The Global International Waters assessment for the Pacific islands: aspects of transboundary, water shortage, and coastal fisheries issues

Abstract

This report summarizes some of the main concerns and issues identified in a detailed assessment of the Pacific Islands GIWA subregion. The GIWA methodology used in this assessment is reported elsewhere in this issue of Ambio. The region contains a baffling diversity of island types and corresponding terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems covering some 30 million km2 of ocean space. There is also great geographic, demographic and developmental diversity. Differences in climate, geological resources, topographical features, soil types, mineral and water availability, extent of coral reefs and diversity of terrestrial, freshwater and marine flora and fauna, are also features of the region.