Project Experience

March-October 1998	Fiji
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for the Fiji Department of Environment United Nations Development Programme Eco-Consult Pacific provided specialist expertise for the assessment of the current status of terrestrial botanical biodiversity in Fiji, including the identification of sites of interest to biodiversity, threatened native vascular plants, and potential impact of invasive weeds on native ecosystems. The consultants developed working papers on the conservation status of the native Fijian flora, indigenous terrestrial invertebrate fauna, as well as impact of agents introduced for biological control purposes on Fiji’s biodiversity. A bibliography on Fijian insects was also prepared.
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April 1998 ongoing	Fiji
Special Adviser National Trust for Fiji Eco-Consult Pacific has a working agreement with the National Trust for Fiji to providing technical assistance for the design and development of project proposals relevant to the research and management of Fiji’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity, including budget preparation and identification of potential donors. Proposals developed for the Trust include inter alia (a) the development of a national biodiversity database (GEF); (b) national eco-tourism plan - identification and management of national parks and wildlife reserves (ILO); (c) plan for the development of the Trust’s Garrick Reserve, an area which has some of the last remaining lowland rainforest in Fiji, into a research and training facility (Japan); and (d) proposal for a study to identify critical and desirable factors which affect the success rate of rural development projects which target sustainable use of natural resources.
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July 1998	Fiji
Handmade Paper Training Workshop in Wainimakutu, Namosi NZODA - PIIDS Handmade paper production is a low technology, low cost process that utilises waste plant parts or sustainable natural resources. The process is well suited for rural areas, where raw materials can be obtained from plantations and the surrounding areas. Commonly women are involved in handmade paper production, although men supply raw materials and frequently assist in the production process. Eco-Consult Pacific was the local partner in this project, responsible for coordination and facilitation of the implementation of the project, and providing technical expertise on marketing for domestic and export markets. The handmade paper can be used to make cards, bags, swing tags, covers, and other decorative uses, and has a market in the tourist industry. The project was successful and, more than one year after its introduction, is providing a sustainable income to the Wainimakutu community.
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September 1998	Marshall Islands
Coconut Sector Development Study Asian Development Bank, through Lincoln International (NZ) This project reviewed the constraints that affect the development of the coconut industry in the Marshall Islands, which is currently regulated by government. Eco-Consult Pacific provided a specialist to study the impact of deregulation on the Fiji coconut industry in 1996. This deregulation resulted in a price war between local processors and exporters, to the benefit of the copra producers. The expertise included alternative coconut processing technologies such as Direct Micro Expelling (DME) of coconut oil, a low technology, low cost process yielding a high, aromatic coconut oil delivering a 2-3 times higher price for the producers in the villages.
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September 1998	Federated States of Micronesia
Training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) A consultant from Eco-Consult Pacific provided technical expertise for a training course aimed at introducing the principles of Integrated Pest Management to agriculture extension and research staff of the 4 states of the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau. The curriculum involved presentations and field visits, detailing options for appropriate combinations of cultural, chemical, mechanical and biological control methods of agricultural pests and diseases, suitable for commercial and subsistence agricultural production systems in Micronesia.
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October 1998 - July 1999	Fiji
Establishment of a Sustainable Handmade Paper Industry Centre for the Development of Industry (CDI, EU) Sandollars Fiji Ltd has successfully developed a local cottage-based industry for their product manufacturing. Following the company’s identification of the viability of a handmade paper industry, a 3-phase project was designed and implemented by Eco-Consult Pacific for the establishment of a pilot project on Vatulele Island, based on the sustainable use of raw materials and waste of the masi (tapa - bark cloth) production. Additional training was provided to company staff in the manufacturing of paper and product development for the tourist, corporate and export market in Fiji and overseas.
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October 1998 October 1999	Fiji Cook Islands
Review of Plant and Animal Quarantine Legislation Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Eco-Consult Pacific provided a consultant to review Fiji’s and the Cook Islands’ legislation on plant and animal quarantine, in view of the new World Trade Organisation / Sanitary and Phytosanitary (WTO/SPS) requirements concerning the export of agricultural commodities.
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November 1998	Federated States of Micronesia
Development of information materials outlining Integrated Pest Management of important agricultural pest and diseases in Micronesia College of Micronesia (COM) Little information on alternative pest control methods is available to agricultural extension staff and farmers in Micronesia. A consultant from Eco-Consult Pacific developed leaflets in simple and plain English which offer an overview of complimentary control methods for pests and diseases, with an emphasis on sustainable, environment-friendly methods, appropriate for implementation in small and medium scale commercial farming systems as well as subsistence farming. The documents will be translated into the respective national languages to improve the accessibility of the information.
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November - December 1998
Development of a Forestry Nursery Handbook SPC /GTZ Pacific German Regional Forestry Project The promotion of sustainable forest management techniques has become a major focus for the Fiji government. Eco-Consult Pacific was contracted to coordinate a team of consultants to develop the information compiled by a technical working group into a nursery handbook for forestry extension staff, including collecting of additional information, editing, and formatting to a camera-ready booklet. The booklet will form the basis for a more simplified version to be developed for nursery development by village communities and landholders.
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December 1998 - January 1999	Fiji
Identification of Donor Assistance to the Pacific Region Forum Secretariat Ongoing identification and monitoring of the scope of donors’ development assistance is necessary for the Forum Secretariat to project future needs for assistance. A consultant from Eco-Consult Pacific was contracted to conduct a 4-week study to research and document donors’ assistance to regional and international development projects for the Pacific region since 1996. Scope of the study included land resources, health, marine/fisheries and human resource development.
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December 1998 - January 1999	New York
Appraisal of Proposals from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) under the Barbados Programme of Action Special Unit/ Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries (SU/TCDC) UNDP, New York. The Report on the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States calls for the development of programmes by SIDS. To assist in this process, SIDS have been invited to submit proposals which are within the scope of the POA, including areas such as Climate Change and Sea Level Rise, Waste Management, Marine, Freshwater, and Land Resources, Biodiversity, Energy, Human Resource Development, Tourism Resources, Transport and Communication, and Science and Technology. Eco-Consult Pacific provided a consultant to appraise 276 proposals submitted by SIDS from the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean.
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April - August 1999	Fiji
Development of a Training Manual for Agroforestry SPC /GTZ Pacific German Regional Forestry Project The incorporation of agroforestry techniques in farming systems provides a well suited alternative for the control of erosion on sloping lands and the prevention of soil degradation in the tropics. However, few or no modules have been developed that assist teachers and trainers in teaching the principles and application of techniques. Eco-Consult Pacific provided expertise for the development of 2 Modules from an earlier draft, and the coordination, editing and lay-out of both Modules to the camera-ready final document: ‘An Introduction to Agroforestry – with special reference to its application in Fiji’. The Modules will assist trainers and teachers to introduce basic knowledge and the application of techniques to students, farmers, extension agents and other interested parties.
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September 1999 April 2001	Federated States of Micronesia Republic of Marshall Islands
Training on Integrated Pest Management for research staff, agricultural extension workers and farmers. College of Micronesia, FSM, and College of Marshall Islands, Marshall Islands. Inadequate information continues to be a major constraint to the adoption of environment-friendly pest control measures in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. The implementation of Integrated Pest Management systems is hampered by the relatively unfamiliarity among farmers and agricultural staff about the concept of IPM and its practical application. Following a recommendation from an IPM workshop in 1998 to implement training in each of the 4 states of Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands, a consultant from Eco-Consult Pacific was contracted as Lead Trainer to develop a training package that focused on sustainable control of pests of major crops and assist with the implementation of the training.
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August - October 1999	New York, USA
Environment and Information Networking Consultancy Special Unit/ Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries (SU/TCDC) UNDP, New York. Eco-Consult Pacific provided a specialist to assist SU/TCDC in the identification of opportunities for South-South Co-operation in the development and implementation of strategies for sustainable development. Particular emphasis was placed on the Unit’s role to promote such processes through enhancing frameworks for strategy development, and assisting with the exchange of information and experiences between developing countries. The Consultant’s responsibilities included (1) contributing to the preparation of a paper to be discussed at a 2-day meeting with executive management representatives from developing countries, donors and international organisations in NY; (2) identification of specialists and Centres of Excellence to be invited to participate in the meeting; (3) attend the meeting and (4) assist with the preparation of the meeting’s report and the development of a program proposal for SU/TCDC.
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September 1999 – October 2001	Suva, Fiji
Management of Plant Protection and Quarantine Programme for the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Fiji. Eco-Consult Pacific provided overall coordination of the Plant Protection and Quarantine programme for the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau on behalf of SPC with funding from the New Zealand Official Development Assistance (NZODA). Responsibilities included the identification and delivery of specialists to assist the countries with the development of (i) an efficient national quarantine service to reduce the risks of exotic harmful pests entering the country; (ii) internationally compatible quarantine export protocols for agricultural produce; (iii) appropriate pest monitoring systems. Eco-Consult Pacific also represented SPC at relevant regional meetings of specialists and delegates of PIC governments.
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December 1999 onwards	Pacific-wide
Establishment and Management of Pacific PestNet. Voluntary assistance to Pacific Island Countries Eco-Consult Pacific’s Managing Director, in partnership with others established Pacific PestNet for the exchange of views and information on plant protection and quarantine in the Pacific region. It is a volunteer-run service linking government organisations, universities, NGOs and individuals within Pacific Island Countries and those outside the region. The email service is supported by a WWW-based database. Since its establishment in 1999, 370 people have joined from all 20 Pacific Island Countries and many other countries worldwide, and over 1000 messages have been exchanged.
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January 2000– December 2001	Vanuatu
Development of an Integrated Food Processing Industry UN – ESCAP, Vanuatu An associate specialist conducted a needs assessment as basis for the development of a plan for the development of an integrated food processing industry in Vanuatu. The tasks involved a wide consultative process which involved participation from government and private sector representatives.
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February and October 2000	Niue
Pest survey of export crops and development of guidelines for sustainable crop protection Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Fiji. A survey on insect, disease and weed pests in major agricultural export crops was implemented in Niue by a specialist from Eco-Consult Pacific. Samples of insect pests were collected for identification, while weeds were identified in-country. Guidelines for a long-term management plan for agricultural pests were developed, including a recommendation for an eradication campaign against two invasive weeds. Suggestions to improve the sustainability and productivity of farming systems were also provided.
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March 2000	Republic of Palau
Training on Integrated Pest Management for research staff, agricultural extension workers and farmers. Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Fiji. In Palau, the adoption and implementation of Integrated Pest Management systems to improve production of agricultural commodities is hampered by the relatively unfamiliarity among farmers and agricultural staff about the concept of IPM and its practical applications. This is exacerbated by the fact that farm labour is commonly hired from countries such as China and Bangladesh, where crops are quite different and farming systems considerably more intensive. The cultural and language barrier, as well as the contrasting work experiences from such labour force considerably impacts the adoption of appropriate pest management strategies. A consultant from Eco-Consult Pacific was contracted as Lead Trainer to develop a training package that focuses on sustainable control of pests of major crops in Palau and assist with the implementation of a participatory workshop. The 1 week workshop consisted largely of participatory sessions and field visits and demonstrations, and included topics on identification of crops and pests of importance, IPM theory, cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control, quarantine, eradication, invasive weeds, tissue culture.
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April – July 2000	Pacific-widePacific-wide
Establishment and Management of Pacific SoilNet. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Eco-Consult Pacific was requested by FAO to establish and manage Pacific SoilNet, an electronic listserver for the exchange of views and information on the integrated management of natural resources, in particular issues concerning soil, water and plant nutrients. It is a service linking government organisations, universities, NGOs and private individuals within Pacific Island Countries and those outside the region. Pacific SoilNet is supported by a WWW-based database.
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July 2000 – October 2001	Fiji
Conservation Status of Giant Longhorn Beetles in Fiji South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Samoa Many of the woodboring Giant Longhorn Beetles (Xixuthrus spp. and Olethrius spp.) among which is the second largest beetle in the world, are endemic to Fiji. Their rarity, especially of the larger species, could be an indication of their threatened status. In collaboration with the Forestry Department, surveys were implemented in Fiji to assess the conservation status of the species.
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September – October 2000	Samoa
Review of Draft Strategy and Regional Programmes for Food Security in Forum Island Countries (FICs) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Eco-Consult Pacific conducted a review of the Strategy to be submitted to FICs for endorsement. The Strategy will form a useful basis for further joint elaboration and for the consideration of co-operation projects and activities between FICs and FAO. In the implementation of the Strategy. The tasks also included advising the Regional Office on the process and calendar of decision making in FICs for approval of co-operation projects and funding submissions to donors in the context of co-operation with Pacific ACP countries at regional level.
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September – October 2000	Tonga
Tonga Water Resource and Irrigation Assessment Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Eco-Consult Pacific provided a Hydrologist and Irrigation/Farming Systems Specialist to assess whether or not the groundwater resources in the island groups can be sustainably used to develop an irrigation farming system. The consultant developed an approach to strengthen the institutional capacity to plan and design a strategic water resource management plan to enhance community awareness of water harvesting potential for community and agricultural use.
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October 2000	Niue
Survey of Agricultural, Silvicultural, and Environmental Pests Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Fiji. Eco-Consult Pacific provided entomological expertise to a team implementing a survey on pests, diseases and weeds that affect the development of agriculture and forestry in Niue, or the natural environment. The outcomes of the survey allowed updating of the national 'Pest List', which is used for 'Pest Risk Assessments', to facilitate trade in agricultural products between Niue and other countries.
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October 2000– January 2001	Samoa
Improved Processing in Meat Processing Plant Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE), Belgium Review of meat processing and packaging for a major producer of corned beef in Samoa, and develop recommendations to improve processing and quality controls.
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November - December 2000	Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kiribati and Tonga
Evaluation of the South Pacific Community EcoForestry Project European Union, Just World Partners, Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific International, and national affiliated NGOs. Eco-Consult Pacific provided specialist expertise in community development and social anthropology to conduct a final evaluation of this 4-year project funded by the EU under its Tropical Forests Budgetline. The objective of this pilot project was to demonstrate the conservation and sustainable management of forest and tree resources by local people through country-specific models in 5 countries. In Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Fiji the project focused on the organisation and management of sustainable eco-timber production by traditional resource owners, whereas in Kiribati and Tonga the project addressed problems caused by the increasing intensity of farming due to population increase and export cropping, by raising awareness and encouraging the management and planting of trees.
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January 2001– February 2002	Vanuatu
Development of Ready – to - Drink Kava European Business Assistance Scheme (EBAS), Vanuatu Taking advantage of the rapidly expanding world market for kava, an associate specialist implemented a research and product development consultancy for a ready-to-drink kava product for a private company in Vanuatu. The project included processing, packaging and quality control standards.
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February 2001 – June 2002	Vanuatu
Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Food Processing Laboratory. European Business Assistance Scheme (EBAS), Vanuatu Conduct a needs assessment for the establishment of a national food processing laboratory in Vanuatu, and develop recommendations for its establishment and operation.
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February 2001	Fiji
Review of Root Crop Processing Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Fiji. Literature review of root crop processing techniques, to promote industrial development in Pacific Island Countries through value adding to root crop products.
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February - October 2001	Niue
Eradication of Wedelia trilobata, Mimosa invisa, and other selected invasive weeds on Niue. Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Suva, Fiji The weeds Wedelia trilobata and Mimosa invisa ('Giant sensitive plant') are serious invasive weeds that affect agricultural development and the environment in many Pacific Island Countries. In Niue however Wedelia was only introduced in recent years, and its distribution remains limited to gardens, roadsides and areas in and near villages. Eco-Consult Pacific provided technical assistance to the Niue Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to the develop and implement an eradication campaign. A major component of this programme is a public awareness campaign on the media and with printed information materials, the application of herbicides in weed infested areas, and a monitoring programme to follow up on weed reinfestation in areas that have been treated. The feasibility of eradicating other weeds such as the vines Antigonon leptopus (Chain-of-Hearts), and Scindapsus aureus was also determined; a project to eradicate the former is now underway.
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April 2001 – July 2002	Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Integrated Management of Leaf Footed Bug. College of Micronesia, Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM. The Leaf Footed Bug is an important pest of cucumbers and other cucurbits in Pohnpei, which requires the application of pesticides for its control. A specialist assisted with the development of trials to monitor the impact on crop production and design environment-friendly control methods.
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April 2001	Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia
Development of a Programme for Vegetable Research. Department of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Kosrae State The State of Kosrae has identified the production of vegetables as a means to increase foreign exchange earnings and improve national food security. Eco-Consult Pacific provided management and research expertise from Pacific Island Countries to assist the development of an appropriate research program for the Department of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries to allow it to determine appropriate vegetable varieties that perform well under local environmental conditions and at the same time offer considerable potential for export to other states in FSM, Marshall Islands, Guam and other countries in the region.
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April 2001 April 2002	Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia
Feasibility Study and Design of a Management Framework for Sustainable Mangrove Crab Farming Department of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Kosrae State In response to reports on declining numbers of mangrove crabs, the State of Kosrae has imposed a ban on crab exports, and has declared a season for crab trapping. A consultant assessed the potential of establishing a mangrove crab breeding facility to provide smallholder farmers with stock for fattening, sale and export. The specialist determined the feasibility of such undertaking, and developed plans for a breeding and rearing facility to provide stock to small scale farmers, as well as for release young juveniles in the mangrove habitats to replenish wild stocks. A Management Framework for sustainable crab farming was prepared in a follow up visit in April 2002.
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June 2001	Tonga
Feasibility Study on Large Scale Table Chicken Farming in Tonga Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE), Brussels, Belgium, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Apia, Samoa The study examined the possibility of adopting established large-scale chicken processing options up to production levels of 500,000 birds per annum. The feasibility of the proposed structure relied in the re-commissioning of a feed mill, and a proposal was developed to incorporate it in the industry. The feed mill was also seen as a possible catalyst for the emergence of other industries such as prawn farming and intensive pig farming. The option chosen to produce chickens will be based on sustainability and the effect on environmental factors such as the water lens and waste disposal.
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May - June 2001	Pacific regional
Review of Current and Potential Management Approaches for the Control of Nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji. In response to a request from Pacific Island countries, a consultant conducted a review of management techniques of the world’s worst weed, and provided recommendations for sustainably enhancing control of this weed, including suggestions for applied research into the effectiveness of fungi that selectively attack this pest.
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July - August 2001	Kiribati
Feasibility Study on the Development of a Te Non (Morinda citrifolia) industry Forum Secretariat, Suva, Fiji. Atoll countries in the Pacific are relatively poor in terrestrial resources when compared to larger neighbouring countries of volcanic origin. Anticipating to take advantage of the increased demand for nutraceuticals on the world market, Kiribati intends to join other Pacific island countries in utilising the fruit of the abundant shrub Morinda citrifolia. A team of two specialists - an agronomist and a processing/ marketing expert visited Tarawa to conduct a feasibility study, and submitted a report with recommendations for the development of a sustainable processing industry there.
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September 2001 – February 2002	Republic of the Marshall Islands
Vision 2018 - Development of a Master Plan for the Implementation of the National 15 year Development Plan Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands has sought assistance from Eco-Consult Pacific with the identification of specialists in the major focal areas indicated in the 15 year Development Plan for short and medium term inputs in areas of Human Resource Development, Agriculture, Fisheries, Information Technology, Environment, Tourism, Business / Industry and the Health Sector. A team of 5 specialists which balanced both Pacific Island experience and an extensive knowledge of relevant international standards and issues developed a framework for sustainable development over the forthcoming years
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November 2001 – January 2005	Fiji, Tonga, Samoa
CROPPRO – Development of Integrated Farming Approaches for Sustainable Crop Production in environmentally-constrained systems in the Pacific region Research Directorate - European Union and NZODA CROPPRO is a collaborative sub-regional research programme that is focused on the development and promotion of sustainable farming systems that aim to maintain soil fertility and reduce soil erosion. Eco-Consult Pacific, as one of 8 partner organisations in the consortium, is responsible for the facilitating the transfer of research results to Extension Services, communities and relevant stakeholders. To ensure sustainability of project outcomes, participatory approaches are used to transfer ownership of research findings and proposed solutions to landowners, farmers and residents. The 3-year programme is funded by the European Union under its collaborative research budget line, with NZODA providing funds to support the participation of New Zealand specialists in the programme.
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March – July 2002	Pacific Region
Establishment and Development of a Pacific Regional Biosystematics Initiative - PACINET South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Samoa. Eco-Consult Pacific conducted on behalf of SPREP a Resources and Needs Assessment on biosystematic resources in the Pacific region, which formed the basis for the development of a work programme to establish PaciNet - a regional taxonomic initiative that aims to utilise and strengthen national and regional taxonomic expertise and resources in support of natural resources management and the conservation of island biodiversity.
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May 2002 – August 2003	Fiji
Pest survey of agricultural export commodities Landcare Research New Zealand, New Zealand A comprehensive survey on pests (arthropods, fungi, nematodes, bacteria and viruses) in 21 major agricultural export commodities was implemented for the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, Sugar and Land Resettlement in 4 phases over a 15-month period. Eco-Consult Pacific as a partner in this project provides expertise in insect pests, as well as overall management of the team in Fiji. The project outcomes include updated pest lists for the crops surveyed, which are a critical factor in opening new export markets for Fiji produce. An extension and information component provides for the production of pest information materials for farmers, exporters and extension agents.
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August - September 2002	Marshall Islands
Foreign Affairs Review Forum Secretariat, Suva, Fiji. Eco-Consult Pacific provided specialist assistance on behalf of the Forum Secretariat to the Marshall Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review and strengthen its overall capacity and capability in the execution and performance of its duties, the promotion and maintenance of foreign relations, policy formulation, monitoring for compliance on international covenants and treaties, conduct of proper protocol and in strengthening of national interests.
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January 2003	Samoa
Feasibility Study on Possible Future Power Supply Options for Apolima Tai UNDP, Samoa. The island of Apolima Tai, is the most isolated in Samoa, despite its situation between the 2 larger islands of Upolu and Savai’I. The island currently depends on diesel-generated power, which is only provided for 6 hours each day. To determine the optimal power supply for the island, a study was commissioned to assess the most appropriate options for 24-hours power supply. The study included a problem analysis, and an assessment of the current and future power demand. Recommendations provided for the most appropriate power supply from both a sustainable and economic perspective, and included an outline for a training and technical assistance program. The outcomes included a budget for the proposed power supply system.
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February 2003	Viet Nam, Maldives
Integrated Pest Management of the Coconut Leaf Beetle, Brontispa longissima FAO, Bangkok, Thailand. Originating from the Indonesia and Papua New Guinea region, the Brontispa beetle recently spread to southeast Asia. One of the countries most affected by this pest is Viet Nam, where the beetle has affected 7 million coconut palms which are important for subsistence farmers. A major thrust of the project is targeted at establishing biological control of the beetle, by introducing natural enemies form Samoa. The project includes surveys for these agents in Samoa, their rearing in a sub-quarantine environment prior to and after their introduction into Viet Nam, their subsequent releases and monitoring their efficiency in the field. Similarly, a feasibility study was carried out in the Maldives where the pest was introduced several years ago. The study concluded that biological control there is feasible, but also recommended that quarantine measures be developed and enforced to prevent further spread of Brontispa.
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Pacific Empowerment Initiatives and Services In support of the sustainable development of Pacific Island Countries, Eco-Consult Pacific has initiated the establishment of the following services and forums for the discussion of specific issues:
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Pacific Vacancies	Commenced March 1998
Vacancy Announcement Service for Senior and Executive positions in the Pacific. (ecoconsult-announce@yahoogroups.com) To improve the distribution of employment opportunities to Pacific Island specialists, Eco-Consult Pacific established an electronic mail service providing information on forthcoming national, regional and international vacancies in the Pacific. The service has more than 1400 subscribers, and since its inception has dispatched more than 800 vacancy announcements. In a recent poll, Pacific Vacancies was rated ‘excellent’ and ‘good’ by 99% of subscribers. Donors have expressed strong appreciation for the wide publicising of their vacancies.
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PestNet	Commenced December 1999
Electronic Forum for Discussion and Exchange of Information on Plant Protection and Quarantine Issues in the Pacific (pestnet@yahoogroups.com) PestNet is the world’s largest forum on Pacific Island plant protection and quarantine issues, as it uses the collective knowledge of more advanced countries to assist anyone or any entity in the Pacific Island nations to reduce the impact of pests on agricultural production and exports. Since its launch, 400 people have joined and more than 1200 messages have been posted. From the feed back obtained, the service has been well received by the Pacific Island countries: 16 Pacific Island countries are members and more are expected to join as e-mail services become available and telecommunications costs reduce in the region. The success of PestNet has prompted the establishment of a not-for-profit organisation of the same name which was registered in Fiji in June 2000. The service is managed by four volunteer moderators. PestNet is now in the process of assessing the potential for rapid identification of pests - a problem that has existed in the region for a number of years – which will provide significant benefits to Pacific Island Countries.
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Pacific SoilNet	Commenced April 2000
Electronic Forum for Discussion and Exchange of Information on Integrated Management of Natural Resources issues in the Pacific A joint initiative with FAO (Soilnet@yahoogroups.com) Upon request from a group of Pacific Island scientists and practitioners, and with assistance from FAO, Eco-Consult Pacific established Pacific SoilNet, based on the principles and success of Pacific PestNet. Pacific SoilNet is the only service of its kind in the Pacific Region which assists specialists and practitioners with decision making on prevention and/or control of local problems concerning soil, water and plant nutrients. It provides a means to discuss relevant issues in a forum in which each one may contribute, or just follow the discussions. Other applications include distribution of alerts, newsletters and notices, announcements on workshops, seminars, symposia and conferences. Pacific SoilNet has also considerable potential for on-line conferences to discuss specific topics, an opportunity the managers intend to develop in the near future.
East Timor Initiative	Commenced April 2000
Promotion of Pacific Island Specialists for Emergency and Development Assistance Projects in East Timor. Pacific and small island expertise is very relevant to successfully address the problems East Timor is facing. To facilitate the identification and selection of such specialists, Eco-Consult Pacific has offered to assist donors that are involved in East Timor's development and rehabilitation programme by contacting appropriately qualified specialists registered on its database 'Pacific Expertise’ or by utilising its Pacific-wide and international network of contacts.