MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Sullivan
I have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Pacific Applied
GeoScience Commission (SOPAC) committing Australia to providing A$800,000 annually
over three years for geological programmes in the Pacific.
SOPAC's activities continue to improve land and ocean use in the region. Its
water resources programs have improved water and sanitation, resulting in better
health, and mineral resource development programs have increased productivity
and wealth. SOPAC also plays a vital role assessing the geo-environmental impacts
of resource development, helping to promote more sustainable development in
the Pacific.
Australia's commitment includes a membership contribution to support the operations
of SOPAC, and support for mineral and water resources programmes.
SOPAC assists member countries in the fields of mineral and energy resource
identification, promotion and development; environmental geoscience; and human
resource development in the geoscience field.
Member countries enlist the assistance of SOPAC according to their development
priorities. The resource-rich Melanesian countries generally request SOPAC's
assistance to promote or develop their mineral or petroleum potential. The smaller
Micronesian and Polynesian countries, which are commonly more isolated with
fewer exploitable resources, have other needs, more often related to the assessment
of causes of coastal erosion, groundwater and sanitation improvements.
SOPAC's role in supporting development of its island members over the last
few years has been commendable. I should particularly like to acknowledge the
invaluable contribution of SOPAC's Director, Mr Alf Simpson.
Australia's wealth is based on natural resources and I am pleased that we are
assisting our neighbouring region in the sustainable development of their water
and mineral resources.
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