Pacific Mangroves Initiative
A partnership-based initiative promoting investment and action for sustainable mangrove futures in the Pacific Islands.
Mangrove areas in some Pacific Island countries are high relative to their land area, such as 12% of the Federated States of Micronesia, and 10% of Papua New Guinea and Palau. Pacific Islander societies have traditionally been based in coastal resource management, with many early settlements close to mangrove areas. They continue to provide significant social, economic and cultural benefits for the people of the Pacific Islands, with approximately ten million inhabitants
A flagship ecosystem
The Pacific Mangroves Initiative began in 2009 with the mission to assist Pacific Island countries and territories to raise awareness on the value of coastal ecosystem goods and services and implement sound practices and capacity building in mangrove management. The initiative also aims to raise awareness on the value of coastal ecosystem goods and services and build capacity at all levels to aid local governments make informed decisions. The initiative looks upon mangroves as the flagship ecosystem in an integrated approach to coastal ecosystem management.
Key areas of focus of PMI are communication and awareness, policy and legislation, information and research, conservation and sustainable management, and coordination and implementation.
The goals of PMI are being delivered through two regional mangrove projects:
Current partners of PMI are: the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme and the following countries: Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
