Like our initiative in West Africa, this work is important because it will allow countries to develop more cooperative ways to govern their ocean territories. By using regional marine geospatial data these countries will secure rights over their maritime jurisdiction and resources by defining maritime boundaries in accordance with international law. Modern national legislative frameworks will be developed and technical personnel will be trained in marine spatial planning and improved mapping techniques.

Enhancing Pacific Ocean Governance. The project works with 14 Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) to finalise extended continental shelf boundaries and assist with the technical and legal aspects of defining other maritime boundaries. It is also involved in the development of a regional marine cadaster PACGEO (plus national systems where requested) for the display of marine geospatial data and data exchange standards. In addition technical personnel are trained in the use of QGIS and marine spatial planning.

This Activity will support regional organisations and countries move towards a more holistic cross-sectoral approach to oceans governance. It is a key deliverable under the Pacific Oceanscapes Initiative, supported by the Pacific Forum Secretariat. The project deliverables are included in the original project document submitted to DFAT and from GRID Arendal perspective include the following: End of 2017 outcomes:

• 1. PICs secure rights over their maritime jurisdiction and resources through definition of maritime boundaries in accordance with international law, and the establishment of modern national legislative frameworks
• 2. Improved capabilities for geo-regulation, achieved through technical advice and capacity building delivered at regional workshops and in-country.
• 3. Enhanced capacity to access and use data and information needed for national and regional oceans governance functions, achieved through the development of a Pacific Ocean Data Network and building of tools and capacity for its use.
• 4. Further development and implementation of comprehensive geospatial standards in the Pacific
• 5. Improved mapping capability of Pacgeo, with inclusion of Macbio atlases and  

Tags: Small Island Developing States Pacific development technology and innovation transboundary governance