The Government of Australia has committed an additional AUD$24.75 million to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), reaffirming its role as SPREP’s largest core contributor.
The announcement was made during the annual high-level consultations between the Government of Australia and SPREP, building on a longstanding partnership between the two.
SPREP Director General, Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, welcomed the announcement and acknowledged the significance of Australia’s continued support.
“Australia continues to be one of SPREP’s most significant and enduring partners. This renewed funding is especially valuable in contributing to our core financing that allows us to plan and implement our programs with confidence and continuity, responding to the urgent environmental challenges faced by our Pacific communities,” said Mr Nawadra.
Ms Emily Luck, Head of Delegation and Assistant Secretary of the Pacific Regional and Climate Branch at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and former Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, said the funding reflects Australia’s commitment to listening and responding to Pacific priorities in climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and environmental governance.
“We are proud to continue our close partnership with SPREP to deliver outcomes that matter to Pacific peoples. We value SPREP’s regional leadership and technical expertise, and we look forward to continuing our work together to build a healthier, more resilient Pacific,” Ms Luck said.
The funding supports SPREP in its work with national and local governments to develop and implement climate adaptation plans. This includes improving early warning systems for cyclones, promoting ecosystem-based adaptation and natural solutions, and providing guidance for environmentally sustainable relocation of communities under threat from rising seas.
It also supports the preservation of critical ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and forests that provide food, cultural identity, and natural protection against disasters. SPREP works with communities to integrate traditional environmental knowledge into policy.
Local experts, youth, and government officials benefit through SPREP-led programmes in environmental monitoring, project management, data collection, and conservation, contributing to long-term skills development and leadership in the region.
Australia’s long-standing support for meteorological services continues through its partnership with SPREP, helping Pacific nations forecast extreme weather more accurately and reach vulnerable communities earlier.
The funding also ensures Pacific participation at global climate and environmental forums, such as the UNFCCC COP, amplifying the Pacific voice on the international stage.
This next phase of partnership between Australia and SPREP signals the importance of sustained investment in regional environmental governance and Pacific-led solutions.
