One of the strengths of SPREP is its network of partners and its ability to convene coordinate and mobilise dialogue and support to address member and regional priorities. The SPREP Partnerships Dialogue is an important start for Partners that should and must continue. All noted that the Partnership Dialogue is the first step in harmonising processes and formalising the arrangements between partners so that they can better link to SPREP and the region.
The Director General of SPREP reflected upon the role of the Convention in addressing growing environmental challenges and stressing the relevance of the Noumea Convention in helping to meet these, thanking all Parties for their engagement in the Meeting. It was acknowledged that 2023 marks the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the SPREP Treaty and that this was the first in person Ordinary Meeting of the Noumea Convention since COVID-19.
The Director General presented opening remarks and expressed gratitude to Parties and partners for working together in support of the Waigani Convention. The Director General highlighted waste and pollution are part of the triple planetary crisis, with climate change and biodiversity loss. The use of technology and new ways of working to overcome the difficult period during the COVID pandemic was shared
The Work Programme and Budget (WP&B) is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the SPREP Financial Regulations and is expressed in USD. The WP&B proposed is based on firm/secured pledges from donors as at the date this WP&B was completed (ie July 2023). It therefore reflects mainly ongoing and new programme/projects where agreements are in place for the implementation of programmes/project activities
Introducting concepts of Circular Economy and provide information to member countries opportunities to incorporating Circular Economy into waste management decision making and legislation.
Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the tropical Pacific are exceeding El Niño thresholds and have Oceanic indicators firmly exhibit an El Niño state. Central and eastern Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) continue to exceed El Niño thresholds. Models indicate further warming of the central to eastern Pacific is likely.
Oceanic indicators firmly exhibit an El Niño state. Central and eastern Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) con-tinue to exceed El Niño thresholds. Models indicate further warming of the central to eastern Pacific is likely. During September, the trade winds were generally weak across the rest of the equatorial Pacific with some westerlies occurring in the western Pacific.
Pacific island countries like others around the world are evaluating their plastics use. The global bioplastics market (bio-based and/or biodegradeable plastics) is projected to increase in the next decade with their use in a range of sectors including agriculture/ horticulture, aquaculture, fisheries and food and non-food packaging.
“In celebrating 30 years of serving our Pacific region, we are provided an opportune time to reflect on how far we’ve come, taking with us all that we have learned from the people and entities who have worked and contributed their knowledge and expertise to our organisation, to forge our way ahead with renewed enthusiasm,” Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General, SPREP.
