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Organization Description Publications Relevant websites AGRRA- Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment AGRRA is an international collaboration of scientists and mangers aimed at determining the regional condition of reefs in the Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. AGRRA has developed an extensive regional database on Caribbean coral reef condition. Using an innovative regional approach to examine the condition of reef-building corals, algae and fishes, AGRRA teams have assessed some 819 reef areas at 39 sites throughout the region. Publications Relevant websites Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program The Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity (CARICOMP) Program is a regional scientific effort to study land-sea interaction process, to monitor for change, and to provide appropriate scientific information for management. The Program focuses on understanding the productivity, structure and functions of three important coastal ecosystems: mangroves, sea grasses and reefs, throughout the region. Publications - CBNRM - Community-Based Natural Resources Management CBNRM Net provides a powerful set of broad, robust and useful networking tools aimed at linking stakeholders working on Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). As a complete, integrated, and adaptable knowledge management tool, CBNRM Net is presented as a service to the global CBNRM community of practice. Publications Relevant websites Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation The Scripps Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation is a virtual center of interdisciplinary cooperation in research and education. CMBC seeks to be a world leader in the understanding, conservation, and management of global marine biodiversity and a model for excellence in interdisciplinary education and research in marine biodiversity and conservation. This site provides some information about research projects in Central Pacific Atolls, California Coastal Conservation, Deep Sea Pacific Ecosystems, Climate Change, and the Gulf of California. - Relevant information Center for Ocean Solutions The Center for Ocean Solutions will develop practical and sustainable strategies that address the major environmental and economic challenges facing the oceans by bringing leading experts in marine science and policy together with decision makers. Three leading marine science and policy institutions – Stanford University (through its Woods Institute for the Environment and Hopkins Marine Station), the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) – have joined forces to create the Center for Ocean Solutions (COS). - - CI Conservation International CI’s mission is to conserve the Earth's living heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. CI’s work is based on cutting-edge science, comprehensive partnerships, and concern for human wellbeing. With these three principles, they safeguard valuable species, preserve the most important landscapes and seascapes, and support communities that care for and rely on Earth's natural resources. Publications http://www.biodiver sityscience.org/xp/C ABS/home/ Coral Cay Conservation Coral Cay Conservation are award winning specialists in coral reef and tropical forest conservation. People can join their projects as a volunteer, researcher or specialist and work hands-on, out in the field. They offer a responsible alternative to active breaks away, plus the chance to travel with a purpose and really make a difference in the places that need it most. The site provides some literature about their projects. Publications Relevant websites Coral Health and Monitoring Program The mission of the Coral Health and Monitoring Program is to provide services to help improve and sustain coral reef health throughout the world. Our long term goals are: 1) establish an international network of coral reef researchers for the purpose of sharing knowledge and information on coral health and monitoring; 2) Provide near real-time data products derived from satellite images and monitoring stations at coral reef areas; 3) Provide a data repository for historical data collected from coral reef areas 4) Add to the general fund of coral reef knowledge. Publications Relevant websites CORDIO- Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean CORDIO works in 14 countries of the Indian Ocean, in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa), South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia) and in the Indian Ocean islands (Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Reunion). CORDIO supports biophysical monitoring and research on coral reefs, participatory monitoring of artisanal fisheries (biological, resource and socio-economic), education and awareness raising, and policy development. Its primary goal is to conserve biodiversity in the context of improved livelihoods and sustainable development, of people directly dependent on coastal and marine resources. Publications Relevant websites CRISP- Coral Reef Initiative for the South Pacific The Initiative for the Protection and Management of Coral Reefs in the Pacific aims to develop a vision for the future for these unique ecosystems and the peoples who depend on them for their livelihood. It seeks to put in place strategies and projects to preserve the biodiversity of the reefs and for the future development of the economic and environmental services that they offer both locally and globally. Further, the Initiative is also intended to serve as a vector for regional integration between the developed and the developing countries of the Pacific. The objectives are to 1) develop a better understanding of coral ecosystems, 2) carry out coral ecosystem protection and management on a significant scale, 3) develop the economic potential of coral ecosystems based on their use values and biodiversity, and 3) disseminate information and knowledge, build capacity and foster local, national and international networking throughout the South Pacific. Publications Relevant websites FishBase FishBase, a global information system about fishes, is a relational database with information to cater to different professionals such as research scientists, fisheries managers, zoologists and many more. It was developed at the WorldFish Center in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and many other partners, and with support from the European Commission (EC). - - GCRMN - Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) is a global, interagency initiative under the stewardship of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, UNEP, IUCN and the World Bank. Its aim is to aid the long-term development of coral reef monitoring programs in all coral reef countries. The GCRMN is a part of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), its role being to deliver critical information to managers, policy makers, donors and communities and to raise awareness of coral reef issues amongst all stakeholders. GCRMN works to improve management and conservation of coral reefs by providing manuals, equipment, databases, training, problem solving, and helps with finding funds for reef monitoring. Publications Relevant websites GCRMN - ReefBase ReefBase is the central database of the GCRMN, and is developed and maintained by The WorldFish Center. Its mission is to improve sharing and use of data, information, and knowledge in support of research and management of coral reef resources. Its goal is to be the first place where scientists, managers, other professionals, as well as the wider public go for relevant information related to coral reefs. ReefBase provides free and easy access to data and information on the location, status, threats, monitoring, and management of coral reef resources in over 100 countries and territories. Publications Relevant websites GCRMN - South Asia The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) in South Asia is a regional coral reef information network that works to secure the livelihoods for millions of poor reefdependent coastal communities in India, Maldives and Sri Lanka through informed and effective management of coral reef resources. Formed by national institutions and stakeholders, with financial and technical assistance from UK Department of International Development (DFID) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, and coordinated from a project office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, GCRMN South Asia provides support, guidance and training, and has developed a network of coral reef stakeholders, local communities, government agencies, NGO, universities and private sectors. Publications Relevant websites Global Coral Reef Alliance The Global Coral Reef Alliance is a small, non-profit organization dedicated to growing, protecting and managing the most threatened of all marine ecosystems—coral reefs. Founded in 1990, GCRA is a coalition of volunteer scientists, divers, environmentalists and other individuals and organizations, committed to coral reef preservation. We primarily focus on coral reef restoration, marine diseases and other issues caused by global climate change, environmental stress and pollution. Publications Relevant websites Global Socioeconomic Monitoring Initiative for Costal Management SocMon is an initiative aimed at helping coastal managers better understand and incorporate the socioeconomic context into coastal management programs. This initiative is being implemented at the global and regional levels. Publications Relevant websites ICRAN- International Coral Reef Action Network ICRAN is a network of many of the world's leading coral reef science and conservation organizations. The network consolidates technical and scientific expertise in reef monitoring and management to create strategically linked actions across local, national and global scales. ICRAN recognized both traditional and scientific perspectives of coral reef dynamics and respective social dependency. It seeks to put mechanisms in place that support the translation of findings into direct on-the-ground action throughout the world's major coral reef regions. ICRAN has been working to build resource stewardship within communities by providing opportunities to develop the skills and tools needed to ensure the sustainable use, and the long-term vitality of coral reefs. Actions include alternative livelihoods, training, capacity-building, and the exchange and application of traditional knowledge, and current scientific, economic and social information. Publications Relevant websites ICRI- International Coral Reef Initiative The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a partnership among governments, international organizations, and non-government organizations. It strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems by implementing Chapter 17 of Agenda 21, and other relevant international conventions and agreements. Publications Good Practices Institute of Marine Resources at USP The mission of the Institute of Marine Resources is to support the Pacific Island countries in the sustainable development of their marine resources. Its goals are 1) to help increase the regions capacity to sustainably develop its marine resources through applied research, training and teaching; 2) to be a leader in research and consultancy specializing in the marine resources of the Pacific Islands Region; 3) to make the University's marine expertise available to the region through research and training consultancies; 4) to forge collaborative links and partnerships with other international and regional organizations, other sections of the University, and the private sector. Publications - International Society for Reef Studies The principal objective of the Society is to promote for the benefit of the public, the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge and understanding of coral reefs, both living and fossil. To achieve its objectives the Society holds annual meetings and cosponsors other gatherings, prints and distributes the journal Coral Reefs and the newsletter Reef Encounter, and raises funds and receives contributions by way of subscriptions and donations. Publications Relevant websites IUCN- SSC Species Survival Commission The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a science-based network of some 7,500 volunteer experts from almost every country of the world, all working together towards achieving the vision of, “A world that values and conserves present levels of biodiversity."Most members are deployed in more than 100 Specialist Groups and Task Forces. Some groups address conservation issues related to particular groups of plants or animals while others focus on topical issues, such as reintroduction of species into former habitats or wildlife health. SSC’s major role is to provide information to IUCN on biodiversity conservation, the inherent value of species, their role in ecosystem health and functioning, the provision of ecosystem services, and their support to human livelihoods. Publications Relevant websites IUCN- WCPA The World Commission on Protected Areas The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is the world's premier network of protected area expertise. It is administered by IUCN's Program on Protected Areas and has over 1,400 members, spanning 140 countries. WCPA works by helping governments and others plan protected areas and integrate them into all sectors; by providing strategic advice to policy makers; by strengthening capacity and investment in protected areas; and by convening the diverse constituency of protected area stakeholders to address challenging issues. For more than 50 years, IUCN and WCPA have been at the forefront of global action on protected areas. Best Practice Relevant websites IUCN- World Conservation Union Global Marine Programme IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, nongovernment organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice. Publications Relevant websites IW LEARN- International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network IW:LEARN is the Global Environment Facility's (GEF) International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network. IW:LEARN aims to strengthen International Waters Management (IWM) by facilitating structured learning and information sharing among stakeholders. In pursuit of this global objective, IW:LEARN improves GEF IW projects’ information base, replication efficiency, transparency, stakeholder ownership and sustainability of benefits. Publications - Protect Planet Ocean Protect Planet Ocean is a global collaboration between some of the leading names in ocean conservation. These founding partners have come together to develop this web site as a way of bringing the best information on Marine Protected Areas to a global audience. Publications Relevant websites The Nature Conservancy (Marin Conservation) Leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. Publications Relevant websites TNC ConserveOnline Maintained by The Nature Conservancy, ConserveOnline is an online library of documents pertaining to conservation science and practice. This site also has discussion groups, maps and spatial data, and provides access to large repositories of conservation information housed at other organizations. - - Toolkits - Advancing Ecosystem-Based Management (TNC) The aim of this toolkit is to guide managers and practitioners in the use of common tools for regional planning and to illustrate through case studies approaches to advance ecosystem-based management by jointly addressing multiple objectives in conservation, fisheries and coastal hazards. Publications Relevant websites Toolkits - Marine Conservation Agreements (TNC) The Marine Conservation Agreements toolkit identifies the necessary steps and resources to acquire proprietary rights to lands and resources lying within ocean and coastal waters for conservation purposes. Marine conservation agreements, such as proprietary rights Resources Relevant websites strategies, enable organizations to protect important places and biodiversity while positioning them to address comprehensive marine conservation approaches such as zoning, resiliency planning, and ecosystem-based management. Toolkits - Reef Resilience (TNC) This toolkit focuses on coral bleaching and reef fish spawning aggregations and aims to help practitioners build resilience into their coral reef conservation and Marine Protected Area (MPA) programs so that these valuable natural systems can survive anticipated rapid changes and provide for escalating human needs. Publications Relevant websites UNEP- COBSEA Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia The COBSEA Secretariat is the lead agency of the United Nations for marine environmental matters in East Asia, responsible for coordinating the activities of governments, NGOs, UN and donor agencies, and individuals in caring for the region's marine environment. The main components of East Asian Seas Action Plan steered by COBSEA, are assessment of the effects of human activities on the marine environment, control of coastal pollution, protection of mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs, and waste management. Publications Relevant websites UNEP- GRID Environmental Knowledge for Change GRID-Arendal is a collaborating centre of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Established in 1989 by the Government of Norway as a Norwegian Foundation, our mission is to communicate environmental information to policy-makers and facilitate environmental decision-making for change. Publications Relevant websites UNEP- Regional Seas Programme The Regional Seas Program aims to address the accelerating degradation of the world’s oceans and coastal areas through the sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal environment, by engaging neighboring countries in comprehensive and specific actions to protect their shared marine environment. It has accomplished this by stimulating the creation of Regional Seas programs prescriptions for sound environmental management to be coordinated and implemented by countries sharing a common body of water. Today, more than 140 countries participate in 13 Regional Seas programs established under the auspices of UNEP. Publications Relevant websites UNEP United Nations Environment Program UNEP provides leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. Publications (each section has a list of publications and links) IYOR- International Year of the Reef The ICRI International Year of the Reef 2008 is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability, and to motivate people to take action to protect them. Publications Relevant websites LMMA- Locally Managed Marine Area Network The Locally-Managed Marine Area (LMMA) Network is a group of practitioners involved in various marine conservation projects around the globe who have joined together to increase the success of our efforts. The LMMA Network is learning network, meaning that Publications Relevant websites participating projects use a common strategy and work together to achieve goals. The Network is interested in learning under what conditions using an LMMA strategy works, doesn’t work, and why. Network members share knowledge, skills, resources and information in order to collectively learn how to improve marine management activities and increase conservation impact. MCBI- Marine Conservation Biology Institute Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) was established in 1996 with a new approach: to encourage scientists who want to safeguard the oceans’ web of life. MCBI’s mission is to advance the science of marine conservation biology and secure protection for ocean ecosystems. They advocate for the new multidisciplinary science of marine conservation biology, and for actions that natural and social scientists indicate as essential to maintain the integrity of life in the sea. Publications Relevant websites NMFS- National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is the federal agency, a division of the Department of Commerce, responsible for the stewardship of the nation's living marine resources and their habitat, through science-based conservation and management and the promotion of healthy ecosystems. NOAA's NMFS is responsible for the management, conservation and protection of living marine resources within the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (water three to 200 mile offshore). Using the tools provided by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service assesses and predicts the status of fish stocks, ensures compliance with fisheries regulations and works to reduce wasteful fishing practices. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service recovers protected marine species (i.e. whales, turtles) without unnecessarily impeding economic and recreational opportunities. With the help of the six regional offices and eight councils, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is able to work with communities on fishery management issues. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service works to promote sustainable fisheries and to prevent lost economic potential associated with overfishing, declining species and degraded habitats. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service strives to balance competing public needs. - - oneFish Community Directory OneFish Community Directory is a portal for fishery projects and a participatory resource gateway for the fisheries and aquatic research and development sector. - - PALNet- Protected Areas Learning Network PALNet is a web-based interactive service, backed by IUCN and WCPA scientists and practitioners, and partner individuals and organizations, which aims to help protected area managers to access and generate new knowledge and raise their professional capacity by sharing and exchanging field based experience and rapidly developing science. Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits. Reef Check goals are to: educate the public - - Publications Relevant websites Reef Check about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check's scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide. Reef Relief REEF RELIEF is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to Preserve and Protect Living Coral Reef Ecosystems through local, regional and global efforts. Publications Relevant websites Sea Around Us Project The Sea Around Us Project investigates the impact of fisheries on the world's marine ecosystems. This is achieved by using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to map global fisheries catches from 1950 to the present, under explicit consideration of major critical habitats of fish, marine invertebrates, marine mammals and other components of marine biodiversity. The data presented, which are freely available, are meant to support studies of global fisheries trends and the development of sustainable, ecosystem-based fisheries policies. - - SPC - Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Marine Resources Division The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organization that works in partnership with other organizations and donors to deliver priority programs to member countries and territories. SPC's programs aim to develop technical assistance, professional, scientific and research support, and capacity building for planning and management. - - SCRFA - Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations The Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations was formed in 2000 to raise awareness about the vulnerability of reef fish spawning aggregations and work towards their better protection and management. We work towards these goals through our participation in the scientific, conservation and resource management communities by producing a diverse range of written and visual materials, participation in workshops, international meetings, committees and other relevant forums. Publications Relevant websites SPREP South Pacific Regional Environment Program SPREP is a regional organization established by the governments and administrations of the Pacific region to look after its environment. It has grown from a small program attached to the South Pacific Commission (SPC) in the 1980s into the Pacific region’s major intergovernmental organization charged with protecting and managing the environment and natural resources. It is based in Apia, Samoa, with over 70 staff. Publications Relevant websites The Coral Reef Alliance Welcome to the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), the only international organization working exclusively to save coral reefs. CORAL provides education, tools, and inspiration to help local communities become passionate environmental stewards for the reefs. Together we develop managed marine protected areas and sustainable businesses to benefit coral reefs and people. Publications Relevant websites The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCSI) Providing information exchange among governmental, non-governmental, academic, and commercial users of marine resources in the Gulf and Caribbean region. - - The Ocean Conservancy Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy, Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the oceans. In all its work, Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world's foremost advocate for the oceans. - - The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) is an intergovernmental organization established in December 1967 for the purpose of promoting sustainable fisheries development in the region. Its current Member Countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. SEAFDEC undertakes research on appropriate fishery technologies, trains fisheries technicians, and disseminates fisheries information. Four Departments were established to pursue the objectives of the Center: the Training Department (TD) in Samutprakan, Thailand, established for marine capture fisheries development, the Marine Fisheries Research Department (MFRD) in Singapore, established for fishery post-harvest technology, the Aquaculture Department (AQD) in Iloilo, the Philippines, established for aquaculture research and development; and the Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (MFRDMD) in Kuala Terrengganu, Malaysia, established in 1992 for the development and management of the marine fishery resources in the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of SEAFDEC Member Countries. Publications Relevant websites The University of the South Pacific's Institute of Applied Sciences The Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS) at the University of the South Pacific (USP), interfaces the University's expertise and facilities to the independent island countries of the South Pacific Region. In particular, as a laboratory based institute, it makes these resources available to regional organizations, governments, business, and the people of the region. - - The WorldFish Center International, non-profit, non-governmental organization working in partnership with a wide range of government and non-governmental agencies at regional, national and local levels in the developing world, and with advanced research institutions worldwide. We work in more than 25 countries with more than 200 partners representing 50 countries. With our partners, we carry out research-for-development to improve small-scale fisheries and aquaculture. Our key competencies are in Policy Economics and Social Sciences, Natural Resource Management, and Aquaculture and Genetic Improvement. This inter-linked set of disciplines work together to provide a wide range of research and analysis. We currently have regional or country offices in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Malawi, Malaysia (HQ), New Caledonia, The Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Zambia. Publications Relevant websites UNEP Coral Reef Unit (CRU) The United Nations Environment Program Coral Reef Unit (CRU) it is now located at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, under the responsibility of the Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI). The Coral Reef Unit is helping to lead international effort to save the planet's threatened coral reefs. It works actively with international partners around the world in a concerted effort to reverse coral reef degradation and to increase international, national and local support for coral reef conservation and sustainable use. It is responsible for UNEP's participation in the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) and other international program, and provides the administrative base for the ICRAN Coordinating Unit. Publications Relevant websites UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) is a collaboration between the United Nations Environment Program and WCMC 2000, a UK-based charity. Their mission is to evaluate and highlight the many values of biodiversity and put authoritative biodiversity knowledge at the centre of decision-making. Publications Relevant websites UNESCO, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission SubCommission for the Western Pacific (IOC/WESTPAC) IOC/WESTPAC is a regional subsidiary body of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Our task is to develop, co-ordinate and implement regional marine scientific research programs, ocean observations and services, data and information management and capacity building, all these in the context of priority interests of the Member States in the region. - - WCS Wildlife Conservation Society The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild lands. We do so through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks. - - Western Indian Ocean Fisheries Database The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Fisheries Database has been produced through the NORAD funded project: Progress in the development of a partnership programme for implementing the Jakarta Mandate in the WIO (2000-2004), or WIO Marine Biodiversity Conservation Project. This project is implemented by the Eastern Africa Regional Programme (EARP) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The Project’s overall goal is to promote the protection of the Eastern Africa marine and coastal biodiversity and the sustainable exploitation of the resources in order to maintain ecological integrity and equitably provide quality goods and services. The project is being implemented in WIO countries which are party to the Nairobi Convention, including South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, Somalia and Reunion (France). - - World Resources Institute The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to find practical ways to protect the earth and improve people’s lives. Our mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. Because people are inspired by ideas, empowered by knowledge, and moved to change by - - greater understanding, WRI provides—and helps other institutions provide—objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that will foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development. WWF World Wildlife Fund WWF's mission is the conservation of nature. Using the best available scientific knowledge WWF, the largest multinational conservation organization in the world, works to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth and the health of ecological systems. WWF combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature. Publications Relevant websites WWF South Pacific Programme The goal of the program is to support Pacific Island people to conserve and sustainably manage our natural inheritance for present and future generations. As is evident from this goal, local livelihoods and governance of natural resources are very important elements of the WWF SPPO Program. We believe that poverty cannot be eliminated without protecting the environment and the environment cannot be protected without reducing poverty. - -