A recent workshop held in Suva, Fiji, brought together over 30 experts and representatives from 11 Pacific Island nations to strengthen regional efforts in assessing and integrating the value of ecosystem services into national policies and planning. This two-day event took place on June 19 and 20, with support from various international organizations, including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).
Delegates from countries including Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and Indonesia gathered to discuss the importance of evaluating both tangible and intangible benefits provided by ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrass meadows, which play a crucial role in coastal protection and food security. Notably, Andie Fong Toy, Head of the ESCAP Subregional Office for the Pacific, emphasized that understanding these values is essential for informed decision-making, despite the existing challenges in capacity within the region.
The workshop highlighted successful case studies such as the implementation of tourism levies to fund marine protected areas. Additionally, experts from Indonesia shared their experiences in seagrass valuation, demonstrating how this knowledge can influence policies regarding ecosystem compensation and reform.
Cross-border collaboration was another key theme, underscored by a senior Indonesian official, who pointed out that environmental challenges transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries, highlighting the need for collective action across the Pacific.
Funded entirely by the Indonesian Government through ESCAP, this initiative aligns with significant regional strategies, including the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. As pressures on natural resources grow in the Pacific, the recognition of ecosystem valuation as a critical tool for enhancing climate resilience and supporting sustainable economic futures continues to gain momentum.
This workshop represents a proactive stride towards fostering biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of the region’s natural resources. The collaborative efforts exhibited during the event encourage a hopeful perspective for the Pacific Island nations in addressing the impacts of climate change and economic challenges while enhancing the conservation of their vital ecosystems.
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