GEF Pacific IWRM Project

Publication of the First Catalogue of Rivers for the Pacific Islands 9th May 2012: For the first time a selection of river characteristics from across the Pacific can be found in one book the Catalogue of Rivers for Pacific Islands. The book documents the main features and characteristics of the rivers in eight Pacific Island Countries and the available data associated with them.

UNEP-SPC Pacific Islands Freshwater Vulnerability Assessment Report Released 25 April 2012: "Freshwater under Threat – Pacific Islands", written by David Duncan, Regional Environmental Engineer of the GEF Pacific IWRM Project was recently released by UNEP. The report found that the almost total reliance on rain-fed agriculture across all islands puts economies and livelihoods at risk.

UNEP-SPC Pacific Islands Freshwater Vulnerability Assessment Report Released 25th April 2012: "Freshwater under Threat – Pacific Islands", written by David Duncan, Regional Environmental Engineer of the GEF Pacific IWRM Project was recently released by UNEP. The report found that the almost total reliance on rain-fed agriculture across all islands puts economies and livelihoods at risk.

President Toribiong Endorses the First National Water Policy for the Republic of Palau Koror, Palau, Monday April 23rd 2011: Palau’s President, Johnson Toribiong, endorsed his country’s first National Water Policy this week saying that it “will serve as a clear indicator and important guide for our nation's future economic and sustainable development based on clean and safe water that is essential for the health of our people, ecosystem and economy.” The policy ...

Dr. Al Duda interview on the GEF Pacific IWRM Project published in the Islands Business magazine 13th April 2012: The recently retired Senior Advisor on International Waters at the Global Environment Facility, Dr. Al Duda was featured in the April 2012 edition of "Islands Business" magazine.

The Pacific IWRM "Community to Cabinet" Approach Showcased by the Global Environment Facility Secretariat 21st March 2012: The saying "From Community to Cabinet" started here in the Pacific IWRM Project and last week the GEF Secretariat released a booklet at the World Water Forum with that very title.

Micronesia's Water Issues and Need for IWRM Planning and Action Elevated to Highest Political Levels at MCES 17 19th March 2012: The 17th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit (MCES) was convened in Guam from 11th-14th March 2012. Pacific IWRM's Regional Project Manager, Marc Wilson participated in this event and water issues were elevated to the highest political levels by RMI’s President, H.E.

Tuvalu's film "Falevatia: A toilet for our future" featured on ABC Radio's Pacific Beat 11 March 2012: IWRM's Environmental Engineer, David Duncan was interviewed by Geraldine Coutts on ABC's Pacific Beat on 7th March. The interview focused on Tuvalu's water issues and the role of Ecosan in conserving water and reducing threats to the environment and human health.

Tuvalu Composting Toilets: new film highlights water issues and solutions in Tuvalu 5th March 2012: The following film "Falevatia: A toilet for our future" was produced as part of the GEF Pacific IWRM demonstration project on Funafuti, Tuvalu. It shows how composting toilets can help conserve water and minimise threats to the environment, food security and human health.

Launch of the GEF SGP - Pacific IWRM Partnership for Strengthened Community Participation in Integrated Water Resource Management in Pacific Island Countries 29th February 2012: Dr. Delfin Ganapin, Global Manager of the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), and Mr. Marc Wilson, Regional Project Manager of the GEF supported UNDP/UNEP/SOPAC project entitled "Implementing Sustainable Water Resource and Wastewater Management in Pacific Islands Countries" (Pacific IWRM) yesterday launched a partnership aimed at strengthening ...

Highlights Video of GEF Pacific IWRM Project Activities from Inception to Mid-Term (2010-2011) The following short video presentation was produced with the Assistance of Roll’em Productions/Oceania Television. It highlights progress of the project to its mid-term stage, and was launched at the 6th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference in October 2011.

Dr. Alfred Duda, Senior Adviser to the GEF on International Waters Visits the Nadi IWRM Demonstration Project 18th-19th July 2011: Dr. Alfred Duda, Senior Advisor on International Waters for the Global Environment Facility (GEF), accompanied the Government of Fiji's Minister of Primary Industries, Mr. Jokatani Cokanasiga, and other project stakeholders on a tour of the GEF funded IWRM demonstration project in Nadi, Fiji to see how government agencies and communities are working ...

3rd Regional Steering Committee Meeting for the GEF Pacific IWRM Project The Third Meeting of the Regional Steering Committee for the Pacific IWRM Programme will be convened on Rarotonga Island in the Cook Islands from 25th-30th July 2011. The meeting will bring together ~70 water and sanitation professionals from Pacific Island Countries to review progress of the initiative in achieving its overall objective which is “…to improve water resources management and water ...

Video Documentary of the GEF Pacific IWRM Laura Water Lens Demonstration Project on Majuro Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands The following video documentary was produced by Roll'em Productions for the GEF Pacific IWRM Demonstration Project on Majuro Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The film focuses on initiatives being implemented to safeguard the Laura Water Lens. No Frames

"Water Micronesia" Music Video Launched at National Water Summits to Celebrate World Water Day in Micronesia The following music video "Water Micronesia" was written by the Integrated Water Resources Focal Point for the Federated States of Micronesia, Mr. Leerenson Airens to celebrate National Water Summits convened throughout Micronesia on World Water Day 2011.

Video Documentary of the GEF Pacific IWRM Demonstration Project on Pohnpei Island in the Federated States of Micronesia The following video documentary was produced by Roll'em Productions for the GEF Pacific IWRM Demonstration Project on Pohnpei Island in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Kudos to Jeff and the team at Roll'em for an excellent production, and to FSM's IWRM Focal Point, Mr.

Video Documentary of the GEF Pacific IWRM Demonstration Project on Pohnpei Island in the Federated States of Micronesia The following video documentary was produced by Roll'em Productions for the GEF Pacific IWRM Demonstration Project on Pohnpei Island in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Kudos to Jeff and the team at Roll'em for an excellent production, and to FSM's IWRM Focal Point, Mr.

Oceania Television News Promotion of Palau’s National Water Summit Planned for World Water Day 2011 (March 22) TV news story featuring Ms. Gwendalyn Sisior, Palau’s National Water Policy Support Officer and Mr. Tiy Chung of SPC/SOPAC. Palau’s National Water Summit will be convened at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center on 22 March 2011 and will be officially opened by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Palau, Mr.

Pacific IWRM Super 15s Rugby Competition Featured on Micronesia Television Pacific IWRM’s Super Rugby Competition was recently featured on Oceania Television’s weekly news. This news item promoted the role of the competition in supporting Pacific IWRM activities to raise awareness of water and sanitation issues in the Pacific Islands. High fives to our Micronesian colleagues for their great support to IWRM. No Frames

Pacific IWRM Super 15s Rugby Competition The Pacific IWRM Programme launched an online rugby competition in 2010 to provide an informal forum for the online sharing of information amongst project staff. This ended up 165 individuals participating from 34 Pacific Island government departments and NGOs. The Project Steering Committee identified that this competition had been highly effective in raising awareness of IWRM amongst water related stakeholders in the Pacific.