Apia, Samoa - From September 9 to 14, 2024, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Apia, Samoa, hosted the Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The event brought together country delegations from 13 member nations, with representatives from the agricultural and environmental sectors. The meeting was a clear demonstration of the region's unified commitment to implementing the CBD and the Biodiversity Plan at both national and regional levels.

The Pacific region is home to some of the world’s most unique and diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, rainforests and atolls. These ecosystems are not only critical for world’s biodiversity but also for the livelihoods, cultures and wellbeing of Pacific Island peoples. The success of the Biodiversity Plan is closely tied to transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, resilient and sustainable.

Mr Toelesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Samoa, emphasized the importance of Pacific engagement at CBD COP16. He stressed the need for a long-term vision that integrates economic development, social equity and environmental sustainability. Key agenda items included planning, monitoring, resource mobilization and cooperation with international bodies. FAO’s Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Environment, Mr Kaveh Zahedi, highlighted the critical role the agri-food sector must play in achieving the Biodiversity Plan in the Pacific.

The meeting concluded with important messages for the region. It recognized the unique biodiversity of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which bear responsibility over large proportions of global ecosystems, including about 30% of all oceans and seas within national jurisdiction. Acknowledging, that these nations face increasing challenges in building and ensuring sustainable agrifood systems.

The Pacific Region Preparatory Meeting for CBD COP16 was organized by SPREP in collaboration with FAO and other partners, with financial support from the Multilateral Environmental Agreements in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries 3 (ACP MEAs 3) Programme. For the first time, FAO also supported 16 participants from the agricultural sectors of 7 Pacific Islands to travel and attend these sessions. This meeting equipped country delegations with tools and insights to shape their national positions ahead of CBD COP16, setting the stage for strong regional leadership in the global biodiversity dialogue.