Pacific side event at Rio+20

By Kathleen Leewai, SPREP

19 June 2012, Rio de Janeiro – “Pacific islands applying a green economy in a blue world”, was the theme of a regional side event at the Rio+20 today that featured Pacific Leaders presenting on sustainable efforts in the region. 

Drawing a strong crowd, the event had standing space only with over 30 people holding discussions outside

“We’re really pleased that we were able to provide a good platform for our leaders to share Pacific initiatives in sustainable development and call for global support for these regional and sub regional actions,” said Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra, the Director of Environmental Governance and Monitoring at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

“The turnout was good with many people and partners from outside the region attending.”

Five Pacific leaders spoke at the event, their presentations covering a range of issues; the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Samoa on the regional preparations for Rio+20, the President of Kiribati on the Pacific Oceanscape, the President of the Federated States of Micronesia on the Micronesia Challenge, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu on the Melanesian Spearhead Group, and the Ulu of Tokelau on their renewable energy plan.

This session was chaired by the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Mr. Tuiloma Neroni Slade the Pacific Oceanscape Commissioner.

The presentations were followed by a moderated discussion chaired the Director of the Forum Fisheries Agency, Su’a Dan, with speakers from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Conservation International, the Minister of Sustainable Development of New Caledonia, ESCAP, the IOC, and Tonga.

More news on the event will be featured.