Pacific Islands Environment Outlook - UNEP

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Chapter Two
Policy
Responses
Policy background
Current policies related to the environment and
natural resource use in the region stem from a
complex mix of often relatively recent colonial
administration and strong social and cultural values
and mores. Many Pacific island nations became
independent states in the 1970s (Fiji, Kiribati, PNG,
Solomon Islands, Tuvalu) and 1980s (Vanuatu). Nauru
and Samoa achieved independence earlier. Cook
Islands and Niue are self-governing in free association
with New Zealand. Tonga was never a colony. Two
former US trust territories became freely associated
independent states in 1986 and members of the
United Nations in 1991. Palau has been a freely
associated State of the USA, like FSM, for several
years. American Samoa, French Polynesia, Guam, New
Caledonia, Northern Marianas, Pitcairn Island,
Tokelau and Wallis and Futuna remain formally
attached to metropolitan countries.
The Pacific island nations have a wide range of
systems of government. Countries with a British
colonial history (e.g. Fiji, Solomon Islands) have
adopted a Westminster-based parliamentary system.
Micronesia, with its historical ties to the USA,
operates a federal political system. Regardless of their
particular forms of government, they share a strong
common history of consultation when deciding local,
national or regional affairs. Each country displays a
strong sense of national identity. Several countries
have been governed by a single party in the years
since independence, but all enjoy considerable
freedom of political debate. These countries have
encouraged a multiplicity of non-governmental
institutions which provide strength and vitality to the
fabric of society. Family and churches of various faiths
are pre-eminent among those institutions, but there is
also a growing network of vigorous, articulate and
active private voluntary organizations concerned with
many different aspects of national life and policy.
Pressure for accountability and better quality of
information is coming from Pacific island communities
as well as from overseas aid donors and NGOs, along
with mounting public concern about the spread of
corruption at official and political levels. In a number
of countries, the public service is going through a
prolonged crisis of confidence and competence, which
has compromised its ability to perform effectively.
Several Pacific island governments have responded by
improving financial controls and restructuring their
public service, for example Vanuatu’s Comprehensive
Reform Programme effected in 1997. In spite of
difficulties, it should also be recognized that
governance in the Pacific still has a strong foundation
of community and traditional political systems.
The region also has a history of regional cooperation
with a well-developed legal and institutional
framework within which to address issues of common
concern. The Pacific’s regional institutions are
working through the South Pacific Organizations