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If the ocean was a state of its own, it would be the seventh largest economy in the world – with a “gross marine product” of at least US$ 2.5 trillion per year. This Blue Economy is underpinned by diverse ecosystems that provide valuable services to the world, be it fishing, tourism or shipping. On the one hand, the ocean is undoubtedly an important part of the world economy. On the other hand, its asset base, that is to say its capital, is steadily declining. This is because the sea is a commons.

Marine spatial planning is underway now, or starting, in many Pacific Island countries, including the Solomon Islands. This planning aims, amongst other things, to achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Aichi Target 11 which states, in part, that at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas are conserved through ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas. For the Solomon Islands, means to achieve an ecologically representative system of marine protected areas is missing.

Marine spatial planning is underway now, or starting, in many Pacific Island countries, including Tonga. This planning aims, amongst other things, to achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Aichi Target 11 which states, in part, that at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas are conserved through ecologically representative and wellconnected systems of protected areas. However, means for countries who have signed on to the CBD to achieve an ecologically representative system of marine protected areas is missing.

The Government of Vanuatu has decided to develop an oceans policy, aligning with recommendations from the Commonwealth Secretariat. This report has been prepared to provide an analysis and assessment of legislation relevant to management and use of Vanuatu’s oceans, to contribute to the development of a national oceans policy. The review approach involved an analytical framework comprising three components: 1. Individual analysis of legislation, policies, strategies and plans; 2. Integration of individual analyses into an assessment table for comparative analysis and assessment; and 3.

This study aimed to determine an economic value1 of seven marine and coastal ecosystem services in Kiribati. It is part of the MACBIO (Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific Island Countries) project, which aims to improve the management of marine and coastal biodiversity in Pacific Island countries.

The exclusive economic zone of Tonga, nearly 700,000 km2 of ocean, is 1000 times larger than the country’s land area. Coastal and marine resources provide the Government of Tonga, businesses and households many real and measurable benefits. Without a doubt, the country’s largest stock of natural wealth lies within the sea. The role that natural ecosystems, especially marine ecosystems, play in human wellbeing is often overlooked or taken for granted.

This study aimed to estimate the economic value of seven marine and coastal ecosystem services1 in Vanuatu. It is part of the MACBIO (Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific Island Countries) project, which aims to improve the management of marine and coastal biodiversity in Pacific Island countries. Marine and coastal ecosystems provide important benefits for society and contribute to the livelihoods, food security and safety of millions of people around the world.

Coastal and marine ecosystems provide a variety of ecological functions1 that directly and indirectly translate to economic services with value to humans. For example, they support fish populations that constitute a significant source of protein and sustain ecosystem stability through conservation of biodiversity and mitigation of climate change through carbon sequestration. They act as sinks for by-products from industrial and agricultural production and provide recreational and aesthetic benefits. Marine and coastal resources influence cultural aspects of Fijian life and traditions.