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Apia Statement: Progress on a Proposal for a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary for consideration by Pacific Island Forum Leaders from the Regional Forum and SPREP Member Regional Workshop for a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary

Training Workshop Programme for the 2001 Effective management of hazardous materials, hazardous wastes and contaminated sites

Management of hazardous materials, hazardous wastes and contaminated sites has become an increasingly important issue for Pacific Island Countries (PICs). In 1997, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) in conjunction with the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), implemented the Persistent Organic Pollutants in Pacific Island Countries project (POPs in PICs) to address this issue. As part of the POPs in PICs project, a commitment was made to provide training to key personnel in PICs. in basic chemical handling and disposal procedures. As part of this commitment, Golder Associates were engaged by SPREP in October 2000, to design and deliver training workshops in thirteen PICs, with the aim of creating an awareness and understanding in each country on the effective management of hazardous materials, hazardous wastes and contaminated sites.

This report was commissioned by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programmme (SPREP) in early 2000, and forms part of SPREP’s initiative to: identify the requirements of the National Meteorological Services (NMSs) of twenty Pacific island SPREP member countries and territories, package the requirements for aid consideration, and further, to coordinate and administer any consequential aid projects.

An assessment of ecotourism potential for the Funafuti Conservation Area was undertaken in October 2000. The work was commissioned by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme and carried out by Tourism Resource Consultants, in association with the Funafuti Kaupule, staff of the Funafuti Conservation Area and the Conservation Area Coordinating Committee.

The Seventh Meeting of the Regional Meteorological Services Directors (RMSD) was convened by SPREP to advance regional collaboration in meteorology, climate services, and disaster risk reduction. Opening remarks by officials from SPREP, WMO, and the Government of Samoa emphasized the critical role of National Meteorological Services (NMSs) in supporting climate resilience and sustainable development across the Pacific. Key outcomes included reflections on the evolution of RMSD since 1993, the strategic importance of the 2000 Needs Analysis, and discussions on integrating meteorological services with broader policy frameworks, such as those informed by the IPCC and GCOS. The meeting reaffirmed commitments to regional cooperation, sustainable resourcing, and implementation of the Strategic Plan, while addressing challenges faced by under-resourced NMSs. A new chairperson from Samoa was elected, and the session reviewed prior recommendations to ensure continuity and effectiveness in service delivery.

Saanapu & Sataoa mangrove conservation area project