The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have formalised a partnership to strengthen sustainable development and conservation efforts across Pacific Island countries.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two groups seeks to combine both organisations’ strengths in working with Pacific Island nations, to encourage green growth, climate resilience, and the protection of the region’s unique ecosystems.
Advancing sustainable development
“This MOU is symbolic of our efforts to foster and strengthen our partnerships in the region to advance nature conservation towards advancing sustainable development for our people, and planet partnerships such as this need to be elevated in ways where we can be more innovative and creative in facilitating and engaging solutions for nature conservation for our people in Oceania,” commented Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago, IUCN Oceania regional director.
The partnership leverages IUCN‘s expertise in nature-based solutions and GGGI’s focus on promoting low emission, sustainable, and climate-resilient development.
The two groups will seek to implement locally-led integrated solutions that support ecosystem protection while empowering communities across the Pacific – in areas such as sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, the scaling up of climate finance strategies, knowledge sharing and technical support, and policy advocacy to help Pacific Island countries achieve their sustainable development goals and enhance policy frameworks.
‘Shared commitment’
“As we sign this MOU today, we welcome new and potential opportunities for our organisations to collaborate and work together as we move into the future,” Saki Tuisolia, Pacific regional director, GGGI, said. “GGGI and IUCN are ready to deliver on our shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation in the Pacific, where our countries and communities face a serious existential threat from global warming and climate change.
“Through this partnership, we will leverage our collective expertise to drive innovative solutions, enhance climate resilience, and promote nature-based approaches for a greener, more sustainable future.”
This partnership builds on existing joint initiatives, including the New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (MFAT) Promoting Pacific Island Nature-based Solutions’ project, as well as an upcoming ecosystem-based climate adaptation project under the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Read more here.
