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The review of the SPREP Regional Marine Species Action Plans (MSAP) 2008 – 2012 was conducted from the 8 – 14 March, 2012, at the Hexagon International Hotel, Nadi, Fiji Islands. The SPREP MSAPs are a composite of individual plans for whales and dolphins, marine turtles and dugongs.

Coastal populations are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme events such as storms and hurricanes, and these pressures may be exacerbated through the influence of climate change and sea level rise. Coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests are increasingly being promoted and used as a tool in coastal defence strategies. There remains, however, a pressing need to better understand the roles that ecosystems can play in defending coasts. This report focuses on mangrove forests and the role they can play in reducing wind and swell waves. While mangrove forests are usually found on shores with little incoming wave energy, they may receive larger waves during storms, hurricanes and periods of high winds. Large wind and swell waves can cause flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure. By reducing wave energy and height, mangroves can potentially reduce associated damage.

A BIORAP is a biological inventory programme undertaken in marine and/or terrestrial environments, and is designed to rapidly assess the biodiversity of highly diverse areas. Options to manage threats and protect biodiversity of national or international significance are recommended to governing communities.

The Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement through Renewable Energy Project (PIGGAREP) is a Global Environment Facility (GEF) US$5.25 million project in eleven Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Implementation of the project started on 1 January 2008. PIGGAREP’s planned five year duration has been extended to six and a half years, with a scheduled end date now of December 2013.

CARICOM countries have considerable concerns about the severe threats posed by a changing climate their development prospects and have come to the conclusion that both mitigation and adaptation options will require a significant and sustained investment of resources that the Member States will be unable to provide on their own.

Managing environmental and social risks is a key feature of its work. Another aspect involves assisting clients in improving their environmental and social performance or obtaining certification. In addition, PROPARCO seeks to maximize the development impact of its projects.

This BIORAP (Biological Rapid Assessment Program) survey was undertaken as part of the process to facilitate improved management of the forests and biodiversity of Upland Savai’i. More specifically, the survey was conducted to fill key gaps in the knowledge of this globally important put poorly studied region of montane and cloud forests. This information will be used to make better informed decisions on the conservation management of the biodiversity in the area in conjunction with Savai’i land-owning communities, relevant government departments and other partners.

The report presents concrete evidence that food, freshwater and the livelihoods of the Pacific islanders are under threat due to climate change, and concludes that the Pacific is at the frontline in humanity's efforts to combat and adapt to climate change. As the President of Kiribati, H.E. Anote Tong notes, The problem is much more immediate than we perceived...