PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH SESSION
hosted by the Government of Samoa at the Hotel Kitano Tusitala Apia, Samoa
24-30 September 2005 SOUTH PACIFIC APPLIED GEOSCIENCE COMMISSION
PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH SESSION
hosted by the Government of Samoa at the Hotel Kitano Tusitala Apia, Samoa
24-30 September 2005
January 2006 The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of SOPAC concerning the legal status of any country or territory or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of the frontiers of any country or territory.
The mention of any firm or licensed process does not imply endorsement by SOPAC.
2 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO SOPAC ...... 4
OPENING ADDRESS
Opening Address by Honourable Faumuina Liuga, Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure ...... 7
SUMMARY RECORD OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH SOPAC SESSION ...... 9
APPENDICES
1 List of Participants ...... 43
2 Agenda...... 51
3 Designation of National Representatives ...... 53
4 Statements by Delegations
Part I: Member Countries ...... 55
Part II: CROP Organisations ...... 70
Part III: Cooperating Governments & International Agencies ...... 76
Part IV: National Institutions ...... 78
5 STAR Chair’s Report to Council ...... 82
6 EU EDF 8/9 Report ...... 94
7 Programme Monitoring Evaluation Groups Reports and Associated Documentation .... 97
8 List of Conference Room Documents ...... 110
9 Acronyms ...... 113
3 INTRODUCTION TO SOPAC
Objectives The Commission’s Work Programme is formulated from The South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) member country requests, and is carried out by its Secretariat is an independent, inter-governmental, regional organisation based in Suva, Fiji Islands. mandated by several Pacific nations to: SOPAC was established in 1972 as CCOP/SOPAC (the • develop resource policy, and advise on the management Committee for Coordination of Joint Prospecting for Mineral and development of onshore and offshore mineral and Resources in South Pacific Offshore Areas) under the aggregate resources; sponsorship of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). In 1984, CCOP/ • meet the needs for water resources, waste management, SOPAC changed its legal status to become an independent, health and sanitation through the provision of resource regional inter-governmental body, changing its name to policy and management advice, appropriate information SOPAC (South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission) in and training; 1989.
• support the information requirements and enhance the skills required for management and operation of the energy sector in member countries; Funding SOPAC is funded by a combination of statutory and voluntary • assist decision makers and planners to develop coastal contributions by its member countries and grants from donor zones and extract resources while protecting them from governments and international agencies. An annual budget degradation; of around F$14 million supports the implementation of the Work Programme and the operation of the Secretariat. • predict the effects of hazards on the health, wealth and development potential of member countries; Supporting countries include Australia, Fiji and New Zealand as members, Canada, France, Republic of Korea, Japan, • assist decision makers and planners to understand ocean Norway, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, United States processes, develop ocean areas and extract resources while and the United Kingdom. The European Union, protecting oceans from over-exploitation and pollution; Commonwealth Secretariat and UNDP are the principal • provide geoscientific and related education needs through multilateral supporting agencies. SOPAC has formal and the provision of a variety of training and education informal links with many other supporting agencies and opportunities at all levels of geoscience and resource institutions. Member countries provide considerable support management; during survey work, and ship time in the region is regularly contributed by other countries such as the France, Japan • meet the demands for electronic information by member and Germany. country governments and regional organisations to manage resources and risk;
• support National authorities in disaster management SOPAC Annual Session activities through advice information; and The SOPAC Annual Session is a meeting of the Commission, and has four components: • provide readily-available and current information in geoscience and related fields to member countries and (a) a Plenary Session covers the procedural aspects of the others. meeting and the presentation of reports from member countries, donor Governments and organisations, and the Secretariat. This session is a meeting of the Council at which other delegates are invited as observers, Member Countries contributing to the discussion of non-technical matters Member countries are currently Australia, Cook Islands, concerning SOPAC such as cooperation and funding. Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji Islands, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua (b) a meeting of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to consider New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, the SOPAC Work Programme. All TAG members Tuvalu and Vanuatu. American Samoa, New Caledonia and participate as equals during this meeting. Tahiti Niu are Associate Members. (c) a meeting of the Science Technology and Resources Network (STAR ) which is an open forum for reporting geoscientific research in the Pacific and for exchanging Background information and ideas between scientists from SOPAC The Commission comprises the Governing Council (the Member Countries and the international geoscientific member country representatives), the Secretariat (based in community. Suva) and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG). TAG (d) a Governing Council meeting to discuss the administrative comprises advisors who are nominated by member countries and financial business of SOPAC, which may be open to and by supporting Governments and organisations, or are observers who could speak when invited. invited by the Secretariat. See the Table on the next page for a summary of past SOPAC sessions.
4 — — — — — — Rapporteur(s) J. Wright, UK G. Shepherd, TS J. Wright, UK J. Eade, NZ J. Eade, NZ J. Eade, NZ D. Howell, US; J. Eade, NZ AU N. Exon, D. Mallick, UK D. Mallick, UK J. Eade, TS; M. Fisk, UN J. Eade, TS TS J. Harper, H. Creech, TS A. Sherwood, TS A. Sherwood/J. Eade, TS A. Sherwood, TS R. Howorth, TS R. Howorth/L. Bukarau, TS L. Bukarau/R. Howorth, TS L. Bukarau/R. Howorth, TS TS Fairbairn, L. Bukarau/P. TS Fairbairn, L. Bukarau/P. TS Fairbairn, L. Bukarau/P. L. Bukarau/C. Pratt, TS L. Bukarau, TS L. Bukarau, TS L. Bukarau, TS L. Bukarau, TS Marshall Islands; WS – Samoa; SB – Marshall Islands; WS – Samoa; SB the — TAG Chairman TAG R. Willett, NZ R. Willett, NZ Brodie, NZ J.W. Brodie, NZ J.W. NZ D. Kear, Brodie, NZ J.W. J. Wright, UK US M. Terman, J. Wright, UK J. Wright, UK AU N. Exon, AU N. Exon, H.G. Greene, US H.G. Greene, US Eade, NZ J.V. D.J. Mallick, UK US C. Helsley, R.N. Richmond, TS R.N. Richmond, TS B. Page, UK H.G. Greene, US R.N. Richmond, TS D. Pickrill, NZ D. Pickrill, Canada A. Macfarlane, UK UK D. Tappin, UK D. Tappin, Barrett, NZ T. K. Ruaia, Kiribati M. Kaminaga, RMI A. Itsimaera, Nauru Niue S. Talagi, A. Maino, PN WS Toomata, T. United States nd; PN – Papua New Guinea; RMI – Republic of New Guinea; RMI – Republic nd; PN – Papua — Vice-Chairman Taumoepeau,TG S. Tu’a R. Richmond, FJ WS Mueller, P. G. Sawtell, CK TG S. Tongilava, R. Richmond, FJ S. Kingan, CK A. Macfarlane, VA A. Macfarlane, VA TG S. Tongilava, TG S. Tongilava, L. Ioane, WS S. Danitofea, SB S. Kingan, CK G. Anderson, PN S. Sopoanga, TU AU R. Rutland, K. Kolone (Interim) VA C. Mortimer, TG S. Tongilava, A. Simpson, FJ M. Kaminaga, MI Australia National Rep. C. Brown, CK G. Ayin, FSM G. Ayin, FSM National Rep. Guam K. Ruaia, Kiribati M. Kaminaga, RMI A. Itsimaera, Nauru Niue S. Talagi, S. Nion, PN S. Potoi, Samoa SB D. Tolia, Chairman Willett, NZ R.W. D. Green, FJ TG S. Tongilava, Enari, WS T. R.B. Thompson, SB G. Sawtell, CK N. Agonia, PN NZ D. Kear, R. Richmond, FJ Otang, KI T. A. Macfarlane, VA H. Thompson, NZ TG S. Tongilava, K. Eteuati, WS J. Saliga, SB S. Kingan, CK Searson, PN W. S. Sopoanga, TU AU Rutland, R.W. KI Tokataake, T. VA C. Mortimer, TG S. Tongilava, A. Simpson, FJ J. Kabua, MI AU D. Ritchie, R. Newnham, CK B. Rao, FJ S. Anefal, FSM Barrett, NZ T. K. Ruaia, Kiribati M. Maddison, RMI A. Itsimaera, Nauru Niue S. Talagi, A. Maino, PN WS Toomata, T. Venue Manila, Philippines Suva, FJ Nuku’alofa, TG Apia, WS Honiara, SB Rarotonga, CK PN Port Moresby, Wellington, NZ Suva, FJ KI Tarawa, VA Port Vila, Wellington, NZ Nuku’alofa, TG Apia, Western Samoa Honiara, SB Rarotonga, CK Lae, Papua New Guinea Suva, FJ Canberra, AU KI Tarawa, VA Port Vila, Nuku’alofa, TG Suva, FJ Majuro, MI Suva, Fiji Rarotonga, CK Nadi, Fiji Islands Suva, Fiji Islands Nadi, Fiji Islands Kiribati Tarawa, Majuro, Marshall Islands Suva, Fiji Islands Alofi, Niue Coral Coast, Fiji Islands Apia, Samoa SUMMARY OF SOPAC ANNUAL SESSIONS
Date Jul 1971 Nov 1972 Aug-Sep 1973 Sep 1974 Sep 1975 Nov 1976 Oct 1977 Oct 1978 Sep-Oct 1979 Oct 1980 Oct 1981 Nov 1982 Oct 1983 Oct-Nov 1984 Sep 1985 Sep 1986 Oct 1987 Oct 1988 Oct 1989 Oct 1990 Sep-Oct 1991 Sep-Oct 1992 Oct 1993 Sep 1994 Sep-Oct 1995 Oct 1996 Sep-Oct 1997 Sep-Oct 1998 Oct 1999 Sep-Oct 2000 October 2001 Sep-Oct 2002 Sep 2003 Sep 2004 Sep 2005
Session Preparatory FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH FIFTH SIXTH SEVENTH EIGHT NINTH TENTH ELEVENTH TWELFTH THIRTEENTH FOURTEENTH FIFTEENTH SIXTEENTH SEVENTEENTH EIGHTEENTH NINETEENTH TWENTIETH TWENTY-FIRST TWENTY-SECOND TWENTY-THIRD TWENTY-FOURTH TWENTY-FIFTH TWENTY-SIXTH TWENTY-SEVENTH TWENTY-EIGHTH TWENTY-NINTH THIRTIETH THIRTY-FIRST THIRTY-SECOND THIRTY-THIRD THIRTY-FOURTH Solomon Islands; TG – Tonga; TS – SOPAC Secretariat; TU – Tuvalu; VA – Vanuatu; UK – United Kingdom; UN Nations; US – Vanuatu; VA Secretariat; TU – Tuvalu; TS – SOPAC Solomon Islands; TG – Tonga; Abbreviations used: AU – Australia; CK – Cook Islands; FJ – Fiji Islands; KI – Kiribati; MI Marshall NZ New Zeala Abbreviations used: AU – Australia; CK – Cook Islands; FJ Fiji
5 SOPAC Session at the Hotel Kitano Tusitala, Apia, Samoa. th Participants at the Official Opening of 34
6 OPENING ADDRESS
by Honourable Faumuina Liuga, Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure at the Official Opening of the SOPAC 34th Annual Session
Father Spa Silva, Director of SOPAC and Your AC’s island member countries. The long- Staff, Distinguished Delegates and Observers, established working relationship between SOP Ladies and gentlemen ...... AC and the international research community is a vital element in this endeavor, and one, It is a pleasure, on behalf of the Samoan which STAR is charged to nurture. Government to be here with you today at the Opening of this 34th Annual Session of the In this context I am pleased to note that a Governing Council of the South Pacific Applied young Samoa professional, Amatanga Penaia, Geoscience Commission (SOPAC). As host, the of the Samoa Water Authority, presented a Government of Samoa welcomes you all here paper at last year’s STAR Session outlining to Apia. I extend a particularly warm welcome how our Water Authority was adopting the to new faces to SOP AC, and a warm welcome principles of CHARM, a tool developed and back to old friends. promoted for the Pacific islands by SOP AC, to carry out comprehensive hazard and disaster Samoa was one of the seven founding risk management of the Authority and its members of SOP AC back in 1972, and first infrastructure in order to reduce their risks. hosted an annual session in September of 1974 and again in 1984. I am told a few of you Let me now turn to some particular aspects of here today were at that 1984 meeting Samoa in regard to SOPAC. We are a small including Russell Howorth who has been with country, 176,000 people, nine islands the Secretariat for the past 20 years and his altogether with two main islands Upolu and stepping down as Deputy Director at the close Savai’i. Our EEZ is the smallest in the region, of this annual session on Friday. I would like just over 100,000 square kilometres, though on your behalf to thank Russell for his we have common boundaries with five others outstanding services and contribution to the to negotiate. We look forward to the SOPAC work of the organization over the past two maritime boundaries meeting here in Apia decades and to wish him well in his future next week to assist us further with these endeavors. negotiations.
The 1984 annual meeting was a milestone Sustainable development is a challenge, as meeting. It was here in Apia that STAR the vulnerability seems to continue to increase Science Technology and Resources Network socially, economically and environmentally. of SOP AC, was founded, and held its first Cyclones Ofa and Val in the early nineties session. followed by the taro blight devastated us. In this regard I must congratulate the Secretariat STAR was formed as a vehicle to assist the for championing the work on developing a first international research community to provide global operational environmental vulnerability advice to SOP AC. This community gives of its index, which was completed in time for the time and advice freely, and on behalf of the Mauritius International Meeting on Small Governing Council members I thank you all Island developing States in January this year. most sincerely for that commitment. I I am well aware that in 1997, our Ambassador understand you have just concluded your in New York and then Chair of the Alliance of meetings and presentations of scientific Small Island Developing States AOSIS, papers for this year and the Chair of STAR, Ambassador Tuiloma Slade gave this challenge Professor John Collen is ready to present the to SOPAC. The recent preparation by the outcomes to Governing Council thereby giving Secretariat of our draft country diagnostic a very direct and timely opportunity to link report is most useful, as follow-up work to science and policy and where appropriate assist us in addressing the review next year influence decision-making of the Council as of our graduation from Least Developed SOPAC’s governing body. Country status,
One of the great strengths of SOP AC, its ability Pacific Islands, literally meaning peaceful to mobilize excellent science and bring it to islands, is far from a reality when we study bear so as to address the national needs of SOP the origins of many of them. Many islands
7 rising out of the Pacific Ocean owe their leading to the Second World Conference on origins to one of the most physically energetic Disaster Reduction earlier this year and and often awesome and destructive processes subsequently in the work to complete the of mother Nature... volcanic activity. Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Framework for Action 2005-2015 which is before you for Historic eruptions on the big island of Savaii, consideration and endorsement this week and where I come from, are not uncommon. then on to the Forum Leaders in Papua New Several periods of lava flows in different parts Guinea in a month’s time. of the island are known to have occurred over the past three hundred years. Early settlers Producing maps is also one of SOPAC’s established that Samoan tradition recorded strengths, and as we rapidly move into a digital extensive eruptions about 1760 in the era for displaying data spatially, data northwest of the island, which destroyed presentation on maps will be key to improving several coastal villages. A smaller was decision-making. In this regard I recall the recorded in 1902 at the same area. The latest coastal maps of Upolu produced by SOPAC were period of activity began on August 5 1905; the the only recent maps of our coastal lava erupted from Matavanu crater at a height infrastructure available at the time we had to of 600 metres high up on the north side of the reconstruct after Ofa. The maps of aggregates island and flowed 20 kilometres down to the produced by SOPAC on both Upolu and Savai’i coast and into the sea. The lava reached the have been a valuable resource. Most recently coast in December of that year. The beginning the coastal nearshore swath mapping has of 1906 saw a dramatic increase in activity been greatly appreciated by our fisheries and lava flowed into the sea more or less people. continuously for the following five years. The cost of energy, and the use of our valuable Eyewitness accounts indicated that where the foreign exchange earnings to pay for imported coast was bordered by coral reef, the lava fuel to generate electricity and run vehicles, quickly filled up the lagoon and flowed out over is one of the greatest elements of our the reef, thereby extending the coastline economic vulnerability. At US$30 some seawards. Much lava flowed out into deep twenty-four months ago it was hard, now at water through gaps in the reef during the US$60 and above the future outlook is not years of the eruption. At the time of the 1905- good. I am very pleased to note the recent 1911 eruption most buildings in the four SOPAC work with the Samoa Electric Power coastal villages evacuated were constructed Corporation on cogeneration and options for of timber and burnt. The only permanent increased use of biomass, especially coconut building in each of these villages was the oil. church. The cement walls of one church remain intact; the lava flowed into the church Delegates, there have been many global and by way of the main door and filled the church regional plans and follow-up plans that have to a depth of about one metre. Evidently exhausted valuable resources and time but everything in the church caught fire, which have yet to have any real impact on the including the timber frame roof. Pieces of bent lives of ordinary citizens, including here in corrugated roof iron can still be clearly seen the Pacific. I must stress therefore the now welded into the flow inside the church. importance of implementing projects, which your meeting and member countries have Today on Savai’i especially on the northern prioritised that will have long term benefits coastline, each and every person is exposed to our Pacific communities. Science and to the risk of such an event occurring again. technical know-how is in abundance and Inevitably it will, and hopefully the nearby Apia indeed important to the work of SOP AC, but Observatory regularly monitoring earthquakes they would be of no value to us if they do not in the region will be able to provide adequate translate to real benefits on the national and warning. grass roots level.
Improving early warning systems is of course Finally colleagues, I note from the draft agenda a very topical issue, I am pleased to note that before you that your brief time here in Apia here in Apia, your Council will be considering will be a busy schedule. Nonetheless I do hope a new strategy in regard to supporting its that you will be able to enjoy some of our island members to strengthen their early Samoan hospitality. warning capacity. Once again I congratulate the Secretariat in guiding Samoa along with In closing, I wish you well for a successful all Pacific Island countries through the process meeting. Soifua.
8 SUMMARY RECORD OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH SOPAC SESSION
FORMAL OPENING SESSION Index (EVI) in time for the Mauritius Meeting in January 2005 for Small Island Developing 1. OPENING States, the draft Pacific Strategy to strengthen the Pacific early warning system, the 1. The Thirty-fourth Annual Session of the production of the spatial maps on coasts and South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission aggregates, as well as the swath mapping work (SOPAC) was held in Apia, Samoa, from 24th to and identification of alternative biomass 30th September 2005. It’s Council Sessions resources. He emphasised the relevance of including the joint session with its Technical work undertaken by SOPAC and its impacts Advisory Group (TAG) and the preceding two- on ordinary citizens and highlighted that day scientific meeting of its Science, science would be of no value if it was not Technology and Resources Network (STAR) translated to national and grassroots level. were all held at the Hotel Kitano Tusitala. The 2005 STAR Meeting was the 22nd meeting of 6. Honourable Faumuina Liuga concluded the group. his address by acknowledging with appreciation the outstanding contribution to 2. The Governing Council meeting was the region made by Outgoing Deputy Director, called to order by the Outgoing Chair, Mr Stevie Dr Russell Howorth, pointing out that Dr Nion, national representative of Papua New Howorth’s twenty-four year association with Guinea. Dr Russell Howorth, was the Master SOPAC meant the organisation had become a of Ceremonies for the formal opening of the part of his life. Honorable Liuga’s Opening 34th Session of the SOPAC Governing Council. Address is tabled in full in this Proceedings volume. 3. A short devotional reading and the opening prayer were offered by Father Spa 7. The Outgoing Chair delivered a short Silva of the Catholic Church of Samoa. reply on behalf of Council in Tokpisin.
4. The Honourable Faumuina Liuga, 8. The Director of SOPAC, Ms Cristelle Minister of Works, Transport and Pratt, welcomed all the delegates to the SOPAC Infrastructure, gave the Opening Address on Governing Council meeting. She highlighted behalf of the Government and people of Samoa. the contributions made by the Secretariat in He welcomed the delegates recalling that providing technical support to Pacific Island Samoa last hosted the SOPAC Session in 1984, delegations at global fora, most specifically to the same year that the Science, Technology the Mauritius International Meeting and the and Resources Network (STAR) was conceived. 2nd World Conference on Disaster Risk He acknowledged the advice freely provided to Reduction in Kobe, Japan, both in January SOPAC from STAR scientists and expressed 2005. She also took the opportunity to thank appreciation on behalf of Council for the the outgoing Deputy Director, Russell commitment made by STAR over the years. Howorth, for his contribution to the region over Honorable Minister Faumuina acknowledged the past few decades and introduced the new SOPAC’s ability to mobilise science in order Deputy Director, Bhaskar Rao. to meet member country needs; drawing attention to the maritime boundaries 9. Delegates from the following member workshop scheduled for the week immediately countries were in attendance: American following the 34th SOPAC Session. Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Guam, 5. He was particularly appreciative of the Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New work conducted by the Secretariat, in light of Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua the natural disasters that have occurred in New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Samoa and offered his congratulations for the Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A full completion of the Environmental Vulnerability list of participants is appended as Appendix 1.
10. [Japan] Agency of Natural Resources and Energy, Alf Simpson and Associates (ASAP), 1 A comprehensive list of ACRONYMS is included as Appendix 8 of this Proceedings volume
9 Australian Volcanological Investigations, Deep behalf of the Government of Samoa; and the Ocean Resources Development Co. Ltd, representative of Solomon Islands, was Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic), appointed Vice-Chair of SOPAC. Geological Survey of Japan, Georgia Institute of Technology, Imperial College, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), Institute of Geological and Nuclear 2.2 Chairs of STAR and TAG Sciences (IGNS), Japan Agency for Marine- 15. Council accepted STAR’s nomination of Earth Science & Technology (JAMSTEC), Professor John Collen of Victoria University Japan Oil, Gas and Metal National Corporation of Wellington to continue as Chair of STAR and (JOGMEC), Japan Water Forum, KEW Consult Joe Buleka of Papua New Guinea, as Vice Limited, Kochi University, Korea Institute of Chair. Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), Korea Ocean Research and Development 16. Mr Terry Toomata, Deputy Secretary of Institute (KORDI), Landcare Research, Live Foreign Affairs, Samoa, also assumed the role and Learn, Moss Landing Laboratory, National of chairing the Joint Council-TAG Session. Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), Pacific Water Association (PWA), Samoa Electric Power Corporation (EPC), Samoa Water 2.3 Appointment of Rapporteurs Authority (SWA), SMEC International, Taiwan 17. Ms Lala Bukarau of the Secretariat was (ROC), The Pennsylvania State University, appointed Rapporteur. UNDP, The University of Queensland (UQ), UNESCO-IOC, United States Naval Academy, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA/Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre and Victoria 3. AGENDA AND WORKING PROCEDURES University of Wellington (VUW) attended as observers and supporters of SOPAC. 3.1 Adoption of Agenda
11. The following CROP organisations were 18. The Governing Council adopted the represented: Pacific Islands Forum provisional agenda as presented in AS34/3.1 Secretariat (PIFS), Secretariat of the Pacific Rev 1. The approved agenda is attached in Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Appendix 2. The draft working schedule was Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); also adopted (AS34/3.1/Info1) with the revised and the University of the South Pacific (USP). time changes of an 8.30 am start every morning and a 6.30 pm finish for the day. 12. Other institutions and representatives Working procedures (AS34/3.1/Info2) was of the private sector and civil society were also noted. represented. These are also fully documented in the List of Participants in Appendix 1. 19. Based on Council discussions during informal session, the previous day, the Chair also announced the moving of Agenda Item 12.1 Director Position to be dealt with following 2. ELECTIONS Agenda Item 6, in the event that its resolution would entail the formation of a sub-committee 13. On behalf of the Government of Papua to assess the performance of the incumbent New Guinea as Outgoing Chair, Mr Stevie Director in Session. Nion, expressed his gratitude to his fellow Governing Council members and the Secretariat for their support and assistance during Papua New Guinea’s tenure as Chair 3.2 Appointment of Drafting Committee of the SOPAC Governing Council. 20. An open-ended drafting committee [chaired by Mr Rudolf Dora, Assistant Secretary, Regional Economic Cooperation – 2.1 Chair and Vice-Chair of SOPAC Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Solomon Islands)] and comprising Marshall Islands, Fiji, Papua 14. In accordance with the Rules of New Guinea and Federated States of Procedure, Mr Terry Toomata, Deputy Micronesia was the core group to oversee the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Samoa, assumed production of a Summary Record of the Chair of the SOPAC Governing Council on Proceedings.
10 3.3 Appointment of Sub-Committees 5.1 Statements by Member Countries
21. While no sub-committee was appointed 27. These statements are tabled in full in it was noted that the resolution of Agenda Appendix 4, Part I. Item 12.1 Director Position, could eventuate in the formation of one. 5.2 Statements by CROP Organisations 4. REPRESENTATION 28. These statements are tabled in full in Appendix 4, Part II. 4.1 Designation of National Representatives
22. The Chair invited responses from all member country delegates to confirm or 5.3 Statement of Cooperating Governments amend the information given in paper AS34/ and International Agencies 4.1 (Designation of SOPAC National Representatives) that was circulated. The 29. These statements are tabled in full in Chair also expressed the view that it was Appendix 4, Part III. probably unnecessary for Council to spend as much time as it currently does on this item in the future, and recommended its deletion 5.4 Statement of National Institutions (Appendix 3). 30. These statements are tabled in full in Appendix 4, Part IV. 4.2 Membership Issues 23. The Director introduced this agenda JOINT COUNCIL-TECHNICAL item. She stated that Council had been informed in March of Tokelau’s application for ADVISORY GROUP (TAG) SESSION Associate membership of SOPAC.
24. Council approved and welcomed 6. ISSUES COMMON TO PROGRAMMES Tokelau’s application to be SOPAC’s newest associate member. The representative of 6.1 SOPAC Reports Tokelau, Honourable Faipule Kuresa Nasau, 6.1.1 2004 Annual Report Summary (AS34/ Mininster for Environment and Economic 6.1.1) Development was invited by the Chair to address Council. Tokelau’s statement is 31. The Director presented the paper and the included in full in Appendix 4. Annual Report Summary of 2004. She explained that the Annual Report Summary gave an overview of the Secretariat’s activities 5. STATEMENTS during the period August 2003 – August 2004, and was a non-technical summary to be used 25. Council agreed to the Chair’s suggested for promotional, advocacy purposes. procedure to hand in written statements to the Secretariat to be tabled in full in the 32. Council accepted the 2004 Annual Report Council’s 34th Session Proceedings. Most Summary and agreed to its use in promoting member-country delegations made short the work of SOPAC. interventions specifically acknowledging donor support and highlighting the positive contributions of the SOPAC work programmes 6.1.2 Summary Report of 2005 Donor Support toward their national development. (AS34/6.1.2)
26. Most other delegates expressed their 33. The Director presented to Council a support for, and continued commitment to, summary report of the 2005 donor support to work in partnership with SOPAC to achieve SOPAC, noting the continuing support of common goals in the SOPAC region. traditional and existing partners and highlighting new partners.
11 34. The Director outlined the levels of development strategy in light of the multitude support provided to SOPAC activities by key of existing national plans incorporating donors including Australia (Australian different elements of sustainable development. Volunteers International, Australian Marine Science and Technology Ltd and Emergency 38. Council acknowledged the new Management Australia), New Zealand, challenges emerging for SOPAC at the Commonwealth Fund for Technical national, regional, and global levels together Cooperation (CFTC), European Union, Fiji with the specific outcomes within SOPAC’s Islands, France, Denmark, Japan, Taiwan/ technical work areas, specially noting the ROC, United Kingdom (ODI), United Nations importance of the MDGs in the decade ahead. (UNDESA/UNDP/UNEP/IOC/UNESCO/ 39. Council requested the Secretariat to UNOPS), United States of America (The Asia consider ways to incorporate activities to Foundation [TAF]), Asian Development Bank, address these challenges into its ongoing work Technical Centre for Agricultural & Rural Co- plans, including the option of developing and operation (CTA), and the World Bank, and implementing a SOPAC Advocacy Strategy. further member-country support from the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia 40. Council directed the Secretariat to: (FSM), Kiribati, and Tuvalu for specific activities and tasks. a) continue to give its island members strong support at relevant international meetings, 35. Council accepted the report and especially the UNCSD Sessions, acknowledged, with appreciation, the strong recognizing that this is also key to support from donors. Council also requested enhancing SOPAC’s capacity to support its that the Secretariat write to all donors and members through promoting the work of supporting partners thanking them for their the Commission, seeking new partners, support in delivering the SOPAC work and maintaining SOPAC’s comparative programmes. technical advantage;
b) work with, and through, SOPAC’s National Representatives to ensure support to 6.1.3 SOPAC and the International Agenda development or national sustainable (AS34/6.1.3) development strategies or the incorporation of sustainable development principles into 36. The outgoing Deputy Director presented national development plans/strategies; the paper, which examines how SOPAC can increase its effectiveness in supporting the c) strengthen its activities to support development agenda of its island members knowledge-based decision-making at over the next decade in the context of emerging national level, in particular its geographic trends in the international development information systems (GIS) and remote agenda. He summarised important sensing capacity-building efforts, and, developments at SOPAC since its conception in 1972 and relevant developments in the d) take a lead role in developing and international development agenda. He further strengthening, where necessary, regional highlighted international development agenda technical advisory groups and regional issues of key relevance to SOPAC, such as the initiatives in areas of SOPAC’s competency. Mauritius Strategy and the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015, and outlined the possible role of SOPAC at national, regional and global 6.2 CROP Summary Report (AS34/6.2) levels for the period 2005-2015. 41. The Director briefed Council on the 17th 37. Vanuatu noted that numerous and 18th meetings of CROP heads in 2005, international meetings have been held over highlighting that those issues of direct the last decade at a number of different levels, relevance to SOPAC would be discussed under with the essence of the issues discussed appropriate agenda items. remaining the same. He stated that the important step now is to mobilise resources 42. Council noted the summary reports of the and expertise to focus on the key areas, and 17th and 18th meetings of COP heads, implement actions at the ground level. With acknowledging that items of relevance to reference to the second recommendation in SOPAC would be raised under appropriate the paper, Vanuatu noted the struggle at the agenda items. national level with developing a sustainable
12 6.3 STAR Chair Report (AS34/6.3) Russell Howorth would appear as Secretariat staff; describing the huge amount of baseline 43. The STAR Chair presented his report to data that Russell Howorth had collected in the the Joint Council-TAG Session on the 2005 region during his association with SOPAC as STAR Session that was held at the Kitano an invaluable asset. He welcomed Bhaskar Hotel, Apia, Samoa from 24th to 27th September Rao as the new and incoming Deputy Director, (STAR Chair’s Report is appended in full in and noted that STAR looked forward to Appendix 5). He began by providing a developing a similar productive relationship background to the role of STAR for newcomers. with him.
44. The STAR Chair mentioned the 50. Council expressed its deep appreciation introduction of the Programme Review for the report and guidance delivered by Monitoring and Evaluation Group (PMEG) Professor John Collen, acknowledging his scientists who met with the SOPAC contribution as STAR Chair in the past six Secretariat prior to the STAR meeting. PMEGs years. summarised their key results to STAR, and would deliver their findings in full to Council 51. Council adopted the STAR Chair’s report under the appropriate agenda items. and working group reports with their associated recommendations. 45. The STAR Chair also informed Council that the 22nd STAR Session (2005) theme of disaster risk reduction was particularly relevant given recent events in the SOPAC 6.4 SOPAC/EU Project Report (AS34/6.4) and other regions. 52. The Chair introduced the Project Team 46. The STAR Chair noted that during the Leader, Stephen Booth, who then presented meeting 49 scientific papers were presented an overview of the Project including the orally and 21 others displayed research results inclusion of the six new Pacific ACP member on posters. Abstracts of all papers are published countries to the existing eight countries in SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 603. A broad where the Project was being implemented. He range of useful information was covered. He advised that the Project is required to produce explained the role of Working Groups, and annual deliverables which include a Progress outlined their main recommendations. Report, Audited Accounts, and Work Plan & Budget and that these have all been provided 47. The STAR Chair also noted that STAR to Council. The Project Leader then discussed Agenda Item 10.4 Annual Governing summarised the accomplishments in the key Council Session – Future Arrangements, and result areas. a resolution was passed on the importance of holding STAR meetings every year in 53. Council accepted the reports on the association with meetings of Council (see SOPAC/EU Project. paper AS34/10.4 Supplementary). 54. The Director advised that a formal EDF8 48. The STAR Chair gave some personal Mid-Term Review was being undertaken by impressions of the STAR meeting. He independent consultants MWH (Global), from acknowledged the clearly applied direction of June to September 2005, and referred Council the research apparent at the meeting; to a summary record of a meeting held in th mentioning that delegates informally conjunction with the 34 Annual Session discussed how to continue their technical during which a briefing was provided for Pacific advice during the year outside STAR ACP States by the Mid-Term Review Team for meetings. He mentioned the huge volume of the SOPAC-EU Project (EDF8 funding) quantitative data being collected in the region “Reducing Vulnerability of Pacific ACP from the huge arrays of monitoring buoys States”. deployed throughout the Pacific Ocean and 55. The MTR meeting was attended by noted the continuing challenge of observers from other members of SOPAC meaningfully using this data for policy. Finally, including American Samoa, Australia, Guam, the STAR Chair noted the presentations from New Caledonia and New Zealand. The minutes scientists in the Pacific region, and many of the meeting are included as an annex to from collaborative projects, demonstrating the the Proceedings of the 34th Annual Session continued strong Pacific base of STAR. (Appendix 6). After the briefing a full and free- 49. The STAR Chair concluded by flowing discussion followed and it was agreed recognising this as the last meeting in which that Pacific ACP states support in general the
13 recommendations of the Mid-Term Review, iv) National workshops/training convened and in particular recommitted themselves to with at least 20 participants per country the Project. per year,
56. Pacific ACP States agreed that: v) Two National stakeholder Steering Committee meetings convened per a) the EDF8 Project be granted a time year. extension in association with the EDF9 Project to 31st December 2008. b) the Work Plan be urgently revised with a 7. OCEAN AND ISLANDS PROGRAMME budgeted and programmed activity plan to be developed in association with 7.1 Report on the Ocean and Islands stakeholders for the balance of the Project. Programme c) the SOPAC Directorate together with the 57. The Deputy Director referred Council to country national representatives provide papers AS34/7.1, AS34/7.3 and pages 16-25 the necessary leadership in the promotion of AS34/13.2, relating to the proposed Draft of the original Project purpose, by ensuring Work Plan and Budget for the Ocean and Islands better coherence of the Project outputs and Programme for 2006. associated integration of the Project into respective government plans. 58. The Secretariat outlined the structure of the presentation as comprising a brief d) urgent consideration be given to processing overview of the Ocean and Islands Programme, the backlog of Project reports and format a review of key highlights from the 2005 Work outputs to be posted with the respective Programme, a discussion of key issues arising Country Data Resource Centres. and challenges for the future of the Ocean and e) the multi-Stakeholder Steering Com- Islands Work Programme, and a brief mittees be urgently convened to review presentation of the proposed Work Plan and progress to date against the logframe and Budget for 2005-2006. participate in the preparation of the revised 59. The Secretariat briefly reviewed the Work Plan. progress and achievements of the 2005 Ocean f) the Secretariat develops a transparent and Islands Work Programme by component policy on selection criteria for Project highlighting key achievements. fellowships. 60. Under Component 1 a description of g) Data Resource Centres be redesigned to progress on the following activities was ensure the Secretariat strengthen the provided: Phase II of Stage 2 of the Japan/ Capacity Building programme with a focus SOPAC Cooperative Deep Sea Minerals on sustainability of the Project. Programme in the EEZ’s of Fiji and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); h) SOPAC Directorate strengthen their progress on the Pacific Islands Regional Mari- capacity to self monitor against EU/PIFS time Boundaries Information System performance measures. [PIRMBIS]; adaptation of the software MarZone and related training; reporting on and i) the swath mapping programme remain assessments of the status of maritime focused. boundary data; assessments of potential quarry sites for Pohnpei, Federated States of j) Project communication between the Micronesia; transcription of geophysical data Secretariat and the stakeholders be held in the SOPAC Petroleum Data Bank; improved in line with verifiable indicators finalisation of the current Certificate in Earth in the Project Logframe as follows: Science and Marine Geology (CESMG) Cycle; i) Five information brochures published geophysical surveys for the Rewa, Navua and per year, the Sigatoka rivers on Viti Levu; planning and preparations for assessing the resource ii) Regular (monthly/bi-monthly) press potential in unmined areas of Banaba; and, releases written, reporting on an assessment of the physical impacts in the O’otu area of Aitutaki Lagoon, iii) Email news released fortnightly, Cook Islands, of a proposed tourism project to dredge the lagoon.
14 61. The Secretariat called for recognition of 66. PMEG-OIP comprised Dr Gary Greene the long-standing Japan-SOPAC Cooperative (Moss Landing) as Chair, Joe Buleka Deep Sea Minerals Programme, noting its 21- (Department of Mining, Papua New Guinea) year history. Council acknowledged this and Dr William Erb (UNESCO-Intergovern- immense contribution to the region with mental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)). acclamation. 67. While the PMEG-OIP Chair acknowledged 62. For Component 2, the Secretariat that the PMEG process was aimed at providing described progress on the following activities: constructive criticism and advice to help development of partnerships and key make SOPAC a successful organisation by activities for PI-GOOS since the appointment evaluating SOPAC outputs in relation to its of a PI-GOOS Coordinator at SOPAC; promotion member country outcomes, it was submitted and further development of the SEREAD ocean that given the time available for the process, science education initiative for primary and the team was only able to consider and report secondary schools throughout Fiji in 2006; on outputs of the SOPAC Secretariat, rather design and development of the PI-GOOS web- than outcomes at the country level. portal; securing an ocean data server to store ocean information at SOPAC; the inaugural 68. PMEG-OIP expressed hope that the POGO Physical Oceanography Course at USP; evaluation process would be used by Council geodetic and cGPS surveys as well as to complement rather than replace the maintenance and calibration of SEAFRAME Technical Advisory Group (TAG), due to the sites for beneficiary states of the South Pacific benefits of having a group of technical advisers Sea Level and Climate Monitoring Project – attending the SOPAC Governing Council Phase III, and progress towards development meetings to support member countries. of a Phase IV for the project; collection of long- 69. PMEG-OIP noted the full cooperation of term sustained ocean and meteorological data the Secretariat with the PMEG Team, with all in real-time from monitoring buoys in the necessary documents provided and interviews Penryhn and Manihiki Lagoons, Cook Islands; held. and, reporting on the survey of port areas, harbours and adjacent coastal areas of 70. PMEG-OIP clarified that they had Rarotonga, Cook Islands. reviewed all three components of the Ocean and Islands Programme. The team also 63. For Component 3, the Secretariat considered new initiatives for the Ocean and described progress on the following activities: Islands Programme, the 2005-2006 Annual a joint Commonwealth Secretariat, Business Plan, the SOPAC Work Plan and UNDOALOS, SOPAC, technical training course Budget, and general operations at the on the Delineation of the Outer Limits of the Secretariat. Continental Shelf Beyond 200 M Limit; the assessment of a Marine Scientific Research 71. PMEG-OIP noted that the overall problem Cruise Coordination Database in the run up observed at the Secretariat was the lack of to identification of data for use in regional and sufficient time, which created stress for staff. national desktop studies for the Maritime Furthermore, the difference between the Boundary Project; and, progress towards concepts of time held by donors and by Pacific appointment of a Natural Resources Gover- Island member countries compounded the nance Adviser. stress and demands placed on Secretariat. PMEG recommended both donors and member 64. Council accepted and highly commended countries strive to achieve a better under- the Secretariat for the report on the 2005 Work standing of the challenges of different time Plan for the Ocean and Islands Programme. scales that confront the Secretariat.
72. PMEG-OIP was generally impressed with 7.2 Report from the Programme Review the achievements of the SOPAC Secretariat Monitoring & Evaluation Group on OIP in terms of both the quantity and diversity of (AS34/7.2) projects, noting the challenge of managing such a complex, regional organization with a 65. The Secretariat introduced the Chair of diverse scope of work and responsibilities. the Programme Review and Monitoring Group 73. The PMEG-OIP Chair then turned to a (PMEG) Ocean and Islands Programme, Dr Gary commentary on a range of problems noted by Greene (Moss Landing), and referred Council the Team at the SOPAC Secretariat, referring to conference room paper AS34/7.2. to AS34/7.2 Rev.1.
15 74. Council received and highly commended member involved in this work for the whole the report of the PMEG for the Ocean and region. The Marshall Islands suggested that Islands Programme. The report is appended in the Secretariat consider the possibility of full in Appendix 7. hiring additional staff in this area.
75. Tonga while affirming the priority placed 78. Fiji suggested that the South Pacific Sea by them on activities undertaken within this Level and Climate Change Monitoring Project Programme, also noted that outputs had been would be better placed at SOPAC in the Ocean minimal in Tonga over the last year and and Islands Programme rather than its suggested that the Secretariat consider the existing location at the Pacific Islands Forum need for a fair and balanced distribution of Secretariat. activities across member countries under- taken under this programme. Tonga congra- 79. With reference to the PMEG-OIP review tulated the PMEG-OIP team on its work, and report, Papua New Guinea noted that it would commended the PMEG process as a timely and like greater synergies to be developed between important step for SOPAC. the SOPAC work programmes, particularly Ocean and Islands and Community Risk. Papua 76. Samoa referred to page 5 of AS34/7.1, New Guinea also noted the importance of relating to the next phase of the Certificate training and capacity building and requested for Earth Science and Marine Geology that courses similar to that held at the (CESMG). Samoa recommended that the University of the South Pacific be advanced Secretariat consider the need for succession at the University of Papua New Guinea. plans to allow students to continue studies, including scholarships, fellowships and 80. Vanuatu recognised the work completed internship schemes. Samoa queried what the under the Ocean and Islands Programme, and next steps would be for the Secretariat in commended the Secretariat for taking up the using the information collected during the challenge of the PMEG-OIP process to help mineral resources assessments in the EEZs clarify future strategic directions. Vanuatu of Pacific Island Countries. Samoa also recognised that the SOPAC Secretariat is requested the Secretariat to assist Samoa and heavily burdened across all three work other member countries in obtaining data programmes, and therefore recommended collected by outside institutions working in that the Secretariat explore complementary countries’ EEZs. It requested that the programmes across agencies, and focus on Secretariat develop closer coordination building capacity at the national level in between PI-GOOS and the PI-GCOS member countries to ease pressure on the programme based in SPREP. Samoa requested Secretariat. a comparison of results between models 81. Kiribati requested that bathymetric developed by Fellowship students with existing survey coverage be extended to the remaining models, such as the Suva tsunami model and islands in Kiribati that are not being surveyed the hydrodynamic MIKE 21 model. Samoa under the current SOPAC-EU EDF8 initiative. enquired whether processes existed to ensure that at least one member of Pacific Island 82. Federated States of Micronesia requested Countries is trained in database management that a small workshop be conducted in country as it seemed that the process was only just on MarZone. FSM also requested assistance starting. Samoa noted that there is no to help access and organise the deep-sea mention of a technical replacement plan for mineral resources data from recent surveys, aging equipment or database management and assist in developing a relevant mineral within the SOPAC Strategic Plan and strategic policy framework. FSM further requested that directions, and recommended that the shipwreck surveys be included in the 2006 Secretariat review the Strategic Plan to Work Plan as a priority task. address these issues in line with the PMEG- OIP review. 83. New Caledonia acknowledged the ambitious and diverse work programme, 77. The Republic of the Marshall Islands noting that the challenges facing the Ocean expressed special appreciation for the work and Islands Programme under the Resource undertaken by the Ocean and Islands Use Solutions Component are similar to those Programme, in lagoon mapping and aggregates faced in New Caledonia, and offered assistance assessments. He noted that projects involving to the Secretariat and SOPAC member swath and bathymetric mapping are parti- countries with habitat mapping and related cularly important to many Pacific Island issues in which New Caledonia has expertise Countries, but that there is only one staff and experience.
16 84. Tonga supported Vanuatu’s comments Secretariat to help it streamline its activities, and suggested that greater resources and reduce the burden of individual programme capacity may be needed to help the Secretariat reporting, and achieve greater complemen- deal with the significant burden of new tarity in programme activities; mentioning its activities. intention of continuing a dialogue with the Secretariat in this regard. New Zealand 85. Solomon Islands requested renewed recommended that the Secretariat consider emphasis on onshore minerals issues, noting the PMEG-OIP comments with regards to work the importance of this sector for their being undertaken not directly relating to work economic recovery. Solomon Islands noted the plans, in light of the heavy and increasing comments of Vanuatu on the importance of workload. national capacity building, but mentioned the crucial role of SOPAC to provide impartial, 90. American Samoa reminded the expert third-party opinions. Solomon Islands Secretariat that its greatest asset is its noted progress with regards to data manage- information and data, but this is only valuable ment on hydrocarbon issues, and requested if countries can access and use it. American more projects in this area. Solomon Islands Samoa recommended that the Secretariat also requested a strong emphasis by the consider issues of data access and protocol as Secretariat on continental shelf issues in well as web-based data management. light of the approaching deadline, suggesting American Samoa also requested further that the Secretariat use expertise from information on tsunami monitoring and Australia on this issue. Solomon Islands warning mechanisms in the region. thanked the PMEG-OIP for its useful review and endorsed their comments. 91. Australia acknowledged the interesting insights provided through the PMEG-OIP 86. Palau requested that SOPAC closely process, supporting Cook Islands’ suggestion monitor projects from outset to completion, to review current outstanding projects in the make efforts to meet the needs of specific Secretariat, acknowledging that prioritisation countries in respective areas, and monitor the and a strong strategic direction already exists needs in each island country. Palau requested through the Strategic Plan. Australia technical expertise in addressing continental supported the comments by New Zealand on shelf issues. the way donors work with the Secretariat, noting that Australia has moved from project 87. Niue noted that at least one candidate to programme funding across the three Work from each Pacific Island Country are not Programmes, and encouraged other donors to represented in the new cycle of the CESMG in do the same to allow the Secretariat to better 2005. Niue requested that the SOPAC deliver against its work plan. Secretariat provide advice to the Niue government with assessing private mining 92. Australia went on to update Council on exploration activities and their impact on the Phase IV of the South Pacific Sea Level and environment. Climate Monitoring Project: Initial discussions have already been held between 88. Cook Islands registered special SOPAC and the Australian Government, and appreciation for the work carried out with the initial draft design is currently going harbour mapping in Rarotonga, requesting through an internal review process within the that the Secretariat conduct further dialogue Australian Government. Australia reported and work on the Coastal Protection Feasibility that Phase IV will commence in January 2006, Study as highlighted in the PMEG-OIP report. for a five-year time frame on the same line Cook Islands requested that the Secretariat as the previous Phase of the Project. Australia conduct a review of outstanding projects in line noted that the main purpose of the project is with PMEG-OIP recommendations, requesting to provide an accurate, continuous, long-term further work on assessing means of extracting record of sea levels in the region, to allow nodules in the Cook Islands EEZ. Cook Islands adequate response and management of related also noted that capacity building is a priority, impacts, with the focus on collection of quality and highlighted the benefits of the CESMG. and accurate data. Australia outlined the 89. New Zealand commended the Director following components of Phase IV of the project: and Secretariat staff on their foresight in sea-frame data collection, cPGS data including issues raised in the PMEG-OIP collection, and dissemination and derivation review in the Annual Business Plan. New of products from data relevant to key stake- Zealand encouraged other donor countries and holders. Australia acknowledged that the agencies to explore ways of working with the capacity building aspect was the weakest
17 element of Phase III of the project. In light of to tsunamis that will benefit the region, this it has been considered that the project is relating to issues such as coastal bathymetry, best positioned to focus on its main goal of inundation and mitigation modelling. providing quality long-term data by upgrading Governments and donors are interested in equipment and network throughout the supporting enhancement of these projects region. Australia also acknowledged that relating to tsunamis. IOC noted that SOPAC SOPAC is a key partner in this project, already had projects in these areas, and thanking Fiji for its suggestion with regards suggested that this could be a good area for to the appropriate location of the project and PI-GOOS to link with the Community Risk advised that Fiji’s comments would be Programme. IOC also clarified that GEOSS is communicated to Canberra. Australia a high-level group which aims to generate confirmed that implementation arrangements political support and funding for programmes for Phase IV have not yet been decided for the like GOOS, GCOS and GTOS, rather than country components, but that the Bureau of replacing these observing systems. Meteorology would be the lead executing agency for Phase IV of the Project and would 96. The adviser from the Geological Survey continue dialogue with SOPAC over the of Canada noted that problems with database coming months. management, cross-disciplinary research synergy, and habitat mapping are also critical 93. New Caledonia supported the comments issues for geological surveys across the world. from the Solomon Islands relating to onshore He also suggested that it was important for mineral resources, as it is an important issue SOPAC to not just collect data, but to add value for the Melanesian member countries of to that data, in terms of interpreted geological SOPAC. New Caledonia informed Council of its information to support integrated resource recent decision to create a research and management. He further noted the excellent technology centre for nickel mining and the swath mapping capacity of SOPAC and environment, and expressed the desire for suggested that SOPAC consider the need for regional cooperation in this regard, especially capital renewal, particularly for new for training. generations of sidescan sonar. He questioned whether the balance between science and 94. The former Director of SOPAC, Alf policy may have gone too far towards a focus Simpson, noted that next year is his last year on strategic planning and policy, given that as a representative of the Legal and Technical policy must be founded on good scientific Commission of the Seabed Authority and knowledge. He suggested that SOPAC should requested Council to consider the need for a explore opportunities to move the respon- successor to replace him. He commented that sibility for funding marine surveys of specific the issues before the Seabed Authority are projects such as ports, to developers. increasingly important to the region, and without full participation the region may end 97. The adviser from the Pennsylvania State up with inappropriate international regula- University commented that the important tions and legislation. He congratulated the issue for SOPAC is not developing databases PMEGs and encouraged them to focus on but data management systems, which is a outcomes in member countries. He went on huge challenge for all science research to highlight the importance of making data programmes. He suggested that given the relating to extended continental shelf issues large volume and wide range of data at SOPAC, accessible in a user-friendly format to member the Secretariat should focus on the relevant countries. The adviser agreed with PMEG-OIP areas of data management and use other user- that data management and capacity building friendly data management systems developed are very important for SOPAC, noting the elsewhere. constraints on private sector involvement in the marine environment owing to the lack of 98. The representative of the Pacific Islands policy, legislation and capacity. He encouraged Forum Secretariat asked the PMEG-OIP to the private sector to support sub-regional define what it meant in terms of requiring workshops for policy development. increased ‘focus’ of projects. She outlined the three types of information required to support 95. IOC reminded Council that it was the policy analysis and development: geophysical, agency within the UN that is tasked with the economic, and social. She commended SOPAC responsibility of developing tsunami-warning on its work in collecting geophysical infor- systems throughout the world, including the mation. She questioned whether SOPAC Pacific region. He mentioned that the Pacific should streamline by not entering into has opportunities to develop projects related collection of economic and social data and
18 reaching out to other regional organisations information requires cooperation between to develop a complementary set of activities. researching states, member countries and She encouraged SOPAC to put into practice SOPAC. SOPAC expressed its willingness to its commitment made at the CROP Heads help member countries, where it can, in terms meeting to strengthen joint programming. of accessing marine scientific research data whilst remaining mindful of the legal 99. Tokelau appreciated the chance to gain commitments and obligations between a better understanding of the work of the researching states and island member Secretariat by attending the Annual meeting. countries. Tokelau requested that the Secretariat examine which projects in 2006 will have to 105. In relation to Papua New Guinea’s overflow into 2007 due to the heavy work load comments on the Physical Oceanography of the Ocean and Islands Programme. Course, the Secretariat agreed that the Partnership for Observation for the Global 100. The Secretariat thanked Council for the Ocean (POGO) may wish to establish a similar comprehensive comments, questions and relationship with UPNG as it has with USP and suggestions, and addressed the following offered to discuss the possibility with them. issues: The Secretariat also acknowledged Papua New Guinea’s particular difficulties with its 101. The Secretariat accepted Samoa’s maritime boundaries activities, and pledged comments with respect to the need for a to endeavour to host training in this area rekindling of Fellowship initiatives related to specifically for Papua New Guinea, and for CESMG capacity building. The Secretariat Palau. noted that new developments under the capacity building element of the Ocean and 106. The Secretariat noted the request from Islands Programme are developing fellowships, Kiribati for an additional round of bathymetric internships and providing on-the-job training. surveys under Component 1, and agreed to The Secretariat noted that no scholarship discuss, out-of-session, how best to programme schemes exist under this programme, but that this. there are many bilateral programmes in the region for scholarships. The Secretariat noted 107. In response to Tonga’s comments on the that SOPAC has submitted proposals to the need to build national capacity, the Commonwealth Secretariat for the extension Secretariat agreed to encourage staff to spend of CESMG and funding of new initiatives, and more time with nationals to transfer skills and was awaiting their response. knowledge.
102. In terms of ensuring complementary 108. The Secretariat agreed to discuss programmes with a fair balance among opportunities for assisting Niue in terms of countries, the Secretariat clarified that it can minerals policy advice. provide funding and project details on an individual basis for member countries and 109. The Director responded to Vanuatu and discuss issues further if countries feel the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, insufficient work is being done at a particular confirming that CROP Executives had agreed time. The Secretariat further noted that to work with each other on different projects may require in-country support. initiatives through joint programming. The Director mentioned that new initiatives such 103. In relation to requests for additional as developing thematic maps from multibeam offshore minerals work, the Secretariat noted survey data for ecosystem, as well as risk that the SOPAC-Japan Cooperative management will require creative partner- Programme had come to an end, and any ships between SPC, SPREP and other possible extension would have to be decided organisations. The Director welcomed by the Government of Japan. The Secretariat comments by PMEG-OIP about the need for a noted that much work in this area is now capital renewal programme, and noted that the conducted under other multilateral and new system of programme funding offered by bilateral programmes, and also by the private New Zealand and Australia could be used to sector. strengthen a maintenance culture within the Secretariat. 104. With reference to comments on databases at SOPAC, the Secretariat 110. The Director acknowledged the mentioned that a challenge is not just to comments by the former Director of SOPAC develop databases but to populate them with with respect to the Seabed Authority, and the accurate information, and that accessing need to organise as a region and stay engaged
19 in the process. The Secretariat agreed to help better access to information for sustainable facilitate this mechanism between countries. management of resources and for early warning. 111. The Secretariat noted the Federated States of Micronesia’s request for a MarZone b) requested the Secretariat to work closely workshop and Palau’s request for work related with donor, regional and national agencies to extended continental shelf. It further noted to assist in the development of appropriate FSM’s request for a priority project in the monitoring systems to ensure development assessment and identification of shipwrecks. of capabilities to warn of regional and local tsunamis. 112. In reply to the Republic of the Marshall Islands query on the filling of the vacant c) requested SOPAC to work with partners as position of Programme Manager Ocean and the South Pacific Sea Level and Climate Islands, the Director reported that the position Monitoring Project moves into Phase IV, and had been advertised, interviews completed to secure the long-term sustainability of and, that delays had occurred in the reference Sea level and Climate monitoring beyond checking process. The Secretariat now Phase IV. awaited acceptance of the offer by the preferred candidate, and it was likely to have someone d) requested the Secretariat to actively in position within the last quarter of 2005. engage in the development of methodology to identify and map habitats. Council 113. In response to questions from Council accepts the offer to host GeoHab 2007 in the PMEG-OIP Chair clarified for Samoa an the Pacific Islands region. example of data management with regard to the minerals programme, where data and e) reaffirmed the importance of technical reports need to be archived, and their location capacity building as a SOPAC priority, in recorded. In explanation of what is meant by all programme areas, and encourage the ‘focus’, he explained that he was referring to Secretariat to work closely with donors to the prioritisation of projects, and clarified the ensure sustainability of capacity building importance of adding value to data and data efforts, in particular the Certificate Course. exchange. f) approved programme management activities toward strengthening the human and institutional resource requirements for 7.3 New Initiatives in the Ocean and Islands effective delivery of the Ocean and Islands Programme (AS34/7.3) Programme.
114. The Secretariat highlighted both current 117. The Secretariat outlined the proposed and emerging trends and issues, which have Work Programme for 2006, referring to AS34/ significant implications for the effective 13.2, pages 16-26. delivery of the Ocean and Islands Programme. 118. Under Component 1, the Secretariat 115. The Secretariat also sought Council’s noted the following ongoing projects: consideration and guidance on the following completion of river surveys, Fiji; Banaba issues: monitoring for sustainable develop- phosphate survey; cost-benefit analysis of ment, including the Global Earth Observing aggregates, Majuro; maritime boundary System of Systems (GEOSS) initiative, delimitation; technical reports on status of monitoring of tsunamis, and Phase IV of the maritime boundaries and survey data for Cook South Pacific Sea Level and Climate Islands, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Monitoring Project (SPSLCMP); habitat Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Niue and the Federated mapping; capacity building, including the States of Micronesia; survey data and imagery Certificate in Earth Science and Marine acquisition; ongoing maintenance of the Geology (CESMG) and related initiatives; and Manihiki and Penrhyn buoys; field support; the availability of programme resources, both upkeep of the petroleum databank, and in terms of human resources and field reporting on 2005 projects. equipment. 119. For Component 2, the Secretariat noted 116. Council: the following new and ongoing projects: PI- GOOS initiatives; Manihiki/Penrhyn data a) urged the Secretariat on behalf of member collection; bathymetric mapping for states to remain proactive in discussions assessment of coastal processes for Moturiki leading to the implementation of GEOSS, and hydrographic mapping within the Yasawa noting the potential benefits in terms of waters, Fiji, collection of physical oceano-
20 graphic data for proposed pearl industry in the UNEP, UNESCO, UNDP, UNDESA, UN Family, Tuamotu atolls, and harbour-access surveys UNESCAP, USAID, CTA, ENERGIA, ADB and in Avatiu and Aitutaki, Cook Islands; database WHO. The total number of staff within the development, and work on the South Pacific Community Lifelines Programme now stands Sea Level and Climate Monitoring Project at 24. under Phase IV. 125. Component 1 – Resource Assessment, 120. For Component 3, the Secretariat Development and Management: activities described the following ongoing projects: included biomass resource assessment, work addressing regional eCS issues; compilation in the biofuels sector, wind energy resource and upkeep of marine scientific research and education programme, site-specific wave databases; development of offshore mineral energy monitoring, workshops on renewable policies regionally and in Fiji, Papua New energy (wind and solar), proposal developments Guinea and Kiribati in particular; and the for environmentally sustainable transport and ongoing implementation of the Regional training in renewable energy, demand-side Ocean Policy in partnership with other CROP management, hydrological training (2nd year), agencies. production of rainwater harvesting guidance materials, groundwater resource monitoring, promotion of ICT applications using the tools of GIS and Remote Sensing and noted inter- 8. COMMUNITY LIFELINES PROGRAMME related EU programme activities.
8.1 Report on the Community Lifelines 126. Component 2 – Asset Management: Programme for 2005 activities included completion of the ‘Sanitation Park’, contribution to the Pacific 121. The Secretariat introduced the Drinking-water Quality and Health Framework Community Lifelines Programme outlining for Action, water safety plans, development of that the presentation would have three parts, a regional training course on wastewater namely, Part 1 – Work Programme Reporting; management, establishment of a Pacific Water Part 2 – New Initiatives; and Part 3 – PMEG- & Climate Resource Centre, Island Climate CLP Report, which would be presented by its Update publication, technical ICT and GIS Chair, Dr Andrew Matthews. assistance to PICs and missions, installation on mapserver and noted inter-related EU 122. Relevant papers and information for this programme activities. session are: Report from the Community Lifelines Programme 2005 Paper AS34/8.1; 127. Component 3 – Advocacy and Governance Report from the Programme Review Moni- within Community Lifelines: includes toring & Evaluation Group on CLP AS34/8.2; numerous contributions to regional policies, and New Initiatives in the Community strategic action plans, CROP working groups Lifelines Programme AS34/8.3. and position papers for 4th World Water Forum, CSD, World Summit on Information Systems 123. The Secretariat informed the meeting (WSIS), Pacific Islands Energy Policy (PIEP), that some parts of the reporting document Pacific Islands Energy Strategic Action Plan were dated as they were prepared several (PIESAP) and the Digital Strategy. The CL months prior to the meeting and updates had programme continued to develop and provide been circulated to Council. the facilitation role for the Energy and Water 124. The Secretariat provided an overview of Pacific Partnership Initiatives as well as the major achievements of the Community commencing the Pacific Programme for Water Lifelines Programme in 2005, referring to Governance, public awareness raising and Council Paper AS34/8.1, under the three education during World Water Day and component areas: Component 1 – Resource Regional Earth Day, promotion of the Pacific Assessment, Development and Management; Energy and Gender Network, technical publi- Component 2 – Asset Management; and cations for energy and water, training coordi- Component 3 – Advocacy and Governance nation partnerships and noted inter-related EU within Community Lifelines. The key programme activities. activities and achievements were highlighted 128. Council accepted the report on the as follows including partners within these implementation of the 2005 Work Plan activities and acknowledged the various donor activities for the Community Lifelines commitments and financial support to the Programme and acknowledged the progress Programme from Australia, New Zealand, made with the integration of the energy, water France, Denmark, Japan, Taiwan (ROC),
21 and information and communication technical advice and endorsed working technologies. towards linking with the private sector in the energy sector so as to facilitate the implemen- tation of pilot projects on renewable energy to gain traction. 8.2 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group on CLP 137. Council recommended that priority be given to the full implementation of the Pacific 129. The Secretariat, referring to Council HYCOS project (water resource measurement Paper AS34/8.2 – Report from the Programme and management) so that an integrated and Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group on CLP, sustained programme can be advanced in- introduced its Chair, Dr Andrew Matthews. country and that PICs also assign a level of importance to this sector in ensuring the 130. The PMEG-CLP noted that there was an provision of adequate human resources and impressive array of projects within each budgetary support. section of the programme and these have been well advanced over the last year despite the limitations of resources including staff shortage. The Community Lifelines Pro- 8.3 New Initiatives in the Community Lifelines gramme team was commended for their Programme involvement and development of key policy and strategic regional planning documents and the 138. The Secretariat referring to Council use of these to develop projects that underpin Paper AS34/8.3 – New Initiatives in the the strategic goals. Community Lifelines Programme briefly highlighted the following: 131. The PMEG-CLP group in their evaluation concentrated on the three key areas of • Pacific Islands Energy Policy (PIEP) and programme reporting and communication, Pacific Islands Energy Strategic Action Plan international interactions and staffing. (PIESAP).
132. Council recommended that reporting • Regional preparations for the 4th World uses the opportunity to promote the Water Forum, 2006. achievement of projects to the whole donor community and all members so that those that • Representation to Commission on Sustain- address longer-term needs are “main- able Development. streamed” into the core programme and • Pacific Type II Partnership Initiatives on receive the appropriate ongoing support. Water and Energy. 133. Council endorsed the direct ongoing • GEF Integrated Water Resources Manage- involvement of the Secretariat with relevant ment Project Development. international organizations including CSD, World Water Forum and GEOSS. • GEF Promotion of Environmentally Sustain- able Transportation in the Pacific Islands 134. Council recommended that a new Proposal. concept of “working groups” be developed for each of 3 key work areas of the Community • Biofuel Energy Options for the Region. Lifelines Programme. This would provide a mechanism to facilitate keeping the region • EU-ACP: Renewable Energy Programme for informed of developments and opportunities to 5 new Pacific ACP Countries: Federated maximize the use of the extensive skill sets States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau that exist in and outside of SOPAC. and Marshall Islands.
135. Council acknowledged the critical issue • ACP-EU Water and Energy Facilities. of staffing, and suggested that a range of • Digital Strategy and ICT Peak Council. modalities be explored with partner governments, including UN attachments, • ICT Data and Information Risk Manage- secondments, placements, short-term ment and Security. exchange etc., as a mechanism to bring specialist skills to SOPAC programmes. 139. Samoa requested that further emphasis be placed on alternative energy projects given 136. Council approved the extension of work the recent escalation in world fuel prices that on renewable energy sources in member has resulted in energy issues becoming an countries and increased assistance with important national priority for Samoa. Samoa
22 also raised the issue of building on past pilot presented to CSD. Tuvalu considers the project work in the field of energy and in Pacific Islands Energy Policy to be incon- particular recommended that the Secretariat sistent with respect to climate change re-examine wave energy as an option. initiatives and conflicting with the renewable energy work currently in progress at SPREP. 140. The Secretariat in response to comments from delegates indicated that in all technology 146. The Secretariat indicated that the Pacific initiatives, previous work is considered and Islands Energy Policy had been agreed to by built upon. The wave energy work in Samoa Energy Officials in Madang in November 2004 is utilising existing logger data as well as more at a regional energy meeting and recom- refined techniques such as satellite imagery, mended by CROP heads to be taken to Leaders which is now available. for their endorsement. Climate change issues are addressed within the Pacific Islands 141. Fiji commended the work over the past Climate Change Framework document year particularly with biofuels and in support endorsed at the SPREP 2005 annual meeting of the Public Works Department in the area of and also being considered for endorsement by water resources management. the Leaders at their 36th Forum.
142. American Samoa emphasised the severe 147. New Zealand recognized that staffing is impacts in the region from rising fuel prices a critical issue for the Secretariat, and and the focus this now provided for energy expressed concern that the proposed recom- projects noting consideration of bulk mendation related to staffing in document purchasing for petroleum products and current AS34/8.3 is too general. It was suggested that renewable energy initiatives. It was consi- the Secretariat should undertake a careful dered that energy should be given higher assessment of the staffing needs of the priority by Leaders who had a responsibility to programme, including job sizing and workload direct CROP agencies in this area and ensure assessment, in order that full consideration energy was considered in more detail in the be given to the requirements of the pro- Pacific Plan. gramme. The Director responded that the Secretariat would recruit staff where they 143. Vanuatu raised concerns regarding the were required in order to deliver against possible duplication and repetition of activities programmes and that the larger proposals are by different CROP agencies. A recommen- prepared including resources for new staff. dation was made to Council that the CROP agencies be required to review their work 148. Niue enquired about progress of the programmes together on a regular basis in regional wind energy programme. Niue order to harmonize work in common areas. indicated to the Secretariat that a final report 144. Tonga stated their support for the is still outstanding from their solar pump proposed recommendation from Vanuatu to project and that several of their task profiles reduce duplication by the CROP agencies. had not been updated since the early 1990s Tonga stated their appreciation for the work and needed to be reviewed. Niue requested a to date by the Community Lifelines copy of the rainwater harvesting guidelines. Programme and requested the Secretariat to Niue fully supported the alternative energy work on developing national capacity on policy work of the Secretariat as a means to mitigate development so as to be better positioned in the impacts of rising world fuel prices and respect to regional policies and plans. Tonga indicated a desire to participate in any ongoing commended the work of the Secretariat on training programmes. rainwater harvesting but felt that the most 149. Solomon Islands indicated that water and pressing need for them was in relation to energy were very important national priorities groundwater development and that response and that they would like to see a greater from the Secretariat to requests for assistance Secretariat presence working in these fields in this area had been slow. The Secretariat in Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands com- noted that the lack of a water engineer during mended the timely assistance received from previous years had affected the ability of the the Secretariat with the financial restruc- programme to respond. turing of the Solomon Islands Power Authority. 145. Tuvalu registered their opposition to the It was also noted that World Water Day activi- endorsement of the Pacific Islands Energy ties were not well publicised in Solomon Policy by Council, further stating that they did Islands and that this should be improved upon not believe the PIEP should be published nor in future years.
23 150. Nauru noted the mention of renewable ment ministries, combine regulatory bodies energy options such as wind and solar in and harmonize legal policy. presentations from the Secretariat but no reference to the feasibility of OTEC and 155. USP informed Council of their involve- questioned whether OTEC would be a suitable ment in teaching and research in renewable option for some countries in the region. energy and collaborate with the Secretariat in this field. USP also indicated that they are 151. The Secretariat noted that their very happy to collaborate further with other technical publications on energy technologies CROP agencies to pool resources and expertise include a section on the potential application together for the greater benefit of the region. to Pacific Island Countries and that the On where the technical graduate capacity may Secretariat continues to monitor deve- have disappeared to USP responded that they lopments in technology areas such as wave are only now beginning to survey the and OTEC. destinations of graduates but given that USP’s first degrees are very general, graduates were 152. Cook Islands registered their absorbed into many different organizations and appreciation for the work of the last year and many go overseas. USP has started this year in particular for the timely response to urgent to offer post-graduate scholarships in requirements. Specifically the Cook Islands renewable energy, such as the jointly-funded wished to continue participation in Secre- Secre-tariat-USP scholarship in biodiesel, and tariat programmes in hydrological training, other targeted areas. This should help to build requesting ongoing support in ICT, GIS and capacity in the region. remote sensing for all PICs and support in ISP processes. Cook Islands also indicated that past 156. The Director informed Council that at requests for assistance in groundwater assess- the last CROP heads meeting the lack of ment had not been acted on and against the consideration of energy issues in the Pacific proposed IWRM pro-grammes duplicating the Plan was raised and noted that the PIEP had work of the IWP in Cook Islands. been referenced in the section on sustainable development. She advised that a paper had 153. The ASAP adviser outlined the been prepared for the Secretary General to th facilitation process in preparing for the 4 brief Leaders on the importance of energy World Water Forum and highlighted some of within the Pacific region. the early findings of the 4th World Water Forum consultation process. The consultation 157. Fiji commented that the Forum has made reviewed progress in the implementation the its decision clear on where certain pro- Pacific Regional Action Plan on Sustainable grammes are housed amongst the CROP Water Management (Pacific RAP) endorsed by agencies and in relation to this the former Leaders in 2002. The region does not intend Director of the SOPAC Secretariat, Alf Simpson to take a new plan to the 4th World Water Forum (TAG), reminded Council that SPREP, SPC and but aims to build upon the existing action plan SOPAC at a colloquium in July 2000 signed and urges countries to seriously consider an agreement allocating and validating the their commitments. At the regional level the various mandates of these organisations. Secretariat has been successful in mobilizing funds for a number of new initiatives over the 158. Samoa commented that the only overlap past 2 years however progress at the national with respect to energy under the SPREP level has been patchy. In particular, work to programme is on policy side where they look promote greater government commitment to at cross-cutting issues on climate change. the principles of IWRM including strength- The Secretariat focuses on technical feasi- ening links between climatologists, hydro- bility and data collection and as such the logists and water managers, and continued programmes are complementary. human resource development is necessary to 159. Vanuatu recognised and acknowledged progress implementation of the Pacific RAP. the views of others but still felt the CROP As a comment on the possible duplication of agencies should be more proactive to enhance work by regional organizations, it was pointed cooperation and ensure their futures, (how- out that all CROP agencies serve the same ever, was happy to withdraw the earlier clients therefore it should be the clients who recommendation if not supported by other drive the respective work programmes and members of Council.) therefore countries have the power to avoid duplication. 160. Papua New Guinea suggested that the discussion about duplication of responsibility 154. Samoa informed Council that they are should perhaps be focused on looking carefully implementing reforms to integrate govern-
24 at the details of programmes in agencies to 168. Council acknowledged the significant promote complementary approaches. progress made by the Secretariat in contributing to, and coordinating, the evalua- 161. The Director welcomed the comments on tion and feasibility (technical, economic and complementary programmes and indicated financial) of using alternate renewable biofuel that the CROP heads have agreed to be resources as a sustainable option for replacing proactive in moving towards harmonizing traditional fossil fuels and encouraged the programmes. She emphasised that many large Secretariat to secure additional funding to projects are multi-disciplinary in nature and support further technical, economic and need multi-inputs from various sectors and financial feasibility of these biofuels and the organisations for effective implementation. development of pilot projects.
162. Council endorsed the revised Pacific 169. Council encouraged the Secretariat to Islands Energy Policy (PIEP) and commended contribute to, and participate in, the EU-ACP it to the Leaders for support and adoption. Renewable Energy Programme for 5 Pacific Council also noted the need for the ACP Countries where possible and practical, Secretariat to respond to the recommen- such that benefits to the participating dations of the REM2004 as applicable and countries are maximized. acknowledged the financial contribution from the Pacific Islands Energy Policy and Strategic 170. Council noted the success in progressing Action Planning (PIEPSAP) Project towards the two water project proposals to the second printing of the PIEP. selection phase for funding under the ACP-EU Water Facility, acknowledging the potential 163. Council, in recognising the benefits to impact that this will have on the Secretariat’s its members and the region from the work programme and budget. Council also Secretariat’s contribution to, and partici- urged the Secretariat to prepare for the rd pation, in the 3 World Water Forum, potential opportunities that the ACP-EU Energy supported the recommended approach of the Facility offers for the Pacific region, and Secretariat in partnering with the Japan encouraged the Secretariat to take the lead Water Forum and the Caribbean Environ- in preparation, consultation and submission mental Health Institute (CEHI) to provide of energy proposals for consideration and th contributions to the 4 World Water Forum; funding through the ACP-EU Energy Facility. and agreed to facilitate the submission of a Pacific position paper to assist the delegates 171. Council noted the development and participating in the preparatory meetings and integration of the Digital Strategy into the at the Forum. Pacific Plan and encouraged the Secretariat to continue to play an active role. 164. Council encouraged the Secretariat to continue to engage in the activities of the CSD, 172. Council noted and supported the urgent and in particular those events that relate to need to upgrade the Secretariat’s server, energy in 2006-2007, including the provision increase data and information storage of advice and guidance to the member-country capacity, and install a stand-by diesel/biofuel missions to the United Nations, in New York. generator so as to maintain a functional Secretariat during power outages. 165. Council acknowledged the benefit to the region of the Water and Energy Pacific Type II 173. Council approved programme manage- Partnership Initiatives and urged the ment activities toward strengthening the Secretariat to seek funding to support their human and institutional resource require- facilitation. ments for effective delivery of the Community Lifelines Programme. 166. Council thanked the GEF for its support and strongly urged the Secretariat to complete the development of the project on “Sustainable Integrated Water Resources Management in 9. COMMUNITY RISK PROGRAMME Pacific Island Countries” over the next one- two years. 9.1 Report on the Community Risk Programme for 2005 167. Council acknowledged the approval of GEF funding for the development of the PDF-A 174. The Secretariat referred Council to for the promotion of environmentally sustain- papers AS34/9.1 and AS34/9.3 and indicated able transportation in the Pacific Islands. that the PMEG-CRP Leader would present
25 AS34/9.2. The Secretariat also brought approach to mainstreaming disaster risk Council’s attention to AS34/9.3.1 Supplemen- management; tary paper on the Draft Strategy for Enhancing Early Warning for PICs and AS34/9.3.2 b) building the capacity of member countries Supplementary paper on minor changes to 9.3. to successfully apply the tools and techno- logies that can support disaster risk 175. The Secretariat outlined the structure reduction; of the presentation as comprising a brief overview of the Community Risk Programme, c) finding the balance between reducing risk a review of key highlights from the 2005 Work and being prepared to effectively deal with Programme, a discussion of key issues arising residual risks such as cyclones that and challenges for the future of the Com- continue to pose a major threat to the munity Risk Programme, and a brief region; and presentation of the Programme’s proposed d) broadening the focus from the NDMO to a Work Plan and Budget for 2005-2006. joint NDMO/National Planning coordi- 176. The Secretariat presented the key nation model. achievements made in the three components 178. The Secretariat also advised Council that of the Community Risk Programme – the Government of the Republic of the strengthening resilience to disasters; Marshall Islands has agreed to host the 2007 mitigating the effects of hazards; and main- Pacific Regional Disaster Risk Management streaming risk management which included Meeting. the development of the Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Frame- 179. Council generally commended the work for Action 2005 – 2015, which was Secretariat on the CRP work programme and finalised at the 12th Pacific Regional Disaster the PMEG-CRP for their conduct of the Management Meeting held in Madang, Papua programme evaluation and report to Council. New Guinea. Other highlights included the A summary of interventions by delegations on Economic Study of the Impact of Natural specific items in the presentation on the past Disasters on Development, an Early Warning year’s work follows: Planning Workshop and a number of initiatives with key partner organisations. This was 180. New Zealand sought clarification on the followed by the new initiatives for 2006 which ACP-EU Natural Hazard Facility and its included a broad outline of the Secretariat’s implications on the Secretariat. The Secre- implementation strategy for the regional tariat responded that a proposal had been Framework for Action, the opportunity for submitted for implementation of the Pacific short-term attachments for the NDMOs and Framework for Action, which would include their support staff, the proposed implemen- development of national action plans. tation of CHARM in the Kingdom of Tonga in 181. Samoa, while recognising the strengths support of the World Bank Project and of the EVI in providing a measure of additional CHARM activities include the environmental vulnerability, raised concerns development of training manuals and the on its use as a stand-alone true measure of integration of CHARM into a broader risk vulnerability. Samoa recommended the use reduction framework that has been developed of other socio-economic vulnerability moni- in partnership with the Pacific Disaster toring tools e.g. the Human Development Centre. Other new initiatives include an Index, alongside the EVI for an indication of Airport Emergency Planning workshop in vulnerability in relation to sustainable partnership with Emergency Management development; citing the example of their EVI Australia and an initiative to institutionalise score being lower than that of Singapore. disaster risk management training at the Samoa also reported that stakeholders were University of the South Pacific. The now implementing CHARM. The Republic of Secretariat also reported regular the Marshall Islands (RMI) thanked and communication with partners was achieved commended the Secretariat for its through monthly e-newsletters. involvement in developing the Pacific Islands 177. The Secretariat advised Council of the Framework for Disaster Mitigation Plan since challenges faced by CRP in 2006, which it was important for the region under the include: mandate given to SOPAC by the Leaders. He also requested the meeting to remove the word a) gaining a high level of commitment for an “regional” from recommendation 4 since other all-hazards and whole-of-government member countries of SOPAC were not involved
26 or given the opportunity to attend the meeting allocation, the EU ACP Natural Hazards Facility on Early Warning recently held in Suva. would bring in • 2 million over a 2-year period However, since there is going to be another to be used by countries for national sub-regional meeting on Early Warning in implementation of the Framework of Action. Palau he further requested that member It was noted that funding from Australia and countries who were not invited to attend the New Zealand are not applied in the same Tsunami workshop should also be briefed on manner. the outcome of the Tsunami workshop. He reminded the meeting that the meeting of the 187. Council accepted the report on the 2005 Early Warning Strategy can only be considered Work Plan for the Community Risk Pro- as “regional” if and when all member countries gramme. and stakeholders in the region are involved and, in this case all SOPAC member countries. He further suggested that only after 9.2 Report from the Programme Review the sub-regional meeting on Early Warning in Monitoring & Evaluation Group on CRP Palau could the Strategy be considered as a regional initiative. (AS34/9.2)
182. Vanuatu was in agreement with risk 188. The Programme Review and Monitoring management being given priority and urged Group for the Community Risk Programme countries to translate and mainstream the (PMEG-CRP) presented their report to Council. Framework of Action into national planning, The PMEG for the Community Risk Pro- decision-making and budgeting processes. gramme in 2005, was led by Dr Wally Johnson Vanuatu recognised the issue raised by PMEG- (Australia), and supported by Joanne Laurence CRP in providing guidelines on prioritising (Emergency Management Australia) and Stan work programme implementation. Goosby (Pacific Disaster Centre, Hawaii) who visited the SOPAC Secretariat office. 183. Papua New Guinea stated that the tide gauges installed under the South Pacific Sea 189. The PMEG-CRP took a slightly different Level Climate Monitoring Project in the region approach to the review from the other two would provide important tidal information to groups. The PMEG-CRP undertook in-depth complement the Tsunami Awareness Kit, for discussions with the Secretariat and distilled public awareness and training in-country these discussions into a three-part core situation report: the first part was the 184. Cook Islands especially acknowledged Strategic Success in which the PMEG-CRP the assistance given in the post-disaster acknowledged the outstanding work under- assessment and the review of their Disaster taken by the Community Risk Programme Management Plan in line with an all-hazards over the past couple of years in strategically approach with support from Australia and ADB. positioning itself to assist countries in Cook Islands supported the development of addressing community risk. The PMEG-CRP manuals to determine the economic costs of Chair highlighted that several of the themes disasters as highlighted in the paper; showing identified by the PMEG-OIP and PMEG-CLP are interest in the training activities provided by similar and therefore reinforced the CRP. Council was advised of the approved significance of these issues across the name change of their National Disaster organisation. PMEG-CRP went on to commend Management Office to Emergency Manage- the work on CHARM, the EVI, the compre- ment Cook Islands. CRP is also currently hensive consultative process that the assisting with governance issues. The Cook programme used in its work, the linkages Islands concurred with the PMEG-CRP made with international processes including recommendations. the Second World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, development of the 185. Fiji supported the PMEG-CRP Regional Framework for Action 2005 – 2015 recommendations for the Secretariat to and the success in shifting the programme develop guidelines on prioritising the work focus from relief and recovery to disaster risk plans. Fiji also requested that budget allocation reduction. be presented with the work plans. 190. The second part of the report outlined key 186. The Secretariat responded that the issues that had arisen. There was an urgent Corporate Services Manager would present the need to apply risk management to all aspects budget and appropriate documents would be of SOPAC work programmes and explore the presented. In response to the CRP budget inter-linkages. Given the importance of risk
27 management to all aspects of SOPAC’s work appropriated to the CRP bearing in mind the the PMEG-CRP commented that it was focus of this Programme on improving the surprising to find that the programme only personal safety and reducing the commanded 17% of the total budget. The PMEG- vulnerability to hazards of people in the CRP reinforced the need for the Secretariat SOPAC region. to implement CHARM and EVI with a greater emphasis on science and applications. Synergies between all three programmes also need to be looked at. 9.3 New Initiatives in the Community Risk Programme (AS34/9.3) 191. The PMEG-CRP also commented that, as with the other programme areas, the 194. The Secretariat outlined the key Community Risk Programme was over- initiatives including: the implementation of stretched, over–commited with heavy the regional framework for action on disaster workloads. This was a result of both staff over- reduction, mainstreaming disaster risk enthusiasm and high expectations by management, management development countries. Despite the limited resources, the opportunities, institutionalising disaster risk Community Risk Programme was felt to be well management training, CHARM initiatives and positioned strategically; and that it was critical airport emergency planning. The Secretariat now that the work in countries was fully went on to present the challenges faced by the implemented. Programme in 2006.
192. The third part of the report contained the 195. Council supported the new initiatives in recommendations of the PMEG-CRP to Council. the Community Risk Programme.
193. Council accepted the report (see 196. Council approved the Pacific Regional Appendix 7 for the full report of the PMEG-CRP Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster and endorsed the following key recommen- Management Framework for Action 2005-2015 dations made in it: and commended it to the Leaders for their consideration. Council further endorsed its a) The Secretariat should be instructed to implementation as a key priority for the establish, promote, and implement guide- Community Risk Programme. lines and criteria for prioritisation of work- programme elements so that the CRP is not 197. Council acknowledged the need to overstretched, and to consider whether mainstream disaster risk reduction and these guidelines and criteria can be applied disaster management into national develop- also to the other two programmes. ment planning in order to ensure the successful implementation of the Disaster b) Council should urge its National Management Framework for Action 2005-2015 Representatives to take on roles as advo- and to endorse the convening of the sub- cates of risk-mitigation principles in order regional and national planning workshops. to promote CHARM and EVI in their respec- tive countries, and to report progress back 198. Council endorsed the development of the to Council. disaster risk reduction planning guide; and the publication of the regional public awareness c) The Secretariat should be instructed to guide. develop, promote, and implement a Strategic Information Management Plan 199. Council endorsed the outcomes of the for SOPAC in order that greater, coordinated planning meeting to develop a draft strategy use be made of, and greater synergies be for an all hazards early warning system. achieved from, it’s considerable but 200. Council strongly supported the generally uncoordinated caches of infor- collaborative partnership with USP to develop mation. This includes, particularly, accredited disaster risk reduction and disaster geospatial (digital) data and the practical management training courses in the region. use of GIS across all the three Programmes. 201. Council endorsed the proposed d) Council should not only note and endorse management development initiative whereby the ACP/EU* Natural Disaster Facility NDMO staff from member countries could Initiative of the Secretariat but also undertake professional development short- consider the appropriateness of the low term attachments at the Secretariat, working proportion (17%) of the total 2005 budget on specific own-country projects.
28 9.4 PMEG – Issues Common to Programmes superficial comments. He noted that PMEG represented only a small section of the TAG 202. The Director explained that Agenda Item community, and challenged scientists, 9.4 was included in the Agenda to enable the member countries and the Secretariat to PMEGs to report on issues common across all make STAR a Pacific-driven network. He was three programmes, share their impressions also of the view that strengthening STAR of the PMEG process, and to make recom- would help to strengthen TAG. While he mendations to Council on how the process recommended that PMEG should continue in might be improved. its present form, he suggested that members should be rotated every couple of years to 203. The PMEG-OIP Chair acknowledged the ensure fresh input. He suggested that time pilot nature of the process, and that those should be set aside to allow Programme involved were learning as they proceeded. He Managers, key Secretariat staff, TAG and noted that it had been an intense, tiring but PMEG to discuss the draft PMEG report. This rewarding process. He suggested that in the could be used to incorporate TAG comments future an agenda for the review process and a into a final report as an Appendix or integrated detailed terms of reference should be prepared into the overall report, while not precluding well in advance and circulated for comment inputs from individuals in the TAG session. from the review team members, possibly (The note tabled by the adviser is appended in coordinated by the Chair. This would also allow full with the PMEG reports in Appendix 7). Council to see the Agenda prior to the Council session. The PMEG-OIP Chair recommended 207. New Zealand thanked all members of the that for subsequent PMEGs, an effort be made PMEGs; noting the usefulness of the process, to engage those who can participate in person; and endorsed the suggested approach for the further suggesting that subsequent PMEGs PMEG report to be made available at the time schedule more time to write their reports of preparation of the future work plan. New before the meeting of Council in order to allow Zealand also endorsed the suggestion for for wider discussions of the report. preparing the reports well in advance of the Council meeting, pointing out that several 204. The PMEG-CLP Chair concurred with the audiences read the PMEG reports, and asked comment on the pilot nature of the process. that future PMEGs consider national-level He suggested that Council consider whether outcomes in member countries in relation to the PMEG would add value if it was conducted SOPAC outputs. closer to the time that the new work plan and budget was being prepared. He noted that 208. Australia agreed with New Zealand on the conducting the review immediately before importance of reflecting the translation of Annual Session placed constraints on what outputs to outcomes in the PMEG process. could be delivered. Australia thanked PMEGs for their comments and findings, and expressed a desire for the 205. PMEG-CRP Chair Leader requested process to continue. Australia recommended feedback from Council on the PMEG process. that PMEGs report back to Council on follow He considered that the time allowed for PMEG up by the Secretariat on the recommendations was appropriate, and that the assistance Council endorsed this year. Australia provided by the Secretariat staff helped with requested that PMEGs provide a commentary swift delivery. on how the Secretariat works with countries 206. The adviser from the Geological Survey to achieve outcomes in light of the Strategic of Canada also tabled comments on aspects of Plan. Australia also queried whether a detailed the STAR/TAG/Council interface, including Terms of Reference existed for PMEGs. impressions of the PMEG process. He noted 209. Vanuatu thanked the PMEGs for their that the STAR/TAG/Council sessions allow work, and the Secretariat for taking up the only limited exposure to celebrate the review challenge, commenting that the PMEG successes of science undertaken by the process enables Council to gain a clearer idea Secretariat, suggesting that STAR be used to of how the work programmes functioned celebrate programme successes, and to allow within the Secretariat. He noted that the overseas experts to build capacity in the limitations in time and resources might region. He highlighted the difficulties for TAG inhibit the ability of the PMEGs to draw down to gain a comprehensive understanding of the reviews to the national level. work programme and progress under the current system, making it difficult for TAG to 210. The STAR Chair thanked the adviser formulate sound advice beyond general and from the Geological Survey of Canada; and
29 supported the vision of STAR as a Pacific-driven 10.2 Leader’s Pacific Plan (AS34/10.2) organisation. He had observed the steadily increasing participation of Pacific Islanders in 216. The Director introduced the paper and STAR meetings during his tenure, which was updated Council on the Secretariat’s now about 50:50 in proportion to those involvement with the development of the participating from outside the region. He Pacific Plan. suggested that the STAR meeting be reinstated to the middle of the Council meeting, rather 217. To an enquiry as to why Secretariat than at the outset, to reduce the separation involvement with the development of the between the STAR and TAG meetings. Pacific Plan had been less than originally envisaged it would be, Council heard 211. Samoa stated that he would prefer that assurances from New Zealand that the PMEGs focus on assessing the outputs of the Secretariat had fully met Council’s Secretariat rather than outcomes at the instructions for active engagement. national level. 218. At further concerns expressed by 212. Fiji thanked PMEGs for their work this members that regionalism being espoused in year, and encouraged future PMEGs to connect the Pacific Plan might encroach on matters the process with the SOPAC Strategic Plan. which countries preferred to deal with individually, the Chair clarified that the Pacific 213. The Director stressed that the PMEG Plan was only a framework for enhancing process was an invaluable, independent regional cooperation and not a replacement mechanism for SOPAC in ensuring that its for national sovereignty. Secretariat delivered a technically-robust work plan and suggested that the PMEG reports 219. Council noted the Secretariat’s be included as Annexes to the summary involvement with the development of the record of the meeting, to allow the monitoring Pacific Plan and agreed with New Zealand’s of progress over time (see Appendix 7). recommendation for the Secretariat to remain appropriately engaged. 214. The PMEG-CLP Chair welcomed the suggestion for the provision of clear and detailed terms of reference to articulate what was required of PMEGs. 10.3 Review of Agreement Establishing SOPAC (AS34/10.3) GOVERNING COUNCIL POLICY 220. The Director introduced the paper, pointing out certain aspects of the Agreement SESSION that were clearly dated.
221. Council decided, in principle, to a name 10. DIRECTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT change for the organisation and requested the Government of Samoa as Chair to initiate the 10.1 Introduction process to amend Article 1 of the Agreement establishing SOPAC. 215. The Director presented a brief overview of what constituted her annual report to 222. Council decided that the new name to Council at this current annual meeting. She be adopted at its next annual session would noted that the technical work programming be: issues were covered during the joint TAG/ Council Session. In her remarks she alluded Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience to the various corporate governance Commission “SOPAC” and the Secretariat to documents, like the five-year Strategic and be the Secretariat for the Pacific Islands annual Business plans that guided the Applied Geoscience Commission “SOPAC”. management of technical work programme 223. Council further agreed to a delivery and drew particular attention to the comprehensive review of the Agreement newly-established PMEG process which she Establishing SOPAC to be undertaken in time hoped would give Council and donors for consideration at its next annual session. confidence in the quality of the applied The Secretariat was tasked with drawing up sciences being mobilised by the Secretariat a Terms of Reference for a two-person team to in its delivery of the SOPAC work programmes.
30 be finalised by members by 31 December, in f) STAR meetings provide a unique interface order that the review is completed and a new for scientists based outside the region to draft agreement available by 31 March 2006 familiarise themselves with issues facing for circulation and response from members by the SOPAC island member states and the 30 June. role that their science can play in contributing to development in the region; and
10.4 Annual Governing Council – Future g) STAR meetings provide a foundation from Arrangements (AS34/10.4) which TAG scientists are better informed to advise Council on the SOPAC work 224. The Council Chair invited the STAR programmes. Chair to address Council with respect to a resolution by STAR scientists in paper AS34/ 226. The STAR meeting resolved that STAR 10.4 Supplementary concerning the proposed meetings continue to be held annually in con- future arrangements for holding SOPAC junction with the SOPAC Governing Council annual meetings as outlined in the paper by annual sessions. the Secretariat. The STAR Chair reported that STAR unanimously adopted the following 227. The Director acknowledged the resolution: importance of the connectivity between STAR and the organisation, which was now being 225. Recognising that STAR was established reinforced by the explicit statement of commit- to develop and strengthen the links between ment to the organisation by STAR scientists the science community working in the Pacific through the resolution before Council. islands region and the SOPAC island member country national representatives as decision 228. Whilst Council members were and policy makers at national level, and has sympathetic to the business case made by the actively pursued this role for the past 21 years: Secretariat in paper AS34/10.4 for seeking the STAR Meeting at the 34th Annual Session operational effectiveness through reducing agreed that: the burden of servicing annual meetings, Council reaffirmed the existing arrangements a) STAR during its existence had developed for holding annual meetings either in Fiji or and strengthened the linkages between hosted by the Chair in capital, subject to the science and policy through holding host country meeting the cost difference. meetings in conjunction with SOPAC Governing Council, and that these linkages 229. Council also encouraged the Secretariat are continuing to evolve; to continue to work on a more focused agenda and the streamlining of accompanying b) STAR has developed into a complex mix of documentation, which in itself would result science and scientists; in reducing the burden on both the Secre- tariat as well as Council in their preparations c) STAR is tending to grow, and its emphasis for the meeting. shifts from year to year in order to address the breadth of the SOPAC work programmes and focus on current issues; 11. FINANCIAL REPORTS d) STAR meetings provide the opportunity for 230. The Chair introduced the Manager the increasing numbers of Pacific island Corporate Services who presented most of the nationals to present the results of their financial reports before Council. work, and in this context STAR meetings provide a valuable capacity building opportunity, especially for young scientists; 11.1 Financial Report 2004 e) STAR meetings provide an invaluable direct 11.1.1 2004 Audited Financial Statements, networking experience for scientists based outside the region, they also provide a Auditor’s Report and Management Report venue for SOPAC and member countries to 231. The Secretariat referred Council to paper become appraised of work planned or AS34/11.1.1, and presented the 2004 Audited underway by organisations from outside the Financial Statements, Auditor’s Report and region; Auditor’s Management Letter.
31 232. The Secretariat explained that in Report and Auditor’s Management Letter; and accordance with decisions made last year, the made comments and decisions as necessary Secretariat’s reporting of the audited financial on the significant management letter points statements would be by exception, rather than with regard to recoverability of membership a detailed presentation. contributions; and the recoverability of Niue’s 32nd Annual Session costs. 233. The Secretariat referred Council to the Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2004 and Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2004 (AS34/11.1.1), 11.1.2 Report on 2004 Regular Budget Variance noting two important issues of membership and Virement of Funds contributions and capitalisation of assets. 240. The Secretariat presented Paper AS34/ 234. Samoa thanked the Manager of Corporate 11.1.2 on the 2004 Budget Variance and Services for the report and overall financial Virement of Funds, noting the Regular Budget statement, and made a number of queries with Expenditure Variance Report (Annex 1), respect to the Secretariat’s accounting Explanations Report (Annex 2), Information on practices. Referring to page 6 of AS34/11.1.1, Savings Achieved (Annex 3) and Overall he queried why the summary was only up to Variance Summary (Annex 4). 2003, rather than 2004. Samoa queried how cost-sharing between programme implemen- 241. Council noted and accepted the Report tation is handled within the budget. Samoa on 2004 Budget Variance and Virement of commended the Secretariat for achieving funds. significant cost savings across all three work programmes, and asked for an explanation for how this was reached. Samoa also went on to 11.1.3 Report on Assets and Inventory written query whether the SDR had any effect on the off for the year ended 31 December 2004 budget for staff salaries and what was best practice for foreign exchange deposits. 242. The Secretariat introduced paper AS34/ 11.1.3 and reported to Council on Non-Current 235. In response to Samoa, the Secretariat (Fixed Assets) written off during the year by highlighted the error on page 6 of AS34/11.1.1 disposal due to irreparable damage (Annex). where the first column should read 2004 not 2003. In relation to cost savings made in the 243. Council accepted the report on assets regular budget all surplus was prioritised for and inventory written off for the year ended work programme activities. The current SDR 31 December 2004. arrangement favour the Secretariat and is still considered the fairest approach to paying staff. Should the SDR shift greater than 5% this will 11.2 Report on 2005 Accounts to 30 June trigger a re-evaluation of this approach to payment of staff. The Secretariat currently 11.2.1 Report and Financial Accounts for the 6- holds several foreign exchange accounts month period to June 2005 enabling the Secretariat to manage its finances effectively. 244. The Secretariat introduced paper AS34/ 11.2.1, and presented to Council the Report 236. Samoa queried whether the size of the on the 2005 Accounts to 30 June. reserve fund was adequate. 245. Council noted and accepted the Report 237. In response, the Secretariat referred on the 2005 Accounts to 30 June. Council to conference room paper AS34/13.1 relating to the reserve fund ceiling, and commented that the review of the financial regulations is likely to clarify whether the 11.2.2 Membership Contributions reserve fund is sufficient. 246. The Secretariat introduced the revised 238. Republic of the Marshall Islands conference room paper AS34/11.2.2 Rev.1, and commended the Secretariat and Programme presented to Council the updated Status of Manager Corporate Services for the clear Membership Contributions as of 30 September financial report, and endorsed the 2005. recommendations. 247. In opening the floor for discussion the 239. Council noted and accepted the 2004 Chair highlighted to Council that two Audited Financial Statements, Auditor’s reminders had been sent to countries.
32 248. The Secretariat noted that the external national level. Vanuatu confirmed it would auditors highlighted outstanding membership make payments of membership contributions contributions as a high risk factor for SOPAC by the end of 2005. and requested guidance and feedback from Council on how to deal with countries with 258. Federated States of Micronesia noted significant long-standing arrears. that it would endeavour to pay its membership contributions by the end of 2005. 249. The Secretariat informed Council that Solomon Islands has confirmed its outstanding 259. Cook Islands acknowledged its debt owed membership contributions. to SOPAC, and noted that it shares many of the problems of other member countries with 250. Solomon Islands informed Council that national budget processes. its outstanding annual contribution to SOPAC is now their immediate priority and will be 260. New Caledonia requested that details of paid to the Secretariat before 2006. contributions by associate members be stated in the financial reports. The Secretariat 251. Republic of the Marshall Islands agreed to include the voluntary contributions requested that the Secretariat keep in close of associate members in the reports. contact with those countries facing problems paying arrears. 261. Nauru warned against unfairly penalizing member countries with significant 252. The Chair reminded Council that over arrears, noting that countries make efforts to the last year the Secretariat assisted the meet debts but face constraints that could previous Chair to contact and remind member occur in any country in the region. countries with arrears. 262. The Chair clarified that only significant 253. Tonga stated that non-payment of arrears stretching back 5-6 years are relevant arrears should be resolved by regular annual to the discussion. courtesy calls by the Directorate to member countries, which will raise commitment from 263. Niue advised Council that it would pay member countries. Tonga recognized the its contribution in good time, and sought commitment of the Solomon Islands to pay its clarification from the Director on how Niue’s arrears as a sign of good cooperation among debt from Cyclone Heta was treated by the countries in the Pacific. Secretariat.
254. Nauru acknowledged its debt to SOPAC, 264. The Director responded to Niue that a and informed Council that it hopes to begin written communication received from the regular small payments as contribution to its Government of Niue advised an intention to arrears after the national budget is passed honour the debt pertaining to some costs rd later in 2005. incurred for hosting the 33 SOPAC Annual Session in Niue in 2003; and that this 255. Solomon Islands supported the communication had been received subse- suggestion by Tonga that the Directorate quent to the preparation of the 2004 auditors commit to visit member countries regularly report and the council paper relating to it. to increase awareness of the benefits of SOPAC membership. 265. Palau committed to discuss payments for outstanding arrears with SOPAC. 256. Papua New Guinea acknowledged the commitment of Solomon Islands. He noted that 266. New Zealand noted the promising membership contributions are an important commitments by member countries to address way in which member countries of SOPAC outstanding arrears, and acknowledged demonstrate ownership of the organization. He ongoing voluntary commitments of associate also commented that the responsibility for members. settling of arrears rests at the national level. 267. Papua New Guinea suggested that Papua New Guinea committed to clear its SOPAC might hire equipment in-country and arrears before the end of 2005. reduce arrears accordingly for countries with 257. Vanuatu supported the suggestions of membership arrears. Papua New Guinea, and noted that the 268. Guam noted its non payment of SOPAC responsibility and commitment for payment arrears, but reassured Council that their of arrears rests with member countries at the intent was to honour their obligation.
33 269. Republic of the Marshall Islands 276. In considering the paper prepared by the suggested that the Secretariat consult with outgoing Deputy Director, which intimately other regional organisations to ascertain how links to the key directions of the Strategic they work with their membership in Plan for 2005-2009, Council agreed to addressing the issue of membership arrears. implement a performance assessment process for the SOPAC Director, and that this assess- 270. Tonga repeated its recommendation for ment be carried out annually. the Directorate to make regular visits to member countries, rather than disassociating 277. Council further agreed that this process member countries with outstanding arrears. be trialled immediately using the Annual Business Plan as the basis. In assessing the 271. Council received the Status of performance of the Director broad questions Membership Contributions report and would be asked and particular note made of acknowledged the efforts by Council members the reporting against specific planned to meet their arrears. Council requested the activities in the current Business Plan. Other Directorate to maintain high-level contact supporting relevant documents include the between the Secretariat and those member Director’s Report to Council, which by its very countries with outstanding arrears. nature includes the Annual Report Summary, the Financial Report together with auditor’s 272. Council members were urged by management letter, the Work Plan Report, and Vanuatu to take a more proactive role in the proposed Work Plan and Budget for the assisting the Secretariat in their efforts to coming year. collect outstanding membership contribu- tions. 278. After a free-flowing discussion Council agreed to the format for the process and also to review the format as necessary, with a view 12. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION to streamlining and improving it. 12.1 Director Position (AS34/12.1) 279. Council noted that the current Director comes to the end of a first contract in February 273. Clarifications on the purpose of the paper 2007, and that it was therefore necessary to were given by the outgoing Deputy Director, assess her performance by mid-March 2006. with the Chair assisting in explanations. Council agreed to complete the performance Council were informed that the incumbent assessment “out of session”, utilizing an open- Director’s first three-year term in office was ended sub-committee of Suva-based Council concluding in February 2007; and Council members to meet in Suva early March, and needed to decide whether it would proceed as chaired by Samoa. Members to be notified previously practiced, that is to re-advertise the requesting their assessment in February. position or whether it would go the way of most 280. Council decided that at the subcom- other CROP organisations and do away with mittee meeting, following compilation of the the expense and unnecessary encumbrance results, an interview with the Director would of working through an executive appointment take place and a decision would be made process at the mid-point of an incumbent whether (i) to offer the current Director a CEO’s possible 6-year tenure. second contract or (ii) to advertise the position. 274. The consensus that emerged after a Should the former be the case a decision would fulsome expression of views by the majority of also be made on whether to offer an incre- member countries was that a process and ment. mechanism for carrying out a performance 281. Council noted the updated Information assessment was necessary for Council to Package for the Director appointment, and meaningfully arrive at the decision on agreed that it be utilized should advertising whether to re-advertise the Director position be necessary, with a view to an appointment or not. being confirmed at the next annual session. 275. The outgoing Deputy Director was tasked with formulating a basis for performance assessment on the Director, from the 12.2 CROP Annual Remuneration Review suggestions made by him during his intro- Report ductory remarks and from other views expressed by the Council members during 282. The Director presented paper AS34/12.2 discussion on the item. and AS34/12.2 Supplementary, and updated
34 Council on the CROP Staff Remuneration 290. The Chair clarified that the developments in order to put in place updated remuneration review will go to the FOC and SOPAC Staff Salary scales from 1 January then to various CROP Councils for final 2006. The supplementary paper provides decision. theme clarification and additional data on staff remuneration. 291. The Federated States of Micronesia supported the comments made by Fiji. FSM 283. Samoa expressed their support for the indicated that it was important to retain staff paper as proposed and harmonisation process through reasonable remuneration. FSM with other CROP organisations. Samoa agreed to support staff salary increase with the queried how cost-sharing for programme professional level to await the outcome of the implementation is handled by the Secretariat. comprehensive review.
284. The Secretariat noted the comments by 292. Vanuatu agreed that the approach of Samoa and indicated that these will be harmonising the salary scales in CROP is good incorporated into the review of the financial as it will help to retain staff. Council needs to regulations. In response to the query on acknowledge that if they demand more from salaries, the Secretariat explained that Secretariat staff then they will need to technical staff are paid to deliver under the compensate. Vanuatu supported the recom- technical programmes from extra budget while mendations as long as it does not impact on regular budget covers the core activities of the member contributions or implementation of Secretariat. work programme activities.
285. Nauru expressed concern at 293. New Zealand acknowledged that SOPAC implementing a “one-off interim pay increase” was blessed with excellent support staff and before the outcome of comprehensive review recognised their contribution to the to be held in 2006. organisation and deserve to be fairly remunerated. New Zealand also noted that in 286. Chair clarified that a comprehensive the staff regulations, a key principle of remuneration review was to be carried out in determining and reviewing remuneration is 2006. that it is harmonised with other CROP 287. Republic of the Marshall Islands agencies. Council has firmly mandated the appreciated the clear explanation from the Secretariat to pursue harmonisation. New Secretariat and recognised the ongoing Zealand shared Nauru’s concern over interim harmonisation exercise in the region. The one-off payments. New Zealand further Marshall Islands expressed their support for a encouraged the Secretariat to continue to salary increase for support staff as engage in harmonisation with other CROP recommended and encouraged the Secretariat organisations and the upcoming triennial to continue to engage in the harmonisation review, with the expectation that the CROP process. outcomes would be conveyed to Council.
288. In supporting the comments made by the 294. Papua New Guinea expressed their Marshall Islands, Fiji highlighted that staff of support for increased salary for support staff. the Secretariat who are Fiji nationals are Papua New Guinea also suggested that a subject to payment of income tax. That market survey be carried out in relation to professional staff received in 2004 a one-off remuneration difficulties to enable them to salary increase, while local support staff have fully consider the issues of retention and not received an increment for the past 3-4 recruitment. years. He considered it only fair that local 295. The Chair encouraged Council to focus support staff be provided with the increment on the issue of one-off increase to support staff. as recommended in the paper and that The Chair brought to Council’s attention the increments for professional staff could be amendments made to the recommendations. considered after the comprehensive review. 296. Tuvalu expressed their support for the 289. Tonga raised the issues of affordability recommendations as presented in the paper. and sustainability of the organisation with the suggested remuneration increases. Tonga 297. The Director responded to the question also objected to SOPAC’s engaging with CROP by Papua New Guinea about the issue of in discussions of remuneration without first recruitment and retention by citing difficulties presenting submissions to Council. faced with the recruitment of a Resource
35 Economist and Water Specialist – that the 12.4 Consideration of other harmonisation recruitment process had proceeded up to the issues for Suva-based CROP agencies point of remuneration discussions, at which (AS34/12.4) point negotiations broke down. This situation implied a disparity within the market for 302. The Director introduced paper AS34/ quality, professional staff. Although retention 12.4, and updated Council on the activities of was not an issue for SOPAC, the Director the CROP Remuneration Working Group expressed the desire to continue this trend. during the year, particularly with regard to the She also advised that by being an active outstanding professional staff issues, and member in the CROP annual review of other emerging issues where harmonisation remuneration, issues of harmonisation would may be possible. be upheld. 303. Council noted its current six-year rule 298. Council noted the recommendations of for professional staff in the Staff Regulations, the CROP Remuneration Working Group and Appointment Procedure – Regulation 13e: the CROP Heads agreement on salaries for 2006. In so doing Council approved: A fixed term appointment of three years is renewable based on the needs of the a) The SOPAC salary scales for professional Commission, and the merit and performance and support staff for 2006 (refer to AS34/ of the employee, for a further period of three 12.2 Annex, Rev.1) and these scales be years. When a professional officer has served included in the Staff Regulations. Council in the same position for a continuous period agree to an additional “one-off interim” of six years, it shall be mandatory for that increase of 5% for support staff from 2006 position to be re-advertised. The incumbent this would not be reflected in the salary is free to re-apply and should the Director scales, pending the outcome of the decide to re-appoint the incumbent on merit, triennial review in 2006. he may do so provided a report is made to the b) That the Secretariat continue to participate next meeting of the Council. fully in the reconvened CROP Remu- 304. Council recalled its decision at its last neration Working Group to: (i) explore annual session (para 313, Proceedings of 33rd options for cost sharing among CROP; (ii) Annual Session) to consider the issue of the prepare the terms of reference for the “six-year rule” following FOC’s work. comprehensive triennial remuneration review in 2006 and engage an external 305. Council noted FOC’s decision at its consultant who should include a review of October 2004 meeting: where, relative to the reference markets, the CROP salary scale should sit for both “Professional staff are to be hired for no more the professional and support staff. than two three-year terms of employment with a CROP agency. The length of employment at the agency is not to exceed six years even if the staff member’s position or job description 12.3 Reappointment of Contract Staff since the within the agency should change during that 33rd SOPAC Annual Session time.
299. The Secretariat, in accordance with Staff The six-year rule applies to all professional Regulation 13e, reported on one staff position positions except in circumstances where the for which the incumbent was reappointed CEO judges that it is impossible to recruit an beyond the six-year contract: Advisor – appropriately qualified replacement, in which Technical (Electronics.) case the incumbent’s contract may be extended for a further period up to a maximum of three 300. The Secretariat advised Council that the years. Such instances should only occur in position of Adviser – Technical (Electronics) truly exceptional circumstances after the was advertised during the year and in the normal recruitment process, and be based on absence of other suitable applicants the a very strong business case. Agencies should incumbent was offered a three-year extension take steps to ensure a further extension would to his contract in addition to the 6 years not be required at the end of this period. already served. • In considering exceptions to the six-year 301. Council noted the reappointment of rule, the following criteria should be used Simon Young as Adviser – Technical by CROP agencies: (Electronics).
36 • Has the market for the skills required been matter to be circulated to council for their fully tested and all avenues to find a consideration. suitable replacement exhausted? 310. The Secretariat in response to a question • Is there a genuine need for continuity for a from Nauru confirmed that the six-year rule particular reason? applied only to professional staff.
• Has the assessment ensured that 311. The Chair referred Council to Annex 2 experience in the job is not weighted over of paper AS34/12.4 for the FOC decision on the potential of a new candidate to perform the six-year rule. in the job? 312. Marshall Islands expressed some The CEO is to brief Members on any exceptions reservations on how the six-year rule is being to the six-year rule at the next governing body applied throughout the region with some meeting.” organizations clearly abusing the rule and this Council attempting to enforce the rule. 306. The Secretariat in response to a question from American Samoa regarding recom- 313. The Chair noted the six-year rule mendation one in relation to education recommended by FOC adopted by the Forum benefits for staff dependents, confirmed that Secretariat was for the consideration of other the disparity between Pacific Island nationals CROP agency’s governing councils but was not and nationals of other countries had been necessarily required to be adopted by them. addressed in that the recommendation is to award benefits in line with the staff position, 314. Australia supported recommendations regardless of nationality. one and three; but with regard to Recom- mendation 2, posed the question to the 307. The Secretariat responded to a number Secretariat on exactly what element of the of questions posed by Fiji on the details of staff six-year rule adopted by FOC was it having allowances referring to document AS34/6.2 difficulty with. Supplementary, which outlined the definitions of dependents and the qualification criteria for 315. The Director responded that the only education allowances. The Secretariat point of deviation from FOC was that the confirmed that tax-free status being sought for incumbent would be allowed to apply for the all CROP agency employees in Fiji was for position when it is readvertised at the end of income tax only. The Secretariat also six years. She expressed that this would indicated that the decision of the CROP ensure continuity of work programme delivery working group in relation to rental allowance in the event that an appropriate applicant was was that 75% of the actual rent would be paid not idenitified. Acknowledged that succession based on an annual market survey of rental planning for specialised technical positions properties with a current upper limit of would need to be investigated and introduced FJ$3500 and requiring staff members to and these would have ongoing resource produce a signed lease agreement to the implications. The Secretariat further noted Secretariat. that it might seriously consider invoking the exception to the six-year rule for about 20% of 308. New Zealand congratulated the the technical positions at the Secretariat. Secretariat on continuing to be involved in CROP harmonisation activities and concurred 316. Marshall Islands expressed the view that with proposed recommendations 1 and 3. In if a three-year extension is offered then the relation to the second recommendation on the training of a successor should be emphasised six-year rule, New Zealand reminded Council over that period. Both Vanuatu and Papua New of their decision at last year’s meeting to await Guinea commented that younger people in the the FOC decision on this matter before further region should be given opportunities in order deliberation. FOC has now adopted a six-year to build capacity. rule and New Zealand’s preference is for the 317. The Chair clarified that FOC was not Secretariat to adopt the FOC version of the six- recommending that all CROP agencies adopt year rule. the FOC six-year rule. Key technical positions 309. Papua New Guinea supported New within the Secretariat should be identified Zealand’s comments on the six-year rule and and filling those positions should be left to the requested the FOC recommendations on this discretion of the Secretariat based on staff performance.
37 318. Samoa recalled its comments on the six- appointment a professional grade (i.e., year rule at the last Governing Council Grades I to M) who have dependant children meeting and expressed its support of the FOC studying full time in a recognised educational decision and that it should be adopted. Samoa institution. furthermore commented that whilst it appreciated the difficulty at times to secure vi) Neither housing nor education allowance replacement for a professional technical should be paid to support staff in the partici- position within SOPAC, due largely to the pating CROP agencies (i.e., Grades A to H) specialised and highly technical nature of the unless required to do so to comply with host posts, it was only under these special government legislation. circumstances that an incumbent should be vii) The maximum value of housing allowance re-appointed after having already served two should be set at 75% of the monthly rental three-year terms with SOPAC. Samoa further for a property satisfying the standards elaborated that under such special circum- prescribed by the participating CROP stances, if an exception is given, it should be agencies. granted for only three years and not another six years. Furthermore, Samoa referred to the viii) Participating CROP agencies should be SOPAC Staff Regulations, which would need responsible (however its administration is to be revised accordingly to accurately reflect organised) for paying 75% of the actual rent SOPAC’s policy on the extension of its person- on each eligible employee’s accommodation, nel beyond six years. up to the set maximum allowance.
319. Cook Islands supported the views of ix) There should continue to be no explicit Samoa and the Marshall Islands with respect linkage between the rental subsidy paid by to succession planning. an agency, and the individual employee’s family size or hierarchical position. 320. Australia supported Samoa’s views and suggested that the Council could consider a x) Participating CROP agencies should continue recommendation of the six-year rule with a to apply the current education allowance possible three-year extension incorporating structure of a maximum rate per child per the language of the FOC recommendations annum with a maximum rate per family per with respect to the considerations of excep- annum being calculated at three times the tions. per child rate.
321. Council endorsed the FOC xi) Employees should in future be asked to Subcommittee recommendations with regard contribute 25% towards the cost of their to the professional staff housing and education children’s schooling. The maximum education allowances: allowance should be set at 75% of the benchmark rates (maximum per child, i) Both housing and education allowances maximum per family) once they have been should continue to be paid by the established. participating CROP agencies. xii) Differential rates for education allowance for ii) Both housing and education allowances local staff and expatriates should be should in future be regarded as benefits abolished. In future, all professional staff associated with appointment to a (i.e., Grades I to M) should be eligible for the professional grade (i.e., Grades I to M). same level of education allowance (in the iii) Payment of either housing or education same family circumstances). allowance should not be regarded as xiii) The Fiji Government should be approached compensation for staff who relocate in order to seek tax-free status for all CROP agency to take up an appointment at a participating employees. CROP agency. xiv) Participating CROP agencies should review iv) Housing allowance should be paid to all their definition and practice regarding staff who hold appointment in a participating “Dependent Children” to ensure that payment CROP agency in a professional grade (i.e., of education allowance in each case is Grades I to M). appropriate and consistent across the v) Education allowance should be paid to all participating CROP agencies. staff in a participating CROP agency holding
38 322. Council agreed to revise the SOPAC Staff revised Financial Regulations be submitted to Regulations 13e as follows: the next annual session.
A fixed-term appointment of three years is renewable based on the needs of the Commission, and the merit and performance 12.6 Secretariat Accommodation and Related of the employee, for a further period of three Issues (AS34/12.6) years. When a professional officer has served in the same position for a continuous period 327. The Secretariat presented paper AS34/ of six years, it shall be mandatory for that 12.6 and AS34/12.6 Supplementary, appraising position to be re-advertised. The incumbent is the Governing Council with emerging matters free to re-apply and should the Director decide due to the location of the Secretariat that may to re-appoint the incumbent on merit, the impact the operational effectiveness of Director must ensure the market for the skills SOPAC’s work programmes. The Secretariat required has been fully tested, all avenues to highlighted several issues that emerged since find a suitable replacement exhausted, a the last session and has undertaken genuine need for continuity is demonstrated, preliminary discussions with the Government and that that experience in the job is not of Fiji. weighted over the potential of a new candidate 328. Nauru requested an update from the to perform in the job. The Secretariat should Secretariat on progress with the also ensure that within the three-year establishment of the Pacific Village. extension of an appointment beyond 6 years, that succession training is undertaken. The 329. Fiji expressed their commitment to the Secretariat should take steps to ensure a Pacific Village to house SOPAC, SPC and SPTO. further extension would not be required at the Unfortunately funding identified for the project end of this period. last year did not eventuate. The land for the Pacific Village is still allocated and the 323. Council in noting the progress of the Government of Fiji is still looking at CROP Remuneration Working Group on other alternative financial arrangements for issues where harmonisation may be possible building the complex. such as staff and financial regulations, visas and insurance, supported the Secretariat’s 330. Tonga expressed its concern at the continued engagement in the work of this number of regional organisations based in group, and requested further update at its next Suva and suggested that other Pacific Islands annual session. should have a share in this arrangement.
331. Samoa informed Council that as host to SPREP, the Government of Samoa also has an 12.5 Report on Review of the Financial MoU with SPREP. Samoa would like to Regulations (AS34/12.5 Supplementary) encourage the Secretariat to establish an MoU with the Government of Fiji. 324. The Secretariat advised Council on the status of the Review of the Financial 332. Council accepted the offer of Fiji to work Regulations as presented in paper AS34/12.5 with the Suva-based Council members over Supplementary. the next twelve months to draft an MoU, with respect to the hosting arrangements for the 325. The Secretariat noted that the review of SOPAC Secretariat; in accordance with the the Financial Regulations was discussed in provisions of Article 4.2 of the Agreement the CROP working group, and prepared in Establishing SOPAC. The MoU would, amongst accordance with current best practice. The other things, address issues such as aim is to align the SOPAC financial Secretariat accommodation, tax exemption regulations with international financial arrangements and the holding of an annual reporting standards, and produce a financial high-level consultation between the Fiji procedures manual. Government and the SOPAC Secretariat to 326. Council noted the Terms of Reference for facilitate the implementation of the MoU. The a review of the Financial Regulations, and that draft MoU is to be completed in time for the review be carried out jointly with other circulation to members for their consideration CROP organisations as appropriate and the and endorsement at the next meeting of review report accompanied by recommended Council.
39 13. 2006 WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET 13.2 Approval of 2006 Work Plan and Budget 13.1 Reserve Fund Ceiling 342. The Director presented paper AS34/13.2 and summarised the work plan process and 333. The Secretariat presented paper AS34/ dialogue that took place prior to preparation 13.1 as a reporting requirement by Council to of the 2006 Draft Work Plan and Budget. She annually review the ceiling on the Reserve reminded Council of the presentations by Fund. The Secretariat advised Council that Programme Managers earlier in the meeting after taking into consideration several under Agenda Items 7, 8 and 9, which provided assumptions and based on the 30 June 2005 an overview of the work carried out by the Accounts, that it would cost F$118,196 to close respective work programmes. the Secretariat, should it cease operations. 343. In opening the floor, the Chair noted that 334. Nauru queried the use of Secretariat the budget is lower than the budget for 2004. ceasing operations as the basis for assess- ment. 344. Samoa requested the Secretariat to explore the need to extend the tsunami 335. The Secretariat responded highlighting warning network to Samoa, which currently that what was presented was a worst-case risk only involves Fiji and Tonga. He requested the scenario to enable the organisation to manage Secretariat to consider the data management the risk of having to cease operations. arrangement for marine scientific research, and further asked the Secretariat to consider 336. Samoa suggested that the reserve budget future studies on manganese nodules ceiling should also consider the possible relevant to Samoa. impacts of disaster or programme shortfalls as a contingency arrangement for the budget. 345. Kiribati asked the Secretariat to provide a content of budgetary expenditure on core 337. The Secretariat responded indicating services. that the organisation has comprehensive insurance to cover buildings and office 346. Australia requested the Secretariat to equipment for unplanned disasters. Also the make a change to reporting for next year with existing closing-down estimate is around respect to itemising the Australian special $118,000 allowing a contingency amount of grant funds which she had alluded to under around $280,000. an earlier agenda item.
338. Nauru suggested that all unspent regular 347. The Republic of the Marshall Islands extra budget should be gifted to member expressed its gratitude to Australia and New countries rather than being returned to Zealand and other donor countries and donors. The Secretariat explained that MoUs organisations for their significant signed with donors require all unspent funds contributions to the work programmes of the be returned to donors. Secretariat, and endorsed the recom- mendation. 339. Marshall Islands queried the Secretariat as to how the interest derived from the reserve 348. New Zealand requested explanations fund is used. The Secretariat responded from the Secretariat with respect to: changes indicating that all interest received goes back attributed to new funding in the 2005 revised into the regular budget to be used in core budget; personnel costs for 2006 not carried activities. forward to 2007; an update on development of the corporate risk management plan; and 340. New Zealand noted that the unsecured funding for a generator approved maintenance of a good level of working capital for purchase earlier in the week. is a better way of operating rather than keeping a reserve fund and also should SOPAC 349. The Secretariat responded to New have to wind up it does not necessarily mean Zealand’s queries, noting the error in Table 2 that the $400,000 would be available at that (page 7); the incorporation of both personnel time. cost and work programmes for 2007; and the increase in revised budget due to increases 341. The Council agreed that the Reserve in airfares, a rise in the number of Directorate Fund Ceiling remain at F$400,000. visits to member countries, and increased costs for maintenance of equipment.
40 350. The Director gave an update on the ments of the meeting, including establishing Corporate Risk Management Plan, noting that a performance assessment mechanism for the it is a part of the annual business planning Director and a new name for the organization. process. The Director clarified that the He foresaw a bright future for SOPAC, more Corporate Risk Management Plan is based on reminiscent of a fighter jet than the donkey the various risks that the organisation faces portrayed in the PMEG reports. He thanked the under various risk categories such as Director and staff of the SOPAC Secretariat financial, environment and service delivery, for their support and assistance in the and the risk management of the high priority coordination of the meeting. risks require development of improvement options, which sometimes have cost 358. The Director thanked the Chair for his implications. She offered to circulate the Plan leadership during the meeting, and looked among Council members if requested. forward to working with him over the coming year. She acknowledged with gratitude the 351. Samoa commented that the Annual contributions of the Minister of Works for Business Plan being an attachment to the opening the meeting and for his hospitality proposed Work Plan and Budget as an in hosting the opening reception. She thanked information package would be a useful the staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and resource for Council members. the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Meteorology for organising 352. Council considered and approved the a successful picnic. She requested that the 2005 Revised Budget of $14,564,897 and the Samoa delegation pass on her thanks to the 2006 Work Plan and Budget of $13,336,978. Government and people of Samoa for their hospitality. She thanked Council for their guidance and direction to the Secretariat for 14. OTHER BUSINESS the next year and thanked the member 353. There was no other business. country delegates for their participation in the meeting. She also thanked the Technical Advisory Group, and was pleased to see their 15. VENUE AND DATE OF 35th ANNUAL increased involvement in the Council SESSION discussions. She thanked the STAR Chair, Professor John Collen, for his commitment 354. The Solomon Islands officially informed and hard work, and noted his dedication to Council that they are ready to host the 35th science and the Pacific region. Annual Session in Honiara, in September 359. The Director thanked the PMEGs for 2006 (dates to be confirmed). their hard work, demonstrating their passion 355. Council accepted Solomon Islands offer for science and the region, particularly to host the SOPAC 35th Session with expressing gratitude to the Chairs of PMEG. acclamation. She looked forward to working with the PMEGs to further develop and refine the process. She thanked the Solomon Islands for agreeing to 16. ADOPTION OF AGREED RECORD OF host the next annual session of SOPAC in PROCEEDINGS Honiara. She joined her colleagues around the table to particularly thank Russell Howorth for 356. Council adopted the agreed summary his service to SOPAC, and noted how much record of proceedings of the 34th SOPAC she had learnt from him and enjoyed working Session subject to amendments. with him in the past year. Finally, she expressed her gratitude to the staff of the Secretariat, without whom the meeting would 17. CLOSING never be a success. She looked forward to seeing everyone in Honiara, and to meeting 357. The Chair, on behalf of the Government and working with them in country in the of Samoa and the Samoa delegation attending coming year to see exactly how outcomes the SOPAC 34th Session, expressed his sincere might be achieved on the ground. gratitude and appreciation to all Council members for their support and cooperation. He 360. The Chair brought the 34th Annual noted that it had been a privilege to Chair the Session of the SOPAC Governing Council to a meeting. He outlined some of the achieve- close at 5.15 pm, Friday, 30 September 2005.
41 APPENDICES
1 List of Participants ...... 43 2 Agenda ...... 51 3 Designation of National Representatives ...... 53 4 Statements by Delegations Part I: Member Countries ...... 55 Part II: CROP Organisations ...... 70 Part III: Cooperating Governments & International Agencies ...... 76 Part IV: National Institutions ...... 78 5 STAR Chair’s Report to Council ...... 82 6 EU EDF 8/9 Reports ...... 94 7 Programme Monitoring Evaluation Groups Reports and Associated Documentation ...... 97 8 List of Conference Room Documents ...... 110 9 Acronyms ...... 113
42 APPENDIX 1
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
MEMBER COUNTRIES Department of Economic Affairs P O Box PS-12 AMERICAN SAMOA Palikir, Pohnpei, FM 96941 Federated States of Micronesia Mr Fonoti Perelini Tel : (691) 320 5133 American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) Fax : (691) 320 5854 PO Box PPB E-mail : [email protected] Pago Pago, AS 96799, American Samoa Tel : (684) 699 1299 Mr Gabriel Ayin, Deputy Chief of Mission Fax : (684) 699 4035 Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia E-mail : [email protected] PO Box 15498 Suva, Fiji Islands (Following with same address as above) Tel : (679) 3304566 Fax : (679) 3304081 Mr Petero Lafaele Email : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]
Mr Ne’emia Mareko FIJI ISLANDS E-mail : [email protected] Mr Ifereimi Dau, Acting Director Mr Martin Fruean Mineral Resources Department E-mail : [email protected] National Representative of Fiji to SOPAC Private Mail Bag, Suva Fiji Islands AUSTRALIA Tel : (679) 3381611 Fax : (679) 3370039 Ms Stacey Tennant E-mail : [email protected] AusAID P O Box 214 Mr Viliame Baleivanualala Suva, Fiji Islands Principal Marine Geologist Tel : (679) 3388272 Mineral Resources Department Fax : (679) 3382695 Private Mail Bag E-mail : [email protected] Suva, Fiji Islands Tel : (679) 3381611 (Following with same address as above) Fax : (679) 3370039 E-mail : [email protected] Ms Vandana Naidu E-mail : [email protected] Ms Judy Harm Nam, Principal Assistant Scretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade PO Box 2200 COOK ISLANDS Government Buildings Suva, Fiji Islands Mr Atatoa Herman, Secretary Tel : (679) 3309654 Ministry of Works Fax : (679) 3317580 PO Box 102 E-mail : [email protected] Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel : (682) 20034 Fax : (682) 21134 GUAM E-mail : [email protected] Mr Mike Gawel, Acting Chief Planner Mr Keu Mataroa, Executive Officer Guam Environmental Protection Agency Ministry of Works PO Box 22439 GMF PO Box 102 Barrigada, GU 96921, Guam Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel : (671) 475 1646/1659 Tel : (682) 20034 Fax : (671) 477 9402 Fax : (682) 21134 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] (Following with same address as above)
FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA Ms Karen Wirth E-mail : [email protected] Mr Marion Henry, Assistant Secretary Division of Resource Management and Development
43 KIRIBATI NIUE
Mr Kabure Temariti, Senior Assistant Secretary Mr Deve C.K. Talagi, Director of Works Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources Development Public Works Department PO Box 64 PO Box 38, Alofi Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati Niue Tel : (686) 21099 Tel : (683) 4297 Fax : (686) 21120 Fax : (683) 4223 E-mail : [email protected] (Following with same address as above)
Ms Titeem Auatabu PALAU E-mail : [email protected] Mr Masasinge Arurang, Director Bureau of public Works MARSHALL ISLANDS Ministry of Resources & Development PO Box 191, Koror H.E. Mr Mack Kaminaga, Ambassador Republic of Palau 96940 Embassy of the Republic of Marshall Islands Tel : (680) 488 2480 PO Box 2038 Fax : (680) 488 2536 Government Buildings E-mail : [email protected] Suva, Fiji Islands Tel : (679) 3387 899 Fax : (679) 3387 115 PAPUA NEW GUINEA E-mail : [email protected] Mr Stevie T.S. Nion, Deputy Secretary Department of Mining NAURU Private Mail Bag Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea H.E. Dr Ludwig Keke, High Commissioner Tel : (675) 321 2945 Nauru High Commission Fax : (675) 321 7958 PO Box 2420 E-mail : [email protected] Government Buildings Suva, Fiji Islands Mr Kuike Numoi, First Secretary Tel : (679) 3313566 Papua New Guinea High Commission Fax : (679) 3302861 P O Box 2447 E-mail : [email protected] Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji Islands Tel : (679) 330 4244 Fax : (679) 330 0178 NEW CALEDONIA E-mail : [email protected]
Mr Yves Lafoy, Scientific and Technical Adviser Mr Joe Buleka, Director Office of Regional Cooperation and External Relations Geological Survey of Papua New Guinea New Caledonia’s National Representative to SOPAC PMB, Port Moresby BP M2 – 98849 Noumea Cedex Papua New Guinea New Caledonia Tel : (675) 321 2945 Tel : (687) 27 39 44 Fax : (675) 321 7958 Fax : (687) 27 23 45 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]
SAMOA NEW ZEALAND Mr Tapusalaia Terry Toomata Ms Chris Day Deputy Chief Executive Pacific Group Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade New Zealand Agency for International Development PO Box L1859 (NZAID) Apia, Samoa Nga Hoe Tuputupu-mai-tawhiti Tel : (685) 21171 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Fax : (685) 21504 195 Lambton Quay E-mail : [email protected] Private Bag 18-901, Wellington, New Zealand Tel : (644) 439 8548 Mr Ausetalia Titimaea, Assistant Chief Executive Fax : (644) 439 8514 Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment & E-mail : [email protected] Meteorology (MNREM) PMB, Apia, Samoa Mr Dimitri Geidelberg, NZAID Manager (Regional) Tel : (685) 22481 New Zealand High Commission Fax : (685) 23176 PO Box 1378 Suva, Fiji Islands Sharon Potoi-Aiafi Tel : (679) 3311422 Ext 120 Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Fax : (679) 3300842 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]
44 Ms Desna Solofa Tel : (688) 20170 Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Fax : (688) 20167 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]
Ms Rona Meleisea Ministry of Foreign Affairs 7 Trade VANUATU E-mail : [email protected] Mr Russell Nari, Director General Mr Lameko Talia Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment & PMB 9001, Port Vila, Vanuatu Meteorology (MNREM) Tel : (678) 23105 Fax : (678) 25165 Ms Silia Kilepoa E-mail : [email protected] Ministry of Finance Private Mail Bag, Apia, Samoa Mr Erickson Sammy, Acting Director of Geology Tel : (685) 34341 Department of Geology, Mines & Water Resources Fax : (685) 21312 PMB 9001, Port Vila, Vanuatu E-mail : [email protected] Tel : (678) 22423 Fax : (678) 22423 E-mail : [email protected] SOLOMON ISLANDS
Mr Donn Tolia, Permanent Secretary Department of Mines & Energy COUNCIL OF REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS National Representative of Solomon Islands OF THE PACIFIC (CROP) PO Box G37, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel : (677) 28609 Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Fax : (677) 258111 E-mail : [email protected] Ms Padma Lal, Sustainable Development Adviser Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Mr Rudolf Dora, Assistant Secretary Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands Regional Economic Cooperation Tel : (679) 3312600 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fax : (679) 3300192 PO Box G10, Honiara, Solomon Islands E-mail : [email protected] Tel : (677) 24898 Fax : (677) 20351 Email : [email protected] Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
Dr Tim Adams TONGA Secretariat of the Pacific Community B.P. D5 Mr Tevita Malolo, Secretary for Lands, Survey & Natural 98448 Noumea Cedex Resources & Surveyor General New Caledonia National Representative of Tonga to SOPAC Tel : (687) 26 20 00 Ministry of Lands, Survey & Natural Resources Fax : (687) 26 38 18 PO Box 5, Nuku’alofa, Tonga E-mail : [email protected] Tel : (676) 23 611 Fax : (676) 23 216 E-mail : [email protected] Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) (Following with same address as above) Mr Asterio Takesy, Director Mr Kelepi Mafi, Principal Geologist Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment E-mail : [email protected] Programme PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa Tel : (685) 21 929 TUVALU Fax : (685) 20 231 E-mail : [email protected] Mr Uale Taleni Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources (Following with same address as above): Ministry of Natural Resources Private Mail Bag, Vaiaku, Funafuti, Tuvalu Mr Vitolio Lui Tel : (688) 20066 Mr Alex Brunt Fax : (688) 20826 Mr Bruce Chapman Mr Solomone Fifita Mr Faatasi Malologa Mr Frank Griffin Director of Lands & Survey Ms Emma Sale-Mario Department of Lands & Survey Mr Taito Nakalevu Floor 1, Government Buildings Mr John Roache Funafuti, Tuvalu Ms Alofa Tuuau
45 University of the South Pacific (USP) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
Dr Angela Jokhan Mr William Erb, Head Head of School/Pure and Applied Sciences Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Perth University of the South Pacific Regional Programme Office PO Box 1168, Suva, Fiji Islands c/o Bureau of Meteorology Tel : (679) 3232052 P O Box 1370, West Perth, WA 6872 Fax : (679) 3231539 Australia E-mail : [email protected] Tel : (618) 9226 2899 Fax : (618) 9226 0599 (Following with same address as above) E-mail : [email protected]
Dr Kifle Kahsai Earth and Environmental Programme Pacific Water Association Tel : (679) 3232845 Fax : (679) 3231514 Ms Tara Qicatabua, Office Manager E-mail : [email protected] Pacific Water Association Private Mail Bag, Suva, Ms Susanne Pohler Fiji Islands Marine Studies Programme Tel : (679) 3370402/9920155 Tel : (679) 3232953 Fax : (679) 3370412 Fax : (679) 3231526 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] Mr Patrick Amini, Managing Director Papua New Guinea Waterboard PO Box 2779, Boroko, NCD SUPPORTING GOVERNMENTS Papua New Guinea Tel : (675) 325 5700 Ext 102/325 4810 Taiwan/ROC Fax : (675) 323 6957 E-mail : [email protected] Mr Sherman S. Kuo Representative of ROC (Taiwan) to Fiji Mr Taito Delana Trade Mission of the Republic of China to Fiji Divisional Water Engineer Western GPO Box 53, Suva, Fiji Islands Ministry of Works & Energy Tel : (679) 3315922 Box 128, Lautoka, Fiji Islands Fax : (679) 3301890 Tel : (679) 6660899 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (679) 66651958 E-mail : [email protected]
Tokelau Mr Paula Wilisoni, Engineer Department of Water & Sewerage Hon. Mr Faipule Kuresa Nasau Ministry of Works & Energy Minister for Environment & Economic Development Private Mail Bag, Samabula PO Box 3298, Apia, Samoa Fiji Islands Tel : (685) 32325 Tel : (679) 3384111 Fax : (685) 32328 Fax : (679) 3386013 E-mail : [email protected]
SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL United Nations Development Programme ORGANISATIONS Ms Joyce Yu, Resident Representative East-West Center UNDP Private Mail Bag Ms Meril Dobrin Fujiki, Project Manager Apia, Samoa East-West Seminars, East-West Center Tel : (685) 23670 1601 East-West Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96848-1601 Fax : (685) 23555 United States of America E-mail : [email protected] Tel : (808) 944 7352 Fax : (808) 944 7600 (Following with same address as above) E-mail : [email protected] Ms Easter Galuvao Assistant Resident Representative (AAR) EU MTR EDF8 Project Energy & Environment Unit E-mail : [email protected] Mr Brian Kouvelis MWH Mr Thomas Lynge Jensen Box 9624, Wellington, New Zealand Sustainable Energy Advisor Tel : (644) 3815736 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]
46 World Health Organisation Dr Ken Okawa E-mail : [email protected] Mr Steven Iddings World Health Organisation Box 113, Suva, Fiji Islands Emergency Management Australia Tel : (679) 3304600 Fax : (679) 3300462 Ms Joanne Laurence E-mail : [email protected] Emergency Management Australia PO Box 1020, Dickson ACT 2602, Canberra Australia World Meteorological Organisation Tel : (612) 6256 4600 Fax : (612) 6256 4653 Mr Henry Taiki WMO Sub-Regional Office for the South Pacific PO Box 3044, Apia, Samoa Georgia Institute of Technology Tel : (685) 25706 Fax : (685) 25771 Dr David Garton E-mail : [email protected] School of Biology 310 Ferst Drive, Atlanta GA 30332 United States of America Tel : (404) 385 1039 SUPPORTING NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Fax : (404) 894 0519 E-mail : [email protected] Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
Dr Takashi Arai Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic) Mineral and Natural Resources Division Natural Resources and Fuel Department Dr R A Pickrill Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic) 1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku Bedford Institute of Oceanography Tokyo, Japan 100-8901 PO Box 1006 , Dartmouth Tel : (813) 3580 9918 Nova Scotia B2Y 4A2, Canada Fax : (813) 3580 8440 Tel : (902) 4265387 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (902) 4266186 E-mail : [email protected]
Alf Simpson & Associates Pacific Ltd (ASAP) Geological Survey of Japan Mr Alfred Simpson Alf Simpson & Associates Pacific Ltd (ASAP) Mr Kokichi Iizasa 36 Dunsmore St, Kelvin Grove Geological Survey of Japan Queensland 4059, Australia Institute of Geology and Geoinformation Tel : (617) 3311 4616 AIST Fax : (617) 3311 4616 Tsukuba Central 7 E-mail : [email protected] Tsukuba 305-8567, Japan Tel : (81) 29 861 3824 Fax : (81) 29 861 3747 Australian Volcanological Investigations E-mail : [email protected]
Mr Paul W Taylor Australian Volcanological Investigations Imperial College PO Box 291 Pymble, NSW 2073, Australia Prof David S. Cronan Tel : (612) 9498 2615 Department of Earth Science and Engineering Fax : (612) 9498 2002 Imperial College E-mail : [email protected] London, SW7 2 BP, United Kingdom Tel : (44 207) 594 6396 Fax : (44 207) 594 7444 Deep Ocean Resources Development Co. Ltd (DORD) E-mal : [email protected]
Dr Kazuyaki Kadoshima DORD Institute of Environmental Science and Research 2F Towa-Nihonbashi-Horidome Building InstituteLtd (ESR) of Environmental Science and Research 1-3-15 Horidome-cho Ltd (ESR) Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku Ms Jan Gregor, Senior Scientist Tokyo 103-0012, Japan MsWater Jan Group, Gregor, ESR Senior Scientist Tel : (813) 5614 7212 WaterPO Box Group, 29-181, ESR Christchurch Fax : (813) 3664 1930 PONew Box Zealand 29-181, Christchurch E-mail : [email protected] NewTel Zealand : (643) 3516019 TelFax : (643) 35100103516019 (Following with same address as above) FaxE-mail : (643)[email protected] 3510010 E-mail : [email protected]
47 Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences 1310 Omiya-Cho, Saiwai-Ku Kawasaki, 212-8554, Japan Dr Noel Trustrum Tel : (81 44) 520 8688 Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (GNS) Fax : (81 44) 520 8730 P O Box 30368, Lower Hutt E-mail : [email protected] New Zealand Tel : (644) 570 4690 Fax : (644) 570 1440 Japan Water Forum E-mail : [email protected] Ms Shinobu Fukumoto, Chief Officer (Following with same address as above): Japan Water Forum 6th Floor, 1-8-1 Ms Hannah Brackley Kojimachi Chiyoda-ku Tel : (644) 570 4564 Tokyo 102-0083, Japan Fax : (644) 570 1440 Tel : (813) 5212 1645 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (813) 5212 1649 E-mail : [email protected] Ms Wendy Saunders Tel : (644) 570 4802 Fax : (644) 570 1440 KEW Consult Ltd E-mail : [email protected] Mr Latu S. Kupa, Managing Director Mr Phil Glassey KEW Consult Ltd Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences Unit 4, Coxon uilding Private Bag 1930, Dunedin, New Zealand Vaea Street, Saleufi Tel : (643) 479 9684 PO Box 848, Apia, Samoa Fax : (643) 477 5232 Tel : (685) 2886 E-mail : [email protected] Mob : (685) 7771300 Fax : (685) 2885 E-mail : [email protected] JAMSTEC
Dr Daisuke Suetsugu Kochi University IFREE Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science & Technology Professor Akira Usui 2-15 Natsushima-cho Department of Natural Environmental Science Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan Kochi University Tel : (81) 46 867 9750 2-5-1 Akebono, Kochi, Japan Fax : (81) 46 867 9745 Tel : (81 88) 844 8319 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (81 88) 844 8319 E-mail : [email protected] (Following with same address as above)
Dr Kazuhiro Kitazawa Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources Planning Department (KIGAM) Tel : (81) 46 867 9191 Fax : (81) 46 867 9195 Dr Seong-Pil Kim E-mail : [email protected] Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources 30 Gajung-dong, Yusong-gu, Mr Osamu Miyaki Taejon, Korea 305-350 International Affairs Division Tel : (82) 42 868 3192 Tel : (81) 46 867 9222 Fax : (82) 42 862 7275 Fax : (81) 46 867 9195 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] (Following with same address as above):
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Dr Se Won Chang Tel : (82) 42 868 3337 Mr Ichiro Mimura, Assistant Resident Representative Fax : (82) 42 862 7275 JICA Samoa Office E-mail : [email protected] PO Box 1625, Apia, Samoa Tel : (685) 22572 Fax : (685) 22194 Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute E-mail : [email protected] (KORDI)
Dr Kyeong-Yong Lee Japan Oil, Gas & Metals National Corporation KORDI (JOGMEC) Sa-dong 1270, Sangrock-ku Ansan Kyunggido, Korea Mr Nobuyuki (Nobu) Okamoto, Deputy Director Tel : (82) 31 400 6370 Deep-sea Minerals Exploration & Technology Team Fax : (82) 31 418 8772 Metals Research & Development Group E-mail : [email protected] Japan Oil, Gas & Metals National Corporation
48 (Following with same address as above) Samoa Electric Power Corporation
Dr Jai-Woon Moon Mr Muaausa Joseph Walter, Chief Executive E-mail : [email protected] Samoa Electric Power Corporation PO Box 2011 Mr Dongchull Jeon Apia, Samoa Ocean Climate Environment Research Laboratory Tel : (685) 22261 Tel : (82) 31 400 6124 Fax : (685) 23748 Fax : (82) 31 408 5829 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]
Samoa Water Authority Live and Learn Mr Moefaauo Titimaea, Chief Executive Ms Marie Fatiaki, Programme Manager Samoa Water Authority Live & Learn Environmental Education PO Box, Apia, Samoa Private Mail Bag Tel : (685) 20409 Suva, Fiji Islands Fax : (685) 21298 Tel : (679) 3315868 Fax : (679) 3305868 (Following with same address as above) E-mail : [email protected] Mr Suluimalo Amataga Penaia Mr Tafea Philip Kerslake Moss Landing
Dr H. Gary Greene SMEC International Moss Landing Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Rd Mr Donald Makini Moss Landing CA 95039, United States of America SMEC International Tel : (831) 771 4400 Box 895 Fax : (831) 632 4403 Honiara, Solomon Islands E-mail : [email protected] Tel : (677) 22402 E-mail : [email protected]
National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) The Pennsylvania State University
Mr Doug Ramsay Dr Charles Fisher, Professor of Biology National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research 208 Mueller Laboratory PO Box 11115 The Pennsylvania State University Hamilton, New Zealand University Park, PA 16802 Tel : (647) 859 1894 United States of America Fax : (647) 856 0151 Tel : (814) 865 3365 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (814) 865 9131 E-mail : [email protected] (Following with same address as above):
Mr Robert Bell The University of Queensland Tel : (647) 856 1742 Fax : (647) 856 0151 Mr Dave Callaghan E-mail : [email protected] Division of Civil Engineering The University of Queensland Dr Andrew Matthews Brisbane, Qld 4072 National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Australia PB 14-901 Tel : (617) 3365 3914 Kilbirnie, Wellington, New Zealand Fax : (617) 3365 4599 Tel : (644) 386 0528 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (644) 386 0574 E-mail : [email protected] (Following with same address as above)
Mr Peter Nielsen Pacific Disaster Center Tel : (617) 3365 3510 E-mail : [email protected] Mr Stanley Goosby 590 Lipua Pinkway # 259 United States Naval Academy Kihei, Maui Hawaii 96753, United States of America Dr Douglas W. Edsall Tel : (808) 891 7931 United States Naval Academy Fax : (808) 891 0526 660 South River Landing E-mail : [email protected] Edgewater, Maryland 21037
49 United States of America Alan Mearns, Manager Community Risks Tel : (410) 956 0030 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (410) 956 9100 E-mail : [email protected] Mohinish Kumar, Manager Corporate Services E-mail : [email protected]
University of Hawaii Paul Fairbairn, Manager Community Lifelines E-mail : [email protected] Dr Loren W Kroenke School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology Stephen Booth, Manager EU/EDF Project University of Hawaii at Manoa E-mail : [email protected] 1680 East West Road, Post 808 Honolulu HI 96822 Akuila Tawake United States of America E-mail : [email protected] Tel : (808) 956 7845 Fax : (808) 956 5154 Craig Pratt E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]
(Following with same address as above) Emily McKenzie E-mail : [email protected] Dr Fernando Martinez Tel : (808) 956 6882 Jan Cloin Fax : (808) 956 3188 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] Kakala Vave E-mail : [email protected] Victoria University of Wellington Laisa Baoa Associate Professor John Collen (Chair of STAR) E-mail : [email protected] School of Earth Sciences Victoria University of Wellington Litea Biukoto PO Box 600, Wellington E-mail : [email protected] New Zealand Tel : (644) 463 5345 Litia Waradi Fax : (644) 463 5186 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] Noud Leenders (Following with same address as above) E-mail : [email protected]
Dr Stephen Eagar Mereseini (Lala) Bukarau Tel : (644) 463 6192 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (644) 463 5186 E-mail : [email protected] Purnima Naidu E-mail : [email protected] Dr David Kennedy Tel : (644) 463 6159 Sakaio Manoa Fax : (644) 463 5186 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] Sarah Davies E-mail : [email protected] SOPAC Secretariat Sarah Grimes South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission E-mail : [email protected] Private Mail Bag GPO Suva, Fiji Islands Tariq Rahiman Tel : (679) 3381 377 E-mail : tir14student.Canterbury.ac.nz Fax : (679) 3370 040/3384 461 E-mail : [email protected] Tasleem Hasan Website : www.sopac.org E-mail : [email protected]
Cristelle Pratt, Director E-mail : [email protected] PMEG Member (CRP)
Russell Howorth, Outgoing Deputy Director Dr R. Wally Johnson E-mail : [email protected] 45 Alroy Circuit, Hawker, Canberra Australia Bhaskar Rao, Deputy Director Designate Tel : (612) 6249 9377 E-mail : [email protected] Fax : (612) 6249 9986 E-mail : [email protected]
50 APPENDIX 2
ADOPTED AGENDA
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESOURCES NETWORK (STAR) SESSION Theme: DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
OPENING SESSION OF GOVERNING COUNCIL
1. OPENING
2. ELECTIONS 2.1 Chair and Vice-Chair of SOPAC 2.2 Chairs of STAR and TAG 2.3 Appointment of Rapporteurs
3. AGENDA AND WORKING PROCEDURES 3.1 Adoption of Agenda 3.2 Appointment of Drafting Committee 3.3 Appointment of Sub-Committees (should any be necessary)
4. REPRESENTATION 4.1 Designation of National Representatives 4.2 Membership Issues
5. STATEMENTS (The intention is that these statements be tabled for inclusion in the Proceedings, and not verbally presented in full) 5.1 Statements from Member Countries 5.2 Statements by CROP Organisations 5.3 Statements from Co-operating Governments and International Agencies 5.4 Statements from National Institutions
COUNCIL – TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUP (TAG) SESSION
(Member countries and other delegates discuss the SOPAC Technical Work Programme)
6. ISSUES COMMON TO PROGRAMMES 6.1 SOPAC Reports 6.1.1 2004 Annual Report Summary 6.1.2 Summary Report of 2005 Donor Support 6.1.3 SOPAC and the International Development Agenda 6.2 CROP Summary Report 6.3 STAR Chair Report 6.4 SOPAC/EU Project Report
7. OCEAN AND ISLANDS PROGRAMME 7.1 Report from the Ocean and Islands Programme 7.3 New Initiatives in the Ocean and Islands Programme 7.2 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group (PMEG) on OIP
8. COMMUNITY LIFELINES PROGRAMME 8.1 Report from the Community Lifelines Programme 8.3 New Initiatives in the Community Lifelines Programme 8.2 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group (PMEG) on CLP
51 9. COMMUNITY RISK PROGRAMME 9.1 Report from the Community Risk Programme 9.3 New Initiatives in the Community Risk Programme 9.2 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group (PMEG) on CRP 9.4 PMEG – Issues Common to Programmes
GOVERNING COUNCIL POLICY SESSION
(Items in this session could be restricted to Member Countries and CROP Organisations if the items require only Council consideration. Otherwise this session will be open)
10. DIRECTOR’S REPORT 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Leaders’ Pacific Plan 10.3 Review of Agreement Establishing SOPAC 10.4 Annual Governing Council Session – Future Arrangements
11. FINANCIAL REPORTS 11.1 Financial Report 2004 11.1.1 2004 Audited Financial Statements, Auditor’s Report and Management Report 11.1.2 Report on 2004 Regular Budget Variance and Virement of Funds 11.1.3 Report on Assets & Inventory written off for the year ended 31 December 2004 11.2 Report on 2005 Accounts to 30 June 11.2.1 Report and Financial Accounts for the 6-month period to June 2005 11.2.2 Membership Contributions
12. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 12.1 Director Position 12.2 CROP Annual Remuneration Review Report 12.3 Reappointment of Contract Staff since 33rd Session 12.4 Consideration of other harmonisation issues for Suva-based CROP agencies 12.5 Report on Review of the Financial Regulations 12.6 Secretariat Accommodation and Related Issues
13. 2006 WORK PLAN AND BUDGET 13.1 Reserve Fund Ceiling 13.2 Approval of 2006 Work Plan and Budget
14. OTHER BUSINESS 15. VENUE AND DATE OF 35th ANNUAL SESSION 16. ADOPTION OF AGREED RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 17. CLOSING
52 APPENDIX 3
DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
American Samoa: Chief Executive Officer, American Samoa Power Authority, PO Box PPB, Pago Pago 96799, American Samoa, Tel: (684) 699-1462, Fax: (684) 699-8070
Australia: Jennifer Rawson, High Commissioner, Australian High Commission, PO Box 214, Suva Fiji Islands, Tel: (679) 338 2211, Fax: (679) 338 2065, E-Mail: [email protected]
Cook Islands: Edwin Pittman, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration, PO Box 105, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Tel: (682) 29347, Fax: (682) 21247, E-Mail: [email protected]
Federated States of Micronesia: Akillino Susaia, Department of Economic Affairs, PO Box 12, Palikir, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Tel: (691) 3202620, Fax: (691) 3205854, E-Mail: [email protected]
Fiji Islands: The Director, Mineral Resources Department, Private Mail Bag, GPO, Suva, Fiji Islands, Tel: (679) 338 7065, Fax: (679) 337 0039, E-Mail: [email protected]
French Polynesia: Head of International Affairs, PO Box 2551, Papeete, French Polynesia, Tel: (689) 472 268, Fax: (689) 424 285
Guam: Randel L. Sablan, Acting Administrator, Guam Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA), Ahensian Pruteksion Lina’la Guahan, PO Box 22439 GMF, Barrigada 96921, Guam, Tel: 1 (671) 475-1647, Fax: 1 (671) 477-9402, E-Mail: [email protected]
Kiribati: David Yeeting, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources Development, PO Box 64, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati, Tel: (686) 21099, Fax: (686) 21120, E-Mail: [email protected]
Marshall Islands: Viola Chong Gum, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of the Marshall Islands, PO Box 2, Majuro MI 96960, Marshall Islands, Tel: (692) 625 3012, Fax: (692) 625 4979, E- Mail: [email protected]
Nauru: Jesaulenko Dowiyogo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs, Government Offices, Yaren District, Nauru, Tel: (674) 444-3133, Fax: (674) 444-3105
New Caledonia: Yves Lafoy, Scientific and Technical Adviser, Office of Regional Cooperation and External Relations, BP M2 98849 Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia, Tel: (687) 273-944, Fax: (687) 272-345, E-Mail: [email protected]
New Zealand: Michael Green, The High Commissioner, New Zealand High Commission, GPO Box 1378, Suva, Fiji Islands, Tel: (679) 331-1422, Fax: (679) 330-0842, E-Mail: [email protected]
Niue: Secretary to Government, Premier’s Department, Office of the Secretary to Government, PO Box 40, Alofi, Niue, Tel: (683) 4200, Fax: (683) 4232/4151
Palau: Temmy L. Schmull, Minister of State, Ministry of State, Republic of Palau, P.O. Box 100, Koror, OP 96940, Palau, Tel: (680) 488-2509/1189, Fax: (680) 488-2443, E-Mail: [email protected]
Papua New Guinea: Stevie Nion, Acting Secretary, Department of Mining, Office of the Secretary, Private Mail Bag, Port Moresby Post Office, Papua New Guinea, Tel: (675) 3212945/3227618, Fax: (675) 321 7958, E-Mail: [email protected]
53 Samoa: Aiono Mose Pouvi Sua, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, GPO Box L1859, Apia, Samoa, Tel: (685) 25313/21171, Fax: (685) 21504, E-Mail: [email protected]
Solomon Islands: Donn Tolia, Permanent Secretary, Department of Mines & Energy, Department of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Mines and Energy, PO Box G37, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Tel: (677) 28609/25974, Fax: (677) 258111, E-Mail: [email protected]
Tonga: Tevita Malolo, Secretary for Lands, Survey & Natural Resources & Surveyor General, Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Natural Resources, PO Box 5, Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Tel: (676) 23611, Fax: (676) 23216, E- Mail: [email protected]
Tuvalu: Afelee Pita, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources, Private Mail Bag, Funafuti, Tuvalu, Tel: (688) 20827, Fax: (688) 20167, E-Mail: [email protected]
Vanuatu: Russell Nari, Director-General, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Private Mail Bag 007, Port Vila, Vanuatu, Tel: (678) 23105, Fax: (678) 25165, E-Mail: [email protected]
54 APPENDIX 4
STATEMENTS BY DELEGATIONS
PART I: STATEMENTS FROM MEMBER COUNTRIES
AMERICAN SAMOA Papua New Guinea for its efforts as SOPAC Chair over the past year and welcome Samoa American Samoa congratulates Chair for his as the incoming Chair. appointment. Australia would like to take this opportunity to American Samoa thanks and acknowledges acknowledge with appreciation the contribution Government of Samoa for hosting SOPAC made by the outgoing Deputy Director, Dr meeting. Russell Howorth, over the past two decades with SOPAC. We wish him well in his future American Samoa acknowledges work of SOPAC endeavours. We welcome Mr Bhaskar Rao as Secretariat, STAR and TAG. the incoming Deputy Director and look forward American Samoa also congratulates Tokelau’s to working closely with him. acceptance into SOPAC. Australia places much value on our This is the only meeting where policy makers, membership of SOPAC and the work Council, Donor and scientists come together. undertaken by the Secretariat. We have seen the benefits of establishing long term funding American Samoa recognised three important arrangements through a three-year Memoran- issues of major concern affect PICs: dum of Understanding (MoU) with allows SOPAC to make strategic use of the assistance 1 – Energy cost – Eighty percent of energy needs provided by Australia. In addition to the of most PIC needs of most PIC still use fuel, assistance provided under the MoU, in July Minister of Ministry of Works and Resources 2005 Australia provided A$500,000 to the alluded Council members to cost of fuel which Community Lifelines Programme of SOPAC for was serious impact on existence of pacific island the Water Safety Plans initiative which will be communities. Fuel cost now is $60 /barrel, jointly implemented with the World Health higher than during oil crisis in the 1970s. Organization and the University of the South Pacific. We are very pleased to support this American Samoa would like the issue of energy important initiative and are encouraged by this as included in Pacific Islands Report be given practical partnership between the regional and serious consideration by PIC leaders in which multilateral organizations. to provide direction for action. In the coming months Australia and the American Samoa acknowledges effort by some Secretariat will hold discussions on the next CROP organization to address high fuel cost. triennium of funding to come into effect on 1 2 – Water Resource – Fifty to sixty percent is January 2006. We are committed to the lost or wasted in most PIC. Council to seriously continuation of a strategic programme consider and endorse action plans that will approach under the new MoU which provides achieve goal to reduce unaccounted for water. for multi-year funding and allows SOPAC to allocate resources across its three work American Samoa encourages use of available programme areas as appropriate. resources and expertise in Pacific Island Countries to promote the goal of PIC helping We are encouraged to see in this year’s Annual PIC. Session agenda the inclusion of reports from the Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Groups. This is a unique initiative to add value and inform discussions of the Council and we AUSTRALIA look forward to hearing views from the respective PMEGs about the efficiency, Australia joins other Council members in effectiveness and relevancy of the Secretariat’s welcoming Tokelau as the newest associate work plan. member of SOPAC. We would like to thank
55 We are also encouraged by the Secretariat’s the many valuable contributions that SOPAC focus on continual improvement of the Annual was able to undertake over the past year, and Session. We look forward to discussions we express our sincere gratitude. regarding the streamlining of the Annual Session agenda and accompanying The Cook Islands wishes to acknowledge with documentation to ensure the Annual Session sincere appreciation the continued support of remains a forum for strategic dialogue into the the Donor Governments and Agencies, The future. STAR Group with the Scientists and Technical Experts, in supporting the work of SOPAC and what has been extended to the Cook Islands. COOK ISLANDS
Mr Chairman, Your Excellencies; Distinguished Task Profiles National Representatives; Donor Governments and Agencies; The CROP Agencies and your The Cook Islands in it’s extracted Task Profiles Representatives; the SOPAC STAR Community; show that some of the tasks are still Ladies & Gentlemen …… outstanding. These are tasks and projects that have been aligned to supplement National The Cook Islands is once more pleased to be Projects and have a bearing on the social and represented here in Samoa, to participate in economic outlook of the Cook Islands as a this 34th Annual Session of the SOPAC whole. Governing Council. The Cook Islands would welcome an The Cook Islands wishes to affirm its strong opportunity for further dialogue where support and continued support for SOPAC and appropriate. highly values the work of SOPAC in relation to:
• Energy • Water & Sanitation All-Inclusive Sectoral Updates • Coastal, Foreshore and Maritime 1. Tight 5 Cyclones Management • Disaster Management & Response • Information, Communications and Technology (Mapping, GIS, ACCESS – Data Processing • Marine Resources – Lagoon Mapping • Technical Advice
As it continues to assist and improve the lives of the People of the Cook Islands.
Having regard for the SOPAC Core Functions:
• Community Lifelines • Community Risk and, Cyclone Nancy • Oceans & Islands
The Cook Islands notes the achievements The Cook Islands Government would like to established to date by the SOPAC Secretariat acknowledge the Secretariat’s intervention (on in particular the acquisition of appropriate data, request by the ANR of the Cook Islands to in response to the Member Country Needs. SOPAC), during the Cyclone that hit the Cook The focus and direction of the organization is Islands by approving and mobilizing two with the aspirations of our people in the Pacific experts, in the persons of Litea Buikoto and in ensuring that their quality of life is sustained Noud Leenders, who also managed to get through the consistent engagement of the themselves involved with the last two of the relevant scientific community and information “Brother Cyclones”, Percy and Rae. They have sharing. conducted assessments and will furnish a report of their findings. Many thanks to the The Cook Islands recognizes and appreciates Director, Ms Cristelle Pratt.
56 2.SOPAC-EDF9 1st Multi-stakeholder services to the Cook Islands through technical Consultation Meeting, 30 July – 13 August assistance provided by ADB to develop an all 2005 hazards and integrated plan for mobilizing and coordinating networks of institutions and The Cook Islands welcomed the SOPAC-EDF9 skilled personnel to respond effectively to 1st Multi-stakeholder Consultation Inception imminent crisis situations. The TA runs parallel Team, made up of Team Leader, Stephen Booth, with the ADB Cyclone Emergency Assistance Dr Arthur Webb and Dr Neta Prescott who aptly Project, which is a loan from the ADB for the processed the consultations on two Islands, recovery phase. Rarotonga and Aitutaki. The aim of this TA is to review the National The consultation was processed to include a Disaster Management Plans of the Cook Islands wide audience, that of the Public Sector, the and to highlight the importance of Private Sector, the NGOs, NSAs and with strengthening disaster management and Minister’s of the Crown to include the Prime mitigation in the Cook Islands for preparedness Minister of the Cook Islands. for the future.
The Consultations highlighted the three areas A cabinet Paper is being processed to capture as established in the EDF9 Project: the future of Disaster management in the Cook Islands and an Act will be crafted to • Aggregates for Construction, enforce the Procedures as approved by • Hazards Management and, Government. • Water and Sanitation
Which resulted in good dialogue with the 5. Marine & Coastal Management participants. A report is also pending on this task. At the request of the Aitutaki Environment Authority, the Ministry of Marine Resources sought the attention of SOPAC for technical 3. SOPAC Funded Intern Assistance – Ms assistance to map the Ootu Lagoon area where the Proposed Tepaki Hotel is to be built. Purnima Naidu Although, the Secretariat had it’s programmes The Cook Islands, through the Ministry of for delivery, it released one of their technicians Works and the Office of the Prime Minister was in the person of Robert Smith to assist with also privileged to have assisted Ms Purnima the work. We completed the field work In April Naidu with her paper towards her Degree of this year. SOPAC is still working on the Programme entitled, Natural Hazards in the lagoon circulation process. Tropical SW Pacific: Community Risk and SOPAC again was instrumental in another Vulnerability Analysis in Tropical Cyclone Prone project, through the Ministry of Marine Areas. Resources with a request from the Ports Authority, seeking assistance in the re- sounding of the Avatiu Harbour. The harbour 4. SOPAC/MCDEM – NZ ADB TA has undergone some “scraping” as a result of Assistance in Reviewing the Cook Islands the large fuel tankers entering the harbour with their heavy loads. Disaster Management Procedures MMR have requested SOPAC for assistance, to Over the last two weeks, two Asian Development remap the bottom of Avatiu Harbour, however, Bank technical assistance advisors have been having analysed the project, the MMR wishes consulting with various stakeholders with to process the project in aligning it with one of regards to improving the disaster risk their own projects (Monitoring Buoys) and management structure and looking at appropriately facilitating the two projects suggested options for staffing arrangements for together as a cost saving exercise to include the National Disaster Management Office building capacity In training MMR personnel (NDMO). in the bi-annual maintenance programme it requires. Mr Alan Mearns (Manager Community Risk Programme) of SOPAC and Mr Keith Evans It is anticipated that the mapping programme (Emergency Management Planner) of NZ Civil will be facilitated after this Annual Session. Defence have been providing consultancy
57 Under your able leadership and guidance, we look forward to working with you in the next few days during this annual session and for the next twelve months as you lead our organization into 2006. We wish you all the best and our full support as you assume the chairmanship of the 34th SOPAC Governing Council.
Chairman, It would be remiss of me if I do not recognize the new incoming Deputy Director of SOPAC, Mr Bhaskar Rao. He is no stranger to all of us. He used to sit on this side of the table, and now he sits with you at the front table.
My delegation wishes to also take this The Cook Islands are grateful for the continued opportunity to thank the Outgoing Deputy interest, advice and commitment that SOPAC Director, Dr Russell Howorth for his out- has provided and would like to maintain this standing contributions to SOPAC throughout excellent arrangement. the years that he has faithfully served this organization. Dr Howorth, my delegation wishes you all the best as you pursue new challenges Appreciation in the days to come. My government thanks you for all the services that you have provided This said, Chair, the Cook Islands would like to our government through SOPAC. to join with the other delegations in congratu- Mr Chairman, my delegation wishes you and lating you as Chair of Governing Council, and the new Deputy Director all the best as you to thank you and your Government for hosting and he assume your respective new duties and this unique organization. We are most confident responsibilities. We look forward to working that under your able guidance and leadership, closely with you and the Secretariat as you lead we will be able to accomplish our aims set out us thru the coming year 2006. in our Working Agenda Items for 2005/06. My statement is brief, however we will make May I also, on behalf of the Government of the comments and interventions as we move on in Cook Islands, acknowledge the valuable the agenda to work programme and budget. contribution and guidance that we have had from the outgoing Chair, that of the Govern- Thank you ment of Papua New Guinea.
With those remarks Chair, the Cook Islands looks forward to working with you and the FIJI ISLANDS Secretariat in achieving the best for the Cook Islands and the Pacific Islands as a whole. The Chairperson, Your Excellencies, Member Country Representatives, Chairperson of STAR, Meitaki Maata Representatives from the CROP Member agencies, Director and staff of the SOPAC Kia Orana e Kia Manuia Secretariat, Members of the TAG, ladies and gentlemen.
FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA Fiji has, between this and the last session, seen a tremendous increase in the amount of Mr Chairman, I wish to take this opportunity activities in the geosciences sector. A new to join other delegations around this table to mining legislation is currently undergoing congratulate you on assuming the chairman- stakeholder consultation before the final draft ship of the 34th Session of SOPAC Governing is prepared for submission to Cabinet and then Council. Parliament. The consultation period will end at the end of this month and we are hopeful Through you Mr Chair, I wish express my that we can have something for Cabinet by next delegation’s appreciation and gratitude to your month. government for its generous hospitality shown to us since our arrival here in Apia. The Disaster Management Act is also being
58 reviewed with one of the intention being to make tion from 120,000 oz per annum to 180,000 oz operable some of the provisions of the current per annum. legislation that appear good on paper but can really be difficult to operationalise. Consultation On the maritime front we are grateful to the on this has already begun and is handled by Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the Disaster Management Office. Japan for their help in providing space for Fiji national and for the supply of maritime data Fiji is unfortunately one of those countries in for surveys within and peripheral to the Fiji the region that is trying very hard to bring its EEZ. Fiji is indeed grateful for the support it water resources management into the ambit of has continued to receive not only on the some government control. Towards this end we maritime front but also on land and on training have revived our National Water Committee and for its officers from the Government of Japan now have some initial agreement between and its agencies especially JICA, the then MMAJ stakeholders who have interests in the water and the Agency for Marine-Earth Science and sector on some of the key policy objectives that Technology. We also acknowledge the assis- we should first submit to Cabinet before the tance of the Government of India for training year is out. At this juncture I wish to thank out people in the geoscience sector. SOPAC and the European Union for providing a consultant to help us review our National On the work programme front we are indeed Water Policy document. This consultant will grateful to SOPAC, to the Director and Deputy also help Fiji map out its water governance Director, the programme managers and the strategy through the Pacific Programme for whole Secretariat staff for help delivered to Fiji Water Governance that SOPAC is currently within this last year. We look forward to new implementing within three member countries cooperative year following this annual session. as pilot projects. Lastly, Chair, Fiji must also express here its Fiji’s groundwater resources, as an interim outmost appreciation to the outgoing Deputy measure and for economic reasons, will be Director Dr Russell Howorth for the invaluable brought under control through legislation first. contribution he has made to advance SOPAC This is being done through an insert into the globally and geoscience not only in Fiji but of new mining legislation that will allow the Pacific as a whole. For that Dr Howorth we Government to amongst other things regulate wish you a happy retirement and on behalf of access to groundwater and also control Fiji we say … activities above groundwater resource lenses Vinaka, Vinaka saka vakalevu. in order to protect the resource from potential pollution sources.
On the mining and exploration front we have GUAM renewed interest in the exploration front. We currently have 44 areas under exploration Guam’s participation in SOPAC, since SOPAC’s licences for gold and other minerals on Viti Levu founding in 1972, has followed a course of highs and Vanua Levu. The big copper deposit in and lows, as if traversing Guam’s physical Namosi is currently being explored there is a contours. From earlier elevated levels, similar drilling programme underway to better to Guam’s moderate mountainous heights, we understand the resource. Preliminary results have descended to the bottom of the Marianas are very encouraging and we are hopeful that Trench, the deepest ocean depth, on Guam’s the project can proceed to bankable feasibility east side, which simulates recent years’ partici- studies in the next few years. The marble pation levels. Under Guam’s current admin- deposits in Naqalimare, Navosa and Wainivesi istration, we plan to reverse our recent trends in Tailevu are currently attracting attention and bring our relationship with SOPAC out of with a view to mining. We are currently the darkest depths. processing an application for a small gold deposit in Wainivesi in Tailevu and are hopeful This change in direction was stimulated by the that a grant could be made this year if the assignment of Mr Fred Castro, the Admin- company can work out a compensation istrator of the Guam Environmental Protection agreement with the landowners. Agency (GEPA) to be Guam’s official Point of Contact for SOPAC in August 2004. Emperor Gold Mines continues to be the sole Unfortunately our beloved and widely respected operating mine. This single operation leader of GEPA, who also fostered Guam’s contributes 4.6% of Fiji’s foreign exchange strengthened involvement in SPREP, SIDS, earnings. The company is continuing with its UNESCAP and other regional and global expansion plan where it aims to raise produc- organizations, passed away in June of 2005,
59 before he could implement a rapid return to and facilities of the National Weather Service, our normality within SOPAC. The Acting the US Geological Service, the University of Administrator of GEPA, Mr Randel L. Sablan, Guam and others. is following our intentions to further Guam’s plan to strengthen participation in SOPAC We also recognize Guam’s need to provide our activities, and will have GEPA continue its new member’s annual assessed contribution to function as SOPAC’s Guam Point of Contact. SOPAC. We are working on the difficult task to Guam hopes once again to provide our restore annual Guam member contributions, resources to improve communication and which promise to once more become available, coordination with SOPAC and our neighboring as we expect our suffering economy to also SOPAC members. ascend out of the darkest depths of the last few years. We share many of the concerns of our fellow members, in seeking best scientific input to Finally, on behalf of the Government of Guam, decisions on sustainable development and Mr Randel L. Sablan sends his sincere wishes management of our limited natural resources, for success to this annual session of SOPAC such as SOPAC provides. and invites suggestions on how to strengthen Guam’s involvement in this Commission’s and Non-living marine resources management and other regional organizations’ activities. development remains an area of many unknowns but potentials that have us turning August, 2005 to the expertise and guidance of SOPAC.
The concerns and activities on Guam in what we call “Hazard Mitigation Planning” match the KIRIBATI SOPAC coordinated regional efforts in Disaster Chairman, Director, Fellow Council Members, Risk Reduction and Environmental Vulnera- Ladies and Gentlemen bility Assessment. We are attempting to harmonize, with other SOPAC members, the Mr Chair, On behalf of the Kiribati delegation, planning information, which we have developed I would like to thank the outgoing Chairman in Guam to deal with our especially high risk and congratulate you Mr Chairman for for typhoons and other natural disasters and accepting the Chairmanship at this meeting. to share our institutional resources in these My delegation will give you their full support matters. throughout this meeting. I would also like to show gratitude to the Government of Samoa Improvement and monitoring of water quality, for hosting this 34th Annual Meeting and for and plans for improving water supply and their warm welcome and hospitality accorded wastewater disposal infrastructures are top to us since our first arrival on this beautiful priorities for Guam. We are actually forced to island. rapidly correct major water system problems, under court orders, with steep penalties for not And before I briefly touch on the main priority meeting strict deadlines on improvements in areas of my country, it is very important that I physical facilities, in maintenance, in acknowledge and show appreciation to SOPAC operations and in long range planning. for the series of support they have delivered in Training, advice and plan review coordinated Kiribati. Chairman, I would like to inform this through SOPAC will greatly help in this sector. meeting and my fellow council members that Map server, GIS training and bathymetric survey The Guam Power Authority is currently are highly appreciated as most of our economic developing plans to utilize deep ocean water to activities fully depend on them for their provide air-conditioning to over 10,000 hotel sustainable growth and survival. I’m definitely rooms and neighboring facilities at Tumon Bay. sure that SOPAC‘s support on these in parti- When implemented, this could save over 3.2 cular would continue. million gallons of imported fuel each year. The risks and costs of such a pioneering effort can To start with, I would like to revisit Kiribati‘s be lessened with input from SOPAC. primary concerns that were raised in the past two years. In 2003, water was our high priority We believe that Guam may have a special and and we placed great emphasis on the training unique part to play in the regional activities of component in order to enhance the national SOPAC, as one of the founding members. By capacity to be able to manage water well. We coordinating through SOPAC, Guam also may also asked for more training on MapInfo, GIS share its special resources such as the experts
60 and Remote Sensing. I’m very pleased to inform Secondly, I would like to encourage SOPAC to you Mr Chairman and fellow country members strengthen what they have built in Kiribati that SOPAC has succeeded in introducing before they roll on to other priorities. For technologies in Kiribati and I wish in particular instance, the map server is improved so that it to praise them for the positive approach that is not under utilized, but contain a they have taken in delivering their service. In comprehensive GIS database, say, the outcome spite of this, only the feasibility study in setting of the bathymetric survey or Fisheries data are up the National IT unit in Kiribati, which was also there, that would aid the decision making also one of our top priorities, was never process at all levels. materialized until today and I hope I can find SOPAC’s position on this while I am here. Chairman, before I conclude I wish you Kiribati traditional blessing …… Mr Chairman, I have another short list and I hope I am not boring my fellow council members TE MAURI, TE RAOI AO TE TABOMOA, which with it. Firstly, the continuation of the means Good Health, Peace and Prosperity. bathymetry survey in Kiribati, to cover the remaining islands, is requested. Before I got on the plane to attend this meeting, the survey NEW CALEDONIA vessel was bathymetry surveying the lagoon of North Tarawa, an island closed to the Capital Mr Chairman, distinguished Representatives of island of Tarawa. We are very thankful to see Member Governments of the South Pacific the Vessel and Team arrived safely in Kiribati Applied Geoscience Commission, Represen- and above all, to see their cost consciousness tatives of regional and international organi- and willingness to meet our desire. With their zations, Mrs Director, dear Colleagues, support and understanding, we were fortunate to revise their list of priority to include non- First of all, allow me to thank you Mr Chairman lagoon islands. for this opportunity to make a statement on behalf of the Government of New Caledonia. Mr Chairman, I have been instructed to request another round of the bathymetry survey in Within the framework of the Nouméa Accord, Kiribati and I feel that SOPAC should support New Caledonia, Associate Member of SOPAC this request of ours because Kiribati is very since 1991, wishes to maintain its collaboration unique compare to most pacific islands. The with SOPAC. 33 atoll and reef islands are scattered apart from each other and lying within three exclusive New Caledonia has recognised potential in economic zones (EEZ), covering 3.5 million terms of mineral resources. The country is one sq.km. Kiribati has no main land like this of the key players in the global nickel production beautiful island of Samoa, to depend upon. as it is estimated to hold at least a quarter of Islands, there, are so small, low and narrow the known world reserves. The country will, in and for this reasons, we focus more on a near future, become one of the world’s largest investigating a range of marine resources (such metallurgical producer of nickel. As Nickel as pearl farming, sea weed farming and etc) mining remains the driving force of the and reducing their vulnerabilities but one of territory’s industrial development, environ- the major problems we are facing is this, the mentally sustainable mining techniques have sea temperature, sea current, sea condition and been developed over the last 25 years. seabed of the ocean and the lagoon as well of Associated risks and impacts of mining have most of our islands had never been fully been minimized, allowing resource to be understood. sustainably developed and managed. We are currently replacing our mining regulation by a Our limited resources and technology have modern legal framework that will enable a made it quite impossible for us to carry out sustainable mining exploitation. mineral research or bathymetry survey in our waters to map seaweed areas, pearl farming In order to optimize the two ongoing areas, outbreaks of algal blooms areas and coral environmentally-friendly mining projects, New areas (e.g. living, dying, dead areas and species Caledonia has planned to create, as soon as type), essential and useful areas for our next year, a Geological Survey. This public livelihood so we continue to look to donor institution will aim at delivering to the support in this area and on this note, I warmly community and the local authorities the welcome Taiwan and other interested updated knowledge regarding the geological researchers and donors to assist in this area. aspects of the country and their applications
61 in terms of land use and monitoring with a NIUE sustainable development approach. Greetings from the Rock of Polynesia ... Since 2002, New Caledonia has been contri- buting to the SOPAC’s EVI programme by I would like to congratulate you on your completing most of the 50 key environmental appointment of Chair of SOPAC Governing indicators. Ranked “vulnerable” with 60% of the Council for the next year and acknowledge the indicators completed, New Caledonia will be outgoing Chair for the excellent work carried keen on finalising this programme with the help out over the past year. I also recognize the of the Secretariat. presence of STAR and TAG and would like to thank them for all the assistance accorded to Offshore, the preliminary results of the ZoNéCo SOPAC over the past years. To the donor 11 deep seismic survey carried our last year Governments and Agencies, thank you for your within the framework of our ZoNéCo continued support to SOPAC programmes. To programme, are of key importance in terms of the Director of SOPAC Secretariat and all the assessing the petroleum potential of New hard working staff, thank you for all the support Caledonia’s Western EEZ. A complementary given to member countries over the last year. petroleum synthesis is currently being carried out within the framework of a national Niue is still recovering from the devastation development plan for New Caledonia’s mineral inflicted by category 5 tropical cyclone Heta in resources. early 2004. Some of the recovery projects are coming to an end but some will still take some In order to neither overload the Secretariat nor time yet. SOPAC secretariat has been diminish the resources of the other member forthcoming with varies assistance and I would countries, New Caledonia has drafted an like to thank EU for funding the SWATH Associate Membership Work Programme with mapping around Niue waters and the SOPAC for 2006, which will be submitted to consultation process with key stakeholders on SOPAC during this session. Both SOPAC and the five key areas under the EDF9 project which its member countries could benefit from New reports are still forthcoming. Caledonia’s expertise in the following fields: There are some outstanding issues that I would • national capacity building and PhDs like to highlight are the regional wind energy tutoring through the seven New Caledonia- project, the review of the National Disaster Plan based research centres, to develop and the post TC Heta Bathymetry Wave cooperation between the PICs; Modeling project. It is important that my • marine mineral resources assessment, government is updated on the progress of these through the pluridisciplinary ZoNéCo projects. I’m also very interested in the outcome programme identified as a pilot project for of the solar ground water pump pilot project the Southwest Pacific region; carried out in Kiribati about five years ago. With • sustainable mining exploitation and derelict the continued price increase of fuel in the global mines rehabilitation. The forthcoming market I think that the region should be looking creation of the National Research and at other alternatives. Technology Centre for Nickel and The water sector need to upgrade all the main Environment, should allow New Caledonia water systems and the maintenance to develop scientific and technical programme and will be asking SOPAC cooperation programmes within the region; Secretariat professional staff to assist. There is • expertise in developing regional projects a water bore drilling project carried out at the which can benefit from European Union moment. I would like to thank NZAID, AusAID funding. and UNESCO for funding varies stages of our water sector improvements. There is still a lot Finally, Mr Chairman, my delegation wishes to to do before the main objective of the water thank the Director for her untiring efforts and sector is realized. continued commitment to ensure that the operation of the Organization is of the highest I would like to take this opportunity to thank standard. the outgoing deputy director Dr. Russell Howorth for all the hard work and commitment Thank you Mr Chairman. to SOPAC over the past many years. Happy retirement Russell.
Fakaue Lahi
62 PALAU adequate educational and training facilities.
My name is Masasinge Arurang from Republic Again thanks to the organising committee for of Palau. On behalf of the Government of this conference and people of this great country Republic of Palau. I would like to extend our Western Samoa for their unforgotten hospitality deep appreciation and thanks to SOPAC, South and most unique traditional societies in the Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission Pacific region. Best regards to all participants. Directors and organiser for the opportunity for Thank you. Palau to participate in this important conference.
The world technology has direct us to adventures from around the world for new PAPUA NEW GUINEA concepts and improvements for better life for 1. Introduction our island country and our future generation to have a fruitful life. Mr Chairman, members of the governing council; distinguished representatives of Protect our environmental and cultural governments and institutions of member heritage. countries; distinguished delegates from donor Palau’s culture and fragile environmental will governments and agencies supporting SOPAC; be vulnerable in the facing insensitive advisors of the SOPAC Secretariat; SOPAC rebuilding of the economic, source of resources Director and Secretariat staff; ladies and can cause depletion as well as environmental gentlemen. damage. Economic development, therefore, Papua New Guinea wishes to congratulate means change but with the intent to define Samoa for the acceptance of the SOPAC Chair parameter within which both public and private and to provide the chairmanship over the next development programmes can move forward 12 months. PNG joins the others in thanking without losing the natural and cultural the outgoing Deputy Director of the SOPAC for resources in which Palau excels. As Palau his invaluable contributions to the member makes the transition toward a self-reliant countries and welcomes the new Deputy market economy, it should also work to Director to this important post. establish a sustainable economy. PNG joins the other member countries in The national development objectives are welcoming Tokelau to the SOPAC family as an designed to achieve the development policies associate member and hope that she finds value and strategies in a coordinated manner. These in this family. objectives are based on the objectives outlined in the Economic Development Plan. In the PNG recognizes the important role SOPAC plays broadest sense, the Republic of Palau’s national in the region and encourages SOPAC to development objectives are to: continue to work towards meeting member country needs and to remain in tune with the • Lay the foundations for achieving economic donor funding requirements and concerns. PNG self reliance based on a free and vibrant reiterates that capacity building, both in human market economy. resources and institutional as her major • Develop Palau’s human, natural and priority. technological resources in framework of environmental and cultural protection. Mr Chairman, PNG country report is basically • Achieve measurable and certain progress divided into the following sectors, mineral, toward balanced and sustainable geothermal, petroleum and Projects including development of the region. the SOPAC EDF8 Project.
The physical (and human) infrastructure region needs infrastructure region needs improvement in the journey from a subsidised to a market 2. Mineral Sector economy. The physical assets necessary for PNG is experiencing an upturn in exploration transforming the economy into an effect market and related increases in receipt of the worldwide system are an integrated road system, widely exploration dollar. In August 2003, PNG was available portable water supply, adequate ranked second most unfavorable destination for sewage and solid waster treatment facilities, Mining. reliable power and communication system and
63 Recently the trend in applications for in mining now in PNG is on efficiency and cost exploration licences has changed, with 50 new cutting to enhance revenues and production applications approved for 2004 and another 35 in the future. The production figures for the estimated for the 2005. The new incentives following operating mines are briefly outlined approved by the government for investors, below: including the abolition of additional tax relaxation of the double deduction appear to Ok Tedi Copper Mine – BHP Billiton officially be real burden. pulled out of Ok Tedi Mine in 2000 and relinquished all of its 52% shares to the people PNG has four exploration licences and prospects of western Province and the National that are at advanced stages, namely: Government. Ok Tedi Copper Mine produced a total of 15,365 kg of gold and 173,370 tonnes • Kainantu Gold under construction copper and 36,091kg of Silver for 2003. • Hidden valley Gold under construction Porgera Gold Mine – The Mine was temporarily • Ramu Nickel and Cobalt shut down on the 16th of June 2002 following • Wild Dog repeated disruption to the power supply from Hides Gas Project. Porgera Gold Mine produced A mining lease grant has been awarded to 6,037kg of gold during the first quarter. Highlands Pacific Limited to develop the Kainantu underground gold mine in June 2002. Lihir Gold Mine – The ore reserve is estimated Negotiations have been completed on an equity to be 442.5 million tones, averaging 3.14g/t distribution, and relevant MOA has been agreed gold for 44.7 million ounces of contained gold. to in August 2003. Recent drilling of 15 diamond Gold production of 599.386oz, exceeded a core holes confirmed significance of the gold forecasted figure by about 6.9% in 2002 bearing lodes, which are on strike and however only 4076.20 kg was produced for the approximately 1km south of the main Kainantu first quarter of 2003, because of an unplanned ore deposit. This provides additional resource shutdown. There is plan for offshore floating containing 310,00 tonnes at 29g/t Au for a plant to increase production to about 140,000 contained 3000,000 ozs of gold. Mine ounces of gold annually. development work continues with worldwide shortage of consumables and poor prevailing Tolukuma Gold Mine – Tolukuma contributed ground conditions. There is a report of a small 2532.14 kg of gold and 5120.10 kg of Silver at gold rush at Kainantu following a discovery of the end of April 2004. There is an increase in course gold in the scree close to the surface. production of about 0.5% recently and this is The mine is 65% complete for commissioning encouraging to the shareholders. A report of in August 2005. The Hidden Valley memo- all time high of 660.0 kg of gold produced for randum of understanding (MOU) has been the month of June and 691.0kg in July 2003. signed between the operator, landowners and The increased productions were attributed to the state in August. higher grade, better planning and good mining practices. The Ramu nickel/cobalt project has been delayed again, because of very high capital cost Misima Gold Mine – Misima gold Mine was and low nickel price, and lack of progress to closed in May 2004 and the final dismantling secure a third joint venture partner. The China of the infrastructure has been completed in Metallurgical Construction Company (CMCC) early 2005. Activities on Misima Mine currently has exclusive right period to take up 85% stake relate to mine closure and rehabilitation. in the Ramu nickel project by end of September 2005. It has been reported that (CMCC) is finalising the required approvals to expedite 3. Petroleum Sector mining nickel from the Ramu mine. Mr Chairman, Petroleum exploration and products have also played an important role in 2.1 Mining Projects the development of PNG. Petroleum Prospecting Licenses peaked in 1990 to about 40 licences Mining products maintained their position as and this declined to 20 PPLs in 2000 and the leading primary export commodity of PNG currently we have 15 PPL and 11 new and has remained a significant contributor applications in their various stages of licence about 15 percent to the Gross Domestic Product process. Exports have benefited greatly from (GDP). The mineral product exports accounted the recent high oil prices up 38% compared to for 52 percent of total exports in 2003. The focus July 2004.
64 3.1 Petroleum Projects Lihir Gold Mine has constructed the first 6MW geothermal plant in PNG to supplement There are a number of Petroleum Projects in electricity power generation for its mining PNG four of which are producing wells and a operations and 35-MW plant has been gas well are summarized below: completed for the mining operations. A number of Provincial Governments are thinking of Kutubu Oil Project – Kutubu Oil Project investing in this industry and a survey is being commenced production in 1991 and up to the planned to tie in the gaps in our records. end of June 2003, over 279,074.229 MBBLS and 737,131.360 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) gas has been extracted. Kutubu produces 6552,222bbls in 2004 with monthly 5. Other Projects average of 16.21bbl for the month of March 2005. World Bank – Mining Sector Institutional Strengthening project aimed at strengthening Gobe Oil Project – Gobe Oil Project commenced institutional capacity for Department of Mining production in 1998 and produced 3962,322 (DoM) and the Internal Revenue Commission BBLO and 2,288,161.00 MSCF gas for 2004. (IRC) is at its final stages in PNG. The technical assistance is provided to the following areas: Moran Oil Project – Moran Oil Project commenced production in 1998 and produced • Policy and Regulatory 4874,683 MBBL at the end of 2004. Monthly • Monitoring and Execute technical audits production for March 2005 was at 29.57 BBLS • Mineral Tenements Management per day. • Project Coordination Capacity for Hides Gas Project – Hides Gas Project exploits Sustainable Development a large onshore gas field, which commenced • Geological Survey and Development of GIS production in 1991 and to date produced capabilities 46,727.32MMSCF gas with a monthly • Capacity Building for IRC Sysmin – EU- production of 447.892 for May 2003 including EDF8 Grant sales to Porgera Gold Mine for electricity generation. A small volume of condensate is A grant of 50 million Euros for institutional refined on site for local consumption. capacity upgrade project is very timely as the World Bank scales down in PNG. It is provided Napa Napa Refinery – The Napa Napa Oil as a result of the effect of the 1997 drought on Refinery was the first downstream petroleum the mining sector, and the proposal will address project to be granted a Petroleum Processing and provide the assistance to the following Facility License by the government in February areas: 2000. Inter Oil was awarded the contract and engineering design, procurement and • Deep Sea Tailing and Waste Management construction. The refinery produces 35,000 Policy barrels of oil per day and local demand is about • Building New Purposed- Built Department 18,000 barrels per day. The surplus is exported Building to other Pacific nations since 2004. • Establishment of 3 Small scale Mining Vocational Centres • Establishment of Women’s Development 4. Geothermal Energy Centre in Porgera Mr Chairman, the geothermal energy has been • Mineral Resource Assessment listed hereunder separately because of its PNG has recently formed a Delimitation enormous potential and renewed resource Working Group to look into the Extended interest in PNG. Foreign organizations have Continental Shelf Proposal. The Working Group shown some interest in this industry recently meeting has proposed resurvey for the base and have had some discussions with local points and is awaiting funding. The government industries and government officials in PNG. has recently launched the Guidelines and GSPNG has taken steps to liaised with external requirements for Marine Scientific Research donors and agencies for assistance in funding Programmes in Territorial Waters under Papua equipment to explore and document the New Guinea’s Jurisdiction and guidance. geothermal resources following a UNDP funded project for a review of our existing database on geothermal resources.
65 6. Geological Hazards and Monitoring SOLOMON ISLANDS
PNG has received considerable benefit in the Mr Chairman and your good Government of past from SOPAC in efforts to mitigate the Samoa, Members of the Governing Council, effects of natural disasters. SOPAC/EU EDF8 Excellencies, Distinguished Representatives of Project is very timely as it helps increase Governments and CROP Members, Interna- awareness in the high-risk region of PNG. This tional Renown Scientific Research Institutes ultimately will save cost in all sectors in order Representatives and International Donors to bring real development to the rural supporting SOPAC, Director and Staff of the population. It is sincerely hoped that this co- SOPAC Secretariat, Distinguished Guests, operation will continue into the future. Ladies and Gentlemen.
Mr Chairman, PNG has experienced several Mr Chairman, I am very pleased indeed to be damaging natural disasters in the recent past. here among you to bid you warmest greetings GSPNG has been involved in carrying out from the Government and good people of assessments and investigations into some of Solomon Islands on this important occasion of these disasters. However, much work and the 34th SOPAC Annual Session. On the same ongoing observations have been severely token, Mr Chairman, I also would like to take constrained by financial difficulties and lack of this opportunity to thank the Government and appropriate equipment. Port of Lae for example, people of Samoa for hosting the 2005 SOPAC remained on the agenda, because it is situated Annual Session in your beautiful paradise. I in a submarine landslide environment. would also like to congratulate you (Samoa) on your appointment as Chair of this Session and we wish you all the success in the deliberations in the next few days, and in the course of this 7. Regional Geoscience Mapping year.
Mr Chairman, GSPNG has conducted Words of profound gratitude also go to you the Component 5 of the World Bank Project in Wau- outgoing chair (PNG) and the Government and Bulolo area in 2000. This area was originally people of Papua New Guinea for your time and selected because of the past gold rush and support to SOPAC last year. present high concentration of grass root alluvial mining and this has resulted in a new MOU Mr Chairman, and all Distinguished signed for the development of a new Gold mine. Representatives and Dignitaries present here There is a plan to build 3 Training Centres to today, on behalf of my Government, I am increase the level of gold production and one is relieved indeed to announce to you that in the planned for this area and we hope such last two days in Honiara, among the many infrastructure will increase our gold output and agendas that has been put before cabinet, only increase revenue to PNG. one cabinet paper entitled “SOPAC ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS ARREARS AND 2006 SOPAC Detailed geological mapping and reinter- ANNUAL SESSION HOSTING” has been pretation of the geology is continuing, required approved. in order to lure in investment to PNG. This is part of our Strategic Planning (big picture) to Mr Chairman, this indeed reflects our increase exploration and revenue for the continuous support and cooperation with country. We hope geological mapping and SOPAC members and SOPAC Secretariat and ground truthing of the remotely sensed data its work programmes, even though we are still will increase our exploration potential struggling to recover and rebuild our nation in complimented by aeromagnetic Survey as part the aftermath of what has happened in our of the EU/SYSMIN Project. recent history past. As most of you here today might have known what the people of Solomon The change of the Department of Mining to an Islands have had to go through, from the year Authority Status has been a bonus and a 2000-2003, the so called ethnic tension which number of candidates will be interviewed soon indeed almost brought our economy close to to administer the smooth change into an collapse. Truly, had it not for the brave men Authority. and women from our Pacific neighbours, and
66 especially Australia and New Zealand in to the reopening of Gold ridge Mine, the opening assuming the leading role in the whole rescue our first Nickel Mine soon, and building the mission commonly known in the Solomon first largest Pacific Marine Research Laboratory Islands now as “RAMSI”, our future would be that will house different marine researchers and unthinkable. This problem was indeed beyond will increase local participation in marine our control; its financial repercussions to our sciences. As I mentioned earlier, this will require economy were devastative, leaving us in a more collaboration between our Government, position that we cannot be able to meet our SOPAC and inter-national marine, deepwater SOPAC annual contributions in those years. and oceanography institutes and organizations.
At this juncture, Mr Chairman, I wish to relay To you the Director of SOPAC, I wish to my government’s most sincere appreciation to congratulate you for the work well done so far. you and the governing council for your However, we sadly learnt by the end of the 34th understanding and patience with us over those annual session, your strong supporter and years, and wish to request Mr Chairman, the highly valued and well-known member of the council to consider item AS34/11.2.2 Annex 2 Secretariat, Dr Russell Howorth is retiring from (found on page 5) with regards to Membership the Secretariat, after more than twenty years Contributions be amended. Please refer to the of service to the Secretariat and the member attached letter dated 28/09/05 and titled countries of SOPAC, and Solomon Islands in “Solomon Islands’ Outstanding Contribution to particular. On behalf of the Government of SOPAC and the Hosting of the SOPAC 35TH Solomon Islands I wish to record our well wishes Annual Session in 2006” signed by the Hon. to you Dr Russell Howorth in your future Minister, Basil Manelegua, MP, for the Ministry endeavors. I wish to thank Ms Cristelle Pratt of Natural Resources, Department of Mines and (SOPAC Director) and Dr Howorth (Outgoing Energy (see AS34/11.2.2 Rev.1 for revised D/Director) staff of the Secretariat for your paper). support through the various projects, training opportunities, and policy advices that you have Mr Chairman, our commitment to SOPAC, rendered to Solomon Islands in the past years. reflects our desire to have at least an equal attention to the needs and aspirations of Mr Chairman, without further ado, I wish you Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands is endowed well in your deliberations over the next few days. with diverse land and ocean resources and now Talofa Lava, (Ile paia o Samoa ma le vasa has a strong desire to enter into new Pasifika). partnerships and relationships with interna- tional scientific organizations in the pursuit of relevant marine geological surveys and research in our land and waters. TOKELAU
Mr Chairman, we would like to see more Address by Faipule Kuresa Nasau, Minister of research is done in these areas of seabed Environment and Economic Development [to mineral prospecting, deep sea hydrothermal the SOPAC Governing Council upon Tokelau’s surveying, volcanic hazards awareness, water admission as the newest Associate Member of resources, seismic observations stations, SOPAC] ... continental self surveying and mapping for Mr Chairman, Excellencies, Director of SOPAC, maritime boundary negotiations purposes. Also, Chair of STAR and Members of the SOPAC land mineral resource assessment and Governing Council. I would also like to management, hydrocarbon potential assess- acknowledge the Heads of CROP agencies also ments, water resources assessment and like to acknowledge the Heads of CROP sanitation, hazard and risk assessment and agencies. management, coastal management and in the information and communication technology in It is indeed an honour and privilege for me to the energy sector. Human resources develop- address the 34th session of SOPAC’s Governing ment in this field will also be our top priority. Council. Today’s session of the Council will go All these hold great importance to Solomon down as a very important mark in Tokelau’s Islands now and the future. In recognition of history as one where Tokelau was first accepted all these, Solomon Islands is looking forward as an associate member of SOPAC. Sir, may I
67 as Minister of Education, Economic Develop- Mr Chairman please allow me to thank the ment, Natural Resources and Environment on Government of New Zealand for its support behalf of the Ulu o Tokelau, the General Fono towards this application. The Government of and the people of Tokelau take this opportunity Tokelau would also like to acknowledge the to convey our gratitude and a big “Malo support and understanding from the SOPAC Fakafetai” to the Council for its consideration Director – Cristelle Pratt and Deputy Director – in welcoming Tokelau to the SOPAC family. Russell Howorth. Last but certainly not the least I would like to thank the Government of Samoa The relationship between the Government of for their hospitality in hosting the 34th Session Tokelau and SOPAC has existed for some time of the SOPAC Governing Council. now and I look forward that after today that relationship will only be strengthened. And finally Mr Chairman, I will certainly be proud to report to the people of Tokelau the Tokelau is presently going through an Governing Council’s deliberation on Tokelau’s important chapter in its political development. SOPAC status and I pray that the Almighty will The Government of Tokelau has expressed its continue to bless the work of this Council and wish to an act of self determination in which SOPAC. Tokelau would become a self governing state in Free Association with New Zealand. The God Bless you All. people of Tokelau have developed their own Constitution and both the Government of Tokelau together with the Government of New Zealand are working towards a possible Treaty TONGA of Free Association which will determine the Mr Chairman, Governing Council Members, face and shape of Tokelau tomorrow. The Representatives of Governments and Government of Tokelau has endorsed that the Institutions supporting SOPAC, Distinguished act of self determination will finally be Scientists and SOPAC Advisors, Director and determined upon a Referendum by the people Staff of the Secretariat, Ladies and Gentlemen. of Tokelau. The work on Tokelau’s self determination has been supported both by the Mr Chairman, it is indeed a special honour for Government of New Zealand, UNDP (Samoa), me and my delegation to be here again in and others. Samoa, representing the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga to the 34th Tokelau’s acceptance as an associate member Annual Session of the SOPAC Governing is a timely one when viewed in light of the recent Council. political developments. In that regard, while Tokelau looks to participate and contribute to On this important occasion, I would like to join the development of SOPAC it prides in the fact my fellow colleagues in congratulating you on that she will be guided and supported by your appointment as chair of this year’s members during this journey. Session. I have my fullest confidence in your leadership ability that will guide us smoothly Mr Chairman, as Minister responsible for in various matters and issues that will be Tokelau’s natural resources I am confident that discussed during this Session and also for what SOPAC has to offer to a small island efficient management of SOPAC activities for country like Tokelau could not have come at a the next twelve months to come. I would also better time. When I say small island country wish, through you Mr Chairman, to convey my such as Tokelau I am talking about one that delegation’s sincere appreciation and gratitude has a population of approximately 1500 people, to the Government and people of Samoa for land area of only 12 square miles and no point hosting this year’s Annual Session of SOPAC on the island is above 5 metres from the sea here in Apia and for the hospitality that we have level. Earlier in the year Cyclone Percy caused received so far, thus making our stay in this unprecedented flooding and damage to all the most beautiful island of yours a memorable one. three atolls of Tokelau. Having read through To my fellow Councilors, friends and supporters the programmes which SOPAC focus on of SOPAC, I wish you well and I am looking providing assistance I feel that Tokelau with forward to working closely with you all in SOPAC’s support will be better placed to deal matters pertaining to the betterment of SOPAC and manage its geological challenges in the near and the region as a whole. To Papua New future.
68 Guinea – the outgoing chair, we thank you for TUVALU your efficient guidance of the Organization over the last twelve months. I would also like to Mr Chairman, Distinguish National record here Tonga’s acknowledgement of Representatives, Director and staff of SOPAC, various services that had been delivered by the Donor Agencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. outgoing Deputy Director Dr Russell Howorth in a very efficient and professional manner Mr Chairman, I wish to welcome you as Chair, throughout member countries of SOPAC, and much appreciation to the outgoing Chair during his long years of engagement with the of Papua New Guinea for a job well done. SOPAC Secretariat. We wish him a very happy On behalf of the Government of Tuvalu, I wish retirement. to acknowledge the achievements made by Mr Chairman, the Government of the Kingdom SOPAC on the following areas: of Tonga recognizes and highly appreciates • Tuvalu Maritime Boundary Programme; the various contributions of donor countries, completion of the Tuvalu Maritime agencies and international organizations/ Boundary Report with validation by institutions that will assist us and the Geoscience Australia is a stepping- stone Secretariat, implementing the activities towards negotiations with our neighbours. stipulated under the three main operational The next way forward we hope will be work programmes for 2006. discussed next week during the Maritime Mr Chairman, Tonga still places it priorities on Boundary Negotiation Workshop. most of the activities undertaken by the Ocean • Tuvalu Bathymetric Survey; uploading of and Islands Programme and over the last twelve the rest of data for the remaining islands months minimum commitment had been put would be very much appreciated. in by the Secretariat to Tonga’s national • Implementation and follow- up training on priorities. For the other two operational the MapServer. programme (Community Lifelines and • Establishment of the Country Intern. Community Risk), Tonga acknowledges the • Stakeholder’s consultation on Aggregate commitments that the Secretariat have done Issues and Lagoon Dredging on Funafuti. in Tonga on these two programme areas and we look forward to take further that • GIS and Remote Sensing Training. commitments. Mr Chairman, Tuvalu wishes to acknowledge However, in view of the activities proposed the visit of the Mid Term Review Team. Tuvalu under the Secretariat work programmes for supports this initiative as it helps SOPAC and implementation in 2006 and the reported donor agencies to see the progress of the achievements of 2005 work programmes, I activities in each country. Tuvalu supports the strongly urge the Secretariat to consider h aving recommendations from the Mid Term Review. a fair and balance distribution of the delivery Mr Chairman, Tuvalu supports this year’s of the implementation of its work programme theme of “Disaster Risk Reduction”, however activities in order to maintain the support and we have our concern with the EVI methodology goodwill of member countries. and would not support its use in disaster risk Mr Chairman, I am not intending to prolong reduction and disaster management strategies. this statement any longer, since there is a more We believe that the EVI should be revised to appropriate time later when we go through each improve its scientific credibility. Water and of the agenda items. However, it would be Sanitation, and Hazards and Risk Management remiss on my part by not thanking various Systems through NDMO needs support from donor agencies and the scientific organizations SOPAC. During the PICISOC meeting in that have generously contributed and continued Tarawa, participants requested SOPAC to assist to provide assistance to SOPAC work member countries in acquiring high resolution programmes. Without the sustained support, satellite images such as 60 centimetres it would be difficult to expect the Secretariat to QuickBIRD images, the quality and application fulfill its mandate from the Council. of such images will benefits almost all stakeholders in the community. Its application Malo
69 would help Tuvalu in many ways in terms of you in future. On the same note Mr Chairman, Disaster Risk Reduction. Tuvalu would like to say a very BIG THANK YOU to the outgoing deputy Director Dr. Russell Mr Chairman, Tuvalu also like to comment the Howorth for his invaluable contribution to invaluable contributions of SOPAC through its SOPAC. We wish you well in your future three main core divisions; Community Lifelines, endeavours. Community Risk, and Oceans & Islands assisting Tuvalu with technical and scientific Mr Chairman, we would also like to thank the needs. Government and people of Samoa for hosting this meeting in this beautiful city of Apia. Through you Mr Chairman, I wish to welcome on board the new deputy Director of SOPAC Lastly Mr Chairman, Tuvalu would like to thank Mr Bhaskar Rao with your new challenge the Donor Agencies for their ongoing support ahead, we look forward to work closely with in the region.
PART II: STATEMENTS BY CROP ORGANISATIONS
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM national of key environmental and resource SECRETARIAT (PIFS) issues and international developments and debates; and Thank you, Mr Chairman for giving Pacific • translate international agreements and Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) this oppor- commitments made by our Leaders into tunity to speak and to share some of our regional strategies, plans and policies, thoughts and ideas with the members of including on themes such as Disaster Risk SOPAC’s Governing Council. Reduction and Disaster Management, Oceans, energy, water and sanitation. First, on behalf of the Forum Secretariat, I would like to congratulate SOPAC for a Common elements of the different international successful year. and regional agreements, frameworks, policies and plans include the emphasis on: I must also thank SOPAC for their collaboration with other CROP agencies, including the Pacific • a balanced focus on the three pillars of Islands Forum Secretariat, to assist member sustainable development – economic well countries make notable impacts on the interna- being, environmental conservation, social tional stage. Significant assistance was collabo- harmony; ratively provided by CROP agencies to member • increasing security of communities and countries leading up to and at several interna- country and building resilience against tional meetings, including the WSSD, Mauritius external shocks – be they due to natural or International Meeting and the Second World market forces; and Congress on Disaster Reduction. Such efforts have helped ensure that specific needs of the • improving well being of people through a small island states of the Pacific are recognized programmatic whole of country approach and addressed in the International Agreements involving all stakeholders in the decision- and Conventions and our special needs were making processes at all levels. reflected in resource allocation under these In 2004 the Forum Leaders came out with their MEAs. new vision for the Pacific as – ..a region of At the regional level, the CROP agencies peace, harmony, security and economic including SOP AC and PIFS, have helped prosperity so that ...people can lead free member countries operationalise various and worthwhile lives... treasure binding and non-binding commitments made diversity...[where ...cultures, traditions and by our Leaders to: religious beliefs are valued, honoured and developed... respected for the quality of • increase the profile of key issues at the governance, the sustainable management of national level; its resources, ...democratic values and its • build member countries’ understanding at defense and promotion of human rights all levels, local community, subregional and partnerships ...to develop knowledge, to
70 improve our communications and to ensure is people, politics and governance, as well as a sustainable economic existence ... traditional science. There is also a need to also Auckland Declaration, 2004 take on board traditional knowledge and management practices that may have been used To give effect to their vision, our Leaders have by the Pacific people. asked us to develop the Pacific Plan with the main goal of enhancing and stimulating econo- PIFS, SOP AC and other CROP agencies have mic growth, sustainable development, good accepted the challenge and have taken some governance and security through regionalism. significant steps towards coordination, harmonization and integration of their Regionalism is defined as countries working assistance to member countries. To mention a together for their joint and individual benefits. few, for example: Regionalism would make sense only where there is value adding through collaboration and • The CROP agencies through the cooperation, and activities support and comple- Sustainable Development Working Group ment national effort to address their national assisted the region to produce an integrated development goals, and not replace it. position papers for consideration the WSSD in 2000, the Mauritius International The Pacific Plan will have important implica- meeting in 2005, and the Kobe Conference. tions for agencies such as PIFS, SOPAC and • The CROP agencies assisted member other CROP agencies and will challenge us as countries to produce regional frameworks, regional organizations to provide a collective set policies, and plans that reflect the of technical assistance to member countries principles of sustainable development and that is holistic, interdisciplinary and reflects good governance, including the Disaster science – economics – policy – human action Risk Reduction and Disaster Management link while recognizing that sustainable that SOP AC took the lead in its development is a national responsibility. The development. challenge is particularly acute because necessary inter disciplinary technical expertise • The CROP Heads in their August 2005 are scattered amongst CROP agencies and meeting agreed to strengthen joint located on several campuses in four countries programming amongst ourselves. In in the region. practical terms, it means that we should collectively develop our programme of The delegate from France mentioned in the activities, on each of key themes (such as SPREP meeting two weeks ago -in the context wastes, energy, climate change, disaster, of biodiversity, that we need to emphasize the etc). direct link between science- policy and politics. This comment is equally relevant to our effort We need to build on these efforts and as noted on issues that PIFS, SOP AC and other CROP by the esteemed delegate from Vanuatu during agencies may individually normally take the the SPREP meeting, the time has come to for lead. That is, while we individually may focus us to operationalise these at the national level. on our respective technical areas of expertise We need practical actions on the ground: in relation to natural resource based economic development, natural disaster management, • to bring about real difference to the lives of energy, wastes and water for example, we need the Pacific peoples, increase environmental to develop our collective work programmes that conservation and building resilience, reflect the relevance of, and the link, between • that are underpinned by robust information science, people, decision-making process and and rigorous analysis, yet in the short term governance. making do with whatever information we It is only through such an approach that real have and improving on it as time goes on. outcomes can be achieved, since management In the Pacific we need to also embrace adaptive of natural resources and environment is about management approach to natural resource and managing people. To manage people we need environment management, recognizing that we to understand what motivates people and how do not have complete information, there is a these can be influenced, as well as understand lot of uncertainty, and global environment is how the natural system behaves and responds rapidly changing as are the needs and to human actions and decision. To do this we aspirations of our communities. At the same need to also focus on people, policymaking time, we need to gradually strengthen our process, and decision-making enabling – that
71 scientific, social science and traditional 3) coordinating and assisting member countries knowledge and information bases to help to report individually and regionally on key increase objective decision making. sustainable development issues at the international level, including reporting against Pacific Islands Form Secretariat, like other MDGs. This can be a very onerous task given CROP agencies, will also be judged by the the limited size of our member countries and nature and level of impacts on the lives of the limited technical and financial resources. local communities, on the environment, on the resilience of the communities and nations to 4) coordinating reporting on sustainable natural disasters, to external shocks from development and good governance of our oceans natural and market forces. and island resources and ecosystems up to the Leaders, through: The Forum Secretariat plays two main roles: • FOC and Forum Leaders Meetings I. Coordination, and harmonization where • Forum Economic Ministers Meetings desirable and possible, of key policies, programme and donor support. • Forum Trade Ministers meetings
The coordination of sustainable development policies and advice to the Forum Leaders and II. Economics and Policy Advice members will be a key responsibility of the Forum Secretariat in years to come. This will Economics, as many of you know, is a branch build on the work of particularly SPREP and of social science that addresses how people SOPAC in the lead up to WSSD in 2002, and make decisions in the face of resource scarcity BPOA+ 10 in 2005, CSD in 2004, 2005. The -limited money, limited fish stock, limited Forum will also continue to work with other genetic material, limited land resources, etc. It CROP agencies to assist member countries to is also about improving institutional decision- incorporate commitments made in the making process to improve good governance at international fora and in their respective all levels. Economics is about rules and regula- national development plans and regional tions that can encourage equitable sharing of frameworks, policies and plans. benefits from for example, mining and renewable energy projects. It is also about rules The Forum Secretariat is looking forward to and regulation that can help provide the right taking initiatives as necessary as well as type of incentives to people to act in a manner working in partnership with SOPAC and other such that we can achieve the desired outcomes CROP agencies in: of adaptation to natural disasters and resilience against natural disasters, including from effects 1) identifying emerging opportunities in the of climate change. area of sustainable development in regards to Therefore economics and policy analysis is • donor support from our traditional partners critical when designing management strategies and emerging development partners. In this and instruments to encourage appropriate regard the Secretariat will be taking full decisions at all levels – from communities, advantage of annual Post Forum Dialogue government agencies – in each sectoral and discussions between the Forum Secretariat thematic areas, such as climate change, and our key development partners; disaster management, liquid waste manage- • assisting countries and CROP agencies to ment and water and energy. It is also important access new funds through our New York at national planning and budgetary process to Missions, through our trade offices in ensure for example appropriate resources are strategic locations such as Sydney, Hong allocated for assisting communities to adapt, Kong, and Beijing. and build resilience to natural disasters. That is, there is a need to mainstream economics 2) identifying new international and regional into sectoral and thematic area management, fora where Pacific inputs are needed to ensure as much as mainstreaming these issues into the unique features, needs and aspirations and national planning and budgetary process. unique challenges are appropriately reflected in multilateral environment and trade For PIFS, with core expertise in economics and agreements and appropriate allocation of policy analysis and policy advise, this would international assistance is also provided for the mean also working with other CROP agencies Pacific region. to identify and develop economics and policy
72 analysis and governance dimensions of key As a coordinating body, Forum Secretariat also sectoral and cross sectoral themes. This looks forward to working with SOPAC and other programme of activities will by necessity CROP agency where necessary to help member complement biophysical and physical- countries develop and implement their own geoscientific activities of SOP AC and other national plan of action and strengthen their CROP agencies. It is only through such an decision-making process and governance in key analysis that a robust and sustainable decision- thematic areas, including natural disaster making process can be instituted. management, waste, and water management.
As mentioned earlier, a start has been made In conclusion, I wish to congratulate Cristelle on this front. CROP agencies have collabora- for a productive 2004. Forum Secretariat is tively helped member countries develop regional looking forward to our continued working policies, frameworks and strategies in areas relationship with the Director and her staff to such as disaster risk reduction and disaster provide outcome focused integrated and management, climate change, energy, wastes coordinated programme of assistance that etc. Now we have to put this into effect at the meets the needs and aspirations our member national level. countries.
Thank You.
Target Areas – 2006 The Forum Secretariat will in 2006 be targeting SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC a few core areas in order to encourage REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL mainstreaming of environment into economic PROGRAMME (SPREP) process, main streaming economics into environmental conservation, and integrating Rev. Fr Silva, Hon. Minister Famuina Liuga, the three pillars of SD into decision-making at Mr Chairman, Excellencies, Distinguished all levels. It proposes (the work programme is delegates, Representatives of other CROP still to be considered by FOC in October 2005) agencies, Observers, Ladies and Gentlemen – I to assist: am delighted to attend the 34th annual session • countries to develop their NSDS or like of SOPAC here in Apia, Samoa. It is indeed an (NSDS is about improving decision-making honor for me to be given this opportunity to process – it is not a blue print); speak at this august forum. On behalf of SPREP I would like to welcome you all to enchanting • in developing Pacific relevant targets and Apia. indicators (for each of the three pillars and across each core themes and sectors) to For those of you who may not know, SPREP help member countries to measure progress HQ is located up at Vailima and is only about a against national plans as well as globally ten-minute drive from Kitano Hotel. It is a sight through the MDGs; worth seeing. And lots of nice people there who • countries to develop/ strengthen core are ready to give you a guided tour of our statistical and other databases that can be tranquil HQ. used for decision-making about use and Mr Chairman, as some of you may know SPREP management of our resources as well as has just completed its 16th annual meeting here be used in monitoring and evaluation of in this very hall two weeks ago. Amongst the programmes and activities in each of the key outcomes of our meeting was the growing themes, sectors, and at all levels; and recognition by our region to work together and • countries to develop institutional and improve coordination for implementation of individual capacity in economic and policy programmes so as to improve the impact of analysis in key thematic areas as assistance to the people whom we jointly serve. appropriate to their local situation and local This is an issue that my management will be needs at different levels. Amongst the key pursuing seriously, noting the decision we thematic areas that may be targeted are CROP heads have committed ourselves to economics of natural disaster risk strengthen joint programming between agencies reduction and disaster management, and other stakeholders — as a way forward to climate change and waste management.
73 enhance regional support to our member Mr Chairman, the two organizations have countries. interacted collaborated in the CROP Energy Working Group producing the Pacific Islands Mr Chairman, this is no idle talk – an excellent Energy Policy, which will also be tabled at the example that springs to mind took place just next Pacific Forum. At this juncture, on behalf last week, as SOPAC committed to use the of SPREP I would like to congratulate Cristell financial resources from its Danish and her staff for their hard work in producing government-funded Pacific Islands Energy the Pacific Regional Framework for Action for Policy and Strategic Action Planning Project Building the Resilience of Nations and (that’s PIEPSAP), as co-financing for SPREP’s Communities to Disasters. These regional GEF-funded Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas frameworks will go a long way in ensuring the Abatement through Renewable Energy Project complementarity and the consistency of the (and that’s PIGGAREP). related activities of the CROP agencies.
This is in line with the new pacific vision by To conclude, and through you Mr Chairman, I our leaders calling for closer and stronger would like to thank the Council, the Director collaboration among crop agencies and their and the Secretariat for the opportunity to member countries, donors, the civil society and address this honorable gathering. I can assure partners and friends of our region. I am happy you that your Director and I will continue to to say that sprep will maintain its key role in build partnerships and synergies that will best the crop working group mechanism for broader suit the common interests of our two organi- collaborative engagement with a wide range of zations and the people we serve. Please take stakeholders, that would produce specific some time out to visit us up at Vailima. tangible outputs that can make a difference to the lives of our people. Our agencies have had Soifua. Thank you. fruitful interactions in the sustainable development working group, the energy working group, the information and communication technology working group, the marine sector UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC working group and the crop un millennium (USP) development goals working group. These are all mechanisms we can further utilize for the Honourable Chairperson, The Director of highest return to our people. SOPAC, Ms Cristelle Pratt, Distinguished SOPAC National Government Representatives, Mr Chairman, SPREP is now working along two Distinguished representatives from the other, major programmes: The Island Ecosystems Governments, Representatives from fellow Programme and the Pacific Futures Programme. CROP Agencies, International organizations, In the Islands Ecosystems Programme are our Participating Geoscientists, Ladies and activities relating to Biodiversity and the Gentlemen … … International Waters Project among others. In Pacific Futures we have for example our Climate I am indeed very pleased to bring warm Change as well as our Waste Management and greetings and best wishes from USP, and in Pollution Prevention. In this connection I am particular from our new Vice-Chancellor Prof. happy to say that the 16th SPREP Meeting Anthony Tarr, to all the distinguished th endorsed the Strategy for Solid Waste participants of the 34 Meeting of the SOPAC Management in the Pacific Islands Countries Council. and Territories. Clearly, this work will need to The university continues to work in close be co-ordinated with the work SOPAC is doing collaboration with SOPAC and this working on waste water to ensure that maximum benefit relationship has been welcomed by both the is gained for our respective members. organizations. The VC, senior Management and On specific activities Climate Change is one of the Heads of sections at USP who work directly the areas that our two organizations are with SOPAC wish to record their appreciation working together on. As such, the two organi- for this long-standing co-operation. The zations and other stakeholders together with university wishes to thank most sincerely the the PICs have finalized the Pacific Islands Government of Samoa for generously agreeing Framework for Action on Climate Change: to provide the venue this meeting. 2006-2015, which will be tabled at the coming The University would like to emphasise that it Pacific Forum later this month. Furthermore, gives cooperation amongst CROP agencies a
74 high priority. It regards as most important the be held from Nov 14-18 2005 at USP with join-approach in addressing issues that affect funding from UNEP. our region. Many of us are working towards 4 The Head of Physics Department at the USP the same goals and we believe that the best gave a keynote address at the Biomass way to achieve maximum results is to work workshop in March this year held at the together with people with common goals. PIFS at SOPAC’s invitation. 5 SOPAC continued to support our undergraduate hydrogeology course in Academic Area terms of materials and lectures. 6 SOPAC is represented on the Marine USP offers the region several programmes of Studies Advisory Group. study. These include a BSc in Earth Science, Marine Sc, Env Science and growth in these 7 Joint appointment of staff in water quality areas are pleasing to see. Sponsor support in area (IAS and SOPAC). these areas are also growing, contributing further to growth. We also offer a BA degree in Marine Affairs. We also offer a PGDip in Env The Pacific Centre for the Environment Sc as well as Masters programme in Env Sc. and Sustainable Development (PACE- The Masters programme is new and currently SD) has two students. The university is please to see a growing number of our own graduates The University recognises the importance of joining SOPAC staff and thanks SOPAC for Education for capacity building for sustainable providing them with this opportunity. Currently development (SD). I am pleased to inform you we have a certificate programme in Earth that USP has been identified as a Regional Science and Marine Geology which are run by Centre for Expertise (RCE-Pacific) for the United SOPAC in cooperation with the USP. USP and Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable SOPAC are discussing the implementation of a Development (UNDESD), 2005-2014. Together Disaster Risk Management programme in light with the activities of PACE-SD – the focal point of the need to train people in this area. for RCE-Pacific – the USP based Pacific Regional Initiative for the Delivery of Basic Education, PRIDE, the Department of Education and the Institute of Education, I am sure we will be able Other Areas of Collaboration to work in promoting Environmental education in our region. 1 USP’s Physics Department has been working closely with the Energy Working Group. The Head of Department is the University’s representative on this. The Integrated Water Resources Group has now finalised plans for the Management (IWRM) Project energy policy and the energy plans for the Pacific Islands. This year we signed a MOU between USP and 2 Collaboration on the 20kW wind turbine the United Nations University – International project is going well. Ownership of the wind Network for Water, Environment and Health turbine has now been transferred to USP (UNU-INWEH) based in Canada and opened a and it is being used for our teaching and Water Virtual Learning Center (WVLC) at USP. research programmes. SOPAC is an This joint collaboration between USP and UNU- important partner in this. INWEH will run a pilot programme postgraduate 3 As part of the WT programme we organised diploma course in Integrated Water Resources a workshop in wind energy training for the Management (IWRM) through distance and USP lecturers and postgraduate students. flexible mode to candidates from the Pacific This was held at the USP and also included Region. SOPAC is a partner in this project and non-USP participants, for example from also represented on the Advisory Group. SOPAC, Department of Energy, Fiji Finally, I wish to report the successful release Electricity Authority etc. The final part of of the report from the research on The Economic this WT project is the sub-regional Impact of Natural Disasters on Development in workshop on wind energy, which we are the Pacific. This research was funded by AusAID jointly co-ordinating with SOPAC. This will and was aimed at developing economic analysis
75 tools for assessing the impact of natural University continues to note and highly disasters in the Pacific region and evaluate the commends the excellent contribution the Economics of Disaster Risk Management. The Commission is making to geoscience research USP Solutions and SOPAC together co- and sustainable development in the Region, ordinated this project. wishes the SOPAC Director, Ms Pratt, and all the staff and consultants all the very best of On a final note, the Vice Chancellor of the success in its future work. University of the South Pacific wishes to thank most sincerely the SOPAC Governing Council Thank you for the invitation to once again be represented at this and past Council meetings. The Dr Anjeela Jokhan, Head of School of Pure and Applied Sciences, USP
PART III: STATEMENTS FROM SUPPORTING GOVERNMENTS AND INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES
TAIWAN (ROC) Island Countries, Regional water supply Management Programme, Implementing a Mr Chairman, Honourable Delegates, Risk=GIS capacity to reduce vulnerability to Observers, the Director of SOPAC and disasters in Tuvalu, Regional Energy Education Distinguished Guests. Programme, Understanding and Monitoring change in the Pacific Ocean Ecosystems and The Government of Taiwan/ROC extends warm Pacific regional water, sanitation and hygiene greetings and congratulations on this occasion programmes. of the 34th Annual Session of the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) I have noted that the theme for STAR this year Governing Council and would like to thank the was ‘Disaster Risk Reduction’. This follows the Government and people of Samoa, for their ‘Framework for Action 2005-2015’ set up by generous hospitality and arrangements for this Pacific Island States in June 2005. Taiwan is conference. also an island country that is also subjected to natural disaster, like earthquakes, typhoons The Government of Taiwan/ROC is proud of and landslides; therefore the Government of its commitment to assist and promote Taiwan/ROC is concerned and supportive of development and collaboration among the SOPAC’s projects and achievements in the countries and peoples of this region, both region. bilaterally and through the auspices of the annual Post-Forum Dialogue Partners’ Meeting. On behalf of the Government of Taiwan/ROC I wish to reiterate our commitment to the Pacific Since 1993, the Government of Taiwan/ROC Island region and extend herewith to the through the Post-Forum Dialogue has Director and Secretariat Staff of the South contributed US$11.5 million for regional Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission at this assistance to Forum Island Countries. Taiwan’s 34th Annual Session of the SOPAC Governing assistance for 2005 is US$1.4 million, which Council our appreciation for the exchange of also includes our annual funding for the cooperation between Taiwan/ROC and the Taiwan/ROC – PIF Scholarship Scheme of Pacific Island region, through your Commission. US$500,000 for regional scholarships. Thank you. Since 1996, the Government of Taiwan/ROC has funded 22regional projects for SOPAC totalling US$791,000.00. The projects undertaken by SOPAC over the last 10 years UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT include a 3-year Regional Disaster Management PROGRAMME (UNDP) coordination Project, Demand Management and conservation of Water Supplies, Strengthening It is my pleasure on behalf of UNDP to present for National Policy Framework to support a brief statement on UNDP’s interventions in Sustainable Development of Non-Living appreciation of the work that is promoted by Resources on Pacific Island countries, Oceans SOPAC. Research Co-ordination Projects for small Pacific Island Developing States, Building Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to Capacity to Counteract Disasters in Pacific congratulate the Director and the staff of
76 SOPAC for your achievements thus far. UNDP May I call special attention to the Science, duly acknowledges the on-going technical Technology, and Resource Network (STAR) support that SOPAC is providing to the region. sessions for this year focusing on “Disaster Risk Reduction”. It is an important topic that relates The UNDP and SOPAC relationship started off to everyone in the Pacific. In addition to from humble beginnings through modest technical support for disaster risk reduction, I distaster focused projects. This was the time strongly urge all of you to consider the issues SOPAC was putting together its Disaster of mainstreaming disaster risk management Management Unit-DMU. Consulations were into your national development plans. This will also held with UNDP while SOPAC was setting enhance your efforts to promote disaster risk up it’s Community Risk Programme for the management and its implementation at all Pacific . Our relationship has grown since and levels in the Pacific. Further, such efforts will is reflected in UNDP’s interventions in SOPAC’s strengthen efforts towards addressing the three main key programme areas. vulnerability status of the Pacific to natural disasters and helps to build resilience. Recognising the need to strengthen national capacity in energy and water technologies in UNDP stands ready to work with you as promoting poverty reduction, our partnership member governments of the United Nations to currently focuses on the strategic area of assist in your national efforts to achieve the Community Lifelines . MDGS. SOPAC’s technical capacity and community focused programmes provides an A regional project on renewable energy is excellent opportunity to address efforts towards currently being implemented by SOPAC with achieving the Millennium Development Goals funds from Danida through UNDP aims at in the Pacific. assisting countries with their national energy policies and strategies. It is hoped that the Lastly, I challenge you to let the voice of the actual implementation of these policies and Pacific heard in a great variety of fora. The action plans will follow suit. UNDP’s focus is challenge is to actually translate all your hard both on upstream interventions as well as on work into a reality of a one Pacific vision for all. the ground projects. The rising prices of oil only Our islands may be geographically isolated, but deepen the importance of fostering renewable our voice echoes in union of regional forces via energy solutions. regional organizations such as SOPAC and other CROP agencies. The on the ground projects include feasibilities studies on renewable energies. These practical I wish you a successful Council Meeting and demonstrations pave the way for larger projects look forward to the outcomes of your meeting. that will promote and encourage the use of renewable energy in the Pacific. Recently, a UNDP-GEF preparatory project has WORLD BANK been approved to address issues on integrated water resource management in the Pacific. TO: Chair of 34th Session of the SOPAC SOPAC is working with UNDP to strengthen Governing Council Meeting national capacities on integrated water th management approaches. We hope that the On the occasion of the 34 Annual session of lessons from the SPREP International Water the SOPAC Governing Council the WB Pacific Programme will be actively sought and a Office would like to extend its greetings to the cooperative relationship between two CROP host nation Samoa and best wishes to the agenices working in this sector will transpire. members of Council for successful deliberations. In the Pacific, UNDP is supporting a number of countries with disaster management As members of SOPAC might be awares, the programmes. SOPAC’s Community Risk WB has been involved in climate change programme is of great interest to UNDP adaptation in Kiribati since 1999, when it particularly where there are potential linkages funded a major study of vulnerability and to UNDP’s work on Crisis, Prevention and adaptations for the Regional Economic Report Recovery. The provision of technical assistance 2000. Since that review, adaptation and risk to strengthen disaster preparedness and management have become central elements of recovery in the region is well recognised. the World Bank programme in the Pacific. This Practical and hands on applications of available had involved support to five country-level technologies will certainly help the Pacific with projects and regional strategic assistance. The disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. preparation phase of the Kiribati Adaptation
77 Programme (KAP-I), which was the first World to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters in Bank pilot project fully dedicated to adaptation the region and we congratulate you for in the Asia-Pacific region, has emphasized the promoting CHARM and particularly it’s need to mainstream adaptation into national Community Risk Programme. We also development plans, policies and budgets. acknowledge your role at the ISDR Kobe Summit; the formulation of the Madang Building on the work of other donors and Framework for Action; and the efforts with USP regional agencies, the World Bank has prepared to study the “Economic Impact of Natural a new report called “Not If, But When … Disaster on Development in the Pacific”. Adapting to Natural Hazards in the Pacific Islands Region; A Policy Note”. Its objective is We plan to disseminate our new report widely to influence policy makers and development through the region and elsewhere where it may partners in the Pacific Islands region to be useful. We also plan to act on the report’s undertake risk management of natural hazards recommendations by developing some country and minimize the future impacts of natural specific analyses. This work is expected to start disasters, climate change and sea level rise. It some time in the last quarter of 2005 or early involved a review of the disaster trends and 2006, once the countries have been selected. lessons learned from pilot risk management of th natural hazards initiatives and it makes Let me wish you a very successful 34 Session, recommendations on ways forward. We and I look forward to continuing our sincerely thank SOPAC for its involvement in collaboration and good working relationship. this report, particularly the inputs of Messieurs Sincerely yours, Alan Mearns and Roger Jones. Xian Zhu, Country Director, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea SOPAC is playing an important role in the effort & Pacific Islands Operations, East Asia and Pacific Region
PART IV: STATEMENTS FROM NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS JAPAN AGENCY FOR MARINE-EARTH obviously useful for this region and we are ready SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY to help SOPAC countries upon request in (JAMSTEC) transferring our obtained knowledge and developed technology how to utilize and apply First of all, the Japan Agency for Marine Science for the benefit of this region. JAMSTEC has and Technology (JAMSTEC), formally called as already organized a series of training workshops the Japan Marine Science and Technology on oceanographic data handling and application Center, would like to express its congratulation for SOPAC countries. We intend to strengthen to this Annual Session and wish your all further this activity when circumstance so success through a fruitful meet here in Apia. permit.
You are probably aware that JAMSTEC has The ocean observations are carried out not only worked with SOPAC in marine scientific by these unmanned systems. We are research since one of our research vessel conducting ocean observation by traditional NATSUSHIMA carried out geological and manner with six surface research vessels mostly geophysical survey in the Rabaul Bay. Our in the Pacific region. Taking this occasion, we tradition in friendly cooperation is still wish to express our thanks to SOPAC countries continued. Currently we are implementing of their sympathetic cooperation in particular long-term oceanographic observation in this granting us research and survey permission in region with Argo floats and moored TRITON EEZs concerned. In return, we will do our most buoy system. At this stage, more than 200 Argo efforts to respond requests from those coastal floats and 16 TRITON buoys are deployed in countries. the SOPAC region. Various oceanographic JAMSTEC also implements other marine parameters are measured and transmitted via scientific research in the SOPAC region besides satellite to the operation center day by day, and of ocean observations with surface vessels, then forwarded on real time basis to appropriate manned submersible and ROVs. Deep sea international organizations for scientific research with a submersible: Shinkai 6500 and research and, at the same time, for daily a remotely operated vehicle: Kaiko is one of our operation works such as weather forecast. After specialized field of research. Watching nature certain examination of quality of data, they are of the sea-floor visually and through high opened for public. We believe such data would
78 resolution monitoring device provides us ocean mineral resources in the Exclusive remarkable knowledge about deep-sea Economic Zones of SOPAC member countries environment. We could also advance our since 1985. We regret to announce that this knowledge through precise analysis of 21-year long programme will reach completion geological, chemical and biological samples this year. The final cruise of the programme collected by them. In this regards, close friendly using JOGMEC’s Research Vessel Hakurei- cooperation between scientists of SOPAC Maru No.2 was conducted in the EEZ of the countries and our organization is absolutely Federated Sates of Micronesia in May this year. necessary to lead our scientific research The data and samples collected during the success. survey cruise will be analysed in Japan and the Japanese government at the beginning of At the end, JAMSTEC is happy to inform you next year will present the final report including that our long waited drilling vessel CHIKYUU the results of the analysis. was finally delivered in the last August. The vessel is about 60000 tons with drilling During the 21-year programme, a total of 1,132 capability to obtain core sample of 7000m long cruise days were allocated to deep-sea mineral from the bottom of 2500m depth. The vessel exploration in the Exclusive Economic Zones will be engaged in international operation from of the Cook Islands, Federated States of late 2007. There are some places anticipated Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, to drill in international waters including the Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, south Pacific. It is no doubt that detailed site Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Niue. The survey should be carried out well in advance programme was successful in discovering for the safety and efficient operation. We valuable deep-ocean mineral deposits in several sincerely hope that Authorities of SOPAC areas of the ocean floor of the Pacific, and also member countries would kindly understand in identifying promising sites for further objectives of the project and enormous benefits investigation. Some aspects of the programme to human community, and cooperate with us results were summarised by five speakers at to carry out geophysical and geological site the STAR yesterday. surveys and drilling operation afterwards. JOGMEC will provide a new database, which In conclusion, JAMSTEC wishes to express our will include data sets, collected from the thanks again for SOPAC’s cooperation to programme in ArcView and MapInfo formats. promote marine scientific research and We will also provide a new Atlas describing the understanding to our projects, and readiness results of survey cruises over the last 10 years. to assist the region with appropriate manners. We hope that these outputs will be useful to SOPAC and SOPAC member countries in future marine mining activities. JAPAN OIL, GAS AND METALS A total of nearly forty (40) participants from NATIONAL CORPORATION (JOGMEC) SOPAC member countries joined the cruises as on-board trainees with a representative of Thank you Mr Chairman ... coastal states, and visited Japan for post-cruise training as part of the JICA training On behalf of the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals programme. National Corporation (JOGMEC), I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the In addition to the Deep-sea Mineral Resources Secretariat of SOPAC and SOPAC member Joint Project, JICA has dispatched experts to countries. the SOPAC Technical Secretariat in Fiji since 1987. They have been involved in offshore Firstly, let me introduce our organization. The minerals programmes, the construction of Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation databases, related data management, cruise co- (JOGMEC) was established in February 2004, ordination and various work in the field of as the result of a merger between the Metal offshore programmes. A number of JOGMEC Mining Agency of Japan (MMAJ) and the Japan and Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ) staff have National Oil Corporation (JNOC). JOGMEC’s joined the SOPAC Secretariat as JICA experts, objective is to ensure a stable and secure supply and I believe their work contributes greatly to of oil, gas and non-ferrous metals to Japan. the steady development of the South Pacific countries. At the request of SOPAC, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Although the deep-sea mineral resources study JOGMEC, the former Metal Mining Agency of programme between SOPAC and Japan will be Japan, has been conducting surveys of deep completed this year, JOGMEC and interested
79 Japanese parties, such as the Geological Survey acknowledge the SOPAC secretariats for of Japan (GSJ), hope for further cooperation arranging and supporting SOPAC-KIGAM with SOPAC and SOPAC member countries in programmes so far. We will make best efforts various fields. We look forward to continued to achieve the intended outcomes of this UNDP collaboration and the strengthening of our project. We sincerely hope that all these kinds relationships in the future. of cooperation will be continued as well.
Thank you very much again, Mr Chair, for giving us this honor to make this statement. KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE We wish this 34th Annual Session be fulfilled AND MINERAL RESOURCES (KIGAM) with great success and achievements.
Honorable Chair, Distinguished Delegates, Director and Secretariat of SOPAC, STAR Chair, Outstanding Scientists, Ladies and Gentlemen KOREA OCEAN RESEARCH AND … DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (KORDI)
First of all, on behalf of KIGAM, we’d like to Distinguished delegates, Director and congratulate Samoa on hosting 34th Annual Secretariat Staff of SOPAC, and ladies and Session successfully. And we wish to deliver gentlemen! KIGAM’s sincere appreciation to the government of Samoa for inviting us. We also appreciate I am very pleased to represent the Korea Ocean the director and the secretariats of SOPAC for Research and Development Institute, or KORDI, th kindly arranging us to join this blessed meeting at the 34 Annual Session of SOPAC. First of again. KIGAM, as always, has firm belief that all, taking this opportunity, I extend greetings this kind of activities is one of the essential on behalf of KORDI. elements to maintain our close relationship. Since KORDI initiated its Marine Scientific KIGAM, since the first participation in 1994, Research, or MSR, programme in the South has tried to maintain cooperative partnership Pacific in 1997, KORDI’s interests in this region with SOPAC for sustainable development of the have been gradually increased to various peoples in this South Pacific region. The coastal scientific areas. KORDI has been conducting 8 mapping of Savai’i Island, the task WS survey cruises for seabed minerals such as 1999.009, SOPAC, was initiated by the request cobalt-rich manganese crusts and of Samoa, as a part of SOPAC-KIGAM hydrothermal massive sulfides within the programme. But the work was not continued Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) areas of the due to the lack of fund and fundamental Marshall Islands, Yap State of FSM, PNG, imagery data. By the request of Samoa at the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Tonga. In conducting 32nd Annual Session, KIGAM decided to resume these activities, we have been maintaining the mapping project and performed the bilateral collaboration with these coastal states reconnaissance field survey in 2004. and managed to obtain mutual benefits from the results of surveys. I, on behalf of KORDI, This year KIGAM implemented a three-year- would like to borrow this occasion to express base UNDP national project through the our sincere appreciation to SOPAC member Ministry of Science & Technology, in which countries for accepting KORDI’s MSR requests Samoa Meteorology Division (SMD) and SOPAC conducted in their EEZ areas. Regarding our will cooperate. The UNDP project, “Coastal MSR, we appreciate and welcome SOPAC’s role Geological Mapping of Savai’i Island, Samoa” in issuing and settling contrary views among might be in the second stage for KIGAM to make survey bodies and coastal states. an advanced relationship with Samoa and SOPAC. This project includes capacity building To understand the submarine hydrothermal of Samoan researchers in coastal geology as systems in the Lau Basin, KORDI had well as production of map series. conducted a survey in the Eastern Lau Spreading Center and Fonualei Rift and At this moment, we, on behalf of KIGAM, would Spreading Center located in Tonga EEZ, last like to express our gratitude to the government year. We will also continue to have a research of Samoa. Especially, the SMD and the National cruise in these areas this year. This cruise will Mapping Section of the Ministry of Natural last for 30 days from December 12 to January Resources, Environment, and Meteorology 10. In this cruise we have a plan to gather should be mentioned here for their open-minded bathymetric data and sub-bottom profiles, rock and substantial cooperation. We also and sediment samples, and to monitor the
80 physicochemical characteristics of water terrestrial geological survey of Weno Island of masses at various depths using the KORDI’s Chuuk State; just completed fourth-year R/V Onnuri. We expect to work with a detailed bathymetry survey of the Chuuk representative of the Kingdom of Tonga in this Lagoon using multibeam echosounder; basic cruise. ocean ecosystem and environmental study of Chuuk Lagoon; feasibility study of developing Moreover, I am glad to inform you that KORDI alternative renewable ocean energy; and, has implemented and been actively carrying out various studies relating to marine living a new South Pacific programme through the resources. We hope that KSORC will provide establishment of the Korea-South Pacific Ocean another passage for further cooperation with Research Center, or KSORC, in Chuuk State of SOPAC secretariat and member countries. Your FSM since 2000. Although current activities of encouragement and support is very much KSORC are limited to FSM, particularly within appreciated. the Chuuk Lagoon, we are planning expansion of Center’s roles to various ocean science Let us wish all of us will have a very successful including geoscience fields of various regions and fruitful 34th SOPAC Annual Session. Thank of the South Pacific from next year. Some of you. examples of KSORC research activities include
81 APPENDIX 5
STAR CHAIR’S REPORT TO COUNCIL 2005
Chair of SOPAC, Excellencies, Distinguished recommend the volume of abstracts as a guide National representatives and Delegation to the material covered and as a source of much members, representatives of Institutions and useful information. Organisations, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me briefly outline the scope of the presentations for you, to indicate the variety. During the Tectonics session, papers covered I. INTRODUCTION aspects of the geology of tectonic plate boundaries and of other onshore and offshore Thank you for this opportunity to formally structural features such as mid-ocean rises. report on STAR’s activities. As the Minister Disaster Risk Reduction presentations covered explained in his opening address this morning, a wide range of topics, including planning and STAR is the Science, Technology and Resources management, public awareness, specific Network associated with SOPAC and it acts as hazards such as landslides and tsunami, and an interface between the SOPAC Secretariat and medical and economic aspects. its member nations and the international scientific community. It does this in several Oceans & Coastal papers looked at data ways. At intervals, an international scientific collection, coastal and seafloor mapping, and workshop or meeting may be convened by lagoon circulation. Papers dealing with water STAR, or held under its auspices, on a broad were presented in conjunction with planning theme relevant to the SOPAC region. STAR meetings for the Pacific position paper for the members also correspond and tender advice 4th World Water Forum, and this was also a during the intervening periods. strong area of the meeting.
Each year, a meeting at which scientific papers Other sessions looked at aggregate and energy, are presented and discussed, and thematic including the replacement of diesel fuel from Working Groups meet, is held prior to this indigenous sources, and at deep sea mineral Annual Session of the SOPAC Governing deposits in the region. Council. This year, the 22nd meeting of STAR was held on September 24th to 27th at this hotel. This is STAR’s 21st birthday meeting and, III. WORKING GROUPS coincidentally, its very first meeting in 1984 was also held in Apia. In addition to the scientific presentations, several groups also met. These working groups offer an important opportunity for STAR delegates to bring to the attention of Council II. STAR PRESENTATIONS items of particular scientific and technical importance to the region. The theme of this year’s STAR meeting was: Disaster risk reduction, particularly with respect This year, working groups met to discuss: to natural events in the SOPAC region. • Developing Ocean Science Education for As unfortunate events at the close of 2004 and Sustainable Development in the Pacific, during this year have shown, this was a • Economic aspects of natural disasters and particularly apt choice. The theme was well disaster risk reduction, developed, with 20 presentations, and there • Energy, were a range of other papers on topics relevant to the region. During the meeting, 49 scientific • Habitats, papers were presented orally and 21 others by • Ocean products, and the posters displaying research results some • Water. of which you see displayed at the back of this room. Abstracts of these are published in I will report only briefly on their main SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 603. As is always recommendations here but the full reports with the case for STAR meetings, the information supporting arguments for the conclusions are presented covered a broad range and I appended and I commend these for your perusal.
82 Developing Ocean Science Education reduction into the national planning and for Sustainable Development in the budgetary system; Pacific • It encouraged SOPAC Governing Council to endorse the need to improve the This Working Group: coordination and integration of related data collection, data management and data • Emphasised the need for Education for sharing, in order to improve decision- Sustainable Development and Capacity making; Building [especially ocean/coastal science and related ocean/coastal-hazard • The Working Group recognised that education in primary and secondary capacity building is needed in economic schools, tertiary/professional training assessments and analyses related to institutions and in the general community] disaster risk reduction at the national level across the SOPAC region at Ministerial and so: Level –in each of the Ministries responsible • Recommended that the SOPAC Secretariat for Education, Natural Resources, work with CROP and its other partners to Fisheries, Environment, Tourism, Public further develop both human capacity and Works, Disaster Management, Meteorology the tools for this process, and integrate and Geology; them with other existing decision-making • Recommended work towards implementing tools. appropriate Ocean Science Materials into individual Pacific Island Country School Curricula. Ideally, the ocean science Energy Working Group materials will be regionally generic and adapted to suit each country’s environment The Working Group on Energy: AND education curriculum; • Noted that the Pacific Island Energy Policy • Recommended work towards improving has been revised and agreed by the Regional ocean science education at the general Energy Meeting in Madang in 2004, public level, including the adoption of World commended by the CROP heads in August Ocean Day in the Pacific; 2005, and will be submitted to the Pacific • Recommended the region maintain and Islands Forum in October 2005 for adop- continue the commitment by international tion by the Leaders. The Energy Working researchers to give Public Seminars when Group hopes that this document will serve visiting Pacific Ports [eg. USA Ridge 2000 as an opportunity to provide direction for in Suva, 2005]; and action; • Recommended the selection of one to five • They noted that, in the context of the Pa- STAR delegates every year to present a talk cific Plan, energy has a major impact on on their work and implications for all the four pillars of the Pacific Plan, sustainable development in the Pacific [and namely, Economic Development, Security, especially ocean science related work] to Sustainable Development and Governance, local schools, training centres and and therefore believe that energy should institutions in the host country of the feature prominently in the Pacific Plan; Annual STAR Session. • They recognised that lack of affordable, reliable and clean supplies of energy threat- ens the existence of Pacific island commu- Economic aspects of natural disasters nities; and disaster risk reduction • In the interim, they are encouraged by the efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum Secre- This Working Group recommended: tariat to reduce the supply cost of fuel by • That SOPAC Governing Council consider bulk purchasing for the region. The cur- the importance of the economic impacts of rent economic burden on Pacific island disasters, and the need to implement and communities requires action now; integrate economic assessment tools into • They applaud the progress made by the a ‘whole of government’ approach to SOPAC Community Lifelines Programme on disaster risk reduction; energy policy, biofuels, wind energy and • It strongly encouraged national energy efficiency and conservation. They governments to mainstream disaster risk encourage SOPAC Community Lifelines
83 Programme to continue to assist member 1) Improving meteorological and oceano- countries with the implementation of the graphic forecasting; and energy policy and application of appropri- 2) Understanding variations in ocean condi- ate technologies; and tions. • They also welcomed the progress of the Both of these could assist with the development CROP Energy Working Group (EWG) mem- and sustainability of the fisheries and marine bers (including SPREP, SOPAC, UNDP, PPA tourism industries. and USP) on addressing Energy Issues in the region, and believe that it is important The Working Group encouraged: that the EWG members seek new opportu- nities to use their specialist skills in a co- • SOPAC Member Countries (with assistance operative way to facilitate Pacific island from the SOPAC and PI-GOOS Secretari- communities’ access to affordable, reliable ats and the international research commu- and clean energy supplies. nity) to develop their capabilities to collect and analyse oceanographic data for: 1) The benefit of their communities; and Habitats Working Group 2) Assisting the international research in- The Habitats Working Group made the following stitutions in carrying out research in the recommendations: region.
• Progress by SOPAC to develop the marine • The SOPAC and PI-GOOS Secretariats to benthic habitat-mapping workshop to take proactively find an efficient mechanism place in Fiji in 2007 should continue, but where the information relating to various seeking partnership for the workshop with planned MSR and oceanographic surveys the CPC and GeoHab; and development of platforms for the stor- age and sharing of results and data between • Efforts be made to process SOPAC SOPAC Member Countries and the inter- backscatter data, which then can be used national scientific community; and in marine benthic habitat mapping; • All other institutions carrying out research • Follow through on the 2003 working in the region to share their results with the group’s recommendation that a pilot ma- SOPAC Member Countries, within a rea- rine benthic habitat-mapping project be sonable timeframe, and also to work with done in Kiribati or elsewhere using SOPAC and PI-GOOS to strengthen the multibeam data collected by SOPAC, in- Oceanographic and MSR Capability in the cluding processing of backscatter data and region. interpretation of marine habitats from these data; • Coordination between regional geologists Water Working Group and biologists be undertaken when doing coastal mapping in order to facilitate a ho- The Working Group recognised progress had listic scientific approach and increase ben- been made under the Pacific RAP and identified efits of the surveys; and 5 key areas for future action to progress sustainable water management in the Pacific • Collaboration should be encouraged with Island Countries. These are recommended to other regional agencies (e.g., SPREP, FFA, council for endorsement. SPC) to implement demonstration projects by integrating swath-mapping data with • Pacific Island Countries (PICs) should be fisheries and ecological knowledge. supported to develop a sustained knowl- edge and skill base in the field of water and wastewater management. A particular dif- Ocean Products Working Group ficulty in the PICs is that specialised knowl- edge and experience often rests in the This Working Group addressed the processes hands of few people and that capacity can of translating ocean observation data into useful easily be lost. Donor agencies and govern- products and applications for Pacific Island ments should be encouraged to commit to Countries. The Group recognised the usefulness repeat and ongoing training; of oceanographic data and its applications to • The Integrated Water Resources Manage- the SOPAC Member Countries and associated ment (IWRM) concept is considered a key community interests, in particular for: mechanism for achieving sustainable wa-
84 ter management. IWRM should be pro- that are consistent with the objectives of moted and work towards its implementa- the regional Framework of Action. tion emphasised. The removal of obstacles to inter-agency cooperation should be en- couraged; IV. Other Issues from the STAR Meeting • Novel approaches to dealing with the lack of economies of scale in the Pacific should This year saw the introduction of the be promoted. The small populations, isola- Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Groups. tion and limited resource bases that char- These groups of TAG scientists met with SOPAC acterise many of the PICs make it difficult Programme Managers in Suva immediately to realise efficiencies in the water and sani- prior to the STAR meeting. They gave their tation sector. Cost recovery is also chal- impressions of the process to the STAR meeting, lenging. Programmes to address unac- and will report more fully to Council later in counted for water, benchmarking and en- the meeting. gendering a maintenance culture within The STAR meeting also discussed the proposal utilities should be supported; in Council Agenda Item 10.4, to hold STAR every • Resources should be sought to implement other year. A resolution was passed the Drinking-Water Quality and Health emphasizing the delegate’s view of the Framework for Action which complements importance of holding STAR meetings every year and builds on the Pacific RAP; and in association with meetings of this Council, and that resolution will be tabled later. • As the Pacific is a region of the world that is impacted by climate variability and change it is considered imperative to inte- grate modern seasonal climate forecasting V. General Comments from Chair of into water management. Efforts to integrate STAR the work of meteorological services, hydro- logical services and water managers should At this point, I would appreciate the opportunity be encouraged. to convey some personal impressions of this STAR meeting.
A clearly applied direction to research has Early Warning Special Interest Group always been a particular feature of STAR and delegates have informally discussed In addition, a group of interested STAR mechanisms for increasing the provision of participants met and discussed the Draft quality technical advice to member Framework for Action 2005-2015 and governments throughout the year, not just at particularly theme 5 of this Framework: “A draft these meetings. STAR scientists are a resource strategy for enhancing early warning for Pacific that is available to SOPAC member nations and Island Countries”. we are actively seeking ways to ensure that They proposed the following for consideration: optimal use is made of this resource.
• A formal STAR “Pacific Framework for Ac- A second point and related issue is the large tion” Working Group be established; volume of quantitative data coming from a range of monitoring and remote sensing systems. We • That this Working Group interact with heard, as just one example, about the Community Risk Programme staff at future oceanographic information from the more than STAR meeting,s and whenever else is pos- 300 Argo floats operating in the South Pacific sible, to provide science and technology that is freely available within 24 hours of advice and support in the implementation collection. As was mentioned a number of times of National Action Plan priorities; both in STAR presentations and in working • Where possible members of STAR provide group discussion, incorporating such vital and in-kind short term capacity building sup- up-to-the-minute but voluminous information port in their area of expertise or existing into research and policy will be a continuing programs that align with agreed National challenge for us all. priorities, and participate in the monitor- ing of the implementation of the framework; Finally, this year about a third of the STAR and presentations were from scientists based within the SOPAC region and many others dealt with • STAR promotes the use of integrated ho- collaborative research between people within listic Disaster Risk Reduction approaches and without the region. At the STAR meetings
85 we continue to see genuinely global research Argo] in Samoa and the Cook Islands since with a strong Pacific base. 2002. SEREAD aims to generate awareness, discussion, and understanding by Pacific Island As usual, STAR is indebted to staff of the SOPAC students of the ocean’s role in the climate Secretariat for their cheerful and untiring efforts system and sea level rise using local and that make the meeting possible. In that respect, practical examples. In 2006 it will be extended STAR noted this will be the last STAR/SOPAC to include a multi-hazard unit that promotes meeting that Russell Howorth attends in an understanding the processes and effects of official capacity. Apart from his own research coastal flooding and erosion from tropical efforts that have included providing invaluable cyclones, storm surge, tsunamis, spring tides, baseline data for many islands, Russell has sea level rise due to climate change, and the been a staunch supporter of STAR throughout potential interactions between these. The unit and the organization recognised his will also address how this information is useful contribution with a motion of thanks. in preparation for potential coastal hazards in the Pacific. The SEREAD material is free, able And finally, Mr Chairman, as Chair of STAR to be translated into local languages and and speaking on behalf of all the scientists, may publicly available from the new PI-GOOS and I thank our hosts, the Government and people the USP-PRIDE [Pacific Regional Initiative for of Samoa. the Delivery of Basic Education] Resource That concludes my address. Thank you. Websites. It is the only dedicated Ocean Science Resource Material available that has been John Collen, Chair, Science Technology and specifically developed for the South Pacific Resources Network (STAR), Apia, Samoa, 28 region. September 2005 In January 2005, at the inaugural Conference of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development [2005-2015] the statement was VI. ANNEX made that there is a desperate global need to improve the teaching and understanding of Minutes of STAR Working Groups coastal and marine science education for ‘Developing Ocean Science Education for sustainable development at the school and community levels, with local and practical Sustainable Development in the Pacific’ examples. The recent Regional All Hazards Working Group Precursor Meeting, Sunday Workshop held in Suva this month and hosted 8.30am by SOPAC also noted the need for improved ocean and coastal science education to assist Co-ordinated by Sarah Grimes, PI-GOOS Co- regional disaster preparation. ordinator, SOPAC Recently, a regional vision for improving ocean Preamble: The ocean is central to the lives of science education across the Pacific has been most Pacific Island residents. Aside from the developed and is available for download from threat of coastal hazards from physical the new PI-GOOS Web Key Documents Page processes such as storm surge and tsunamis, [accessible via the SOPAC Home Page the sea provides a source of food and medicines, www.sopac.org]. The Key Recommendations a medium for transportation and is a indicated that a longer-term strategic goal to dominating influence on the weather and effectively improve lifelong knowledge of ocean climate of the region which influences both processes and its implications for sustainable tropical cyclone generation and longer-term livelihoods in the region will require the changes in sea level. Most importantly, it plays implementation of ocean science curricula a key role in the fisheries, aquaculture and [using materials such as SEREAD] at the tourism industries- integral to the economic primary and secondary levels as well as and sustainable development of the region. promotion amongst the general community via Despite this, most Pacific Island residents are public education channels. For this to occur, unaware of the “science” of the sea, knowledge the profile of Environmental Education for of which has value and relevance to everyday Sustainable Development first needs to be life in the region. PI-GOOS has already focused emphasised in individual PICs. The effective on improving Ocean Science Education via the development and integration of ocean science US-Argo and UNESCO funded SEREAD material into the curricula of at least six Pacific Program [Scientific Educational Resources and Island Countries by 2010 will require Experience Associated with the Deployment of approximately US$50K pa. PI-GOOS is
86 searching for assistance and advice, both in- science into material that is useable at the kind and financial to assist the development of school and general public level]. such a crucial initiative to the region. 2. To suggest ways to improve training in Physical Oceanography and its implications The attendees of the SOPAC STAR Ocean to the region [eg. Currents, navigation, hy- Science Education Working Group were invited draulic flushing of aquaculture areas such to learn of and provide comments on the Vision as coral atolls] at the University and Pro- for Ocean Science Education in Primary and fessional Levels throughout the region. Secondary Schools and discuss ways in which the recommendations might be achieved. The Working Group also brainstormed ideas for the Immediate Recommendations to the SOPAC input required to improve and integrate ocean Council For Endorsement: science knowledge into the general community as well as improve access to marine science Emphasise the need for Education for opportunities at the tertiary level. Sustainable Development and Capacity Building [especially ocean/coastal science and related ocean/coastal-hazard education in Education Ocean Science Working Group primary and secondary schools, tertiary/ 1.30-2.30pm Tuesday Sept 27, 2005 professional training institutions and in the general community] across the SOPAC region Attendants at Precursor Working Group (Sunday at Ministerial Level –in each of the Ministries 8.30am) general discussion: responsible for Education, Natural Resources, Fisheries, Environment, Tourism, Public Works, Mr Massasinge Arurang – Ministry Lands and Disaster Management, Meteorology and Survey, Palau; Dr David Kennedy – Wellington Geology; Uni, NZ (coastal geomorphology and coral reefs); Dr Kazu Kitiazawa – JAMSTEC, Japan (Physical Work towards implementing appropriate Ocean oceanography); Prof Chuck Fisher – Ridge 2000, Science Materials into individual Pacific Island Uni. Penn. State (deep sea marine biology/ Country School Curricula. Ideally, the ocean tectonics); Mr Marion Henry, FSM (and on science materials will be regionally generic and behalf of Micronesian Colleagues); Mr Russell adapted to suit each country’s environment Nari – Vanuatu; Dr Peter Nielson – UQ AND education curriculum; Engineering Dept (hydraulic engineering in atoll environments); Mr Lameko Talia – Samoa, Work towards improving ocean science Ministry Natural Resource and Environment education at the general public level, including (meteorology/geology); Mr Kabure Temariti – the adoption of World Ocean Day in the Pacific; Kiribati Maintain and continue the commitment by international researchers to give Public Seminars when visiting Pacific Ports [eg. USA Attendants at the Main Working Group (Tuesday Ridge 2000 in Suva, 2005]; and 1.30pm) Select one to five STAR delegates every year to Dr Robert Bell – NIWA, NZ; Dr Dave Callaghan, present a talk on their work and implications – UQ, Australia; Mr William Erb – IOC, Perth; for sustainable development in the Pacific [and Ms Marie Fatiaki – Live and Learn, Fiji; Prof especially ocean science related work] to local Chuck Fisher – Penn State Uni, USA; Dr David schools, training centres and institutions in the Kennedy – Uni Wellington, NZ; Dr Kazu host country of the Annual STAR Session. Kitiazawa – JAMSTEC, Japan; Mr Kelepi Mafi, – Ministry of Lands and Survey, Tonga; Dr Peter Nielson – UQ, Australia; Mr Alf Simpson – ASAP Consulting, Australia; Mr Lameko Talia – Working Group on Economic Aspects of Samoa Ministry Natural Resource and Disaster Risk Reduction Environment; Mr Akuila Tawake – SOPAC. Preamble Aims: During the 22nd STAR Session in 2005 a 1. To brainstorm, discuss and determine the Working Group was formed to consider regional and individual Pacific Island Coun- economic aspects of natural disasters and try’s [PIC] needs for ocean science educa- disaster risk reduction. tion [especially the translation of physical The true costs of natural disasters are rarely
87 identified. Only through a better understanding other partners to further develop both human of these costs can Pacific Island Countries make capacity and the tools for this process, and good decisions and policies for disaster risk integrate them with other existing decision- reduction. Informed investment in disaster risk making tools. reduction can limit the negative impacts of disasters on present and future generations in the Pacific, and lower the burden of the cost of STAR Working Group on Energy - Report response, relief and recovery. to STAR Chair The Working Group recognised the importance Working Group Members: of improving knowledge of the social, economic and environmental impacts of disasters in Andrew Matthews (NIWA), Thomas Jensen Pacific island nations and communities to (UNDP-Samoa), Keu Mataroa (Cook Islands); increase the effectiveness of disaster risk Atatoa Herman (Cook Island), Fonoti Perelini reduction measures. (ASPA), Peter Nielsen (University of Queensland), Marion Henry (FSM Dept. of The Working Group emphasised the importance Economic Affairs), Moefaano Taputoa Titimaea of disaster risk reduction in the context of (Samoa Water Supply), Russell Nari (Vanuatu climate change and associated impacts. Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources), Paul The Working Group welcomed the development Fairbairn (SOPAC), Jan Cloin (SOPAC), of economic assessment tools to improve Apologies: Solomone Fifita (SPREP), Gordon knowledge in this area by the SOPAC Chang (PPA). Secretariat and its partners, and recognised the Facilitator: Fonoti Perelini potential for beneficial use in the region. Rapporteur: Andrew Matthews The Working Group also acknowledged the expertise of STAR to support SOPAC and its CROP partners in this process. Working Group Report & Recommendations:
The members of the STAR working group on Recommendations: energy agreed the following recommendations should be submitted to the SOPAC Governing The Working Group recommends that the Council for the benefit of the Community SOPAC Governing Council consider the Lifelines Programme (CLP) and individual importance of the economic impacts of Member Countries. In making this report it is disasters, and the need to implement and noted that a number of recommendations from integrate economic assessment tools into a 2004 still remain relevant and continue to be whole of government approach to disaster risk advanced. reduction; The Working Group on Energy: The Working Group strongly encourages national governments to mainstream disaster I. Noted the Pacific Island Energy Policy has risk reduction into the national planning and been revised and agreed by the Regional budgetary system; Energy Meeting in Madang in 2004, commended by the CROP heads in August The Working Group encourages the SOPAC 2005, and will be submitted to the Pacific Governing Council to endorse the need to Islands Forum in October 2005 for adop- improve the coordination and integration of tion by the Leaders. The Energy Working related data collection, data management and Group hopes that this document will serve data sharing, in order to improve decision- as an opportunity to provide direction for making; action; The Working Group recognises that capacity II. We note in the context of the Pacific Plan building is needed in economic assessments that energy has a major impact on all the and analyses related to disaster risk reduction four pillars of the Pacific Plan, namely, at the national level; and Economic Development, Security, Sustain- able Development and Governance. We The Working Group recommends that the therefore believe that energy should fea- SOPAC Secretariat work with CROP and its ture prominently in the Pacific Plan;
88 III. We recognise that lack of affordable, reli- right and that SOPAC has an opportunity to able and clean supplies of energy threat- become a major contributor to the science and ens the existence of Pacific island commu- most likely the primary shallow water nities; contributor in the Pacific region. Mapping products will form an integral part of IV. In the interim, we are encouraged by the sustainable management plans for marine efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum Secre- resources tariat to reduce the supply cost of fuel by bulk purchasing for the region. The cur- In review of the notes from the 2003 working rent economic burden on Pacific island group meeting it was apparent that little has communities requires action now; been done by SOPAC in regard to marine V. We are pleased with the progress made by benthic habitat mapping, although data useful the SOPAC Community Lifelines Pro- in this activity is regularly being collected. The gramme on energy policy, biofuels, wind conclusion reached by the 2003 working group energy and energy efficiency and conser- that the activities SOPAC is charged with, vation. We encourage SOPAC Community including coastal geophysical mapping for Lifelines Programme to continue to assist aggregate assessment, hazards analyses, and member countries with the implementation effluent discharge, applies as well to the living of the energy policy and application of ap- resources was endorsed by the ad hoc working propriate technologies; and group. Therefore, habitat mapping as an appropriate mechanism for applying VI. We also welcome the progress of the CROP geoscientific studies to marine living resources Energy Working Group (EWG) members (in- evaluation is still viable. Another recommen- cluding SPREP, SOPAC, UNDP, PPA and dation made at the 2003 working group USP) on addressing Energy Issues in the meeting, and endorsed by the 2005 ad hoc region. We believe that it is important that working group, is that consideration be given the EWG members seek new opportunities to developing a habitat-mapping workshop for to use their specialist skills in a co-opera- the SOPAC region in the near future, in a tive way to facilitate Pacific island commu- similar fashion and for the same purposes as nities’ access to affordable, reliable and was done for the 1997 Noumea workshop. The clean energy supplies. ad hoc working group was informed that preparations were being made by SOPAC to undertake such a workshop in cooperation with Report of the Benthic Habitat Mapping the Circum-Pacific Council and tentatively Group scheduled to take place in Fiji in March of 2007.
On Tuesday, September 26, 2005 the Ad Hoc The ad hoc working group noted that an ever Benthic Habitat Mapping Group informally met increasing amount of multibeam and at the Kitano Hotel, Apia, Western Samoa to backscatter data have been collected, and discuss the contributions that SOPAC can make continues to be collected, in the SOPAC region to the assessment and management of the that can be used to map marine benthic ocean’s living resources, especially to fisheries. habitats. Again, as mentioned in the 2003 Five scientists were in attendance. The last working group meeting, although backscatter formal meeting of this working group was held data has not been processed, it has been Monday September 22, 2003 at the Niue Sports collected and could be processed once Club, Niue. Eleven scientists participated in methodologies and funds needed to support that working group. It was noted that the software are identified. The ad hoc working importance of marine benthic habitat mapping group strongly encourages SOPAC to obtain this has not declined since the first marine habitat software, plus ensure data are properly archived conference was convened in Noumea, New for future processing. Caledonia in 1997, a workshop held in New Mentioned at the 2003 working group meeting, Caledonia to acknowledge the multidisciplinary and again repeated here, the ad hoc working ZoNeCo programme that since 1993 has been group suggests that SOPAC facilitate assessing both the living and non-living coordination between regional geologists and resources of New Caledonia’s EEZ, and biologists when involved in coastal mapping so sponsored by SOPAC, ORSTOM, and IFREMER. that habitat information beneficial to ecological In fact, the ad hoc habitat mapping group assessment can be collected at no, or little, extra pointed out that marine benthic habitat has cost. The benefit of such coordination is that now become a mainstream science of its own sensitive ecological habitats may be identified
89 designations for marine protected areas and in 1) A full-time co-ordinator of the UNESCO Pa- areas that, for example, may be earmarked for cific Island Global Ocean Observing Sys- aggregate mining may be avoided. Thus the tem [PI-GOOS]; and mining activity may be shifted or selected 2) A website whereby ocean information was elsewhere to prevent adverse impact to a critical easily accessible to PICs. habitat. The commencement of Dr Sarah Grimes as PI- Recommendations: GOOS Co-ordinator occurred in September 2004 and since May 2005, the first regional 1. Progress by SOPAC to develop the marine Ocean Information Web-portal has been benthic habitat-mapping workshop to take developed and is now accessible by the SOPAC place in Fiji in 2007 should continue, but homepage: www.sopac.org [PI-GOOS Link]. seeking partnership for the workshop with These two outcomes also underpin aspects of the CPC and GeoHab; the Pacific Island Regional Ocean Information 2. Efforts be made to process SOPAC System [PIROIS] and Pacific Island Regional backscatter data, which then can be used Ocean Policy [PIROP] strategic frameworks. in marine benthic habitat mapping; In consultation with regional and international 3. Follow through on the 2003 working stakeholders and also guided by “PAOOP 2002”, group’s recommendation that a pilot ma- the PI-GOOS Co-ordinator has developed a rine benthic habitat-mapping project be strategic PI-GOOS Program 2006-2007. The done in Kiribati or elsewhere using overarching aim is to improve the capacity in multibeam data collected by SOPAC, in- the region to carry out ocean science, cluding processing of backscatter data and monitoring and management activities to assist interpretation of marine habitats from these sustainable development and self-reliance. The data; Program strives towards the immediate goals 4. Coordination between regional geologists of: and biologists be undertaken when doing 1) Improving access to ocean and marine sci- coastal mapping in order to facilitate a ho- ence education at school, community and listic scientific approach and increase ben- tertiary institutions throughout the region; efits of the surveys; and 2) Developing useful ocean and coastal prod- 5. Encourage collaboration with other regional ucts for the region; and agencies (e.g., SPREP, FFA, SPC) to imple- 3) Developing a central node of accessible ment demonstration projects by integrat- ocean information [including the new ocean ing swath-mapping data with fisheries and and coastal products] via the new regional ecological knowledge. Ocean Web-portal and a revamped Marine Attendees: Mike Gawel – Guam; Gary Greene – Scientific Research [MSR] database. USA; Yves Lafoy – New Caledonia; Andrew This Working Group provides an opportunity Matthews – New Zealand; and Dick Pickrill – for local, regional and international Canada stakeholders to:
1) Provide comments on the current relevance STAR Working Group ‘Translating Ocean of the “PAAOP 2002” recommendations; Observation Data into Useful Products and and Applications for Pacific Island Countries’ 2) Further identify the regional priority needs for Ocean Observations and their poten- Co-ordinated by Sarah Grimes, PI-GOOS Co- tial application to marine safety, health, ordinator tourism, fisheries, and education in the re- gion. Preamble: The Regional Workshop “Potential Applications for Ocean Observations for the Discussions being sought through this process Pacific Islands Region” held in Fiji, 2002 will assist planning for the Regional PI-GOOS resulted in a Summary Document [hereafter Missions in 2006/2007 whereby individual PICs referred to as “PAOOP 2002”] with will have an opportunity to develop, strengthen recommendations to address the Ocean and commence using ocean products and Observation Product and Service needs for services. Pacific Island Countries [PICs]. Two of the major To assist, please complete the GOOS outcomes of this document were to establish: Questionnaire, located on the PI-GOOS Website
90 [PI-GOOS Activities Page, Data and • All other institutions carrying out research Information]. For individual representatives, in the region to share their results with the please use B1 Single Entry Form. For those SOPAC Member Countries, within a rea- completing the questionnaire for themselves sonable timeframe, and also to work with AND on behalf of others in their country, use SOPAC and PI-GOOS to strengthen the the B1 Main Entry Form. Oceanographic and MSR Capability in the region. All background documents to the Working Group are located and available for download on the new PI-GOOS Website Key Documents Water Working Group Page [PAAOP 2002; Pacific GOOS Strategy 2001; PIROP; and PIROIS]. Planning Meeting for the Pacific Position Paper for the 4th World Water Forum Attendants at the Working Group (Sunday 6.30pm) : Dr Andrew Matthews – NIWA, NZ; Dr Co-ordinated by Alf Simpson (ASAP) and Latu Kazu Kitiazawa – JAMSTEC, Japan. Kupa (KEW Consultant)
The questionnaire was also delivered to Preparations are now underway for the 4th representatives from Fiji, Guam, Tonga for World Water Forum (4WWF) which will be held individual follow-up after the STAR. from the 16-22 March 2006 in Mexico. As part of these preparations the STAR Water Working Statement and Recommendations to the SOPAC Group met in an extended session throughout Council For Endorsement: most of Monday and Tuesday morning to reflect The Ocean Products Working Group recognised on the strategic developments and the usefulness of oceanographic data and its achievements in the water and sanitation sector applications to the SOPAC Member Countries over the past 3 years and review progress and associated community interests, in towards the implementation of the Pacific particular for: Regional Action Plan on Sustainable Water Management (Pacific RAP). 1) Improving meteorological and oceano- graphic forecasting; and The outcome of this consultation will be a draft Pacific sub-regional position paper, which will 2) Understanding variations in ocean condi- be presented at the 4WWF as part of the tions. Regional Position Paper for Asia and the Pacific. Both of these could assist with the development The draft position paper will be circulated by and sustainability of the fisheries and marine the end of the week to the working group tourism industries. members and through the Pacific Water The Ocean Products STAR Working Group Partnership network for comment and review encourages: prior to the submission deadline of the 23rd of October. • SOPAC Member Countries (with assistance from the SOPAC and PI-GOOS Secretari- The Working Group recognised progress had ats and international research community) been made under the Pacific RAP and identified to develop their capabilities to collect and 5 key areas for future action to progress analyse oceanographic data for: sustainable water management in the Pacific Island Countries. These are recommended to 1) The benefit of their communities; and council for endorsement.
2) Assisting the international research in- 1. Pacific Island Countries (PICs) should be stitutions in carrying out research in the supported to develop a sustained knowl- region; edge and skill base in the field of water and wastewater management. A particular dif- • The SOPAC and PI-GOOS Secretariats to ficulty in the PICs is that specialised knowl- proactively find an efficient mechanism edge and experience often rests in the where the information relating to various hands of few people and that capacity can planned MSR and oceanographic surveys easily be lost. Donor agencies and govern- and development of platforms for the stor- ments should be encouraged to commit to age and sharing of results and data between repeat and ongoing training; SOPAC Member Countries and the inter- national scientific community; and 2. The Integrated Water Resources Manage- ment (IWRM) concept is considered a key
91 mechanism for achieving sustainable wa- Jan Gregor, Senior Scientist, Water Group, ter management. IWRM should be pro- ESR, New Zealand moted and work towards its implementa- Tasleem Hasan, Water Quality Officer, SOPAC, tion emphasised. The removal of obstacles Fiji Islands to inter-agency cooperation should be en- Atatoa Herman, Secretary, Ministry of Works, couraged; Cook Islands 3. Novel approaches to dealing with the lack Steven Iddings, Environmental Engineer, of economies of scale in the Pacific should World Health Organisation, Fiji Islands be promoted. The small populations, isola- Kifle Kahsai, Earth and Environmental Pro- tion and limited resource bases that char- gramme, USP, Fiji Islands acterise many of the PICs make it difficult to realise efficiencies in the water and sani- Brian Kouvelis, MWH, New Zealand tation sector. Cost recovery is also chal- Kise Kupa, KEW Consult, Samoa lenging. Programmes to address unac- Latu Kupa, KEW Consult, Samoa counted for water, benchmarking and en- Petero Lafaele, American Samoa Power Author- gendering a maintenance culture within ity (ASPA), American Samoa utilities should be supported; Padma Lal, Sustainable Development Officer, 4. Resources should be sought to implement Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Fiji Is- the Drinking-Water Quality and Health lands Framework for Action which complements Donald Makini, SMEC International, Solomon and builds on the Pacific RAP; and Islands 5. As the Pacific is a region of the world that Ne’emia Mareko, American Samoa Power Au- is impacted by climate variability and thority (ASPA), American Samoa change it is considered imperative to inte- Keu Mataroa, Executive Officer, Ministry of grate modern seasonal climate forecasting Works, Cook Islands into water management. Efforts to integrate the work of meteorological services, hydro- Andrew Matthews, National Institute of Water logical services and water managers should & Atmospheric Research, New Zealand be encouraged. Suluimalo Amataga Penaia, Samoa Water Au- thority, Samoa Fonoti Perelini, American Samoa Power Au- STAR Water Working Group Participants List thority (ASPA), American Samoa Veronique Provo, KEW Consult, Samoa Patrick Amini, Managing Director, PNG Waterboard, Papua New Guinea Tara Qicatabua, Office Manager, Pacific Water Association Stephen Booth, EU Project Leader, SOPAC, Fiji Islands Erickson Sammy, Acting Director of Geology, Department of Geology, Mines & Water Masina Ngau Chun, Ministry of Natural Re- Resources, Vanuatu sources, Environment & Meteorology (MNREM), Samoa Alfred Simpson, Alf Simpson & Associates Pa- cific Ltd (ASAP), Australia Ifereimi Dau, Acting Director, Mineral Re- sources Department, Fiji Islands Henry Taiki, WMO Sub-Regional Office for the South Pacific, Samoa Sarah Davies, Water Supply and Sanitation Engineer, SOPAC, Fiji Islands Moefaauo Titimaea, Chief Executive, Samoa Water Authority, Samoa Taito Delana, Divisional Water Engineer West- ern, Ministry of Works & Energy, Fiji Is- Deve C.K. Talagi, Director of Works, Public lands Works Department, Niue Paul Fairbairn, Manager Community Lifelines, Paula Wilisoni, Department of Water & Sewer- SOPAC, Fiji Islands age, Ministry of Works & Energy, Fiji Is- lands Marie Fatiaki, Programme Manager, Live & Learn Environmental Education, Fiji Is- Karen Wirth, Guam Environmental Protection lands Agency, Guam Martin Fruean, American Samoa Power Author- Rapa Young, Climate Services, Ministry of ity (ASPA), American Samoa Natural Resources, Environment & Mete- orology (MNREM), Samoa Shinobu Fukumoto, Chief Officer, Japan Wa- ter Forum, Japan
92 Establishing a STAR Working Group on STAR meetings and whenever possible to Science and Technology to support the provide science and technology advice and successful implementation of the Pacific support in the implementation of National Action Plan priorities; Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework for Action, 2005- • Where possible members of STAR provide in-kind short term capacity building sup- 2015 port in their area of expertise or existing programs that align with agreed National A group of interested STAR participants met priorities; and discussed both the Draft Framework for Action 2005-2015 and theme 5 of this • STAR promotes the use of integrated ho- Framework: “A draft strategy for enhancing listic Disaster Risk Reduction approaches early warning for Pacific Island Countries.” that are consistent with the objectives of the regional Framework of Action; and • STAR members participate in the monitor- Draft Pacific Framework for Action, 2005- ing of the implementation of the framework. 2015 The group discussed and agreed on the following recommendations for consideration: Enhancing Early Warning for Pacific Island • That a formal STAR “Pacific Framework for Countries Action” Working Group be established; The group discussed the draft strategy and • That the Working Group interact with Com- provided comments, which have been included munity Risk Programme staff at future in the latest draft.
93 APPENDIX 6
EU (EDF 8/9)-SOPAC VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING REPORT
SOPAC EU Project EDF8 Mid-Term Review though the finances are accounted for under 2 Meeting was a side-meeting of the SOPAC 34th separate arrangements, the EU, Regional Session, held 27 September 2005. Authorising Office and the Secretariat considered the Project as one with the same The meeting of the Mid Term Review team, the goal, objectives and key result areas. participating Pacific ACP countries and the Secretariat took place at the Tusitala Kitano Samoa commended the Project team and the Hotel. It was also attended by observers Secretariat for the work achieved and admitted American Samoa, Australia, Guam, New that the delay to Project implementation should Caledonia and New Zealand. The meeting was not solely be attributed to the Project Team but chaired by Papua New Guinea as Chair of the also to the lack of incountry support for the SOPAC Governing Council. national work programme. This was a result of government realignments and staff The Secretariat introduced the Mid Term Review movement in the period between the first and team (MTR) for the European Union funded second stakeholder meetings. It should also Project “Reducing Vulnerabilities of Pacific ACP be noted that representation at the first national States”. The MTR was represented by Brian stakeholder meeting did not involve technical Kouvelis who explained the review process and personnel further contributing to the delay in the recommendations that came out of it. He implementation. There was concern that there highlighted that whilst the review was for the may have been conflicts between regional and EDF8 funding, it also paid attention to the large national initiatives thus less emphasis was future arrangements which necessarily placed on the former. There was also a concern included implementation for the EDF9 funding. at the low rating for the Water and Sanitation Result Area in the MTR, Samoa wanted to retain FSM sought clarification on the different end this result area. Samoa supported continuation dates of the EDF8 and EDF9 funding. of the Project to December 2008 and reaffirms MTR clarified that the extension would bring its strong support and commitment for the the funding agreements of both EDF8 and EDF9 Project. Projects inline for all the Pacific ACP countries The MTR thanked the stakeholders involved involved. during its national consultation process and Fiji enquired about the total funding with appreciated honesty in acknowledging staff respect to EDF8 and EDF9 and the total funding resourcing and political restraints at the spent to date. MTR replied that the total national level. It was acknowledged that the allocation for EDF8 was F$13,105,105 and Project TOR did indeed overlap with other EDF9 F$5,197,005. The funds remaining at programmes as seen in the Solomon Islands the end of 2005 were anticipated to be with recent JICA funded activities duplicating F$7,806,307. those identified during the first stakeholder meeting in 2003. This is also true for the hazard Kiribati then asked if EDF9 would absorb EDF8. and risk activities in Tonga and Samoa being included in a recent World Bank Project. Project MTR responded that the outputs and outcomes objectives can still be achieved and further were common between all Pacific ACP countries. enhanced by uploading products of these other The Secretariat added that the original Project programmes to the information resources from EDF8 funding was extended to the 6 new centre or MapServer provided in the Project. ACP countries under EDF9 funding. The current end date for EDF8 is 08 March 2006, Papua New Guinea requested an email address whereas EDF9 ends in March 2007. The review be included on the Review Report. In addition, recommended that a case for extension be Papua New Guinea also requested the applied for both Projects to December 2008. Secretariat to remain focused on the sites and topics selected at the first stakeholder meeting, Kiribati understood that the two projects were cautioning only the permanent representative not merged which was clarified by the MTR that could approve alterations to the work
94 programme as internal co-funding could also They raised the issue of the MapInfo GIS be utilised wherever necessary. PNG also systems supported by the Project versus ESRI appealed that the Project not follow the trend used in FSM. The MTR replied that there are of Pacific Cities, bypassing Papua New Guinea software translators that will allow for transfer during implementation. It was stressed that of data between platforms. The second issue the MapServer not be confined to the Project raised by FSM related to the current salary of outputs alone but also extend to include other the Country Intern which when converted to datasets such as Maritime Boundaries. USD was not in line with similar incountry positions. It was also raised that training for Kiribati commended the MTR report and 20 people had been indicated in the work plan stressed that Kiribati is made up of very small however, if this were to be translated to the atoll islands, the sea is a main source of income participants from the intervention area this and requested additional swath mapping would amount to 3 being involved from each surveys outside of the initial Project intervention department and suggested the alternative area. possibility of training people from other States. FSM also supported the Kiribati Vanuatu thanked the MTR for the report and recommendation for a revision of the budget to indicated the findings were similar to other secure, and if possible increase, the swath reports related to projects implemented at mapping areas. national level. The issues raised were not specific to the Project however, countries have Tonga congratulated the MTR team for the time the ability to change them. Ownership and involved in the process and credited the leadership of the Project needs to be addressed Secretariat for the tasks implemented in Tonga, nationally and roles and responsibilities defined stressing that the 3 main thematic areas from regional and national perspectives. At the covered in the original Project document be onset of the Project, there was uncertainty at preserved especially water and sanitation. It national level as to who, stakeholders or the is timely to revise how the Project should be Secretariat, was to take the lead, including implemented however, within the time frame funding priorities and responsibilities. Vanuatu of the proposed Project extension. It was raised reiterated country priorities need to be linked that a parallel project in Tonga was ongoing with project priorities for the successful through a soft loan from the World Bank, and implementation of the Project. Vanuatu requested that the Project support the activities supported the extension of the Project and identified. stressed that countries need to take the lead for successful implementation and completion. Samoa reiterated that Project deadline is Vanuatu is in the process of establishing an imminent and enquired about the feasibility of information management system whereby an extension. The MTR stressed the need for policy was finalised and all IT services SOPAC countries support though the centralised. Arrangements to install wireless Secretariat, to supply a request for extension antennaes on Telecommunication towers have to the EU via a request through the Regional been made and will assist access considerably. Authorising Office. It was stressed that regional organisations need to take into account national priorities for future Samoa indicated its support for the extension engagements. The national information system and commitment to the Project. was designed incountry to which information/ The Chair noted that implementation problems, data will be added to. Vanuatu’s approach to particularly at the national level, have been development is linked directly to current acknowledged and are being addressed. The national budgeted priorities. outcomes of this meeting will provide a strong The MTR expressed concern with the Data case for extension, though countries need to Resource Centre including developments with take ownership and leadership of the Project ICT. It was highlighted that Tuvalu and Papua for its successful completion. New Guinea have integrated the MapServer into Solomon Islands thanked the MTR and their national planning centres. Countries were requested clarification on who designed the requested to keep in mind the function of the Project and the TOR. Solomon Islands MapServer as a portal to the outside world when highlighted that the TOR for the MTR designing the front page. consultation determined the findings which Federated States of Micronesia commended the may not necessarily identify all Project shortfalls MTR report and the opportunity given for in order for positive redirection. Solomon incountry involvement in the Project design. Islands queried the 2 sets of recommendations;
95 regional and country specific, which would need resources and technology to carry out swath to be dealt with by the Secretariat. mapping, it was requested that additional swath mapping be considered for other areas. The Secretariat responded that the Project was designed by the Secretariat in 1998 – 1999 Palau expressed its support of taking into consideration the country work recommendations in the MTR report. In relation programmes at that time. The opportunities to databasing and mapping, a request for to get new resource information systems to technical assistance for mapping surveys of improve decision-making were key to the state owned land in relation to water, including Project. training in water and sanitation software.
The MTR stated that the TOR for the review The Chair noted considerations voiced my was defined by the Forum Secretariat. member countries and the support expressed for the Project including ownership and The Cook Islands was confident that the lessons leadership at national level. There needs to be learnt from the initial 8 countries of the Project a stronger communication mechanism for would improve implementation for the 6 new liasing within country, to ensure coordination ones. The way forward for implementation had in the participation of representatives from been established for the Cook Islands through relevant agencies. It was stated that the Project the first stakeholder meeting. A steering design should not to be revised even though committee had been identified to oversee the there were problems with coordination within Project. The Cook Islands reiterated Vanuatu’s agencies. The Chair noted all countries concerns with project duplication and stated supported the extension of the Project and that that initiatives should enhance and improve the lessons learnt to date will be translated to existing services in accordance to Government effective implementation in the 6 new Pacific priorities. GIS and IT have been highlighted ACP countries. in each of the three sectors. The Cook Islands proposed that the three sectors be studied in The Secretariat was encouraged by the different focal areas or islands. Three islands overwhelming support for the Project and its have been identified Rarotonga, Aitutaki and extension to December 2008. It also affirmed Mangaia. The Cook Islands requested the its role in ownership and leadership of the expenditures be tabled in order to refine project Project as it moves forward towards successful design in support of the Project’s extension. completion. It is the Secretariat’s responsibility to provide a strong case to support a request to Fiji agreed with most of MTR recommendations the EU for an extension which can now be and the comments from the other countries, strengthened with the interventions made by and supported the Project’s extension. the countries at this meeting. Existing Tuvalu thanked the MTR for the report and countries work plans would be reviewed with requested the concerns of the NDMO be the countries to focus on what is realistic and addressed. There were concerns that though do-able. Long-term sustainability and success 2 GIS training sessions had been conducted, in this Project means securing of further these were not inline with specific country projects to support the development of the requests. national resource information system. In response to Kiribati, the Project demonstrated The Solomon Islands supported the MTR the value of swath mapping products including recommendations. the management of ocean space. Countries were clearly encouraged at the potential for the Samoa raised two pressing issues, future access project outputs contributing to sustainable to equipment such as the swath mapper and development. There needs to be collaboration the promotion of fellowships including the to deliver incountry in order to achieve selection process. successful project implementation and work towards securing new resources beyond 2008. The Marshall Islands thanked the MTR and In reference to Papua New Guinea’s maritime team and stated that the diversity in the region boundaries and the MapServer, the Secretariat be appreciated. It was stressed that countries highlighted that an agreement of boundaries need to take ownership of the Project and be with neighbouring countries was a prerequisite proactive at the national level in its to data being available on the public domain. implementation including stakeholder participation during the planning process. The Chair closed the meeting and thanked all participants for their contribution to the briefing Kiribati requested clarification on what had provided to the meeting by the MTR. been delivered in Kiribati. With the limited
96 APPENDIX 7
PROGRAMMES REVIEW MONITORING & EVALUATION GROUPS REPORTS AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION
OCEAN AND ISLANDS (OI) PROGRAMME nearly a 50-50 split. As many as 60 people appeared to have been directly supported Review undertaken by Joe Buleka and Gary through SOPAC programmes, while 16 Greene at SOPAC Secretariat, Suva, Fiji, 21- represented seconded people from donor 23 September 2005; written comments to work country agencies and 5 vacant positions programme submitted through e-mail by Bill existing. If vacancies were filled, the total Erb. compliment would be 80 plus people. This diversity of employment and volunteer status, and the variability in residence time (from tens Introduction of years to one year) of the staff makes the organization very complex to manage indeed. The OI-PMEG team reviewed selected elements An inherent problem is TIME. Not enough of it, (outputs) of all three components of the OI which creates stress, and the scale of time being progamme including randomly selected different from a continental (donor) perspective publications, the 2005 and 2006 SOPAC in comparison to the “Pacific way” (compression Business Plans, OI New Initiatives, Work Plan of time vs. expansion of time), which produces and Budget and parts of the EU programme. frustrations. Specifically, demands from Throughout the evaluation process the review continental donors for instant responses verses team tried to assess how effective the various a slower reaction in the Pacific region. Donor reported outputs were converted into beneficial countries and other continental organizations outcomes. However, due to the short amount should be aware of this lag time and have of time available for the review not all outputs sufficient understanding with the Secretariat were thoroughly examined, although all were staff in order to minimize stress. Within the initially addressed, and the review team feels SOPAC Secretariat a stronger effort needs to confident that it was able to identify significant be made to increase synergy between programs, suggestions, which may enhance the program to coordinate and focus projects, and improve and assist the Secretariat. We selectively communications, and to eliminate wasted time interviewed the Program Manager, Program by streamlining purchasing procedures and Coordinators, scientists, Project Officers, and updating technical equipment, computers, and technicians. The comments made here are software. In addition, SOPAC is now data-rich intended to be constructive and hopefully will and improved management of these data is be utilized to improve SOPAC proper. required to assure preservation and Throughout the review process the Secretariat accessibility. was extremely helpful, transparent and The OI review team’s identification of specific supplied all materials requested by the review problems and recommendations for remediation team. The team was impressed with the hard of these problems is intended to make the work that is being done at the Secretariat and operation of the Secretariat and the the diversity of projects that are being Commission more effective and efficient in its addressed. SOPAC is now a large organization outputs and outcomes. that is complex and it has been able to accomplish a lot of work. It has enough people employed to make it a challenge to manage and to coordinate projects. From the SOPAC 2004 Component 1 – Resource Use Solutions Annual Report Summary the review team found that SOPAC’s total personnel compliment was All outputs (Outputs OI 1.1 to OI 1.8) were 76, with 41 scientists, engineers, experts, reviewed for this component with intense program directors, and advisors, and 35 scrutiny given to Outputs OI 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, support staff including computer and electronic and 1.8. The review team found that Robert technicians, program assistants, Smith is “juggling many balls” within this administration and corporate services people, component in the sense that he is doing
97 multiple tasks such as leading field operations, processing and report writing is taxing the processing data, and interpreting geophysical ability for this component to produce the and geologic (sedimentologic) data for the required outputs. A dedicated surveyor would production of maps and reports. There is a large go far to expedite data collection. amount of data that he is working with, are critical to SOPAC’s, which are mapping and Although two to three people are working on resources assessment efforts. Additional data processing today these people are working personnel support is necessary to alleviate loss on the EU project and are being trained in of time in recovery and use of these data when processing at the same time (these people are Robert is in the field or elsewhere. In addition, not from member countries and will not Bhaskar Rao has done an excellent job in increase the capacity of member country managing this component and is about to personnel). become the Deputy Director of SOPAC, which Recommendation – SOPAC to investigate the means that a good replacement (a degree feasibility of supporting additional personnel holding physical scientist) for this Bhaskar is including a dedicated surveyor to assist in the critical to the continued success of this processing of geophysical data through donor, component. Specific problems identified and TAG, and STAR representatives. Costing out of their recommended solutions are given below future projects that require such assistance for the component as a whole: should include the expense of supporting such Problem 1 – Aging of geophysical equipment assistance. and computers used in the assessment of Problem 4 – The lack of comprehensive data resources is adversely affecting the efficiency management is an increasing problem within of data collection, processing, and the this component that needs to be addressed generation of products (output). For example, rapidly. With the accumulation of high-density the EPC recorder used in sub-bottom seismic geophysical and bathymetric data sets reflection profiling is so old that replacement management of these data in the form of listing, parts can no longer be obtained and must be archiving and preservation needs to be fabricated at excessive costs and at a loss of undertaken to store this valuable resource and time. The computer used to process geophysical make it easily accessible to member countries data is old, overloaded and slow in processing. and other interested entities. Recommendation – Purchase a new seismic- Recommendation – SOPAC establish a data reflection profiling recorder (EPC or equivalent), management team that will inventory the including a new lap-top computer that can be various in-house geophysical and bathymetric used for diagnostic evaluation of all in-house data sets and archive them in such a fashion geophysical equipment and a new computer that they are backed-up and easily accessible. that can be used for processing of multibeam A list of data sets and associated footprint maps bathymetric and geophysical data and the should be produced to show type of data, quality production of maps. In addition, the Secretariat of data, coverage, date of collection, and other should assess the electronic and geophysical such pertinent information. equipment on hand in regard to their age and condition and compile a list that can be used Problem 5 – Lack of metadata to accompany to develop a replacement schedule and digital geophysical and bathymetric data sets. anticipated costs. Metadata has not been written to describe the various data sets that exist within the Problem 2 – No funds are available to purchase Secretariat and this can adversely impact future new equipment or to replace aging and out- use of these data. dated equipment and computers, thus producing future reduction in this component’s Recommendation – SOPAC undertake the task effectiveness. of writing metadata for the various geophysical and other digital data sets it holds. This task Recommendation – SOPAC should seek donors should be part of the work assigned to a data to assist in the purchase new equipment and management team. computers and should set up a costing scheme that provides a reasonable way to amortize Problem 6 – Time lost in dealing with requests equipment maintenance and replacement costs for data and visits by consultants and NGOs across future projects that require the use of that are operating independently of a member such equipment and computers. country’s interest and at no benefit to the Commission’s charge. Since SOPAC is now Problem 3 – A lack of support personnel to data-rich, many organizations and companies assist in geophysical data collection. Also,
98 in need of geophysical, bathymetric and other members to collaborate in joint publication of data for the region seek out SOPAC for SOPAC scientific results with staff scientists. acquisition of such data. Unfortunately this SOPAC should activate the Scientific Bulletin. takes time away from staff and no restitution is obtained. Problem 10 – Many older projects in the work plan are incomplete and new activities (both Recommendation – SOPAC develop a policy to output and outcome) have not been worked on deal with extraordinary requests and set a in quite some time. protocol that will allow for reasonable charges for such services that can be used to recoup Recommendations – SOPAC should develop a the expense of time and reproduction of data. sunset clause that would terminate a work plan project after a set period of time where no Problem 7 – Lack of capacity building in habitat significant activity has been accomplished. and other marine resources mapping capability. Duplicating requested work plans of one This component has not realized its capacity member country for another member country to produce a variety of useful thematic maps should be avoided unless fully justified. from the geophysical and bathymetric data sets available in house. For example, software for Problem 11 – Loss of important information processing backscatter data, which has been that may result when an older project is collected and is stored in a computer, and terminated under a sunset clause. software that can be used to construct polygon Recommendation – When a project is closed out and other maps in a GIS have not been used in the existing data, reports and maps should be this component, although it exists within the bundled in such a fashion that they can be EU programme. The lack of this processing easily archived, retrieved, and duplicated if a capacity within the component has the potential legitimate request is made for the information. of adversely impacting SOPAC’s ability to seek This would be part of the data management and obtain funds to undertake habitat, deep team ‘s tasks. aggregate, and other marine resources mapping projects. Problem 12 – Offshore mineral policy development is stagnant (no outcome). No new Recommendation – SOPAC purchase back- minerals projects formed. No action yet on the scatter and GIS processing software for this Madang guidelines. component and provides training for the staff Geophysicist to be trained in GIS use. In Recommendation – SOPAC should re-evaluate addition, SOPAC should seek support in the the potential of marine mineral exploration and form of students that use backscatter and other exploitation and determine how efforts should processing software to intern at the Secretariat be directed to produce the desired outcomes. office for the purpose of training SOPAC personnel (capacity building) and processing Problem 13 – No regional mineral database data for SOPAC. Suggest purchasing ArcGIS exists that can be used in mineral assessment as this is the tool commonly being used in evaluations. habitat mapping. Recommendations – SOPAC with member Problem 8 – Support of EU projects and countries’ assistance should develop a mineral personnel from SOPAC staff within this database that is based on the statistics of component erodes time from SOPAC projects. mineral extractions. This would be a database Two (SOPAC) technicians are supporting the team task. EU instruments maintenance and deployments. Problem 14 – SOPAC legislation output is Recommendation – SOPAC should improve complete, but little or no outcomes have management of these tasks and reallocate resulted. At this time SOPAC is mainly providing resources as may be required. The purchase of advice to member countries. computers from EU funds for this component Recommendations – SOPAC member countries can mitigate the EU needs. need to be proactive on developing legislation Problem 9 – No time to write scientific papers or delete the task from their work plan. for peer-reviewed journals. Problem 15 – Critical support staff such as Recommendation – Secretariat should provide the senior electronic technician are reaching staff scientists with time for preparation of retirement status and replacement plans are scientific papers and encourage TAG and STAR not available.
99 Recommendation – Initiate a plan for Component 2 – Monitoring Physical and replacement of retiring permanent staff and Chemical Change in Ecosystems seek assistance from donor countries, TAG, and STAR representatives in recruitment of critical This component was briefly reviewed, as it is a people. relatively new programme with its Program Coordinator (Dr. Sarah Grimes) in residence for only about 12 months (with 6 months traveling SOPAC Reports (Output) Reviewed Under around the region). However, Dr. Grimes, has done much work in making contacts with other this Component regional organizations and informing them on the objectives and projects of PI-GOOS, an Three randomly selected reports either prepared externally funded program. An impressive by SOPAC or by a consultant for SOPAC were amount of work has been done in regard to briefly reviewed and are commented upon regional capacity building including K-12 below: educational outreach, providing materials and Report – Coastal Protection Feasibility assistance for development of a physical Study: Cook Islands. Final Report delivered oceanographic curriculum at USP, and by GHD Pty Ltd., Consultants. arranging for public seminars and access to visiting oceanographic vessels. In addition, a Evaluation – Very well prepared report and PI-GOOS web portal has been established and extensive modeling undertaken to determine is now accessible to the public. Two physical what type of structures should be built to oceanographic buoys have been operating in prevent tsunamis and cyclone inundation. the Cook Islands for several years now and Engineering aspects of the report very good, actively collecting and transmitting data. but biology is lacking. The recommendation of SOPAC staff at no cost to the externally funding constructing wave breakwalls along outer edge source regularly maintains these buoys. of reef may adversely impact the ecology of the reef flats and no study or recommendation of a Of the four outputs (OI 2.1-OI 2.4) the review such a study is presented. Status of outcome team primarily concentrated on the first task is unknown, but ecological impacts need to be OI 2.1, regional integrated ocean observing considered before a decision is made. system, and a little on task OI 2.3, physical oceanographic data to provide solutions for Report – Identification of Onshore Aggregate- coastal management and development. It was Quarry Sites and Prospects for Quarry noted that the hard-working SOPAC staff are Development: Pohnpei Island, FSM. SOPAC effectively supporting this component, and PI- Technical Report 382. Joint Report with GOOS specifically, and that a two-year review CFTC (jointly funded with SOPAC). A of the data collected and the products generated consultant’s report. is coming up soon. Below are listed some of the problems and mediation recommendations Evaluation – This is a professionally prepared made in regard to this component: report and covers all aspects of quarrying activity and assessment. Should provide Problem 1 – Capacity building in countries excellent outcomes. Status of outcome is not needs to be increased, as the use of physical known. and chemical data being produced by the buoys are not really understood. Report – Draft Report on Gypsum Mining Potential for Malden Island, Kiribati. This is Recommendations – PI-GOOS should fund more a follow-up report of the desk top study in-country workshops to teach member country undertaken by Jackson Lum (1996), SOPAC scientists how to use data collected under the Technical Report 240. This report is in a very PI-GOOS lagoon programme. rough draft and still appears to be a work in progress. Status is unknown. Problem 2 – Data from PI-GOOS buoys collected in the past two-years have not been Evaluation – Report does not give a very compiled into a comprehensive data set and promising prognosis for gypsum mining on although used locally for assisting in oyster Malden Island as an economic viable venture. farming in the Cook Islands, the overall long- Project should be terminated and the report term chemical and physical oceanographic finalized for archiving with very little time spent parameters have not been reported upon. on this task.
100 Recommendations – PI-GOOS should direct and Component 3 – Natural Resources support the compilation of all data collected so Governance far from the PI-GOOS buoys and report upon the long-term results. This is a relatively new component within the OI progamme. This component is supported by Problem 3 – Much that is being proposed under a competent team of young professionals the PI-GOOS programme in regard to capacity consisting of a Cartographer, Ms. Emily Artack, building and public outreach to alert member a Surveyor, Mr. Andrick Lal, and support staff, countries of tsunami impacts appears to which is an example of successful capacity duplicate what is being done in the Community building within the region. The work is intensive Risks programme of SOPAC. and includes the production of maps with the Recommendation – Increase synergy between delineation of various maritime boundaries and PI-GOOS and the Community Risks programme training for in-country capacity building in of SOPAC to assure that both progammes are cartography. The intended output of this complimentary and not duplicating efforts. component is to produce maritime boundaries maps for four to five countries a year until all Problem 4 – Tracking of physical oceanographic member countries waters are completed cruises in the SOPAC region by the PI-GOOS beginning in the east of the region and working Coordinator detracts from GOOS progamme toward the west. Documentation of survey tasks. points requires precision location, which takes time because it is done in incremental steps, Recommendation – SOPAC should move essentially re-surveying countries’ shorelines aggressively to fill the deep-water cruise using GPS technology. In addition, 12 tide coordinator position. gauges are maintained and used by the team for sea level monitoring and correcting shoreline positions.
SOPAC Reports Reviewed (Outputs) Re- Although the OI-PMEG examined all five viewed Under this Component outputs (OI 3.1-OI 3.5) of this component only output OI 3.1, determination of maritime Report – Pacific Island Global Oceanographic boundaries, was intensively assessed. Map Observing System (PI-GOOS): Annual Review, outputs were examined and various reports June 2005, by Dr. Sarah Grimes. were observed, but not reviewed. It was very Evaluation – This is a well-written document apparent that the map outputs from this that extensively covers the activities of the PI- component would produce excellent base maps GOOS Coordinator’s activities for the past year. for other thematic mapping themes and that It describes the impressive networking that Dr. SOPAC was rapidly obtaining the capability and Grimes has done and the many workshops, expertise to produce creditable and accurate seminars and public outreach completed to marine maps. It was found that minimal date. problems existed within this component, but those that appeared are listed below with Report – Marine Studies Progamme, The recommended mitigations: University of the South Pacific, Physical Oceanography in the South Pacific: Problem 1 – Database support is lacking for Understanding ocean/atmosphere this component. With the tremendous amount interactions, currents and waves and their of new data and the compilation of many map implications. A draft course description products, some type of database organization supported by Nippon Foundation, a Pogo needs to be developed just to save time in future Oceanography Course. recovery of the data.
Evaluation – This document is essentially a draft Recommendation – SOPAC develop a database syllabus for a Physical Oceanography course archival and recovery system for the maps, and appears well-outlined. tables, and other data produced by this component. If a database component is Other documents – Many other reports and CDs established within SOPAC, this could be part including Pacific Island Global Ocean of that team’s lists of duties. Observation System and The Earth Simulator Art Gallery were shown to the review team. Problem 2 – Lack of computers is hampering rapid progression in the collation of data and Evaluation – These documents were not compilation of maps. evaluated.
101 Recommendation – SOPAC with the assistance New Initiatives in the Ocean and of donor countries purchase modern computers Islands Programme to be used in the collation and compilation of maps and other data. The New Initiatives document was briefly discussed, but not extensively reviewed, by the Problem 3 – There is a serious need for training OI-PMEG. Below are listed the various in the construction of map products and initiatives and the review team’s comments: associated reports.
Recommendation – SOPAC investigate the feasibility of adding a training compnent to this 1. Monitoring for Sustainable Development project or integrate maritime mapping capacity building with other programmes within SOPAC. 1(a) – GEOSS – The Global Earth Observing Sys- tem of Systems initiative
This initiative appears to fit in well with General Secretariat Problems Detected SOPAC’s disaster warning and mitigation function and can probably be integrated within Some of the problems detected during the the Community Risks programme and parts of review are more generally associated with the the Ocean and Islands programme. GOOS and Secretariat than specifically to the OI PI-GOOS and GEOSS are fundamentally linked programme. Therefore, we list the problems in the development of GOOS. here outside of the individual components reviewed. These problems and their mitigating recommendations are listed below: 1(b) – Ocean Monitoring – Tsunamis Problem 1 – Present procedure for purchasing is cumbersome. For example, to purchase a $10 The review team detected a possible duplication or more expensive item requires a written of effort with this part of the GEOSS initiative estimate before the item can be purchased. This and the PI-GOOS stated objectives and the requires multiple trips to a vendor, phone calls, charge of the Community Risk progamme of and a waiting period for the estimate to arrive SOPAC. There needs to be serious efforts in and the purchase to take place. The cumulative assuring synergy between these various waste of time can be substantial. programmes and some duplicating aspects will need to be addressed, perhaps by assigning Recommendation – SOPAC considers stream- various unique tasks to each program. lining it’s purchasing procedure and increase the minimum expense for quotes to perhaps $500 or more, as is the general requirement in 1(c) – SPSLCMP – Phase IV and beyond member countries. It is the review teams understanding that this Problem 2 – Induction procedures for new and phase is to be closed out with no further visiting staff is cumbersome or non-existent. support. It appears to the review team that this Thus creating confusion and difficulty of new is pre-mature because of the apparent increase recruits in establishing themselves at SOPAC. in natural disasters occurring around the globe Recommendation – SOPAC develop a protocol and the rise in sea level, which warrants for induction of new recruits with specific continued ocean monitoring. written instructions of how they should go about establishing themselves within the organization. This protocol should be all 2. Habitat Mapping encompassing including culture in Fiji, how to obtain housing, and who is in charge of various The review team encourages the pursuit of this administrative functions (where they are to go initiative as habitat mapping is a natural for help). In addition, a general introductory extension of SOPAC’s mapping tasks and the meeting of new recruits with the Director and same data sets that are being collected today staff would be helpful. can be interpreted into habitat maps with little
102 additional effort. Development of marine Business Plans Review benthic habitat mapping capability will allow SOPAC to seek additional funds and supply The review team found that the business plans critical data that will be useful in fisheries, for 2005 and 2006 to be reasonable and show aggregates and other marine resources foresight in dealing with future plans and management and environmental protection problems of SOPAC. In fact, many of the activities. problems identified for this component are addressed in the Business Plans.
3. Capacity Development – CESMG and related initiatives Conclusions
This educational initiative is very important and SOPAC has a long history and has evolved into will provide direct assistance to member a mature, creditable professional organization countries in geosciences capacity building, one that is well known and well respected around of the primary core projects of SOPAC. The the Pacific and elsewhere in the world. It has review teams recommendation is to pursue this progressively improved throughout the years goal and to build upon the excellent foundation and has grown into a regional organization that that was established through Russell Howorth has extended its focus beyond the reaches of and Russell Maharaj’s efforts. geoscience into policy. It has grown in numbers of Secretariat staff and member countries, becoming a complex organization to govern. However, it has maintained a posture that all 4. Programme Resources – Internal build- participants should be proud of. Its problems ing blocks are somewhat unique in that the complex mix of staff, scientists, and seconded people and No thorough review was made on this initiative the mixture of funds to support these staff and by the OI-PMEG review team and no field expenses make the organization difficult recommendations can be provided. to focus. Regardless of these complexities, the OI-PMEG found that the organization is highly productive.
Budget and Work Plan The major problems that should be addressed soon are the lack of communication and synergy This document was generally reviewed along between programmes and internally between with the various components examined and no OI components. Better focusing of projects unusual accounting was detected. However, it should be done with a sunset clause established must be noted that an extensive review of this to delete old and inactive projects. Data document was not undertaken and the only management needs to be addressed soon. In evaluation the review team made was to see if regard to the Commission and Donor Countries, the costs for the various projects and outputs more effort should be made to learn what were reasonable. All budgetary items appeared constraints face the SOPAC Secretariat in its reasonable with the exception that funds are day-to-day operation and determine how to not adequate for the replacement and upgrad- make the SOPAC staff work easier, not more ing of equipment, computers and software. The difficult. And finally, the scientists, engineers, team defers to an accounting audit for the re- and other disciplines that participate in the TAG view of the budget. and STAR activities should seek ways on how to contribute more to the objectives of SOPAC and investigate supporting the organization EU Programme through mentoring schemes.
Although the OI-PMEG team did not extensively review the EU programme, cursory review was made in the course of the evaluation of OI Comments of the PMEG Process components that appear to overlap with this Recognizing that this is the first PMEG review programme. The major overlap that was found and that it is considered a pilot procedure for was that of seafloor mapping for geohazards future reviews the OI-PMEG suggests the analyses and an effort needs to be made to following considerations for next years review. assure that overlap is complimentary and not duplicative.
103 Consideration 1 – An agenda for the review welcome the coordinating role played in the process be prepared well in advance of the work on alternative energy resources in Fiji as review dates and circulated amongst members a component of building resilience. This work of the review teams for comment. certainly provides a real opportunity for repli- cation in other PICs. We recommend that work Consideration 2 – Avoid the use of e-mail as a be extended and included in the work-plan (with procedure for commenting on the work plan appropriate budgetary support) to identify re- and replace any member of the teams that newable energy resources in member countries cannot be present with another qualified as applicable and help with technical advice. technical person. We also encourage SOPAC to link strongly with the private sector in this endeavour so as to Consideration 3 – Build in the review schedule facilitate the implementation of pilot projects. more time to write report at Secretariat so that These demonstration projects would then hope- when questions arise in the preparation of the fully grow to be not only self sustaining but document staff and reports can be tracked down assist in addressing the need for regional sus- to obtain answers. tainable development. The OI-PMEG considered the review process and worthwhile and constructive for SOPAC. All members of the OI-PMEG are willing to Water and Sanitation: continue in the process of SOPAC annual review, if it is decided that such an activity The hydrological training programme is mak- should be pursued. ing a positive contribution to strengthen, and in some cases re-build the necessary capacity to manage precious water resources in a re- gion of the world where climate variability and COMMUNITY LIFELINES (CL) change play a significant role. However, we also PROGRAMME observe that one 2 week intensive training course each year with little contact or support Review Team: Dr Andrew Matthews – NIWA New during the intervening period makes it difficult Zealand (Chair); Sam Taufao – SPC New Cal- for some participants to actually apply the edonia; Dr Kifle Kahsai – USP Fiji; AND Utu knowledge and skills they have learned. We Abe Malae – Development Bank American Sa- would therefore recommend that efforts be moa. made to implement the full Pacific HYCOS work The PMEG for the Community Lifelines Pro- so that an integrated programme can be ad- gramme (CLP) met over two days. We were im- vanced in-country and that PICs also assign a pressed by the array of projects in this pro- level of importance to this sector in ensuring gramme and how well these have been ad- the provision of adequate human resources and vanced over the last year despite the limita- budgetary support. tions of resources including staff shortage.
We commend the CLP team for their involve- Information Communication Technology: ment and development of key policy and stra- tegic regional planning documents and how We were pleased to learn that the MAPServer these have lead to the development of projects initiative, implemented through the EU-ACP that underpin the strategic goals. We list be- project, has made real progress and that serv- low an example from each of the work areas ers are now deployed in seven countries (Fiji, (energy; water and sanitation; information and Kiribati, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu). communication technology) that exemplify how It is important to note that although the EU- work organized by the CLP team contributes to ACP project is delivered within the CLP and that these strategic outcomes. We note that a 2 day there are significant inputs from the CLP group review precluded commenting in detail on each to the EU programme, for sustainability in the component of the work-plan. We chose these longer term, there will be the need to continue particular projects to demonstrate some of the to provide support. The MAPServer initiative has issues we discuss: contributed to:
• Data sharing between different stakeholders Energy Futures: • Data security and accuracy due to storage The extensive new work on bio-fuels over the in one location last year has to be commended. We especially
104 • Unifying map projection • Need for ICT outreach strategy; • Capacity building and technical training • Endorsement of spatially-enabled databases and standards established co- • Using appropriate open source platforms operatively by the CROP and supported by and applications SOPAC; • Networking among stakeholders both in- • Promotion of open source platforms; country and on a regional level • Continued focus on capacity building and • Deploying related technology solutions training; such as local area networks and wide area networks, especially in departments that • Deploying to all countries initiatives such don’t already have these services as MapServer, LAN and LANWAN to help them support programme objectives. Looking forward, the proposed ICT outreach General Issues: strategy and MapServer initiatives can maxi- SOPAC has built an impressive competency in mize the value of SOPAC’s technical assistance energy and serves as a real resource for the and resources committed to island countries. Pacific Community. However, in several in- These are good examples of early-win activities stances, it has been called upon to pick up the from the proposed Digital Strategy as a compo- pieces of incomplete projects (that of course nent of the Pacific Plan. Including ICT as an stretch the resources already allocated for the outreach activity (rather than a service) to in- agreed work plan) because in their initial for- fluence SOPAC outcomes in island countries, mulation these inherited projects appear in will allow it to attract better support and in- most cases to have been neither technically fea- kind assistance from donor partners. SOPAC’s sible nor sustainable. This highlights the need proposed strategic role in the implementation for the technical expertise residing in SOPAC of the Digital Strategy under the framework of and its partners to be utilized from the outset the CROP ICT working group is highly com- in the project formulation stages and subse- mendable. quent development and implementation. It is suggested that ways be found to optimise the technical assistance available in the region The PMEG recommends that a new construct on ICT platforms for all the different sectors of “working groups” be developed for each of 3 served by SOPAC, e.g., disaster management, key work areas of the CLP. This would allow water supply and sanitation etc. This will then professionals interested in contributing to the bring some system interoperability and allow future of the region from the private as well as for more effective capacity building and train- the public sector to be directly involved in the ing as well as encourage interaction among all development and implementation of the work the key stakeholders and partners. programme. It would also help keep the region informed of developments and opportunities and assist in maximizing the use of the exten- sive skill sets in and outside of SOPAC. Reporting and Communication:
We also believe, for example, that SOPAC and The PMEG understands the necessity of an ef- Pacific Power Association (PPA) seek opportu- fective reporting process for all projects in the nities to work together to maximise the ben- work plan. However, the compliance cost seems efits to the PICs. PPA represents the practition- rather high at the moment as individual projects ers in the utility component of the energy sec- outside the core SOPAC budget also require tor and has a significant resource of techni- separate detailed reporting to the donors. We cally skilled professionals. suggested that these reports be referenced and these be briefly summarised in the annual re- Mainstreaming ICT and its impact on SOPAC’s porting process. priority activities responds positively to the or- ganization’s strengths to better service island The PMEG recommends that the opportunity countries. Among the highlights are: is taken to promote the achievement of projects to the whole donor community and all mem- • Regional advocacy of ICT issues; bers so that those that address longer term • Activities that recognize the eclectic states needs are “mainstreamed” into the core pro- and varied levels of ICT development in the gramme and receive the appropriate on-going island countries; knowing this, more effec- support. Mainstreaming however must be tive in-country assistance can be provided; driven by the initiatives in member states. We
105 believe that it would be very useful to report to SOPAC as “center-of-excellence” within specifically on how each project in the work the region; programme has contributed to the member • Short term placements for Pacific island- counties achieving the outcomes identified in ers in SOPAC to gain hands-on experience the SOPAC strategic plan. and share with seconded experts; PMEG recognises that SOPAC relies on net- • Technical CROP working groups to promote works of individuals in member states to help sharing and collaboration; deliver on the projects and programmes to achieve the stated goals. It is recognized that • Partnership between key stakeholders and this takes not only time and effort, but to build donors that encourages interaction; trust there needs to be continuity in these re- PMEG welcomes the use of technical experts lationships. Staff turnover in the Pacific there- under the UN programme and congratulates fore is a real issue. In addition we also believe the Government of the Netherlands for provid- that it would be useful to report each year on ing experts in water and energy. PMEG recom- the effectiveness of the collaboration between mends that this modality be explored with other the CROP organisations and identify to Coun- partner government as a mechanism to bring cil any hurdles that inhibits this cooperation. specialist skills to SOPAC programmes.
PMEG recommends that Programme Manag- The PMEG also notes with concern the very high ers and their staff take the opportunity when workload of the CLP Manager. He is not only travelling to brief Missions and Ministries on involved in considerable management respon- not only their own programmes but all SOPAC sibilities with such a diverse portfolio of activi- activities in that country. This would allow desk ties, but is also directly involved in project de- officers to report on this to their Capitals and livery as well. We believe this is unsustainable. have the opportunity to link these actions with others that might be planned in particular member states. The CLP PMEG Recommends:
• Reporting uses the opportunity to promote International Interactions: the achievement of projects to the whole donor community and all members so that Community Lifeline Programme is to be those that address longer term needs are complimented on the crucial role it has played “mainstreamed” into the core programme in the development of regional action plans for and receive the appropriate on-going sup- Energy, Water & Sanitation and ICT. There has port. been a large commitment in leading the con- • The direct ongoing involvement with rel- sultation and development at both the regional evant international organizations includ- and international level. The region now reaps ing CSD, World Water Forum, GEOSS, and the benefit of strategic plans that have the for- WSSD. mal endorsement of Pacific Leaders and allows the diverse donor community to engage in a • That a new construct of “working groups” subset of the detailed projects in a strategic be developed for each of 3 key work areas rather than a fragmented way. PMEG there- of the CLP. This would provide a mecha- fore strongly endorses and recommends the nism to facilitate keeping the region in- direct ongoing involvement with relevant inter- formed of developments and opportunities national organizations including: CSD, World to maximize the use of the extensive skill Water Forum, GEOSS, and WSSD. sets that exist in and outside of SOPAC. • On the critical issue of staffing, that a range of modalities be explored with partner gov- ernments, including UN attachments, se- Staffing: condments, placements, short term ex- Staffing resources are a critical asset of the Sec- change etc., as a mechanisms to bring spe- retariat. SOPAC has acknowledged difficulties cialist skills to SOPAC programmes; in recruitment and retaining some technical • To extend the work on renewable energy positions. Among the mechanisms suggested sources in member countries and help with to help address these issues were: technical advice; • Short term secondment from donor coun- • Link with the private sector in the energy tries such as Australia and New Zealand sector so as to facilitate the implementa-
106 tion of pilot projects on renewable energy nity Lifelines Programmes but this does not to gain traction; seem to have been recognised and articu- lated fully by SOPAC. • That priority be given to the full implemen- tation of the Pacific HYCOS project (water 2. The CRP is seriously stretched and its staff, resource measurement and management) particularly its leaders, have a heavy work- so that an integrated and sustained pro- load. This seems to be a result not just of gramme can be advanced in-country and the willingness of CRP staff to take on more that PICs also assign a level of importance and more responsibilities but also, evi- to this sector in ensuring the provision of dently, high expectations of the Programme adequate human resources and budgetary from SOPAC countries themselves. support. 3. There is a lack of resources available to imbed and sustain disaster-reduction ac- tivities within the countries of SOPAC. COMMUNITY RISK (CR) PROGRAMME These activities must flow on from the op- portunities provided by the strategic frame- Strategic Success work so successfully created by CRP.
SOPAC’s Communities Risk Program (CRP) has 4. CRP must acknowledge more clearly the been outstandingly successful in positioning value of decision-support tools and other itself strategically for the benefit of Pacific Is- applications such as Geographic Informa- land Countries. It has pioneered and developed tion Systems (GIS), and must integrate the concepts of both regional Comprehensive these more forcefully in the practical im- Hazard And Risk Management (CHARM) and plementation of its work in support of the Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) CHARM and EVI. through extensive client consultation and 5. Synergies must be strengthened between through engagement with international endeav- CRP and the Community Lifelines Pro- ours such as the Second World Conference on gramme in particular. We note especially Disaster Reduction that was held in Kobe (Ja- the absence of use by CRP of the geospatial pan) in January 2005. data on utilities housed in the Community Lifelines Programme. CRP has successfully coordinated production of a regional Framework for Action which rep- resents a crucially important blueprint for dis- aster-reduction and disaster-management work Recommendations to Council in the SOPAC region for 2005-2015. It has also been achieving a fundamental cultural shift We make the following four recommendations. from a solely disaster-management focus (pre- These are based on consideration of the five paredness, relief, recovery) to one that includes issues identified above. risk-reduction (or disaster-mitigation) concepts 1. The Secretariat should be instructed to spanning the key topics of hazard, vulnerabil- establish, promote, and implement guide- ity, and risk assessments. Finally, CRP has lines and criteria for prioritisation of work- been successful in securing a set of strategic programme elements so that the CRP is not partnerships that provide a unique set of ex- overstretched, and to consider whether pertise for input to the program. these guidelines and criteria can be applied The PMEG for CRP offers its congratulations to also to the other two Programmes. SOPAC for these successes. 2. Council should urge its National Repre- sentatives to take on roles as advocates of risk-mitigation principles in order to pro- Major Issues that Need to be Addressed mote CHARM and EVI in their respective countries, and to report progress back to Five issues have been identified: Council. 3. The Secretariat should be instructed to 1. Risk-management principles are an essen- develop, promote, and implement a Stra- tial element of the whole SOPAC program, tegic Information Management Plan for yet we note that this is not reflected in the SOPAC in order that greater, coordinated 2005 Approved Work Plan where only 17 use be made of, and greater synergies be percent of the Budget is identified for CRP achieved from, its considerable but gener- work. Risk-management principles also ally uncoordinated caches of information. apply to the Ocean & Islands and Commu-
107 This includes, particularly, geospatial (dig- 4. The number of TAG representatives with ital) data and the practical use of GIS across skills in specialty areas such as marine all the three Programmes. geoscience was very small, almost at mini- mal critical mass to make the process 4. Council should not only note and endorse meaningful. the ACP/EU* Natural Disaster Facility ini- tiative of the Secretariat but also consider 5. Many of us come to SOPAC because we the appropriateness of the low proportion believe in the strength of SOPAC and what (17%) of the total 2005 budget appropri- it can do for the region, and the contribu- ated to the CRP bearing in mind the focus tion we can make to help strengthen the of this Programme on improving the per- core programs. Most TAG scientists have sonal safety and reducing the vulnerabil- three drivers, the scientific meeting of ity to hazards of people in the SOPAC re- STAR, meeting colleagues, and providing gion. formal (TAG) and informal input to the SOPAC program. Without a clear opportu- nity to continue to make meaningful con- PMEG Team: Stan Goosby, Wally Johnson tributions through TAG, advisor attendance (chair), Joanne Laurence has and may continue to wane as other 24 September 2005 scientific meetings become more attractive. 6. The suggestions below are offered in the *ACF/EU: Africa, Caribbean, Pacific/European Union spirit of trying to improve the TAG advi- ______sory process, yet not increase the work load on the Secretariat too greatly, or impede the joint Council/TAG Session. ANNEX TAG, PMAG and scientific programs at Considerations SOPAC; observations and considerations 1. Encourage SOPAC staff to make presenta- tions in STAR. It is THE venue to celebrate Dick Pickrill, Geological Survey of Canada program successes, and educate colleagues Observations and TAG members. As expertise is trans- ferred to the regions, the long term goal 1. At the 34th Annual SOPAC meeting infor- should be to make STAR a Pacific Island mation for TAG was gleaned from the STAR driven organization. By strengthening STAR meeting, where scientific presentations you strengthen TAG. from SOPAC were very limited; posters pre- 2. Council Representatives are no longer ex- sented at the TAG/Council joint session, posed to the core business of SOPAC – the of which there were few; and the program scientific products. Many council Repre- summary presented to the TAG/Council sentatives are not scientists and may not which provided an excellent review of pro- be aware of exactly what the SOPAC work gram activities, supported by formal pro- program achieves. Consider presenting a gram documentation. This limited exposure selection of posters at the joint TAG ses- did not celebrate the obvious program suc- sion and have staff on hand to support cesses. poster discussion. If need be set aside a 2. From this limited information, and within formal time for Representatives to be led the time constraints of the meeting, it has through the posters. Ensure the posters been difficult for TAG representatives to focus on displaying products that have a gain a comprehensive understanding of the clear application to island management. current work plan and progress against Council representatives must be informed objectives. Consequently formulation of to facilitate the transfer of SOPAC outputs sound advice has been difficult. to outcomes in their home countries; they must be engaged. 3. The PMEG provided an excellent window on program status, and one that was clearly 3. Continue PMEG in the current form but, appreciated by Member Representatives. rotate one member off each one or two years However, PMEG represents a section of the to ensure continuity and the introduction TAG community, but does not and can of new ideas never represent the complete spectrum of 4. During STAR, or at least before the Coun- skills in TAG. cil/TAG session, set aside time (2 hours?)
108 for the program manager, key staff, PMEG session. This would provide Council with members and TAG advisors to have an in- clear advice from PMEG/TAG but not pre- formal discussion of program status. The clude TAG input to the formal session. PMEG draft report could be tabled at this 5. We appreciate these suggestions would in- meeting to provide an opportunity to clarify crease the work load on the Secretariat issues and as an opportunity to focus dis- staff. However communicating results is a cussion. Incorporate TAG comments and key element of any research organization recommendations into the final PMEG/TAG and critical to strengthening the organiza- report for presentation to the Council/TAG tion and achieving outcomes.
109 APPENDIX 8
LIST OF CONFERENCE ROOM DOCUMENTS
DOCUMENT NUMBER DOCUMENT TITLE AS34/1 Info 1 Information Circular AS34/1 Info 2 Preliminary Timetable AS34/1 Info 3 Programme for Official Opening (Circulated in Apia) AS34/3.1 Provisional Agenda AS34/3.1 Rev.1 Revised Agenda AS34/3.1 Info 1 Draft Daily Working Schedule AS34/3.1 Info 2 Working Procedures AS34/3.1 Info 3 List of Conference Room Documents (August 2005) AS34/3.1 Info 3 Rev.1 List of Conference Room Documents (Rev.1 circulated at Registration) AS34/3.1 Info 3 Rev.2 Final List of Conference Room Documents (Appendix 8, this volume) AS34/3.1 Info 4 Provisional List of Participants (Rev.1 circulated in Apia) AS34/3.1 Info 4 Rev.1 Provisional List of Participants (Circulated in Apia) AS34/3.1 Info 4 Rev.2 List of Participants (Appendix 1, this volume) AS34/4.1 Designation of National Representatives AS34/4.2 Membership Issues AS34/5.1/1 NC Synthetic Note on New Caledonia – New Caledonia’s Institutional Framework AS34/5.1/2 GU Statement from Member Country – Guam AS34/5.1/3 AU 34th SOPAC Annual Session – Australian Gove11rnment Statement AS34/5.1/4 CK Cook Islands Country Statement to SOPAC 34th Session AS34/5.1/5 FM Federated States of Micronesia Country Statement to SOPAC 34th Annual Session AS34/5.1/6 FJ Fiji Country Statement – SOPAC Annual Session 2005, Apia, Samoa AS34/5.1/7 KI Kiribati Statement in 2005, Samoa AS34/5.1/8 NC New Caledonia’s Statement – XXXIVth SOPAC Annual Session, Apia AS34/5.1/9 NU Country Paper: Niue, SOPAC 34th Annual Session – Apia, Samoa AS34/5.1/10 SB Solomon Islands Statement on the SOPAC 34th Governing Council Annual Session, 28th September 2005, Apia, Samoa AS34/5.1/11 TK Tokelau’s Address by Faipule Kuresa Nasau, Minister of Environment and Economic Development, SOPAC Governing Council 34th Session, Apia, Samoa, 28 September 2005 AS34/5.1/12 TO Tonga Country Statement for the 34th SOPAC Annual Session AS34/5.1/13 TV Tuvalu Country Statement 34th SOPAC Session (Apia, Samoa; 24-30 September 2005) AS34/5.1/14 AS American Samoa Statement AS34/5.1/15 PW Palau Statement AS34/5.1/16 PG Papua New Guinea Statement AS34/5.2/1 PIFS Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Statement to the 34th SOPAC Governing Council Meeting AS34/5.2/2 SPREP SPREP Statement to the 34th Annual Session of SOPAC, Hotel Kitano Tusitala, Apia, 26th September 2005
110 AS34/5.2/3 USP Statement to the SOPAC Council from the University of the South Pacific AS34/5.3/1 TW Statement by the Government of Taiwan/ROC AS34/5.3/2 UN Statement by the United Nations Development Programme AS34/5.3/3 WB The World Bank – Statement from Cooperating Governments and International Agencies AS34/5.4/1 JAMSTEC Statement to the 34th Annual Session of SOPAC by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) AS34/5.4/2 JOGMEC Statement of Appreciation by JOGMEC AS34/5.4/3 KIGAM Statement of the Representatives of Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) AS34/5.4/4 KORDI KORDI (Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute) Statement AS34/6.1.1 2004 Annual Report Summary AS34/6.1.2 Summary Report of 2005 Donor Support AS34/6.1.3 SOPAC and the International Development Agenda AS34/6.2 CROP Summary Report AS34/6.2 Supplement CROP Summary Report (18th CROP Meeting, Pacific Harbour, Fiji, 12-13 August) AS34/6.3 STAR Chair’s Report holding paper AS34/6.3 Rev.1 STAR Chair Report to Council – September 2005 (Appendix 5, this volume) AS34/6.4 SOPAC/EU Project Report AS34/6.4 Supplement Project Progress: January to August 2005 – Special Intermediate Report produced for the SOPAC 34th Session AS34/7.1 Report from the Ocean and Islands Programme 2005 AS34/7.2 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group on OIP (holding paper) AS34/7.2 Rev.1 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group on OIP AS34/7.3 New Initiatives in the Ocean and Islands Programme AS34/8.1 Report from the Community Lifelines Programme 2005 AS34/8.2 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group on CLP (holding paper) AS34/8.2 Rev.1 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group on CLP AS34/8.3 New Initiatives in the Community Lifelines Programme AS34/9.1 Report from the Community Risk Programme 2005 AS34/9.2 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group on CRP (holding paper) AS34/9.2 Rev.1 Report from the Programme Review Monitoring & Evaluation Group on CRP AS34/9.3 New Initiatives in the Community Risk Programme AS34/9.3.1 Supplementary Paper – Issues Arising and New Initiatives in the CRP (holding paper) AS34/9.3.1 Rev.1 Supplementary Paper – Issues Arising and New Initiatives in the CRP – Draft Strategy for Enhancing Early Warning for Pacific Island Countries AS34/9.3.2 Supplementary Paper – Issues Arising and New Initiatives in the CRP – Revised paragraph under the heading “Niue modeling following Cyclone Heta” in Council Paper AS34/9.3 AS34/9.4 TAG, PMEG and scientific programmes at SOPAC; observations and considerations
111 AS34/10.2* Leaders’ Pacific Plan AS34/10.3* Review of Agreement Establishing SOPAC AS34/10.4* Annual Governing Council Session – Future Arrangements AS34/10.4 Supplement Draft Resolution from the 22nd STAR Meeting held in conjunction with the 34th Annual Session of the SOPAC Governing Council AS34/11.1.1* 2004 Audited Financial Statements, Auditors Report and Management Report AS34/11.1.2* Report on 2004 Regular Budget Variance and Virement of Funds AS34/11.1.3* Report on Assets & Inventory written off for the year ended 31 December 2004 AS34/11.2.1* Report and Financial Accounts for the 6-month period to June 2005 AS34/11.2.2* Membership Contributions AS34/11.2.2 Rev.1* Membership Contributions AS34/12.1* Director Position AS34/12.2* CROP Annual Remuneration Review Report AS34/12.2 Supplement* Business case supporting the proposal for an interim “one-off” increase in the support staff salary AS34/12.3* Reappointment of Contract Staff since 33rd Session AS34/12.4* Consideration of other Harmonisation Issues for Suva-based CROP agencies AS34/12.5* Report on Review of the Financial Regulations AS34/12.5 Supplement* Report on Review of the Financial Regulations – Draft Terms of Reference
AS34/12.6* Secretariat Accommodation and Related Issues AS34/13.1* Reserve Fund Ceiling AS34/13.2* Approval of 2006 Work Plan and Budget AS34/13.2 Rev.1 2006 Approved Work Plan & Budget
* Circulation restricted to Governing Council members only
112 APPENDIX 9
ACRONYMS (CUMULATIVE LISTING)
AAPG – American Association of AOSIS – Alliance of Small Island States Petroleum Geologists (Tulsa, USA) APAN – Asia Pacific Area Network ACDP – Acoustic Doppler Current APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Com- Profiler mission ACIAR – Australian Centre for Inter- APPA – American Public Power Asso- national Agricultural Re- ciation search APPEA – Australian Petroleum Produc- ACP – African, Caribbean and the tion Exploration Association Pacific countries of the Lome APPL – Application of Petroleum Pros- Convention pecting Licenses ACTEW – Australian Capital Territory APSC – Australian Public Service Electricity and Water Corpo- Commission ration ARGO – Array for Real-time ADB – Asian Development Bank Geostrophic Oceanography ADCP – acoustic doppler current ARGOS – A satellite location and data profiler collection system (CNES/ ADITC – Australian Drilling Industry NOAA) Training Committee AS – Annual Session (SOPAC) ADO – Automotive Diesel Oil ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian AFAC – Australasian Fire Authorities Nations Council ASLR – accerelated sea-level rise AGC – Atlantic Geoscience Center ASPA – American Samoa Power Au- (Canada) thority AGL – Land and Water Develop- ASTM – American Society for Testing ment Division of the Agricul- Materials (original name) ture Department of the FAO (UN) ATP – authority to prospect AGSO – Australian Geological Survey AUD – Australian Dollar Organisation AusAID – Australian Agency for Interna- AIACC – Assessments of Impacts and tional Development Adaptations to Climate Change AUSLIG – Australian Surveying and Land Information Group AIDAB – Australian International Development Assistance AVI – Australian Volunteers Interna- Bureau tional AMSAT – Australia Marine Science & AVHRR – Advanced Very High Resolu- Technology Limited tion Radiometer ANZECC – Australia and New Zealand AWA – Australia Water Association Conservation Council AWWA – American Water Works Asso- ANU – Australian National Univer- ciation sity BAC – Climate Alert Bulletin AOSIS – Alliance of Small Island BGR – Bundesanstalt fur States Geowissenschaften und AOPC – Atmospheric Observing Panel Rohstoffe (Germany) for Climate
113 BGS – British Geological Survey CEA – Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (Atomic Energy BINAS – Biosafety Information Network Commission), France and Advisory Service CEHI – Caribbean Environmental BIO – Bedford Institute of Oceanog- Health Institute raphy (Canada) CELT – Centre for the Enhancement of BOM – Bureau of Meteorology (Aus- Learning and Teaching tralia) CEO – Centre for Earth Observation BPoA – Barbados Plan of Action CEO – Chief Executive Officer BRGM – Bureau de Recherche Géologiques CEOS – Committee on Earth Observa- tion Satellites BSc – Bachelor of Science CERMP – Cyclone Emergency and Risk CalCOFI – California Cooperative Fishery Management Project (Tonga) Investigation CESMG – see ESMG CalTech – California Institute of Technol- ogy CFTC – Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation CAR – Communities At Risk C-GOOS – Coastal-Global Ocean Observ- CARICOM – Caribbean Community and ing System Common Market CGPS (cGPS) – Continuous Global Positioning CATD – Centre for Appropriate Tech- System nology & Development (Nadave, Fiji) CHARM – Comprehensive Hazards and Risk Management CBD – Convention of Biological Diver- sity CIA – Central Intelligence Agency (United States) CCCC – Climate Change Carrying Ca- pacity CIDA – Canadian International Devel- opment Agency CCCCC – Caribbean Community Cli- mate Change Centre CIESIN – Centre for International Earth Science Information Network CCD – Convention to Combat Desertification CIF – Cost, Insurance and Freight CBO – Community-Based Organisa- CISNet – Coastal Index Site Network tions CLIPS – Climate Information and Pre- CCAMLR – Commission for the Conserva- diction Services tion of Antartic Marine Living Resources CLIVAR – Climate Variability and Pre- dictability CCOP – Committee for Coordination of Joint Prospecting for Mineral CLP – Community Lifelines Pro- Resources in Asian Offshore gramme (SOPAC) Areas (ESCAP) C-MAN – Coastal Marine Automated CCOP/SOPAC – Committee for Coordination of Network Joint Prospecting for Mineral CMM – Commission for Marine Mete- Resources in South Pacific orology Offshore Areas (now SOPAC) CNES – Centre National d’Etudes CDM – Clean Development Mecha- Spatiales (National Center for nisms Space Studies) CD-ROM – Compact Disc Read Only CNMI – Commonwealth of the Memory Northern Mariana Islands CDPI – Community Development and CNO – Crude Coconut Oil Participation Initiatives CNRS – Centre National de la Recher- CDR – Centre for Disaster Research che Scientifique (National (of UPNG) Center for Scientific Re- search), France
114 COE – Corps of Engineers (properly CSP – Conservation Society of USACE) (USA) Pohnpei COLA – cost of living adjustment CSPOD – Canadian South Pacific Ocean Development Programme COM – College of Micronesia (of FSM) CT – Composting Toilet COMBAS – a joint Japanese-French project to study active mar- CTD – Conductivity/Temperature/ ginal basins in the Southwest Depth Device Pacific (followed the STARMER programme) DANIDA – Danish International Develop- ment Agency COME – Coconut Oil Methyl Ester DBCP – Data Buoy Cooperation Panel COMSEC – Commonwealth Secretariat (UK) DDSMS – Department of Development Support and Management COOP – Coastal Ocean Processes Pro- Services (of UNDP) gramme DFID – Department for International CORA – Canadian Ocean Resource Development (UK) Associates Inc. DGMWR – Department of Geology, Mines CP1 – Core Project 1, the Global De- and Water Resources scription of the World Ocean (Vanuatu) CPCEMR – Circum-Pacific Council for DGPS – Differential Global Positioning Energy and Mineral Resources System CPI – Consumer Price Index DIMENC – Direction de l’Industrie, des Mines et de L’Energie (New CPPS – Permanent Commission for Caledonia) the South Pacific DISMAC – Disaster Management Centre CPWC – Collaborative Programme on Water and Climate DMA – Defence Mapping Agency (US) CRED – Centre for Research on Epide- DME – Direct Micro Expelling miology of Disasters DMU – Disaster Management Unit CRGA – Committee of Representa- (SOPAC Secretariat) tives of Governments and Administrations (of South DO – Dissolved Oxygen Pacific Community) DOE – Department of Energy (Fiji, CROP – Council of Regional Organi- and elsewhere) sations of the Pacific (for- DoM – Department of Mining (PNG) merly SPOCC) DOALOS – (UN) Division for Ocean Affairs CROP ICT WG – CROP Information and and the Law of the Sea Communication Technologies Working Group DORD – Deep Ocean Resources Devel- opment Co. Ltd, Japan CRP – Community Risk Programme (SOPAC) DOS – Disk Operating System CSA – Cambridge Scientific Ab- DOWA – Deep Ocean Water Applica- stracts (USA) tions CSC – Commonwealth Science Coun- DSDP – Deep Sea Drilling Project cil DSM – Demand Side Management CSD – Commission of Sustainable Development (of United Na- DSTO – Defense and Science and tions) Technology Organisation (Aus- tralia) CSI – Coastal Regions and Small Is- lands (of UNESCO) DTM – Digital Terrain Modelling CSIRO – Commonwealth Scientific and DWC – Dialogue on Water and Cli- Industrial Research Organisa- mate tion (Australia) EC – European Community (now CSO – Civil Society Organisation EU)
115 ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council EVI – Environmental Vulnerability (UN) Index ECU – European Currency Unit EWG – Energy Working Group (CROP) EDF – European Development Fund FADS – Fish Aggregation Devices EEZ – Exclusive Economic Zone FAME – Fatty Acid Methyl Ester EFH – Essential Fish Habitat FAO – Food Agriculture Organisa- EIA – Environmental Impact Assess- tion (UN) ment FAU – Finance and Administration EMA – Emergency Management Aus- Unit (of SOPAC Work Pro- tralia gramme) EMA – Engine Manufacturers Asso- FAUST – French-Australia Seismic ciation (US) Transect EMDAT – Emergency Events Database FCCC – Framework Convention on (CRED, OFDA, OECD, WHO) Climate Change EMP – Ecosystem Monitoring Pro- FEA – Fiji Electricity Authority gramme FEPC – Federation of Electric Power EMT – Executive Management Team Companies (Japan) (SOPAC) FEMA – Federal Emergency Manage- ENSO – El Niño Southern Oscillation ment Agency (US) ENVISAT – Environmental Satellite FEMM – Forum Economic Ministers EPC – Electric Power Corporation Meeting (Samoa) FFA – Free Fatty Acids EPC – thermal graphic recorder FFA – Forum Fisheries Agency used in mapping (probably after company founder: FFEM – Fonds Française pour Edward P. Curly) l’Environnement Mondial (French Funds for Global EPCS – Electronic Particle Counting Environment) System FEMS – Fiji Forest Export Marketing EPM – Environmental Programme System for the Mediterranean FICs – Forum Island Countries ER – Internal SOPAC Secretariat abbreviation for EU-SOPAC FIELD – Foundation for International Project reports Environmental Law and Development ESCAP – Economic and Social Com- FINNIDA – Finnish Department of Inter- mission for Asia and the national Development Coop- Pacific (UN) eration ESMG – Earth Science and Marine FINTEL – Fiji’s International Telecom- Geology (SOPAC certificate munications Provider course) FIT – Fiji Institute of Technology ESSI – Earth Search Science Incor- poration FJD – Fijian Dollar EST – Environmentally Sound Tech- FLIS – Fiji Land Information System nologies FMS – Fiji Meteorological Service EU – European Union FNPF – Fiji National Provident Fund EUEI – European Union Energy FNTC – Fiji National Training Council Initiative [for Poverty Eradi- (now TPAF) cation for Sustainable Development] FOAM – Forecast Ocean Atmosphere Model EUMETSAT – European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteoro- FOB – Free On Board (Incoterm) logical Satellites FOC – Forum Officials Committee
116 FRI – Fisheries Research Institute GNP Gross National Product FSM – Federated States of Micronesia GODAE – Global Ocean Data Assimila- tion Experiment FSP – Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific GOES – Geosynchronous Operational Environmental Satellite FTIB – Fiji Trade and Investment Board GOOS – Global Ocean Observing Sys- tem GCOS – Global Climate Observing Sys- tem EuroGOOS – European GOOS GCRMN – Global Coral Reef Monitoring I-GOOS – Intergovernmental GOOS Network NEARGOOS – North East Asian Region GCSI – Global Change Strategies In- GOOS ternational Inc. MedGOOS – Mediterranean GOOS GDIN – Global Disaster Information Network PI-GOOS – Pacific Island GOOS GDP – Gross Domestic Product GOSSP – Global Observing Systems Space Panel GEBCO – General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (IOC-IHO) GPA – Global Plan for Action for the Protection of the Marine GEF – Global Environmental Facility Environment from (World Bank-UNEP-UNDP) Land-based Activities GEO3 – Global Environment Outlook 3 GPF – General Purpose Fund (EVI) GPS – Global Positioning System GEOHAB – Global Ecology of Harmful Al- gal Blooms GRID – Global Resource Information Database (UNEP) GERIS – Geological and Earth Re- sources Information System GROMS – Global Register of Migratory (PNG) Species GEST – Group for the Export of Serv- GSC – Geological Survey of Canada ices and Technology (of New GSJ – Geological Survey of Japan Caledonia) GTOS – Global Terrestrial Observing GHCN – Global Historical Climatology System Network (NOAA, US) GTQ – Gas to Queensland Project GII – Geophysical Institute of Israel (Papua New Guinea) GIPCO – GOOS Integrated Panel for the GTS – Global Telecommunications Coastal Ocean System (of WMO) GIPME – Global Investigation of Pollu- GTSPP – Global Temperature-Salinity tion in the Marine Environ- Pilot Programme ment GTZ – German Technical Coopera- GIS – Geographic Information Sys- tion tems GWP – Global Water Partnership GIS/RS – Geographic Information Sys- tems and Remote Sensing HAB – Harmful Algal Blooms GIWA – Global and International Wa- HAU – Hazards Assessment Unit ters Assessment (SOPAC Secretariat) GLI – Global Imager HDI – Human Development Index GLOBEC – Global Ocean Ecosystems Dy- HDR – Human Development Report namics Programme (UNDP) GLOSS – Global Sea-Level Observing HIG – Hawaii Institute of Geophysics System (of UH) GMO – Genetically-Modified Organ- HLC – High-Level Consultation ism HOTO – Health Of The Oceans (IOC)
117 HOTS – Hawaii Ocean Time Series IFREMER – Institut Francaise de Recher- Station che pour l’Explotation de la Mer (Formerly CNEXO) HPLC – High Performance Liquid Chromatography IGBP – International Geosphere- Biosphere Programme HRD – Human Resources Develop- ment Unit (of SOPAC Work IGES – Institute for Global Environ- Programme) mental Strategies HURL – Hawaii Undersea Research IGNS – Institute of Geological and Laboratory (of UH) Nuclear Sciences (of New Zealand) HYCOS – Hydrological Cycle Observing System IGODS – Interactive Graphical Ocean Database System IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency I-GOOS – Intergovernmental Committee for GOOS IAMSLIC – International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science IGOSS – Integrated Global Ocean Libraries and Information Services Systems Centers IHO – International Hydrographic IAS – Institute of Applied Science Organisation (of IOC/ (USP) UNESCO) French Oceano- graphic Research Institute IAVCEI – International Association of Volcanism and Chemistry of IHP – International Hydrological the Earth’s Interior Programme (of UNESCO) IBTS – International Bottom Trawl IIEC – International Institute for Survey Energy Conservation ICCEPT – Imperial College Centre for IISEE – International Institute of Energy Policy and Technol- Seismology and Earthquake ogy Engineering ICES – International Council for the IKONOS – High Resolution Satellite Exploration of the Sea Imagery ICM – Integrated Catchment IMA – International Market Allow- Management ance ICOD – International Centre for IMO – International Maritime Ocean Development (Canada) Organisation ICOGS – International Consortium of INET – Internet Conference organ- Geological Surveys ised by ISOC ICRI – International Coral Reef IOC – International Oceanographic Initiative Commission (of UNESCO) ICSU – International Council of IODE – International Oceanographic Scientific Unions Data and Information Ex- change ICT – Information and Communi- cation Technologies IOS – Initial Observing System of GOOS ICU – [Pacific] Islands Climate Update (NZAID) IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ICZM – Integrated Coastal Zone Management IRC – Internal Revenue Commis- sion (PNG) IDNDR – International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction IRD – Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (ex ORSTOM) IEDS – Integrated Exploration and Development Services Lim- IRETA – Institute for Research Exten- ited (Australia) sion and Training in Agricul- ture (USP) IETC – International Environmental Technology Centre IRI – International Research Institute for Climate Predic- tion
118 IRIS – Incorporated Research JAIF – Japan Atomic Industrial Institution for Seismology Forum ISA – International Seabed Author- JAMSTEC – Japan Agency for Marine- ity Earth Science and Technol- ogy (formerly Japan Marine ISAAA – International Service for the Science and Technology Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Centre) Applications JCOMM – Joint WMO/IOC Technical ISC – Interim Sub-Committee (of Commission for Oceanogra- SOPAC Governing Council to phy and Marine Meteorology deal with future role and direction of SOPAC) JGOFS – Joint Global Ocean Flux Study ISDR – International Strategy for Disaster Reduction JIBC – Japan Bank of International Cooperation ISM – Island Systems Management JICA – Japan International Co- ISOC – Internet Society operation Agency ISP – Internet Service Provider JNOC – Japan National Oil Corpora- ISPRS – International Society for tion Photogrammetry and Remote JOGMEC – Japan Oil, Gas and Metals Sensing National Corporation (for- I-SSEP – Interiors-Science Steering merly MMAJ) and Evaluation Panel JPfA – Joint Caribbean-Pacific IT – Information Technology Programme for Action on Water and Climate IT-Pacnet – Annual meeting of the CROP ICT Working Group JPOI Johannesburg Plan of Implementation ITIC – International Tsunami Information Centre JREC – Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition ITOPF – International Tanker-Owners Pollution Federation Ltd JWP – Just World Partners (UK) ITSU – International Coordination KEEP – Kiribati Environmental Group for the Tsunami Education Project Warning System in the kgoe – kilogram of oil equivalents Pacific KIGAM – Korea Institute of Geology, ITTO – International Tropical Timber Mining and Minerals Organisation KMPC – Korea Mining Promotion ITU – Information Technology Unit Corporation (SOPAC Secretariat) KOICA – Korea International Coopera- IUCN – International Union for tion Agency Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (The KORDI – Korea Ocean Research and World Conservation Union) Development Institute IUG – International Union of ktoe – kiloton of oil equivalents Geographers LADS – Laser Airborne Depth Sounder IWCAM – Integrated Watershed and Coastal Area Management LAFIA – Leading Australia’s Future in Asia IWP – International Water Pro- gramme LAN/WAN – Local Area Network/Wide Area Network IWRM – Integrated Water Resources Management LDC Least Developed Countries IYO – International Year of the LDG – Less Developed Countries (UN) Ocean (also YOTO) LEO – Long-term Ecosystem Ob- JAFOOS – Joint Australian Facility for servatories Ocean Observing Systems LITHP – JOIDES Lithosphere Panel
119 LME – Large Marine Ecosystems MOU – Memorandum of Understand- ing LMER – Land-Margin Ecosystem Re- search Programme MRD – Mineral Resources Depart- ment (of Fiji Islands) LMR – Living Marine Resources MRU – Mineral Resources Unit LOA – Letter of Agreement (SOPAC Secretariat) LOICZ – Land-Ocean Interactions in MSR – Marine Scientific Research the Coastal Zone NAML – North American Marine Labo- LOIS – Large Ocean Island States ratories Network LTER – Long-Term Ecological Re- NAO – North Atlantic Oscillation search NASA – National Aeronautics and LUCC – Land Use and Cover Change Space Administration (US) Programme NDMO – National Disaster Manage- LV – Low Voltage ment Office (various countries) MARPOL – International Convention for NEDO – New Energy and Industrial the Prevention of Pollution Technology Development Or- from Ships ganisation (of Japan) MBSM – Multi-Beam Swath Mapper NEMS – National Environmental Man- MCDEM – Ministry of Civil Defence and agement Strategy (various Emergency Management (New countries by SPREP) Zealand) NESDIS – National Environmental Satel- MDG – Millennium Development lite Data and Information Serv- Goals ice (NOAA, US) MEA – Multilateral Environmental NGCC – National GOOS Coordination Agreement Committee MERIS – Medium Resolution Imaging NGDC – National Geophysical Data Spectrometer Center (US) MEXT – (Japanese) Ministry of Educa- NGO – Non-Government Organisa- tion, Culture, Sports, Science tions and Technology NIO – National Institute of Oceanog- MHWS – Mean High Water Spring raphy (India) (tides) NIRE – National Institute for Re- MIMRA – Marshall Islands Marine Re- sources and Environment (of sources Authority Japan) MITI – Ministry of International Trade NIWA – National Institute for Water and Industry (Japan) and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand) MLML – Moss Landing Marine Labora- tory NLTB – Native Land Trust Board (Fiji) MLSNR – Ministry of Lands, Survey and NMFS – National Marine Fisheries Natural Resources (Tonga) Service MMAJ – Metal Mining Agency of Japan NOAA – National Oceanographic and (now JOGMEC) Atmospheric Administration (US) MMTC – Marine Minerals Technology Center (University of Hawaii) NODC – National Oceanographic Data Centre MNRD – Ministry of Natural Resources Development NOPACCS – Northwest Pacific Carbon Cy- cle Study MODIS – Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer NORAD – Norwegian Agency for Interna- tional Development MOMAF – Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (Korea) NPK – Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potas- sium MONBUSHO – Ministry of Education and Sci- ence (Japan)
120 NSF – National Science Foundation ORAP – Ocean Research Advisory (US) Panel NTCA – National Tidal Centre Australia ORI – Ocean Research Institute (University of Tokyo) NURP – National Undersea Research Programme (US) ORMP – Ocean Resources Manage- ment Programme (of USP) NZAID – New Zealand Agency for Inter- national Development (for- ORSTOM – Institut Francaise de Recher- merly known as NZODA) che Scientifique pour le Développement en NZIGNS – New Zealand Institute of Geo- Coopération (formerly Office logical and Nuclear Sciences de la Recherche Scientifique NZODA – New Zealand Overseas Devel- et Technique Outre-Mer) opment Assistance (now (French Institute of Scientific NZAID) Research for Cooperative Development), see IRD NZWWA – New Zealand Water and Wastewater Association OTEC – Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion OBS – ocean bottom seismometer PACE-SD – Pacific Centre for the Envi- OCEANOR – Oceanographic Company of ronment and Sustainable Norway AS Development OCT – Overseas Countries and PACER – Pacific Agreement on Closer Territories (which are associ- Economic Relations ated with the European Union) PacESD – Pacific Centre for Environ- ment and Sustainable ODA – Overseas Development Development Agency PACPOL – Pacific Ocean Pollution ODI – Overseas Development Prevention (Programme) Institute PALM – Pacific Island Leaders Meet- ODP – Ocean Drilling Programme ing (acronym used to refer to Japan-PIFS Summit Meet- OECD – Organisation for Economic ings, begun in 1997, 2nd Cooperation and Develop- Summit in 2000, and 3rd in ment May 2003) OECS – Organisation of Eastern PAMBU – Pacific Manuscripts Bureau Caribbean States PAOOP Potential Applications of OEDC – Ocean Engineering Develop- Ocean Observations for the ment Company (Japan) Pacific Islands Region OFDA – Office of US Foreign Disaster PAR – Photosynthetic Active Radia- Assistance tion OHP – Operational Hydrology PAYE – Pay as you Earn Programme (of WMO) PCGIAP – Permanent Committee on OISCA – Organisation for Industrial, GIS Infrastructure for Asia Spiritual and Cultural and the Pacific Advancement PCM – Participatory Watershed OJP – Ontong Java Plateau Management O&M&R&R – Operations & Maintenance & PcSs Pacific Coastal States Repairs & Replacement PDC – Pacific Disaster Center OOPC – Ocean Observations Panel for Climate PDF – Portable Document Format OOSDP – Ocean Observing System PDL – Petroleum Development Li- Development Panel censes OPCs – Optical Plankton Counters PDO – Pacific Decadal Oscillation OPRET – Office of the Promotion of PDWBC – Pacific Deep Western Bound- Renewable Energy Technolo- ary Current gies
121 PEAC – Pacific ENSO Application PIGS – Pacific Islands Geological Center Society PEACESAT – Pan-Pacific Education and PIGGAREP – Pacific Islands Greenhouse Communications Experiment Gas Abatement through by Satellite Renewable Renewable Energy Project (PIREP Phase PEAMIS – Pacific Environment Assess- II) ment and Management Infor- mation System PIIPP – Pacific Islands Information and Communications Tech- PECC – Pacific Economic Cooperation nologies Policy and Strategic Council Plan PEG – Pacific Energy and Gender PIMD – Pacific Institute of Manage- Network ment and Development PEN – Pacific Energy News (SOPAC) PIMM – Pacific Islands Management PESA – Petroleum Exploration Society Model of Australia PIMRIS – Pacific Islands Marine PET ’98 – Pacific Exploration Technology Resources Information (conference of 1998, Nadi, Fiji System Islands) PIRATA – Pilot Research Array in the PFTAC – Pacific Financial Technical Tropical Atlantic Assistance Centre PIREIS – Pacific Island Resource and PIAS (DG) – Pacific Institute for the Ad- Environment Information vanced Studies in Develop- Service ment and Governance PIREN – Pacific Island Renewable PIBA – Pacific Islands Broadcasting Energy Network Association PIREP – Pacific Islands Renewable PIC – Pacific Island Country (s) Energy Project (SPREP) PICCAP – Pacific Islands Climate PIRMBIS – Pacific Islands Regional Change Assistance Pro- Maritime Boundaries Infor- gramme mation System PICES – North Pacific Marine Science PIROF – Pacific Islands Regional Organisation Ocean Forum PICHTR – Pacific International Center PIROF-ISA – Pacific Islands Regional for High Technology Re- Ocean Framework – Inte- search grated Strategic Action PICISOC – Pacific Islands Chapter of the PIROIS – Pacific Islands Region Ocean Internet Society Information System PICTAR – Pacific Island Countries PIROP – Pacific Islands Regional Trade Agreement Ocean Policy PICTs – Pacific Islands Countries and PLU – Publications and Library Territories Unit (of SOPAC Work Pro- gramme) PIDP – Pacific Islands Development Program PMEG – Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Group(s) (SOPAC) PIEPP – Pacific Islands Energy Policy and Plan PMEL – Pacific Marine Environment Laboratory (of NOAA) PIEPSAP – Pacific Islands Energy Policies and Strategic Action PNG – Papua New Guinea Plan POC – Physical Oceanography PIESD – Pacific Islands Energy for Committee Sustainable Development POGO – Partnership for Observation PIFS – Pacific Islands Forum Secre- for the Global Ocean tariat PPA – Pacific Power Association PIG – Pacific Island Gold
122 PPB – private post bag REEEP – Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partner- PPL – Petroleum Prospecting ship Licenses REM – Regional Energy Meeting PNG – Papua New Guinea REP – Rural Electrification Policy PORTS – Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System REPP – Regional Energy Policy and Plan PRAP – Pacific Regional Action Plan on Sustainable Water Man- RESCO – Renewable Energy Service agement Company PRC – People’s Republic of China REU – Rural Electrification Unit (Fiji Department of Energy) PRDMM – Pacific Regional Disaster Management Meeting RINEX – Receiver Independent Ex- change Format PREA – Pacific Regional Energy Assessment RMI – Republic of the Marshall Islands PREFACE – the Pacific Rural Renewable Energy France-Australia ROC – Republic of China Common Endeavour Project ROV – remotely operated vehicles PREP – Pacific Regional Energy Programme RTFP – Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (Pacific) PRIP – Pacific Regional Indicative Programme RS – remote sensing PSSA – Particularly Sensitive Sea RSC – Regional Steering Committee Area (of UNESCO, IHP in the Asia- Pacific region) PPSEAWA – Pan-Pacific South-East Asia Women Association SAP – Strategic Action Plan for International Waters PTWC – Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre SAPHE – Sanitation, Public Health and Environmental Improve- PUB – Public Utilities Board ment (Project) PV – Photo Voltaic SAR – synthetic aperture radar PWA – Pacific Water Association SBSTA – Subsidiary Body for Scien- tific and Technological Advice PWD – Public Works Department SCOR – Scientific Committee on PWP – Pacific Water Partnership Ocean Research RAC – Regional Analysis Centers SDI – Sustainable Development RAMP – Rapid Assessment of Marine Indicators Pollution SDR – Special Drawing Rights RAMSAR – Ramsar Convention on SDWG – Sustainable Development Wetlands of International Working Group (CROP) Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat SEACAMP – Southeast Asian Centre for Atmospheric and Marine RAMSI – Regional Assistance Mission Prediction to the Solomon Islands SEAFRAME – Sea Level Fine Resolution RAO – Regional Authorising Office Acoustic Measuring Equip- (EU) ment RAP – Regional Action Plan SEDAC – Social Economic Data RB – Regular Budget Applications Centre RCI – Regional Coordinating SEREAD – Scientific Educational Institution Resources and Experience Associated with the Deploy- RE – Rural Electrification ment of Argo profiling floats in the South Pacific Ocean RE – Renewable Energy
123 SeaWIFs – Sea-viewing Wide Field of SPM – Sustainable Project Manage- View Sensor ment SEI – Special Events Imager SPOCC – South Pacific Organisations Coordinating Committee SHMAK – Stream Health Monitoring (now CROP) and Assessment kit (New Zealand) SPPO – South Pacific Programme Office (of UNDHA) SIDS – Small Island Developing States SPREP – Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment SIEA – Solomon Islands Electricity Programme Authority SPSLCMP – South Pacific Sea Level and SIO – Scripps Institute of Oceanog- Climate Monitoring Project raphy (University of Califor- nia, US) SPT – Station Polynesienne de Teledetection (Papeete, SIS – Small Island States Tahiti) SIWIN – Small Islands Water Informa- SPTO – South Pacific Tourism tion Network Organisation SLH – Sea Level Height SST – Sea Surface Temperature SM – SPREP Meeting STA – Science and Technology SOA – State Oceanic Administration Agency (of Japan) (China) STAR – Science, Technology and SOE – State of the Environment Resources Network SOC – Southampton Oceanography START – (Global Change) System for Centre Analysis Research and Training (IGBP) SOEST – School of Ocean and Earth Science Technology (of UH) SURE – Sustainable Use of Renew- able Energy SOI – Southern Oscillation Index SWA – Samoa Water Authority SOOP – Ship-of-Opportunity Pro- gramme SWPHC – South West Pacific Hydrographic Commission SOPAC – South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission SYSMIN – A special financing facility in- tended for ACP States whose SPACHEE – South Pacific Action Commit- mining sector plays a major tee for Human Ecology and role in their economy and is Environment faced with known or foresee- able difficulties SPAS – School of Pure and Applied Sciences (USP) TAF – The Asia Foundation SPaRCE – Schools of the Pacific Rainfall TAG – Technical Advisory Group Climate Experiment TAO-IP – Tropical Atmosphere Ocean SPBCP – South Pacific Biodiversity Implementation Panel Conservation Programme TCDT – Tonga Community Develop- SPBEA – South Pacific Board of ment Trust (now called Tonga Educational Assessment Trust) SPC – Secretariat of the Pacific TCSP – Tourism Council of the South Community Pacific SPDRP – South Pacific Disaster TCWUP – Tropical Cyclone Warning Up- Reduction Programme grade Project SPILLCON – Asia Pacific marine environ- T-DEM – Time-Domain Electromagnetic mental pollution prevention & response conference TEC – Tuvalu Electricity Corporation SPILLS – Worldwide Tanker Spill TEMA – IOC Training, Education and Database (etcentre.org) Mutual Assistance programme
124 TEPB – Tonga Electric Power Board UNFCCC COP – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate TESL – Teaching English as a Second Change (Conference of the Language Parties) TNA – Training Needs Analysis UNICEF – United Nations Children’s TNC – The Nature Conservancy Fund (Pohnpei, Federated States of UNIFEM – United Nations Development Micronesia) Fund for Women TOGA – Tropical Ocean Global Atmos- UNISPACE – United National Conference on phere Research Programme Outer Space TOPEX – Typhoon Operational Experi- UNU – United Nations University ment UoG – University of Guam ToR – Terms of Reference UPNG – University of Papua New TPAF – Training and Productivity Au- Guinea thority of Fiji (formerly FNTC) US – United States TQM – total quality management USACE – United States Army Corps of TRITON – Triangle Trans-Oceans Buoy Engineers Network USAID – United States Agency for Inter- TTPI – Trust Territory of the Pacific national Development Islands USD – United States Dollar TWAS – Third World Academy of Sci- ences USDIA – United States Department of Industrial Accidents TWB – Tonga Water Board USDOE – United States Department of UFP – Universite Francaise du Energy Pacifique USGS – United States Geological Sur- UH – University of Hawaii vey UK – United Kingdom USP – University of the South Pacific UN – United Nations VEI – Volcanic Explosivity Indiex UNCED – United Nations Conference on (EVI) Environment and Develop- VISSR – Visible and Infrared Spin-Scan ment Radiometer UNCLCS – United Nations Commission VMS – Vessel Monitoring System on the Limits of the Continen- tal Shelf VOS – Voluntary Observing Ship UNCLOS – United Nations on the Law of VOME – Vegetable Oil Methyl Ester the Sea VPA – Virtual Population Analysis UNCTAD – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development VSAT – Very Small Aperture Terminal UNDESA – United Nations Department of VUW – Victoria University of Welling- Economic and Social Affairs ton UNDHA – United Nations Department of WAGIS – Wide Area Geographic Infor- Humanitarian Affairs mation System UNDP – United Nations Development WASH – Water Sanitation Hygiene Programme (WSSCC) UNEP – United Nations Environment WASH WG – Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Programme Working Group (STAR) UNESCO – United Nations Educational WCMC – World Conservation Moni- Scientific and Cultural Organi- toring Centre sation WCRP – World Climate Research Pro- UNFA – United Nations Fisheries gramme Agreement
125 WDI – World Development Indicators WRU – Water Resources Unit (SOPAC) WERI – Water and Environmental Research Institute of the WSIS – World Summit on the Infor- Western Pacific (of University mation Society of Guam) WSSCC – Water Supply & Sanitation WESTPAC – IOC Sub-Commission for the Collaborative Council Western Pacific WSSD – World Summit on Sustain- WGNE – Working Group on Numerical able Development Experimentation WTO – World Trade Organisation WHO – World Health Organisation WWF – World Wide Fund for Nature WHOI – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (US) WWF-SPP – World Wide Fund for Nature – South Pacific Programme WHYCOS – World Hydrological Cycle Ob- serving System 3rdWWF – Third World Water Forum WIOMAP – Western Indian Ocean WWG – Water Working Group (STAR) Marine Applications Project WWII – World War 2 WMO – World Meteorological Organi- WWSSN – World Wide Seismic Network sation XBTs – Expandable Bathy- WPSs – Work Programme Strategies Thermographs (SOPAC) YOTO – Year of the Ocean WRI – World Resources Institute YPR – Yield-Per-Recruit
126