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Pacific DRR & DM Framework for Action

FrameworkThe Regional Framework for Action directly supports the development and implementation of policies and plans for the mitigaion and management of natural disasters, which is one of the key initiatives of the Kalibobo Roadmap, that reinforces the objectives of the Pacific Plan.

Vision : Safer more resilient Pacific island nations and communities to disasters, so that Pacific peoples may achieve sustainable livelihoods and lead free and worthwhile lives.

Mission : Building capacity of Pacific island communities by accelerating the implementation of disaster risk reduction and disaster management policies, planning and programmes to address current and emerging challenges through :

a.) development and strengthening of disaster risk reduction and disaster management, including mitigation, preparedness, response and relief/recovery systems;

b.) integration of disaster risk reduction and disaster management into national sustainable development planning and decision-making processes at all levels; and

c.) strengthening partnerships between all stakeholders in disaster risk reduction and disaster management.

In September 2015, the Pacific Island Forum Leaders extended the Regional Framework for Action for one year. The official Forum Leaders Communique  for the 46th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting in Papua New Guinea on the 7th to the 11th of September 2015, can be viewed here

Last Updated on Tuesday, 08 December 2015 12:23  


Newsflash

From March 11-15th 2013, the Kingdom of Tonga is to host a regional workshop on “Law and Contract Negotiations for Deep Sea Minerals” in Nuku’alofa, on behalf of the SPC-EU Pacific Deep Sea Minerals Project.  

The Pacific Deep Sea Minerals Project is funded by the European Union and managed by SOPAC, the Applied Geoscience & Technology Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. The project includes 15 Pacific Island Countries: the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Hannah Lily, Legal Adviser for the Pacific Deep Sea Minerals Project, says a main objective of the Tonga workshop is to provide government officials with the knowledge, skills and confidence to negotiate effectively with well-resourced deep sea mining companies.  Ms. Lily says the Project stresses the importance for countries to put in place robust law and regulatory mechanisms for the national management of deep sea minerals before any negotiations take place.

“We strongly recommend that countries have these mechanisms in place before any individual project negotiations commence. Dedicated seabed minerals legislation will assist the country to meet its obligations under international law, such as the protection of the marine environment. It will also provide clarity and stability to that country’s operating environment and what it expects from mineral companies.”

“Seabed mineral resources represent an exciting new economic opportunity for Pacific Island States. But, in order to make the most of this opportunity, governments will need to find responsible exploration and mining companies, and work to set terms that provide sufficient protection and financial return to the country,” she says.