Suva, Fiji – Coconuts have a unique potential to contribute to sustainable and healthy rural livelihoods throughout the Pacific islands and can provide a key driver for employment, incomes and growth in the region.

A 3-day regional consultation (30 March – 1 April) will be held at Novotel Nadi to prepare the groundwork for a new Pacific Regional Coconut Strategy. The technical consultation is facilitated by the European Union funded Pacific Agricultural Policy Project (PAPP) based with SPC Land Resources Division. PAPP aims to strengthen agricultural policies for sustained development of smallholder agriculture through closer linkage to competitive markets and improved knowledge management platforms for technology transfer. 

The European Union (EU) through the 10th European Development Fund has allocated funds to assist the growth of the coconut industry in the Pacific through an Action called “Coconut Industry Development for the Pacific” (CIDP). This Action is part of a border economic partnership between the EU and African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) states. The CIDP is to be implemented through the SPC Land Resources Division. A similar project is already underway in the Caribbean (Coconut Industry Development for the Caribbean).

In most Pacific countries private sector enterprises for coconuts are small and fragmented. CIDP aims to strengthen the capacity of farmer networks, cooperatives and other networks that promote coconut development and increase market linkages.

The CIDP is in line with the broader strategic goals of SPC to promote healthy, rural livelihoods and sustainable economic growth in the Pacific region, and closely aligned with strategic objectives of the SPC Land Resources Division.

MEDIA ACCESS: Media are invited to the cover the opening of the regional consultation on Monday (9am-10.45am). The rest of the consultation will be closed to all media.

SPC through its Land Resources Division works to improve the food and nutritional security of the Pacific Community through the sustainable management and development of land, agriculture and forestry resources.

Media contact:

Emil Adams -  Information and Communication Management Officer and or +679 3370733 - Extension 35247