For the first time in more than a decade, energy ministers from around the Pacific, have gathered in the Cook Islands this week to discuss critical energy security challenges facing the region.


The two-day (25-26 April) Pacific Energy Ministers' Meeting, will involve 12 Pacific Island Ministers, more than 60 regional energy officials and observers, New Zealand's Minister of Energy David Parker, and the Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Bob Baldwin.

Director of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) Cristelle Pratt, said Pacific economies are the most vulnerable in the world to rising oil prices and talks are urgently needed to reduce this vulnerability through exploring alternative renewable energy sources and energy efficiency and conservation.

"When global oil prices increase, Pacific communities suffer. Government budgets are tightened which can affect funding for important services such as health and education. Pacific countries can not achieve sustainable development when energy costs continue to undermine Government spending and national development plans - energy security and stability is absolutely critical," Ms Pratt said.

The ministerial gathering is a direct result of a communique issued by Pacific Forum Leaders in Nadi 2006, which highlighted the need for increased regional engagement and the link between long-term energy security and regional prosperity.

"This meeting is an opportunity for ministers to unite to tackle issues hampering the ability of many Pacific countries to realise their economic and social potential. In addition to addressing environmental sustainability, priority areas for immediate action will be identified, as well as clear guidelines for a ministerial intervention on behalf of Pacific Ministers to the 15th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development in New York starting on 30 April," Ms Pratt said.

Hosted by the Cook Islands' Government and coordinated by SOPAC and the Energy Working Group of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific, talks will also consider issues raised by Forum Leaders, including the possibility of bulk petroleum purchasing and renewable energy supplies such as wind, solar, hydropower and biofuels.

"There is a need for existing power utilities and relevant government departments to be strengthened and a new whole-of-government approach to be taken by Pacific countries to ensure energy becomes part of national development strategies and closely linked to the economic sector," Ms Pratt said.

SOPAC is a Pacific regional organisation working with countries to enhance access to sustainable energy, freshwater, IT and communications; strengthen disaster risk management; and improve assessment and management of ocean and island resources. SOPAC, 25/04/07.