17 May 2013: The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has announced that it has signed a contribution agreement to the value of €7.85 million with the European Union to address hazardous waste issues in the Pacific region. Activities under the PACWASTE agreement will focus on electronic, medical and asbestos wastes.

SPREP will be responsible for the implementation of activities under the agreement, which will support the implementation of the regional solid waste strategy, which aims to assist countries to adopt cost effective and self-sustaining waste management systems. According to SPREP there will be a special focus on waste management issues on atolls. [SPREP Press Release] [EDF Website]