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The marine environment is an important resource base for the people of the South Pacific island countries. The livelihood of many people in this region is closely connected with the sea. The potential for enhanced development and utilisation of marine resources is considerable, particularly as the demand for resources increases and the land becomes limited in its capacity to fulfil this demand. It is therefore imperative that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the quality of the marine environment.

Most South Pacific island countries are characterised by small land masses surrounded by vast stretches of ocean. As such the marine environment is an important resource base for the people of these countries, with the livelihood of many people being closely connected with the sea. The potential for enhanced development and utilisation of marine resources is considerable, particularly as the demand for resources increases and the land becomes limited in its capacity to fulfil this demand. It is therefore imperative that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the quality of both the marine and terrestrial environments.