REEEP

REEEP signed partnership agreements with the governments of Tonga, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

Nuku'alofa, Tonga, 27.04.2009 - Maaike Göbel, REEEP South East Asia and Pacific

Coinciding with the Pacific Energy Ministerial Meeting (PEMM) in Tonga in April 2009, REEEP met with a number of Pacific Island Energy Ministers to explore synergies and partnership opportunities. New partnership agreements were signed with the governments of Tonga, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

The Pacific islands are extremely vulnerable to climate change. The impact of climate change threatens the sustainability of island environments as we know them and the ability for inhabitants to continue living there.

 “Recent scientific evidence on ice sheet melting and ocean acidification suggests that we must act more rapidly before it is too late for countries like Tuvalu. Given our extreme vulnerability as a small low-lying atoll country, we must not sink from the problems caused by the big and industrialised countries” said the Honourable Apisai Ielemia, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, during UNFCCC talks in Poznan last year.

The Pacific Island Countries confirmed their commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency at the PEMM by forming a partnership with REEEP. Substantial attention was paid to renewables; a change of focus for the Pacific Islands, which are all heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels thus susceptible to fluctuating oil prices.

This newly formed partnership with REEEP also acts as a sign to other governments that they too can benefit from the advantages of becoming a Partner of an independent, flexible and fast-acting organisation such as REEEP.

REEEP membership is a good example of these countries’ commitment to improved energy security and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. Establishing international cooperation links with REEEP will allow increased development of renewable energy sources while sharing valuable knowledge and experience with other partners.