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This island nation contains many marine eco-systems, from globally significant coral reefs to mangroves, seagrass areas, seamounts and deep-sea trenches supporting at least 769 fish species, including sharks and rays, as well as whales, dolphins and sea turtles.

Less than 8 per cent of the population of Asia and the Pacific enjoyed healthy air – within the World Health Organization (WHO) Guideline – in 2015. That means that around 4 billion people, the other 92 per cent of the population, spread unevenly across the region and with the highest numbers living in South and East Asia, are exposed to levels of air pollution that pose significant risks to their health.

Marine spatial planning is underway now, or starting, in many Pacific Island countries, including Fiji.

The earth's crust and atmosphere form the biosphere, which is capable of supporting life. Biosphere reserves are there to protect the environment and the organisms living in it in certain areas. This is achieved by safeguarding biodiversity and developing sustainable forms of using land and natural resources, to the mutual benefit of humans and nature.

Asia-Pacific is at the forefront of global discussions on sustainable development and the melding of environment and economic policies. From access to clean water to biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture - community involvement and investment when solving environmental challenges is crucial to managing local resources. In order to move towards and realise sustainable development on a larger scale, proven-successful practices at the grassroots should be contextualized and replicated across Asia-Pacific. As a group of regional experts, the Asia-Pacific Forum for Environment and Development addressed critical issues facing the region and proposed new models for equitable and sustainable development. Two programmes resulted from the forum, the APFED Showcase Programme and the APFED Awards.

Asia-Pacific faces major environmental issues, from climate change and biodiversity conservation to resource resilience and water security. As the greatest consumer of natural resources, the region is experiencing the effects of increased waste and pollution as they take a massive toll on resource availability, livelihoods and quality of life for many families. Addressing the challenges that come with climate change appears enormous and often insurmountable outside of top-down global and regional actions. Yet, local governments and communities in the region are facing these challenges head on by developing and utilizing innovative solutions to climate change and many other environmental issues.