The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last Friday to reinforce cooperation between the two organizations.
MSG Director General, Mr Peter Forau said, “the MOU between the MSG and IUCN only formalizes the collaboration that the two organisations already have had in the past and paves the way for further collaboration in the future.”
The two organizations have been collaborating on a number of activities pertaining to environmental sustainability such as marine and terrestrial biodiversity conservation and ecosystems management and the formulation and advancement of a Green Growth Development Framework for MSG member countries.
The agreed areas of partnership under this MOU are focused around sustainable development, the protection of the environment and the implementation of the MSG Green Growth Development Framework. The MOU provides both organizations with direction as they work together to ensure environmental sustainability within Melanesia.
IUCN brings value as a global membership-based organization that includes governments, civil society and expertise that can assist the MSG Secretariat and support their environmental-based initiatives.
Mr Forau added, “the MOU is an opportunity for both our organizations to develop joint approaches, programmes and work plans when supporting our member countries in those areas where IUCN brings specialised expertise.”
IUCN Oceania Regional Office, Director Taholo Kami also welcomed the signing and added, “Melanesia is one of the most biodiversity rich sub-regions in the world and cohesive action is needed to ensure the continued existence of this biodiversity with continued economic development. We support the efforts of Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu as they re-examine approaches to growth that are effective and sustainable.”
The MOU is for a period of three years.
Suva, Fiji (IUCN)
