A monthly update of IUCN news in the Oceania Region: May 2012

Green Growth Coalition to guide leaders in sustainable development

A group of senior Pacific figures have shaped a new leadership coalition to help address some of the key development challenges facing the Pacific Island Region. The Green Growth Leadership Coalition will work with leaders in the Pacific Island Region and provide mentoring, support and guidance on issues of critical importance for a more sustainable development model. 

Mr. Fe'iloakitau Kaho Tevi , IUCN Oceania Green Growth Consultant, says the coalition will work on Pacific solutions to problems rather than simply adopt solutions imposed by outside aid providers. 

Pacific takes part in Year of Sustainable Energy for All

2012 has been designated as International Year of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) by the UN General Assembly. IUCN Oceania helped launch the Pacific roll-out of SE4ALL on May 18 at the University of the South Pacific. The President of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was the guest speaker at the event. IUCN Oceania will work with  other regional organisations, development partners, the private sector and Pacific Island nations to contribute towards the three goals of SE4ALL.

Samoa raises awareness on threatened mangroves

In the effort to raise public awareness on mangrove conservation, MESCAL Samoa have invested in bus advertising. A bus from Sunrise Transport, which services the route between Apia and Vaitele-uta (about 5km from central Apia), bears a colorful mangrove painting and the message 'Conserve and/or Protect mangrove ecosystem for climate change adaptation'. The bus was launched as part of the nation's celebration of World Biodiversity Day on May 22. For more information contact milika.sobey@iucn.org

Fiji plans targeted mangrove awareness campaign

Fiji's National Mangrove Management Committee (NMMC) has begun discussions on a six month advertising campaign for mangroves. Given the lack of basic knowledge that most people in Fiji have about mangroves, a targeted campaign is now being developed to help address the issue. IUCN Oceania is part of the NMMC and will assist in the campaign through its MESCAL Project. For more information contact milika.sobey@iucn.org

Renewable energy projects: Impacts on nature and people

For those planning to fund, build or manage (small scale) solar PV, hydro power, bioenergy or wind power projects in the Pacific. These four factsheets provide some useful guide to consider environmental social and economic issues these projects can raise and how they could be managed. Downloadable PDFs are also available.