A regular update of IUCN news in the Oceania Region: August - September 2011

Bernard O'Callaghan, Oceania Regional Programme Coordinator talks about IUCN's new Programme.

Shaping next steps: Members gather at Oceania Regional Conservation Forum

IUCN Members in the region gathered at the Oceania Regional Conservation Forum held in Brisbane, Australia to dialogue on the proposed next four year IUCN Programme. The IUCN Deputy Director General led a strong delegation from IUCN Headquarters to listen to the concerns of our members and discuss the new programme.

New Member calls for increased attention on Antarctica

IUCN has had a strong Antarctic interest in the past, contributing its expertise in support of the Antarctic Treaty System. In recent years however, IUCN’s Antarctic focus has waned. Dr. Neil Gilbert, Environmental Manager at Antarctica New Zealand, urges IUCN to become more engaged in the work of the Antarctic Treaty System.

Strengthening support for largest marine park

IUCN Member Te Ipukarea Society is firmly behind the proposal by the Cook Islands Government to turn just over 50% of the country's EEZ into a marine park.

Water experts talk solutions in the Cook Islands

70 water experts from Pacific Island Countries reviewed progress and discussed solutions in achieving the Pacific Intergrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Programme in the Cook Islands from 25-29 July. IUCN Oceania's Dr Milika Sobey was part of this meeting.

Removing rats, restoring islands

A unique international project partnership involving IUCN Member organizations, the Royal Society for Protection of Birds, The Nature Conservancy and the US Fish & Wildlife Service is helping to restore a series of islands and seabird habitats in the Pacific by removing alien invasive rats which have wreaked havoc on native biodiversity. 

Presenting natural solutions at Rio+20 Pacific Preparatory Meeting

The IUCN Regional Director attended the regional Rio + 20 Ministerial meeting in Samoa, on July 20-22, and presented on the importance of nature based solutions in any green economy discussion for the Pacific Island countries. The meeting was well attended with Finance Ministers joining the Environment Ministers for the final day endorsing the green economy as the way forward for a implementing a sustainable development vision. 

Data evaluation begins for Pacific Islands reptiles, land snails and freshwater fishes

As part of IUCN's efforts in developing a Pacific Islands Red List, an evaluation workshop was recently convened gathering local, regional and international scientists to evaluate assessments on reptiles, land snails and freshwater fish species from the region.

Work for mangroves gets new look

IUCN's mangrove project, MESCAL, currently being implemented in five Pacific Island Countries launched its new logo on September 29. Also featured at the launch, the new book "Life on Fiji's Mangrove Trees" written by Dr. Alison Haynes.

Energy features at Pacific Forum Leaders Showcase

IUCN Oceania was part of the Pacific Islands Showcase during the Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting in Auckland from 5 – 8 September. The Showcase, the first ever organised as part of the Island Forum Leaders meeting, was a display of the different aspects of Pacific Islands life from cultural and traditional dances and activities to contemporary ways of life including displays on tourism, fisheries, agriculture and renewable energy. The Energy Programme Coordinator took the opportunity to display brochures and videos depicting the IUCN energy programme in the Pacific. Thousands of people visited the thee day event which included Pacific Island Leaders, officials, visitors and schools around Auckland. The Showcase is being promoted to be an integral component of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Temporary Administration Support Officer

In August we welcomed Ms Lavinia Tivaknoa to the Regional Office. She is originally from Rotuma and will be with us for the next three months. She previously worked at Fiji Red Cross Society, as a Resource Development Assistant for 7years. Lavinia has also worked briefly on short-term contracts with the Fiji Development Bank and Infinity International. Working in a non-governmental organization is no stranger to Lavinia who brings with her experience in administration, resource development, fundraising & marketing as well as customer services.

Head of IUCN’s Global Economics and Environment Programme

Andrew Seidl visited the Oceania Regional Office (ORO) on September 29-30 while in Fiji for other engagements. The Chief Economist at IUCN gave a presentation regarding “Valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services applied to coral reefs” which was well attended by IUCN ORO’s staff and partners.