3 September 2012: The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) convened the Second Pacific Environment Forum, an opportunity for Pacific stakeholders to discuss environmental issues in advance of the annual SPREP meeting. This year’s Forum focused on the development of a mechanism for national State of Environment (SoE) monitoring and reporting.

At the meeting, held in Noumea, New Caledonia, on 3 September 2012, approximately 80 participants updated each other on progress on SoEs, and discussed the need to synergize SOEs into a broader regional framework.

The Forum concluded with three major agreements: a framework and approach to develop a regional SoE assessment; guidance on development of indicators; and a recommended roadmap for action. These agreements will be presented to the SPREP Meeting convening in Noumea, from 4-7 September, for further consideration. [SPREP Press Release]