Pacific countries will be urged to give a high priority to environmental sustainability while planning development at a regional meeting this week.
The South Pacific Regional Environment Programme will meet in Samoa to assess how an action plan spanning the years 2001 until 2004 is progressing.
Diretcor of the Environmental Programme, or Sprep, Asterio Takesy says it's essential for economic growth and prosperity for Pacific countries to take into account environmental issues.
"It is difficult for any particular country to go ahead and just consider economic factors without taking in the entire eco system for instance that they live under..so that is our way of looking at economic development. Tourism is an example where, you know, you want to attract people coming in but you must also develop resource."
