PLENARY: The Message from Reunion Island

11 July 2008 - 15:30
Session 12: Appeals and Declarations

A series of two films - Island on the Edge and Climate Change in the UK Overseas Territories, Mitigation and Adaptation – gave an insight into the specific challenges facing the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean.

Significant changes in the weather patterns of these islands have already been witnessed; an increase in tropical storms, erratic rainfall and higher temperatures that have had dramatic effects on the local environment, such as the 2005 coral bleaching.

The work of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre based in Belize was featured (represented here by the Deputy Director, Carlos Fuller), which has sought to address the multiple challenges facing the islands such as food security. Many of the islands rely heavily on increasingly expensive imported food which could be grown on the islands at a lower cost.

The other factor adding to the vulnerability of the islands is their reliance on desalination plants for drinking water, powered by oil fed generators. A combination of rising oil and food prices will lead to catastrophic consequences for the inhabitants on the islands if no adaptation measures are implemented.

The films illustrate the strength and resourcefulness of the islanders whilst highlighting their fragility in the face of a crisis that the developed countries are mainly responsible for. The message is one of urgent pro-action that seeks to address the future rather than dwelling on the past.

Appeals and Declarations
Chair: Michel Jacquier, Deputy Director General, French Development Agency

Margarita Astralaga, Regional Director, Global Programme, IUCN, gave some perspective to the portfolio of recommendations produced by the drafting committee. A culmination of several weeks and months preparation by the drafting team and the ideas from the previous two days workshops, the 14 page document offers precise, concrete actions and measures for future implementation.

Appeal for the threatened species of the overseas entities
Following the introduction of the list of recommendations, a dual presentation focused on threatened species of the overseas entities was given by Sébastien Moncorps, Director, IUCN French National Committee and Elsmarie Beukenboom, Director, STINAPA Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles.

Moncorps spoke of the IUCN Red List concerning threatened species, which catalogues; 523 species in French Overseas Territories (OTs), 187 in UK OTs and 31 in Dutch OTs.

This high concentration of mainly endemic threatened species gives the islands a high level of responsibility in terms of their protection. These species are valuable to the islands socio-economic situation (tourism), natural identity, dynamics of the ecosystem and eco services from these systems.

They are threatened by destruction and degredation of eco systems, over exploitation, invasive species, pollution, human impact and climate change.

Beukenboom cited the plight of whales and dolphins and the long-term survival of coral reefs as two examples of threatened species, as well as providing details of actions and successes in this area.

The establishment of marine protected areas had proved extremely effective when combined with the creation of a funding mechanism to pay for staff and activities, according to Beukenboom. She also emphasised the inadequacies of international legislation and the need for specific endangered species legislation for cogent action.

Moncorps called for a strengthening of the framework for action and improved knowledge, and that human impact on these species must be reduced with conservation priorities.

Awareness building through campaigns and education were essential to involvement of public and private society, he said, thereby helping to assure the long term conservation of species in their habitats in Europe and its OTs.

Declaration of the States of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
The principle objective of the IOC is the promotion of sustainable co-development on the South-West islands of the Indian Ocean and the defense of their ecological, economical and cultural specificities in international forums.

The outgoing Secretary General of the IOC, Monique Andreas Esoavelomandroso, recited the declaration, which sought to further the principle objections of the IOC and to facilitate its closer integration into the Europe Union.

The European Connection
Struan Stevenson, Member of the European Parliament, Chair of the Intergroup on Sustainable Development, reiterated the need for action on climate change, quoting a recent speech by Prince Charles, who declared, “we are relentlessly destroying our natural air conditioning system.”

Stevenson cited the now inseparable issues of food security and climate change, and the misguided bio-fuels policies exacerbating the global food crisis. “The amount grain required to fill a car's petrol tank would feed one person for a year,” said Stevenson.

In terms of the conference, Stevenson spoke of the need to now communicate the drafted recommendations to European politicians, with elections in Europe next June presenting an ideal opportunity.

Deliverers of the Recommendations – The Message from Reunion Island

• Anne-Claire Goarant, South Province, New Caledonia
• Frederico Cardigos, Government of the Azores
• Evelyne Tarnus, President of the Reunion Island Forum of Young Researchers in Science and Technology
• Henri Hoarau, President of the General Youth Council of Reunion Island
• Jean-Philippe Palasi, Coordinator, Overseas Programme, IUCN

As both host and a leading example of adaptation to climate change and biodiversity protection, Reunion Island has served as a fitting venue for this conference. In reflecting this position, and in recognition of the importance of future generations, Tarnus and Hoarau were selected to represent the voice of the island.

Along with Goarant and Cardigos, having made a concerted effort to attend the conference, and Palasi, as representative for the instigator of this event, the Reunion Islanders read out the portfolio of recommendations of the conference.

Having only seen the recommendations minutes before the presentation, Tarnus and Hoarau demonstrated a befitting demonstration of adaptability under pressure.

SUMMARY: Friday, 11 July 2008

Messages of welcome to the closing day

• Report: Many hands can make light work of complex challenges for biodiversity protection

Session 10: What alliances between the European Union, ORs, OCTs, ACP countries and Small Island Developing States to counter climate change and biodiversity loss?

• Report: Travailler ensemble

Session 11: Wrap-up of the conference and workshop results
Session 12: Appeals and declarations

• Report: The Message from Reunion Island
• Texte: MESSAGE DE L'ÎLE DE LA RÉUNION
• Text: MESSAGE FROM REUNION ISLAND
• Declaration des Etats membres de la Commission de l'Ocean Indien (pdf, 3.0MB)
  
• Statement by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union (pdf, 1.4MB)
  
• Déclaration de la Présidence française du Conseil de l'Union européenne (pdf, 1.3MB)
  

Closing Speeches

• Report: Quelques phrases choisies dans les allocutions prononcées à la clôture de la conférence de La Réunion

PRESS: 28 EU overseas entities join forces for the first time to counter climate change - IUCN

St Denis, Reunion Island, Friday July 11, 2008 (IUCN) For the first time the EU’s overseas entities have come together at a meeting in Reunion Island, calling for action on climate change impacts to help preserve nature, says IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) at the Reunion Conference on Climate Change and Biodiversity in EU Overseas Entities (7-11 July).

With mounting pressure on the environment and people’s livelihoods better management and research is needed to identify the threats posed by climate change, allowing for appropriate adaptation measures in EU overseas entities.

“IUCN is fully aware of the exceptional importance of biodiversity in EU overseas entities when compared with continental Europe, and their particular vulnerability to climate change,” says IUCN Director General Julia Marton-Lefèvre. “Whether in Reunion, Greenland or Tahiti, biodiversity is one of the main assets for the well-being of the populations and the economic development of these territories.”

Considering the high degree of plant, bird and animal species found nowhere other than within these entities, specific climate scenarios must be developed for each, supported by regional modelling which should build on EU-backed research programmes.

EU overseas entities are facing up to not only the threat of climate change impacts but also other, often interrelated, environmental factors such as invasive alien species, illegal fishing, overexploitation of resources, pollution and habitat destruction. Now combined with climate change, these threats put at risk the economies and the unique cultures of the EU overseas entities.

Taking into account the socio-economic consequences and risks of these threats, the EU must provide the finances to guarantee environmental security to residents, with regard to their security, health and well-being.

“The representation of EU overseas entities in relevant international and regional fora must be improved,” adds Marton-Lefèvre. “And then we must improve access to global, EU and regional financing mechanisms.”

Many of the EU overseas entities – like Reunion island itself - have ambitious and exciting plans for renewable energies. In the implementation of these plans it is crucial to take into account the potential impacts on biodiversity

All concerned EU member states and the EU itself should realize that having such a network of 28 overseas entities spread across the world’s oceans provides a unique opportunity for environmental action in key parts of the world.

“Much of what can be done to reduce the impacts of climate change on EU overseas entities can be scaled up for application in mainland Europe. What we need now from the EU is research, investment and action,” says Marton-Lefévre. “This meeting has been a wonderful opportunity for representatives from across the world to come together and move us one step forward to a workable solution to the ever-pressing problem of climate change and biodiversity loss.”

PLENARY: Many hands can make light work of complex challenges for biodiversity protection

11 July 2008 - 09:00
Messages of welcome to the closing day

Delegates speaking on the final morning of the conference have lauded the positive coordination of the ORs and OCTs this week, but have stressed funding issues as hobbling to progress.

According to Reuben Meade, Minister of Agriculture, Land, Housing and the Environment, Montserrat, “there is lots of money being thrown around by agencies, but how to access these funds? The process is extremely onerous, and we need to break down those barriers.”

He called for a coordinating mechanism within the EU to facilitate funding access for ORs and OCTs.

The previous two days of workshops had underlined this gaining of access to European funds for the ORs and OCTs, said Paul Néaoutyine, President, North Province, New Caledonia. He emphasised the important role of NGOs, “the conscience of humanity”, who must be supported and their funding strengthened.

All together now

Strengthening of cooperation and coordination amongst biodiversity research bodies and universities had been weak, according to Michel Laurent, director general, Institut de recherche pour le dévelopement (IRD). The various regions had instigated numerous initiatives on biodiversity, which were often not coordinated, he said, stressing the need for a multidisciplinary approach.

Ahamed Attoumani Douchina, President, General Council of Mayotte, cited several recent intiatives in Mayotte, including establishing a sea turtle observatory in partnership with the University of La Rochelle and setting up a marine park to manage sea resources with local fishermen.

Reiterating this message, Bakary Kante, director, division of environmental law and conventions, UNEP, said that “partnership is crucial in achieving results.” He mentioned the parallel G8 Meeting in Japan this week, where leaders have pledged to address issues spoken of here at the Reunion conference in terms of ORs and OCTs.

Avoiding Faustian measures

Michel Jarraud, secretary general, WMO, spoke of the inevitable loss of some biodiversity globally as a result of climate change, and that no agency program or country could treat this alone. Jarraud mentioned the planned 'Third World Conference on Climate' in August 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland, which aimed to facilitate decision making amongst institutions.

The governments of the developed world should be taking the lead in responding to climate change and biodiversity loss, according to Néaoutyine. It is the populations of small island states that would become the first climate change refugees, despite correspondingly minimal contributions to harmful emissions, said Néaoutyine.

Measures have been taken by some governments, including Spain and Portugal who have agreed to coordinate their efforts in relation to biodiversity loss and climate change adaptation in the Canary Islands, said José Luis Herranz, director general for nature and forest policy, Spain.

But any measures implemented to tackle climate change risked a double edged consequence, according to Frederico Cardigos, director for the environment, government of the Azores. He warned against a prohibitive tax on fuel, which risked isolating islands further through a loss in tourism.

“We are in favor of measures, but it is not the amount of planes coming that will change airline behavior. There are other industries to consider, especially sea transport,” said Cardigos.

He also mentioned the “very powerful work at this [Reunion] conference, with focused discussions,” which was repeated by each of the speakers present this morning.

The qualifier for high level praise however remained to be seen for Mr Meade, cautioning that, “this conference has been an extreme success, but that will only be seen after we have gone home.”

AUDIO: Reunion Meeting from the perspective of European Commission's Ladislav Miko

The Reunion 2008 conference has now reached the end of Day 4, and there have been many presentations, voluminous amounts of information imparted, forests explored and most recently a chance for the participants to have their say within various workshops.

In order to get some sense as to the tenor of the conference, IUCN spoke to Ladislav Miko, who has acted as Director, Protecting the Natural Environment, in the Directorate General for Environment of the European Commission since May 2005.
Mr Miko gaves us his thoughts on the achievements thus far of the conference and what this headway could mean in relation to the EC process.

Click to listen

INTERVIEW: Overseas entities have a common goal

Interview with Graham Saunders, Doctor, marine team leader, Royal Haskonig

Have you learned anything new from the conference?
One of things I did not know was the different layers of membership throughout the EU in terms of the OTs, and how much they are engaged within the EU. It seems the French have a rather different model to the English.

I can see why there is unhappiness amongst the British territories, and also it seems to have been translated that the French are leading EU policy in biodiversity and climate change directly into their OTs, where it is an opt out situation in British OTs.

Most people in the UK OTs want to opt in, but they don't know how. They are looking to the EU for guidance, but it is rather sad that the UK government is not well represented here. The conservation agencies have had notification that funding will be cut, so perhaps that is a factor.

Have you been able to contribute during the conference?
Where I am most engaged here is on how the EU has been looking at measuring biodiversity and how they monitor biodiversity. For a long time what we weren't disseminating that information, not just to the OTs, but to the rest of the world. If we want measure change in a consistent way, we should all get together, it makes sense.

Has there been a lot of sharing of information?
There has been a lot of discussion, especially over these past couple of days, doing exactly that. It's why the EU is good at disseminating what its doing, and how the OTs can actually learn from what we're doing. A good example, for me, is that the EU countries are spending a lot of time and efforts in measuring one of the features, for example, sea grass.

The trouble is getting enough representatives in the same room. You need people in the room who are actually doing the work on the ground to get things done.

It's very useful to have people from various levels of government, even those people who are trying to set up locally based initiatives.

Will the conference be successful in achieving its objectives?
There seems to be a lot of chest beating in terms of trying to make political points and there have been a lot of long speeches, but in terms of achieving something, I would like to see the recommendations going right to the places they need to go to, which is ultimately the people who fund this.

Another very important thing is that all the OTs, no matter what state they're at, recognise that we have a common goal, which is that we have to preserve biodiversity, and to look at ways of adapting and mitigating effects of climate change. We're all in the same boat on that one, it's just that for some people, their vehicle is heading towards a disaster much faster than the Euro vehicle.

INTERVIEW: We want to encourage civil society participation

Interview with Lynda A. Varlack, conservation and fisheries, government of the British Virgin Islands

In what way has the conference been useful?
It gives us a sense of what is going on globally as far as assessments of climate change, as well as successes and challenges that people have shared and why that's happening.

We have reevaluated where we are. Is what we're doing really the best way forward or should we change tack based on what we've heard here? It's also useful since we're trying to generate some knowledge back home about the fact that something like this does exist and can take place.

We want to encourage civil society participation, which was one of the workshops held last night. There is no way we can go forward if we are a bunch of technocrats, scientists and diplomats sitting around a table making decisions. What about the average person? It really means nothing to him if he's just trying to scrape together 2 cents to feed his family.

We need then to take the lessons learned here, take what needs to be done not just from the science but from what needs to be done to change economies and the way we actually educate ourselves and make everyday choices.

Everyday decisions being made for the past few centuries has resulted in the situation that we are in now.

Have you been able to make a contribution during the conference?
I actually made a presentation on the 'Relationships' workshop. Sometimes because of the constraints of the workshops and conference, we have cheated ourselves of enough time to really massage the whole thing and come up with something. We are kind of under the gun, so we're trying to capture a general picture. But when you do the follow up there are going to be some details missing that will require more meetings than we have time to do.

What mechanisms might be in place for any of the countries represented to really benefit from the experiences of the participants here? How well are they able to translate that to the people they work with, whether its peers or will it become just another document on the shelf?

Do you think there will be concrete proposals from the conference?
Yes, there will, but whether and how well they will be exploited to the best of their potential as outputs, that remains to be seen, and chances are probably not.

PRESS: Small Island States call for greater regional cooperation – IUCN

St Denis, Reunion Island, Thursday 10 July, 2008 (IUCN) – A new report from IUCN shows that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) want to see better regional cooperation in the fight to counter the impacts of climate change.

The report, Island Voices – Island Choices, surveyed a cross-section of government, private sector and NGO representatives from SIDS across the world. It found that SIDS are more concerned about adapting to climate change and the threats to biodiversity from climate change than ever before.

“People want to be empowered through good governance and knowledge sharing in order to
effectively address climate change impacts and preserve nature and nature’s services.” says IUCN’s Radhika Murti. “By ignoring such issues immense pressure is placed on the environment to sustain island livelihoods, therefore making it more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.”

One of the best ways to advance the ability of SIDS to preserve their environment and to adapt to climate change has been identified as improving regional cooperation in ecosystem management and restoration.

“There’s huge potential in actively sharing information, best practice and lessons learned from
conservation work on small islands to support climate change adaptation,” adds Murti.

The report is launched today at a top level summit on strategies to counter climate change and
biodiversity loss in EU overseas entities and Small Island States (Reunion Island, 7-11 July). Many EU overseas entities are facing similar environmental threats as SIDS, such as destruction of coastal ecosystems, invasive species, and deterioration of nature’s services.

This conference is an ideal platform to actively encourage improved regional cooperation on climate change adaptation, bringing together representatives of the EU’s seven outermost regions and 21 overseas countries and territories, as well as governments from the EU and SIDS.

SUMMARY: Media Coverage

 15 July

• Témoignages: Les îles à l’avant-garde de la lutte pour le développement durable
• Témoignages: L’autonomie énergétique ovationnée
• Témoignages: Compensation carbone : 11.000 arbres plantés à L’Etang-Salé et à Madagascar
• Témoignages: L’Outre-mer dans l’ère de la responsabilité
• Développement Durable: Biodiversité : L’outre-mer donne le cap

12 July

• Témoignages: L’outre-mer laboratoire de l’Europe
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Un petit pas bien maigre face à l’urgence

11 July

• Témoignages: La Réunion, un exemple pour l’humanité
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: L’heure des engagements a sonné

10 July

• Le Monde: L'outre-mer européen recherche des solutions pour contrer les dérèglements écologiques 
• Journal de l'Environnement: La Réunion vise l’autonomie énergétique en 2025
• Sermitsiak: Hammond: why is EU against whale hunting?
• Témoignages: Le Parc National se dévoile au monde
• Témoignages: Un honteux chantage de la diplomatie coloniale
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Espèces invasives : l’ennemi n° 1 de la biodiversité péï
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Un fossé entre les discours et la réalité

9 July

• Caymanian Compass: Cayman at international climate change conference
• Reuters: Greenland to open seven mines in five years
  
• Journal de l'Île de la Réunion: Un porte-voix des réfugiés climatiques
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Le Parc national au cœur de la conférence
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: La Nouvelle-Calédonie fête le classement de son récif
• Témoignages: L’association des communes de l’Outre-mer pour une prise de conscience de tous les citoyens
• Témoignages: Protection et gestion des écosystèmes
• Témoignages: Nouvelle-Calédonie : Le lagon classé par l’UNESCO au “patrimoine mondial de l’humanité”

8 July

• RFO: Environnement : L’Union européenne doit préserver ses Outre-mers
• UN Observer: EU overseas entities in deep water – IUCN and ONERC
• AP: Jean-Louis Borloo ouvre à La Réunion une conférence sur l'outre-mer européen et le réchauffement climatique
• AP: Borloo signe un accord pour l'environnement à La Réunion
• AFP: De la mouche pisseuse au pissenlit, les espèces invasives sont la plaie de l'outre-mer
• AFP: La Réunion, un modèle de développement durable
• La Presse Canadienne: Jean-Louis Borloo ouvre à La Réunion une conférence sur l'outre-mer européen et le réchauffement climatique
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Le cas de la Réunion
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Borloo veut fixer un prix à la biodiversité
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Un ministre “Gerri-compatible”
• Témoignages: « Par son outre-mer, la France a les deux tiers de sa biodiversité menacés »
• Témoignages: « Cette semaine à La Réunion est cruciale »
• Témoignages: Favoriser des stratégies et des actions communes

7 July

• La Libération: L’Europe planche sur la biodiversité de son outre-mer
• AFP: Biodiversité: l'outremer européen menacé par le changement climatique
• RFO: Climat, biodiversité : L’Outre-mer sur la sellette à la Réunion

5 July

• Témoignages: Les Réunionnais souhaitent la bienvenue à tous les congressistes
• Témoignages: L’Outre mer confronté au défi des espèces exotiques envahissantes

4 July

• AFP: Climat, biodiversité: l'outre-mer européen dans l'oeil du cyclone
• Tahitipresse: L. Teihotu à La Réunion pour une conférence sur les changements climatiques
• Témoignages: Une victoire de Paul Vergès

3 July

• Journal de l'Ile de la Reunion: Etats généraux de la biodiversité outre-mer
• Témoignages: Développement durable : les îles des trois océans ont rendez-vous à La Réunion

2 July

• AFP: L'outre-mer menacé par les espèces invasives

1 July

• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: La Réunion : la guerre aux envahisseurs doit monter d’un cran
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Quelles actions pour éviter le désastre écologique ?
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Yves Jégo : “La question environnementale est une de mes priorités”
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Le programme de la conférence
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: L’UICN veut "faire bouger les choses"
• Journal de l'Ile de la Réunion: Un sommet de la Terre pour l’outre-mer

SUMMARY: Press releases and background stories

Monday, 7 July

• PRESS: EU overseas entities in deep water – IUCN and ONERC
• PRESSE: L’outre-mer européen en eaux profondes – UICN et ONERC
• PRESS: EU overseas entities move centre stage on climate change agenda, says IUCN
• PRESSE: Les entités européennes d’outremer en première ligne face au changement climatique, d’après l’UICN
• AUDIO: Small islands battle climate change

Tuesday, 8 July

• DAILY STATEMENT: EU policies must fight the climate crisis in overseas entities
• AUDIO: Premier site inscrit au Patrimoine mondial dans l'Outre-Mer Européen

Wednesday, 9 July

• PRESSE: L’UICN appelle le G8 à agir contre le changement climatique et pour la biodiversité dans l’outre-mer européen
• DAILY STATEMENT: IUCN calls for G8 action on climate change and biodiversity in EU overseas entities
• AUDIO: New National Park for Reunion Island

Thursday, 10 July

• INTERVIEW: « Attention à l’effet vitrine !»
• PRESSE: Les petits Etats insulaires pour une coopération régionale renforcée– UICN
• PRESS: Small Island States call for greater regional cooperation – IUCN
• AUDIO: Reunion Meeting from the perspective of European Commission's Ladislav Miko

Friday, 11 July

• PRESSE: Les 28 entités de l’outre-mer européen joignent leur force pour la première fois face au changement climatique - UICN
• PRESS: 28 EU overseas entities join forces for the first time to counter climate change - IUCN

Press coverage

AUDIO: New National Park for Reunion Island

Today saw the official opening of Reunion Island’s first National Park, which covers nearly 50 per cent of the islands interior. This includes the spectacular primary forest of Bébour-Bélouve.

Currently under consideration to become a World Heritage Site, IUCN’s Director General, Julia Marton-Lefèvre, joined local dignitaries for the official opening of the park.

Set amongst the tree covered mountain interior, the park stretches across the craters of now dormant volcanoes.

The official opening of the park coincides with the top level summit on Strategies to Counter Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss in EU Overseas Entities and Small Island States, which is being held on Reunion Island this week.

Around 300 participants from the meeting joined local guides to walk through the impressive forests that lie between 800 and 1300 meters above sea level.

Julia Marton-Lefévre explained why this is such an important event for IUCN

Click to listen

PLENARY: Reunion Island seeking to make the switch to greener energy

8 July 2008 - 14:00
Towards sustainable energy and energy autonomy








In line with the “ambitious” Reunion Island approach, several representatives from Reunion Island have outlined a green energy revolution to bring about a radical change in the energy and resource demands of Reunion Island.

Jean-Francois Lhuissier, deputy director, systèmes energétiques insulaires, EDF, pointed to the potential of island states, particularly Reunion, to incorporate all existing renewable energy technologies into the energy supply.

Reunion currently gets around 30 percent of its energy from hydropower and biomass, but remains heavily reliant on oil for its energy demands, according to Lhuissier. Hampering efforts to improve this situation included problems with frequency and voltage disturbances, energy storage problems and funding, he explained.

Addressing these issues, and the basics of food safety and guarantee of water supply, was vital for implementing new initiatives on Reunion, stressed Laurent Gautret, technical director, Agence Régionale de l'Energie Réunion.

He detailed the diverse range of renewable technologies currently available, particularly in 'swell' research, harnessing the power produced in the oceans.

Gautret cited Hawaii's use of ocean thermal power – a 19th Century invention abandoned in the 1980s whereby cold water from ocean depths is pumped back to the warmer surface water for energy production. As well as producing up to 8000 kw hours per year, this technology can also be used to produce fresh water through desalination and provide air conditioning.

Caution was raised from Chris Thomas, York University, asking about the life cycle of the renewable projects. He remained skeptical about biomass affecting food security and reducing greenhouse emissions, and ocean thermal technologies threat to reefs and marine eco systems.

Laurent stipulated the “need to be accurate and precise about where we use these technologies,” and reiterated the need to think about food supply as well as energy, highlighting a plan to build greenhouses producing food and energy, with solar panels on top and food inside.

Less is more

This efficiency of energy production also extended to the 'demand side' of energy use, emphasised Christel Thuret, ADEME. She outlined ADEME's 'Negawatt' initiative, whereby energy use and thus the amount required is reduced.

Public awareness campaigns on household products, solar water heaters, green building projects and campaigns to involve and influence importers would continue to contribute to this energy efficiency, said Thuret.

The energy demands of the Reunion Island population continued to grow, with 1 million inhabitants expected by 2030, according to Philippe Berne, regional council of Réunion Island. He outlined PRERURE, the regional renewable energy and energy use plan for Reunion.

“We have all the trump cards in our hands to meet the demands of energy on the island,” said Berne, reiterating the island's target of energy autonomy by 2025. He also emphasised the need to share their knowledge, research and approaches with other island states.

Jean Ballandras, Prefecture of Réunion Island, repeated the need for cooperation with others with the launch of the GERRI project on the island this week. It includes initiatives such as a lite rail system, electric vehicles, renewable energy production, energy storage, town planning, construction and tourism.

“We want the results to be shared as widely as possible,” stated Ballandras.

One for all

The striving for self-sufficiency on islands such as Reunion could mean the isolation of other island states, unable to keep up with developments in renewables. Berne stressed that, “it does not mean that one advances at the detriment of others,” and cited Suriname and Madagascar's cooperation as an example of “co-development”.

A further example of co-development came from an energy initiative representative in French Polynesia, who explained a hotel's successful use of undersea water for air conditioning on one of the islands. This had reduced the hotel's energy bill by 90%, and had subsequently been copied by other developers from abroad such as the Maldives.

Success stories such as this reveal an inherent silver lining in the otherwise cumulus vulnerability of island states, which Beutin alluded to in his opening remarks,

“Island's economic, environmental and industrial vulnerability is also an asset, because many initiatives can help boost us in using renewables, and pioneer new schemes that are becoming more profitable.”

DAILY STATEMENT: IUCN calls for G8 action on climate change and biodiversity in EU overseas entities

THE LATEST – As the Conference on Climate Change and Biodiversity in EU Overseas Entities continues on Reunion Island, IUCN is sending a clear message to world leaders gathering in Hokkaido, Japan for the G8 summit - the G8 must take action on climate change in EU overseas entities. By adopting binding emission reduction targets and investing in an energy revolution based on real solutions the G8 will be able to effectively tackle the impacts of climate change from Greenland to Tahiti.

THE QUOTE – “So far it’s been a case of too little too late from G8 countries when it comes to taking action on climate change and biodiversity on islands,” says IUCN Director General Julia Marton-Lefevre. “But with four of the G8’s members coming from EU States they have a responsibility to tackle the problem right on their door step. We’re clearly telling the G8 that to preserve the natural wealth of EU overseas entities and other islands in these regions a substantial investment must be made to fight the already apparent impacts of climate change.”

PLENARY: Speaking the common language of climate change

8 July 2008 - 09:00
Session 3: Adapting to the climate crisis








The running theme of the Reunion 2008 conference so far has been the call for increased networking and cooperation amongst the ORs and OCTs. In order to facilitate this 'common language', experts at the IUCN researched and produced the background publication - 'Climate Change and Biodiversity in the EU Overseas Territories'.

Jérôme Petit, IUCN research officer and one of the lead authors of the publication, indicated the importance of this document as the first comparative study of the 28 EU overseas entities.

“One of first aims was to establish the notion of overseas entities and make people aware of the ecosystems which exist in these territories,” stated Petit, adding that, “it illustrates responses to climate change – positive examples that can be applied to other regions such as the artificial reefs in the Caymans that can reproduce reefs after coral bleaching.”

Petit indicated that climate change was already having a strong impact on the ORs and OCTs, contradicting the common notion of climate change effects being a futuristic phenomenon.

“Ice caps melting and corals being bleached... sea turtle reproduction being threatened through beach erosion... phytoplankton - the beginning of the ocean food chain - diminishing in parts of the pacific,” outlined Petit.

Overseas Entities pointing the way forward in adaptation

“The Overseas Entities are good indicators for the effects of climate change, and can be used as an alarm network, as they will be the first that will have to adapt,” said Petit, adding that it required the mobilisation of the EU and private bodies to help turn the islands into pools of excellence for studying climate change and adaptation.

José Ignacio Gafo Fernandez, advisor on climate change to the Canary Islands, echoed these sentiments, recommending the next step to “use ORs as laboratories to experiment with European technology and know-how.”

The EU funded research programs (such as ADAM and PESETA) tended to leave out the ORs for geographical reasons, according to Fernandez, highlighting a need for a specific research sub group for the ORs.

“We have to deepen impact analysis and legislation so it is line with what we have to deal with. Why not use article 219 and extend it to ORs?” asked Fernandez.

He ended by stating that there was “much talk and more action, so why not seek for more action and less talk?”

Putting words into positive action to reduce both CO2 and GGEs in the Caribbean has proven very effective, according to Carlos Fuller, deputy director, CCCCC, through the installation of tide gauges, sea level measurement equipment and water quality measurement equipment.

Expanding networks

To enhance the impact of effective adaptation, increased cooperation was essential, according to Fuller, “We should widen networks to ensure that we are all sharing information and not duplicating projects, as well as utilising limited resources. All countries must speak the same language of climate change.”

Expansion of the network has now incorporated the British Overseas Territories (BOTs) into the scheme, and Fuller recommended that other territories could benefit from similar projects.

The pooling of information and resources has been at the heart of projects instigated by the UNFCCC, explained Rocio Lichte, programme officer, adaptation, technology and science programme, UNFCCC.

She outlined the 'Nairobi Work Programme' – a global adaptation framework based on a sound, technical and socio economic basis that is comprised of many international NGOs and private representatives. According to Lichte, it helps officials make informed decisions to take action on climate change, and is a part of the Bali Action Plan (BAP).

The Bali Action Plan (BAP) seeks to integrate all the established UNFCCC packages, and to work towards a framework for a two year negotiation process to strengthen the international response to climate change, 'Now, up to and beyond 2012'.

SUMMARY: Tuesday, 8 July 2008

Session 3: Adapting to the Climate Crisis

• Report: Speaking the common language of climate change

• Video: Introduction by Carlos Fuller, Caribbean Community Climate Change Center
• Video: Jérôme Petit, IUCN
• Video: Rocio Lichte, UNFCCC
  
• Video: New Caledonia's World Heritage Site
• Video: Carlos Fuller, Caribbean Community Climate Change Center
• Video: José Ignacio Gafo Fernández, Agencia Canaria de Desarrollo Sostenible y de Lucha contra el Cambio Climático
• Video: Plenary Discussion
  

• Presentation: Jérôme Petit - Specific challenges for the EU overseas entities (pdf, 2.1MB)
• Presentation: Rocio Lichte - Adaptation mechanisms and activities under the UNFCCC (pdf, 0.4MB)
• Presentation: Carlos Fuller - Opportunities and limitations of climate change adaptation, and examples of adaptation plans (pdf, 0.4MB)
• Presentation: José Ignacio Gafo Fernández - A case study: the strategy against climate change of the Canary Islands (pdf, 0.7MB)

Session 4: Protecting and managing ecosystems to counter climate change

• Report: Protéger et gérer des écosystèmes, ça marche

• Video: Introductory remarks
• Video: Jeff McNeely, IUCN
  
• Video: Bernard Salvat, IFRECOR
• Video: Dominique Strasberg, Université de La Réunion
• Video: Elsmarie Beukenboom, STINAPA Bonaire
  

• Presentation: Jeff McNeely - Are we losing past investment in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation? (pdf, 0.8MB)
• Presentation: Bernard Salvat - The role of ecosystems in climate change adaptation (pdf, 1.6MB)
• Presentation: Dominique Strasberg - Invasive species (pdf, 2.8MB)
• Presentation: Benoît de Thoisy - The role and perspective of local NGOs (1.5MB)
• Presentation: Elsmarie Beukenboom - The role and perspective of local NGOs (1.5MB)

Session 5: Towards sustainable energy and energy autonomy

• Report:Reunion Island seeking to make the switch to greener energy

• Presentation: Jean-François Lhuissier - The current situation in islands and the EU (pdf, 0.4MB)
• Presentation: Christel Thuret - Sustainable energy technologies (0.6MB)
• Presentation: Laurent Gaufret - Sustainable energy technologies (2.6MB)
• Presentation: Philippe Berne - Achieving the green energy revolution on Reunion Island (pdf, 0.9MB)
• Presentation: Jean Ballandras - Achieving the green energy revolution on Reunion Island (pdf, 0.9MB)

Session 6: How can European policies help address the environmental challenges in the ORs and OCTs?

• Report: La politique de l'UE et l'outre-mer

• Presentation: Gisèle Tarnus (pdf, 0.4MB)
• Presentation: Eric Blencowe (pdf, 0.2MB)

The copyright for the presentations remains with the authors.

AUDIO: Small islands battle climate change

A top level summit on strategies to counter climate change and biodiversity loss in EU overseas entities and Small Island States is underway in Reunion Island (7-11 July).

The conference is an event of the French Presidency of the European Union, and brings together governments from the EU and Small Island Developing States, as well as international and regional organizations, research institutes, civil society and the private sector.

Organized by IUCN, Head of Delegation Tamás Marghescu, tells us what’s been going on. Click to listen

DAILY STATEMENT: EU policies must fight the climate crisis in overseas entities

THE LATEST – The impacts of climate change are more strongly felt in the EU’s overseas entities than in the rest of Europe. These islands and far flung regions of the EU can serve as a laboratory for developing adaptation strategies to the impacts of global warming. Such biodiversity hotspots can also work as models for the rest of their own region. There must be equal investment from the EU in the development of not only a general infrastructure but also the all important natural infrastructure.

THE QUOTE – “This meeting has to ask the questions that many have so far been afraid to ask,” says IUCN’s Tamás Marghescu. “If the EU fails to act on climate change impacts in its overseas entities then its entire work to stem biodiversity loss will be severely downscaled.”

PLENARY: Overseas entities and climate change

7 July 2008 - 15:15
Session 2: Climate change and biodiversity in the ORs, OCTs and their regions








“Climate change is man-made and gaining momentum,” stated Marc Gillet, director, ONERC, using graphs and models to illustrate rising sea levels, increased precipitation, more drought, violent tropical cyclones and the acidification of the sea.

Climate change is also proving to influence population patterns, with increasing numbers shifting northwards in search of more conducive temperatures. If present trends continue, much of the southern regions, especially in Africa, will become unsustainable for human survival.

Those most affected by climate change included the absolute poor, those dependent upon a specific resource and those living within vulnerable zones, according to Rolph Payet, lead author of the IPCC chapter on small islands. He gave examples of the Comoros Island, with a subsistence economy relying on natural resources such as corals and fish and Marine tourism in the Maldives, which is worth $US 60 million per year.

Chris Thomas, University of York, focused on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems, outlining currently observed trends. Like their human counterparts, many species are moving northwards, in some places at a rate of 1-3kms per year on average. Those unable to move, such as species on the the OTs, OCTs and their regions, are most at risk from rising global temperatures.

Species are lagging behind climactic changes with more warmth-favouring species emerging and cold adapted species subsequently on the decline.

“This does not mean all will be extinct, but that they will be starting to decline in areas which are not climactically suitable to their long term survival,” said Thomas. “It demands swift action to mitigate these effects and a minimisation of other pressures – survival means that number of births is enough to counter deaths,” he continued.

Inge Thaulow, CAFF, reiterated the need to cooperate and share knowledge across borders, typified by the Reunion 2008 Conference.

She detailed the Arctic's global importance, with both its 14.8 million kms2 of land, much of which is wilderness, 13 million kms2 of ocean, the largest freshwater resources on earth and a unique and diverse indigenous culture. The effects of rising temperatures will lead to a dramatic reduction in sea ice, which has both local and global consequences.

The Artic Climate Impact Assessment report (ACIA) evaluates and synthesises knowledge on climate change and UV radiation in the Arctic territories. It is the first of its kind, showing the vulnerability of the arctic in many different ways and plays a significant role in global effects.

Strategies resulting include improved capacity to monitor and understand changes in the Arctic, Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA) and the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP).

“You cannot make one species more important than another,” said Charles Sheppard, Warwick University, during his presentation on eco systems. From the animal down to the microbial, each species deserves protection.

Coral reefs figured heavily in the talk, with the high temperatures of 1998 and 2005 causing widespread damage to these fragile eco systems. All of the shallow reef systems have now disappeared, and almost all of the reefs throughout the world are under threat from the rise in sea temperatures and other damaging activities.

Sheppard emphasised that eco systems would not return to their original state once damaged, and that a stressor will affect the whole eco system, not just one part.

The UN World Tourism Organisation (UN WTO) registered around 903 million tourist arrivals last year, making the tourism industry worth $US 856 billion in foreign earnings, said Eugenio Yunis Ahués, director of programme and coordination, UN WTO.

As the top international trade, tourism needs to both adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Ahués detailed the work of the UN WTO in working in parallel with both cultural heritage and climate change, and the need to reduce the CO2 emissions as a result of tourism.

Without this, Ahués warned that there would be a trebling of CO2 emissions by 2035 if nothing were done, and that the tourism sector should work towards energy reduction, improved efficiency and the use of more renewable energies.

The confusion over carbon offseting meant that most tourists remained unwilling to contribute to voluntary carbon compensation. “The producer responsibility is being turned into a consumer responsibility,” said Ahués.

The need to reduce the CO2 emissions as a result of flying required a balanced approach according to Oliver Hillel, programme officer, sustainable use, tourism and island biodiversity of the Convention on Biological Diversity. He stated that development needs of countries requiring long haul flights to visit them needed to be given equal priority.

Hillel pointed to the need for the tourism industry to be part of assessments and responses, including more environmentally friendly initiatives such as the now possible reduction of flight CO2 emissions by 40 percent.

SUMMARY: Monday, 7 July 2008

Opening: Setting the stage - perspectives on the conference objectives

• Report: Les territoires européens d'outre-mer réunis pour la première fois autour du climat

• Video: Paul Vergés, Regional Council of Reunion Island and ONERC
  
• Video: Nassimah Dindar, President of the General Council of Reunion Island, President of the Overseas Entities Committee in the Grenelle Environment Forum
• Video: Russell A. Mittermeier, IUCN Council Member, President of Conservation International
  
• Video: Aleqa Hammond, Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs, Greenland
• Video: Stefano Manservisi, Director General for Development, European Commission
  
• Video: Jean-Louis Borloo, French Minister of Environment, Energy, Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning

Session 1: The European Union's overseas entities and their environmental challenges

• Report: Un outre-mer européen qui peut servir d’exemple

• Video: Jean-Philippe Palasi
• Video: Tara Pelembe

• Presentation: Jean-Philippe Palasi & Tara Pelembe (pdf, 6MB)

Session 2: Climate change and biodiversity in the ORs, OCTs and their regions

• Report: Overseas entities and climate change

• Video: Marc Gillet, ONERC
  
• Video: Chris Thomas, University of York
• Video: Inge Thaulow, Arctic Council Working Group on Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna
  
• Video: Rolph Payet, Special Advisor to the President of the Seychelles
  
• Video: Eugenio Yunis Ahués, UN World Tourism Organisation
  
• Video: Oliver Hillel, Convention on Biological Diversity

• Presentation: Marc Gillet - The reality of climate change and its physical consequences (pdf, 4.7MB)
• Presentation: Chris Thomas - Climate change and its impacts on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems (pdf, 0.4MB)
• Presentation: Inge Thaulow - What's happening in Greenland and the Arctic? (pdf, 3.8MB)
• Presentation: Charles Sheppard - Impacts on oceans and marine resources (pdf, 1.6MB)
• Presentation: Rolph Payet - Potential socio-economic consequences (pdf, 0.9MB)
• Presentation: Eugenio Yunis Ahués - Interactions between tourism, climate change and biodiversity (pdf, 0.4MB)
• Presentation: Oliver Hillel - Interactions between tourism, climate change and biodiversity (pdf, 0.1MB)

The copyright for the presentations remains with the authors.

PRESS: EU overseas entities in deep water – IUCN and ONERC

St Denis, Reunion Island, Monday July 7, 2008 (IUCN) – The European Union’s overseas entities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. But a new report from IUCN and the French Observatory for the Impacts of Global Warming (ONERC) shows for the first time that their weakness in the face of climate change could work to their advantage, if the EU is ready to invest.

The report says that EU overseas entities will be among the first European territories to feel the full force of global warming on their life and livelihoods. Because of this they need special political consideration and adequate financial means to experiment with new strategies, says IUCN.

“Each island and territory needs a specific evaluation to properly define specific areas of vulnerability to climate change and to put in place strategies for adaptation,” says Julia Marton-Lefèvre, Director General of IUCN. “These could serve as a model for the rest of Europe and the world, while also playing a dynamic role in their own regions.”

Each island has a distinct climate and geography, which results in species that are tailored to these unique environments. Situated in three large oceans and over a range of latitudes, overseas entities play host to more endemic species than are found on the whole of continental Europe.

Significant changes in temperatures, tropical storms and sea levels have already been observed in Europe’s overseas entities. Islands in general are vulnerable to climate change because species here have limited means of migration. This means they can easily be driven to extinction.
In the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe the impact of rising sea temperatures, along with rising sea levels, will erode beaches and damage coral reefs. The increased frequency and intensity of tropical storms could have a negative impact on the island’s economy.

The report also says that the natural forests on Reunion Island, in the southern Indian Ocean, are likely to be seriously affected by climate change over the next few decades. The 193 natural habitats on the island are located on different slopes and dependent on a very delicate balance between humidity and temperature, which is likely to be disrupted by climate change. Rising temperatures will lead to uphill migration of plants wiping out many of the more fragile species on the upper slopes.

“The EU’s overseas entities are home to a wealth of plant and animal species that is as rich as it is vulnerable,” adds Marton-Lefèvre. “Delegates attending the Reunion meeting must make funds available so that the EU’s entities can adapt to the possibly devastating impacts of climate change.”

The report, Climate Change and Biodiversity in the European Union Overseas Entities is launched today at a top level summit on strategies to counter climate change and biodiversity loss in EU overseas entities and Small Island States (Reunion Island, 7-11 July).