Implementing the Island Biodiversity Programme of Work by integrating the conservation management of island biodiversity.
The unique challenges of biodiversity conservation on islands were recognised in the decision of the 8th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to adopt the Programme of Work on Island Biodiversity (IBPOW). That decision (VIII/I) requested the GEF to recognise the programme and its relevance to developing countries, particularly least developed countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and to provide support to its implementation. This project is a manifestation of that support and focuses on SIDS: Cook Islands, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu who have previously received relatively little support for biodiversity conservation.
The decision also encouraged Parties to take into account the Ecosystem Approach in implementing biodiversity conservation. Ecosystem-based management has been characterised (Clarke & Jupiter 2010) as:
1. Emphasising connectivity within and between systems such as between land and sea
2. Focusing on the consequences of human actions within a specific ecosystem
3. Emphasising the protection and restoration of ecosystem structure, function and key processes
4. Integrating biological, socioeconomic and governance perspectives.
There are currently few examples and limited capacity for the application of the Ecosystem Approach in the Pacific. This project will assist the participating countries to develop that capacity and build a foundation for their future biodiversity conservation work.
To our dearly beloved sister, friend and colleague, Mi’i Matamaki
The GEFPAS IIB Family wishes to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the untimely passing of our dear sister, friend and colleague – the Cook Islands IIB project coordinator, Mi’i Matamaki. We are deeply saddened by the news of Mi’i’s passing. Click here to read the full tribute.
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