Regional Meeting for CBD-COP-10

With extremely diverse and highly vulnerable marine biodiversity, Pacific island countries were keen to participate actively in the Tenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The issue of marine and coastal biodiversity was seen as a major priority for Pacific island countries, particularly as marine and coastal ecosystems are vital for the livelihoods of Pacific communities. The countries identified the need for focused funding to assist them conserve and sustainably manage the marine and coastal environment. Another issue of particular concern to Pacific island countries was the introduction of invasive alien species (IAS). The terrestrial biodiversity of many islands has been ravaged by the introduction of IAS. Island biodiversity is extremely vulnerable and extinctions of native species are well documented