Regional Archive March 2009

Economic growth in the Pacific will slow to 3%, down from a record 5.1% in 2008, as the impact of the global economic crisis and falling commodity prices takes it's toll on the region, says the ADB in a major new report.

A small bleeding and sweating statue of Jesus is being deemed a miracle in Papua New Guinea as many flock to see the sight for themselves.

Press Statement - The first meeting of the Pacific Plan Action Committee (PPAC) for 2009 convenes 31 March-1 April at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji.

Scientists have discovered more than 50 new animal species in Papua New Guinea in an expedition in the country.

The French government has announced that it will compensate victims of nuclear tests carried out by the government in the region and in Algeria.

Press Release - Coral reefs are dying living organisms.

Press Release - Vote Earth, by turning off your lights for one hour on Saturday March 28 beginning at 8.30 pm local time, wherever you live in the Pacific.

Press Statement - Pacific Islands Forum Education Ministers will gather in Nuku'alofa, Tonga 24 - 26 March to discuss a review of the Forum Basic Education Action Plan (FBEAP) which was endorsed in 2001.

A tsunami warning that had been issued for some islands in the region following an earthquake in Tonga has been cancelled.

The Asian Development Bank A-D-B welcomes the passing of a new Companies Act in the Solomon Islands.

An underwater volcanic eruption off the coast of Tonga is generating interest with spectacular columns of smoke spewing out of the sea near Nuku'alofa, the country's capital.

Press Statement - The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Premier of Niue, the Hon Toke Talagi, MP, welcomes the resumption of the political dialogue in Fiji after a meeting of the Political Leaders Forum held in Suva on 13 March.

Human Rights advisor, Imrana Jalal, says that Pacific laws on violence against women (VAW) are outdated and treat women with indifference and that Pacific Island governments need to make a concerted effort to review this legislation so that laws can better protect women.

Tomasi Daunivucu, a Fijian living in a village that sits on north-east edge of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island, reveals the signs of climate change taking place in his village.

New Zealand will remove the Pacific division of its immigration department following a report that revealed failures in the division.

Press Statement - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 9 March 2009 establishing a framework to foster deeper cooperation to encourage conditions for sustainable growth and facilitate greater economic integration in the Pacific.

The U.S. Ambassador Leslie Rowe announced the continued U.S. support of the Coral Triangle Initiative at the Senior Officials Meeting and Ministerial Meeting in Port Moresby.

Press Release - Marine turtle conservation efforts throughout the Pacific region are driven by the sad fact that all marine turtle species are now experiencing serious threats to their survival.

Press Release - There are six designated Wetlands of International Importance, or "Ramsar sites," in the Pacific islands region. Effectively managing these Ramsar sites is a significant challenge.

A Papua New Guinea MP has refused to support a bill that would allow women into the country's parliament and called on other Members of Parliament to reject the bill.

March 07, 2009 - Sydney/Suva - Last night's announcement by French nuclear company Areva that the largest ever plutonium (MOX ) shipment is enroute from France to Japan through the Pacific requires strong opposition from Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan are assisting Papua New Guinea (PNG) to boost economic opportunities and improve living conditions, especially for women, in remote roadside communities in the Highlands region.

Fiji faces suspension from the Commonwealth if it does not show "sufficient" progress towards returning to democratic rule.

The latest gas discovery in Papua New Guinea is said to be the largest in the Asia-Pacific region and possibly, the world.

"We are committed to financial inclusion and we are open to discussing the best way to reach more Papua New Guineans so they have savings, a way to transfer money safely and even financial education," said the Deputy Governor of the Bank of PNG, Loi Bakani.

Press Release - The leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) is the world's oldest and largest turtle. Having witnessed the extinction of the dinosaur and the development of mankind, this magnificent sea creature is now facing extinction in our Pacific Ocean.