How 2003 Has Gone For SPREP

The SPREP team...keeping the lines of communication open.

As this year draws to a close, it would be timely to reflect on some of our collective efforts during the preceding eleven months.

Indeed since my appointment in January, much has happened within SPREP as a result of the secretariat's determination to provide the best service we can for our member countries On a personal note, I feel one of the most positive aspects to emerge from 2003 has been the opportunity to cultivate, build, and in some cases, restore friendships and partnerships with our members, civil groups, donors and our fellow regional and international organisations. This year's Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) in June, to which I was invited to attend, saw some welcome progress to the approach of partnering environment needs and economic policy.

The ministerial statement following the meeting called for a more pro-active interaction between treasury and environment departments, by developing strategies that complement both agendas. As we are all aware, this is no easy task given, for example, the trade imbalances with developed countries, and the ongoing battle to control inflation with limited national budgets. However, the Forum Economic Ministers have now given clear indications that they are keen to do their part for environmental concerns and economic development to come together.

Communicating what we do to as many islands communities as possible is crucial to the success of the organisation for many reasons. Being able to work with the regional media to profile all aspects of the environment is something that we are constantly striving to achieve.

This year, the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) held their biennial meeting here in Apia. The theme was Governance, Culture, Environment and Media. SPREP gave a number of presentations on aspects of our work including invasive species, the International Waters Programme we help manage, and climate change and variability. The notion of enhancing communication also prompted us to spend some time re-inventing the SPREP website. Our former site was missing the X factor required to draw in the audience and numbers we wanted to capture. The response and feedback since the relaunch in September suggests it is well worth a visit over at http:// www. sprep.org.ws

But the most important relationship is that between the secretariat and our members. Following the 14th SPREP Meeting, I feel we have taken some steps towards achieving a better understanding of our members; and look forward to nurturing this understanding further during my tenure.

As discussed in a recent column, what emerged from the meeting were some basic changes in the way we go about our business. The secretariat is now shifting to a programme approach to its work instead of project based work that in the main has lacked flexibility in meeting the innumerable number of variables associated with this approach in the region. In focusing more on creating programmes, the secretariat can respond more readily and accurately to what our members require from us.

Throughout this year there have been dozens of workshops run by our programme officers covering all manner of issues from nature conservation to pollution prevention. One workshop that bears mentioning though, focused on the role of Pacific women within the International Maritime Organisation. I feel this was an excellent initiative by all those involved. In a nutshell, Pacific men need to provide not only equal work opportunities for women, but could do well to listen and pay heed to what is being said by our womenfolk; and where appropriate make the right decisions. Being an equal rights employer is only half the answer. If this measure is implemented with enthusiasm and an open mind, we males may even be surprised at some of the outcomes!

So I encourage all our members, and those we are in partnership with to feel free to discuss any issues concerning your needs or our shortcomings at any time. Keeping the lines of communication open is crucial if the secretariat is to carry out its mandate effectively. With the curtain descending on 2003, I must make mention of the significant support we have had from several non-member countries and organisations. Just recently the People's Republic of China provided a generous grant for SPREP activities. The Government of Japan has continued to assist with volunteers who have provided important expertise for some of our programmes and logistical services. We also welcome our friendship with the Washington-based Conservation International. Of course, the organisation's four metropolitan members‹Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States‹have shown valuable support for all our initiatives and programmes, as have our friends and counterparts from regional and international interest groups.

I would like to acknowledge Islands Business magazine for their stimulating coverage of many Pacific issues, especially during a time of much transition and turbulence in parts of the region. I have found this year to be both rewarding and challenging. On behalf of all the SPREP team, I pray for God's blessings upon you all for this Christmas and the year ahead.