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This study aimed to estimate the economic value of seven marine and coastal ecosystem services1 in Vanuatu. It is part of the MACBIO (Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific Island Countries) project, which aims to improve the management of marine and coastal biodiversity in Pacific Island countries. Marine and coastal ecosystems provide important benefits for society and contribute to the livelihoods, food security and safety of millions of people around the world.

Coastal and marine ecosystems provide a variety of ecological functions1 that directly and indirectly translate to economic services with value to humans. For example, they support fish populations that constitute a significant source of protein and sustain ecosystem stability through conservation of biodiversity and mitigation of climate change through carbon sequestration. They act as sinks for by-products from industrial and agricultural production and provide recreational and aesthetic benefits. Marine and coastal resources influence cultural aspects of Fijian life and traditions.

Solomon Islands is composed of almost 1000 islands and has the second longest coastline and the second largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Pacific. These physical characteristics and the unique society and culture of the population are the basis of the fundamental relationship that Solomon Islanders have with the ocean and its ecosystem services.
 

In 2014, the Council of Ministers (Decision No. 172/2014) decided to start implementation of, amongst other things, a Marine Spatial Plan for the nation. This planning includes aiming to achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Aichi Target 11 which states, in part, that at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas are conserved through

Marine spatial planning is underway now, or starting, in many Pacific Island countries. This planning aims, amongst other things, to achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Aichi Target 11 which states, in part, that at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas are conserved through ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas. However, means for countries, who have signed on to the CBD, to achieve an ecologically representative system of marine protected areas is missing.

In 2014, the Vanuatu Council of Ministers (Decision No. 172/2014) supported the development of a national ocean policy and marine spatial plan, and in doing so, established an Ocean Policy Subcommittee to guide these processes. Now, as the Ocean Policy Implementation Sub-Committee, one of their tasks was to identify Vanuatu’s special and/ or unique marine areas (SUMAs). This report brings together data, literature and the outputs of a dedicated workshop synthesising information about the areas identified.

In April 2016, the Cabinet of the Solomon Islands Government endorsed the establishment of the Ocean12 National Steering Committee (comprising the twelve Ministries relevant to ocean management and use) with the mandate to progress Integrated Ocean Governance for the Solomon Islands. The Ocean12 set up a technical working group tasked with implementing the priority aspects of Integrated Ocean Governance including marine spatial planning and the development of an ocean policy.

Fiji is committed to, and is embarking upon, a process to significantly increase the number and coverage of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the country. To help deliver on this commitment, the Marine Working Group of the Fiji national Protected Area Committee (PAC), established under the Environmental Management Act 2005, requested a review of previous efforts to describe marine priority sites for Fiji.

Marine spatial planning is underway now, or starting, in many Pacific Island countries, including Fiji. This planning aims, amongst other things, to achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Aichi Target 11 which states, in part, that at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas are conserved through ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas. However, means for Fiji, who has signed on to the CBD, to achieve an ecologically representative system of marine protected areas is missing.

Solomon Islanders are ocean people. We are not separate to our ocean: we are part of our ocean. It is reflected in our history, our culture, our traditions and in our day-to-day lives. We not only respect the plants, animals and fish of the sea but recognise our own role in  maintaining the integrity of our ocean ecosystem and its importance to economy. Our marine resources are valued at over SBD2.5 billion per year.