Surveillance cooperation.<br />
• Approach recommended by the Parties to the Niue Treaty endorsed by <strong>Forum</strong> Leaders in<br />
August 2010 and Fisheries and Law Enforcement Ministers in July 2010.<br />
• Noting this might not formalise engagement with the United States and France, Parties<br />
agreed that the multilateral Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement would only be one tool and<br />
that others would need to be identified, specifically for wider engagement of non-Parties.<br />
• Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement Drafting Group, as mandated by the Leaders, was<br />
established. Their terms of reference and work plan have been adopted. Development of<br />
Drafting Instructions underway. The Drafting Group has met three times since May 2010.<br />
What progress is anticipated over the next 12 months<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• Ongoing support to the development of the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement.<br />
231
Are there any risks or major issues that are impacting on your<br />
organisations capacity to implement this decision<br />
<strong>Forum</strong> Fisheries Agency (FFA)<br />
• FFA Members do not all sign up to the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement.<br />
• United States and France not interested in more formal arrangements.<br />
Priority<br />
Sustainable Development through Improved Education and Training, Enhanced Involvement of<br />
Youth, and Recognized and protected cultural values, identities, and traditional knowledge.<br />
What has been the progress and achievement(s) over the last 12<br />
months<br />
University of the South <strong>Pacific</strong> (USP)<br />
• In July 2010 “A Love for Life – Silence and HIV”, performance was staged. Other activities<br />
included creative livelihoods workshops, and a teachers’ curriculum skills workshop on<br />
the “teaching of sexual and reproductive health in Tonga, using a culture and faith-based<br />
approach”. USP’s partners included UNAIDS, UNFPA, Palau Community College, SPC, and<br />
other stakeholders.<br />
• Facilitated the National University of Samoa’s Awareness Workshop on Education for<br />
Sustainable Development in September 2010 (an EDULINK activity).<br />
• USP held a conference in September 2010 on Oceans, <strong>Islands</strong> and Skies – Creativity and<br />
Climate Change.<br />
• The USP conference on Social Policy, Social Welfare Systems and Human Security in the<br />
<strong>Pacific</strong> held in October 2010 brought together major stakeholders in the <strong>Pacific</strong> to review<br />
current systems, needs and to map future directions.<br />
• In 2011, USP facilitated the development of a draft Higher Education for Sustainable<br />
Development Policy. The Faculty of Arts and Law Seminar Series is creating wider public<br />
awareness about Education and Sustainable <strong>Pacific</strong> Societies.<br />
232
Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji. Ratu Sukuna Road, Muanikau, Suva, Fiji. Telephone (679) 331 2600 Email info@forumsec.org.fj Website www.forumsec.org