Member countries have heard the call from the region’s environmental agency, SPREP, to look at increasing member contributions to allow it to perform the increasing functions being asked of the organization each year.
Yesterday as the annual SPREP meeting came to a close in Apia the members agreed to look at firstly calling on those with outstanding contributions to bring them up to date.
Members also recognized the need to increase core contributions in order for the Secretariat to deliver outcomes agreed to in the Strategic Plan 2017-2026 and the Performance Implementation Plan, including a progressive restructure.
The meeting has recommended a 20% increase in member contributions, subject to their governments’ approvals.
The recommendation however does not include metropolitan members, the United States and France.
France insisted on an increase of up to 20%.
The contributions will no longer be voluntary as in the past.
The current 5% voluntary contributions set in 2015 will be removed once parties approve the 20% increase.
The meeting also directed the Secretariat to continue to work with member countries with outstanding contributions including development of payment plans.
Efforts by the Secretariat to improve the financial position of SPREP including the reduction of the overall deficit, reduction in foreign exchange losses in 2016, and cost reduction measures were also noted.
The next meeting of SPREP will be in Apia in 2019 and will be a Ministers meeting.
