‘We must deepen our knowledge base, with better data, information and analysis. We can’t improve what we don’t measure.’ The words of UN SG António Guterres were the essence of the recent Regional Baseline Survey and Coastal Monitoring workshop held in Auckland, New Zealand from the 18-20 March. Attended by Research & Data Coordinator Maria Maoate, Environmental Partnerships Coordinator Sandee Cook, Compliance Officer Troy Penno, and Aitutaki Environmental Officer Linda Ruamoana, the workshop focused on introducing the Coastal Monitoring Programme to regional members and NPOs. This included supporting in-country implementation of the baseline survey and monitoring program for plastic litter, covering robust methodologies, data collection protocols, and community engagement strategies, ultimately contributing to the development of informed National Action Plans.
In addition to the Coastal Monitoring Programme workshop were discussions covering the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP). Funded by the Australian Government through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), POLP aims to reduce single-use plastics (SUPs) polluting the Pacific marine environment. The outcomes of this workshop and meetings include the possibility and discussions of a feasible and accessible data programme designed to establish and develop baseline data for informed decision making. Research and data is a key commitment and is outlined in the National Environment Service strategy and business plan priorities.
