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This paper suggests that this terrestrial and marine biodiversity inheritance constitutes the foundation upon which rests the survival of the relatively benign and peaceful ways of life in the Pacific ("Peaceful") Ocean. It is stressed that this inheritance, including traditional knowledge concerning it, is endangered by modem development and education, and that if it is not maintained or strengthened, the cultures, economies and rich biodiversity inheritances of Pacific societies WILL NOT SURVIVE.

Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are heavily dependent on natural resources and likely to remain so for the near future, making resource management an issue of critical importance for economic development. This chapter employs a simple neoclassical growth model to diagnose deficiencies in current policy regimes and suggest possible alternatives. Current practices in the exploitation of the regions mineral, tuna, and forest resources are used to illustrate problems and suggest possible policy interventions.

The process by which individuals, groups, organisations, institutions and societies increase their abilities to: Perform core functions, solve problems, define and achieve objectives Understand and deal with their development needs in a broad context and in a sustainable manner.

Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change have committed themselves to considering the special needs and concerns of developing countries resulting from the adverse effects of climate change in the area of insurance. The needs of small island states have been are highlighted for attention, due to their unique geographic features and exposure, and thus unique vulnerability.1

Vanuatu is among countries in the Pacific region that are most vulnerable to the risks of climate change, climate variability and sea level rise. With the livelihood of its people and economy interwoven, shaped and driven by climate sensitive sectors, the effects of climate and sea level change are already very real and pose a tangible threat to the future socio-economic wellbeing of the country.

The Vanuatu National Forest Inventory commenced in 1989. Field survey activities were primarily undertaken through the Vanuatu dry season and were completed in 1991. The primary objective of the forest survey was to provide information on type, distribution and volume of forest resources to enable national planning for development and conservation. The first step in developing the sampling strategy was the typing of vegetation from aerial photographs (API). Geographic information was collated and then overlain to compile discrete polygons known as resource mapping units (RMU). Forested RMU were then stratified within each of the 12 principal island groups.

The Vanuatu Environmental Unit (VEU) is undertaking a capacity building add-on to the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Planning Project (NBSAP). One priority within the work is protection of the rights of Ni-Vanuatu, innovations and practices relating to biological diversity. The NBSAP Project has information from Regional Networks that have been promoting interest in protection of indigenous rights, including information from a forum held in Vila in 2001.1 Clark Peteru, a Samoan based lawyer, has provided advice on intellectual property rights within the region.2 Within Vanuatu, the Vanuatu National Cultural Centre (VNCC) is active in preserving traditional copyright arising out of research activities, hi addition, the National Parliament has enacted the Vanuatu Copyright and Related Rights Act No. x of 2000.3 The Vanuatu Environmental Unit (VEU) is undertaking a capacity building add-on to the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Planning Project (NBSAP). One priority within the work is protection of the rights of Ni-Vanuatu, innovations and practices relating to biological diversity. The NBSAP Project has information from Regional Networks that have been promoting interest in protection of indigenous rights, including information from a forum held in Vila in 2001.1 Clark Peteru, a Samoan based lawyer, has provided advice on intellectual property rights within the region.2 Within Vanuatu, the Vanuatu National Cultural Centre (VNCC) is active in preserving traditional copyright arising out of research activities, hi addition, the National Parliament has enacted the Vanuatu Copyright and Related Rights Act No. x of 2000.3

It is becoming clear that there is a fair amount of small plastic distributed in the oceans and on beaches worldwide, not surprising given its durability and floatability. Marine debris is often ingested by animals such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds. Items such as lighters and small plastic pieces may look like food to an animal, or have an animal's natural food attached to it. Debris may also be ingested accidentally with actual food items. Exactly how many of them die each year due to marine debris ingestion is not known.

The Republic of Nauru since becoming independent on 31 January 1968 has relatively been self sufficient with little or no reliance on external assistance. This was made possible through revenue received from the mining of rock phosphate which since the early 1900s was the single key activity driving the economy of Nauru. In fact in the 1970s and 80s, Nauru had the highest per capita income making it the richest country in the Asia Pacific region.

In mid 2006 a comprehensive review of environment related laws was undertaken for the Department of Commerce, Industry and Resources in the Republic of Nauru. At the same time a review of environment related International Conventions was also undertaken with a view to identifying the legislative reforms that are required for the Government of Nauru to achieve compliance with the obligations that arise under these Conventions. Both of these Reviews have identified a range of legislative areas related to issues of environmental management and protection where legislative reform is warranted. In some cases this would involve the making of new laws, by Act or Regulations, to cover areas which do not have effective laws in force. In other areas this would involve amendments to existing laws.