ABSTRACT
Visitors to the Pacific region are often amazed by the diversity that exists. The region is geographically, ecologically, sociologically and economically diverse. The Pacific region, with a land area of 550,000km2 surrounded by the largest ocean in the world, is home to 9.5 million people. Five islands (Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu) account for 90 per cent of this land area, and more than 85 per cent of the population. In contrast to these relatively large landmasses, the world’s smallest island states and territories, for example, Nauru, Tuvalu and Tokelau, can be found in the Pacific (see Annex 2 of this volume for the list of contracting parties by regions). The importance of agriculture in sustaining livelihoods varies across the region. In the larger islands, such as Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, agriculture, and forestry also, remain the mainstay of the economy and employment, contributing significantly to household income and, increasingly, export earnings, whereas subsistence dominates in some of the smaller islands (SPC-LRD, 2008b).
