August 2004: The 35th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) took place from 5-7 August 2004, in Apia, Samoa, bringing together Heads of State and Governments of Australia, the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu, and representatives of Palau and Vanuatu.
The Forum approved the Terms of Reference for the preparation of the Pacific Plan – a plan that aims to serve as the main instrument for promoting a new Pacific vision, and seeks to deliver tangible benefits for the region’s peoples through concrete proposals that enhance economic growth and sustainable development. The Forum also considered a number of issues relating to economic growth, including regional transport, fisheries and tourism.
On transport, delegates considered the results of the Pacific Regional Transport Study, requested by PIF leaders in 2003 to address transport challenges facing PIF countries. Among others, the meeting agreed that PIF countries undertake an audit of and rationalize existing regional maritime training institutions.
On fisheries, leaders agreed to seek increased sustainable returns from fisheries resources, and directed fisheries ministers and the Forum Fisheries Committee to review the need to change the Forum Fisheries Agency convention to allow for ministerial oversight of regional fisheries matters.
The Forum further considered issues relating to sustainable development. On HIV/AIDS, leaders supported a Regional Strategy and requested the Secretariat of the Pacific Community to develop a detailed implementation plan to be circulated by the end of 2004. Leaders noted the importance of the BPOA+10 review process, particularly in addressing new and emerging issues of sustainable development. The Forum also addressed the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy, the Environmental Vulnerability Index developed by the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, climate change and sea-level rise, and marine mammals protection. [Forum Communique]