19 Jun 2013

SPC and IUCN to work closely in developing green economies

7:30 am on 19 June 2013

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Union for Conservation of Nature to work together in areas of conservation and development in the Pacific.

The four-year MOU, signed in Noumea, recognises the expertise that the two organisations possess in sectors related to biodiversity conservation including fisheries and marine protection, forestry, energy, food security, water and climate change.

In working together, the two agencies say they'll look to foster a more holistic and sustainable regional approach to economic and social development.

The IUCN regional director, Taholo Kami, says closer co-operation will enable them to better engage regional governments in creating green economies.

"If we can do a better job in the next 5 or 10 years, a significantly better job I hope. What do we need to do in terms of management of our fisheries, and what do we need to do in terms of the issue of mining and logging and how do we come together and start to get the right kind of commitments that support communities."

The IUCN's Taholo Kami.