Japanese Collaboration to Promote Environment and Sustainable Development in the Pacific Island Countries
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 | The Japanese Minister for Environment, Hon Yuriko Koike (in yellow jacket) and fellow guests from Japan during their visit to the Faculty of Islands and Oceans Campus. Also pictured are Faculty Dean Dr. Pa'o Luteru (second from right) and other FIO staff.
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A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the University of the South Pacific and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) of Japan as part of the phase II activities of the Asia-Pacific Forum on Environment and Development (APFED), aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable development. In signing the MOU, USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Tarr stated that the University was fully committed to building the necessary capacity in the region to enable the countries to manage their natural and human resources in the most sustainable manner. Through a network of campuses and proactive programs, USP plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development through culturally sensitive and regionally relevant education. The establishment of a Regional Centre of Expertise at USP under the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development is a demonstration of the University’s commitment in this area, Professor Tarr added. In witnessing the MOU signing, the Japanese Minster of Environment, Hon Yuriko Koike said her country was committed to supporting the efforts of USP in the area of environment and development. The Minister added that she was very pleased to be associated with the establishment of a research network (NetRes) at USP as a vehicle for the promotion of the goals of APFED II. The Minister and her team toured the Faculty of Islands and Oceans Campus for further discussions before leaving USP. Under the MOU, USP and APFED Secretariat agreed to work closely to enhance Policy Dialogue with government and natural resource managers, to promote the Knowledge Initiative that is aimed mainly at the documentation and recognition of Good Practices, and to support the Innovation Showcase Programme which is designed to develop and refine prospective project proposals for funding under APFED II, according to Prof. Kanayathu Koshy, Director of the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Islands and Oceans. Dr. Biman Prasad, Head of the School of Economics at the Faculty of Business and Economics and a member of the APFED NetRes team said that APFED promoted a new way of viewing economy, society and the environment where the overall quality of life and not just material wealth would be a prime concern for all.
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