BIOPAMA - Developing capacity for a protected planet in the Pacific

Abstract

An initiative of the ACP Secretariat funded by the European Union under the 10th EDF Developing Capacity for a Protected Planet in the Pacific www.biopama.org Photo: Paul DingwallPhoto: Christophe-Laïchouchen BIOPAMA in the Pacific - People, Islands, Ocean Long-standing cultural and spiritual foundations link Pacific peoples with their island homes, coastal waters and oceanic pathways. Nature is sustenance and a central element of island identity, society and daily livelihood. Natural resources across the Pacific are not only used, but customarily owned, governed and managed by indigenous and local communities. Remote island groups are ecologically rich with exceptionally high numbers of plant and bird species found nowhere else. The landmass of ACP countries scattered across the Pacific covers a mere 2% within 20 million km² of combined national Exclusive Economic Zones - vast and immeasurably valuable ocean expanses. However, like many developing regions, the natural environment and t