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OCEAN AND ISLANDS
OCEAN AND ISLANDS PROGRAMME
To improve scientific knowledge of ocean and island ecosystems for the sustainable management of natural resources
Aggregate Assessment in Pacific Island Countries
The emphasis on sustainable resource development has come with strategies that support environmental management together with social and economic developments. As such, the Ocean and Islands Program at SOPAC has been mandated to assist Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in conducting scientific studies that will promote sustainable development of non-living natural resources in ocean and island systems. An integral part of these studies is the identification of suitable offshore and onshore aggregate sources in the PICs. Offshore and / or onshore aggregate assessment have been and will be carried out in identified areas in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Federate States of Micronesia and Palau.
This scientific study involves non-intrusive (geophysical) and intrusive (drilling) survey methods, geological mapping, sample collection, analysis and testing. Oceanographic surveys such as bathymetry and deployment of current meters are also part of this investigation. Results obtained from these surveys are usually documented and made available to the country where the survey was carried out. Each report is often uploaded into the SOPAC website making it accessible to anyone.
In addition to scientific studies, SOPAC has been assisting some of these countries in developing guidelines and action plan for the development and management of their aggregate resources. Furthermore, with the inundation of coastal zones in many PICs due to uncontrolled removal of sand and gravel SOPAC is helping its member countries in developing sustainable coastal management strategy. As part of this strategy, training and awareness workshops are often carried out in an endeavour to build capacities among a broad range of stakeholders in individual island states. Aggregates Workshop 2006 Details
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