The European Union has renewed its commitment to Pacific climate and biodiversity programmes in its overseas territories, signing an agreement for $US41 million in funding over four years.
Looking out to the South Pacific Ocean from Noumea, New Caledonia. Photo: Copyright: lisastrachan / 123RF Stock Photo
The EU will work alongside both the Pacific Community and the Pacific Regional Environment Programme with the aim of building sustainable development and climate resilient economies by supporting biodiversity and renewable resources.
The programmes will build on previous work to manage natural resources in the European territories of New Caledonia, Pitcairn, French Polynesia and Wallis & Futuna.
The EU's Pacific head of co-operation, Christoph Wagner, said the funding was a clear signal from Europe that the territories should work together to overcome common issues using expertise from regional agencies.
St Pauls Point, Pitcairn Island Photo: Supplied
The Pacific Community will lead the agricultural, fisheries and water parts of the project, while the Pacific Regional Environment Programme will focus on the invasive-species component.