Workshop focuses on finding funds to conserve Pacific islands biodiversity

Suva (PINA Nius Online) – Conservation of biodiversity in the Pacific will get a boost from a regional workshop on Financial Mechanisms for Implementing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, WWF South Pacific says.

The workshop opened in Suva this morning with participants from 13 Pacific island countries.

It is aimed at providing participants with information and training to be able to access and apply for finance that will assist their countries implement their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans for environmental conservation.

The workshop is organized by WWF South Pacific and the South Pacific Regional Environment Program with support from the United Nations Development Program.

WWF South Pacific says National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans is an obligation for countries that have ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD, which came into force in 1993, is an international treaty that provides a framework of actions required to conserve the wealth of the planet’s biological diversity to ensure that its use is sustainable and that benefits arising from its use are equitably shared.

There are 174 countries around the world that are signatories to the convention. Thirteen Pacific Islands independent states have ratified the convention and to date.

Cedric Schuster of WWF says: Participants at the workshop will leave with information on how government can increase financial allocation and what mechanisms governments can use to access financial institutions, organizations, aid agencies and foundations that are out there.

“Participants will be informed and will also discuss new and innovative approaches to implement their biodiversity plans.