Around 50 participants from across the Pacific region are gathered in Suva this week for the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) Regional Dialogue Forum, focusing on strengthening efforts to combat land degradation and promote sustainable land management in island nations.

The three-day forum, held at the Tanoa Plaza, was officially opened this morning by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana, who emphasized the urgency of addressing land degradation in the Pacific context.

“As Pacific islanders, we know that our small island states are not immune to land degradation. This is not just an environmental issue—it is an economic, social, and cultural challenge that threatens food security, livelihoods, resilience to disasters, and biodiversity,” said Dr. Tukana.

He highlighted how climate change is intensifying the problem, with severe weather events accelerating the degradation of drylands. “For PSIDS, these challenges are compounded by our small land areas, vulnerability to climate change, and limited access to high-resolution data,” he added.

Dr. Tukana acknowledged the role of global and regional partnerships in supporting Pacific nations.

“On behalf of the Government of Fiji as co-host, we extend our gratitude to the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and GEO-LDN for bringing us together as a Pacific family to address this pressing issue,” he said.

The forum aligns with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) vision of achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030, which calls for halting the loss of healthy land globally.

Dr. Tukana underscored the importance of Integrated Land Use Planning (ILUP) and geospatial data in guiding sustainable land management:

Balancing development with ecosystem protection.

Making informed, science-based decisions across agriculture, biodiversity, climate, and disaster risk reduction.

Leveraging shared data systems and fostering regional cooperation.

“This forum is an opportunity to strengthen our ability to monitor and report on land degradation, integrate land, climate, and biodiversity goals, and foster South-South cooperation through sharing successes, challenges, and innovations,” Dr. Tukana said.

He called on participants to use the forum as a platform for learning, collaboration, and regional solidarity in building resilience for the Pacific.

The forum will conclude this Friday, July 25 and includes technical sessions, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building activities to equip Pacific Island nations with tools and strategies to address land degradation effectively.

ENDS

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