Polynesian leaders hold follow up talks

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The  Polynesian Leaders Group (PLG) conference that Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and the governor’s executive assistant Iulogologo Joseph Pereira are attending  in Papaete, Tahiti is a special meeting to follow-up on critical issues ahead of the Polynesian leaders’ 6th annual session later this year.

The one-day conference is updating leaders on issues discussed at the France/Oceania Summit in November last year in France.

The principal focus is on climate change with the two key issues being: Oceans; and an overview of the UN’s Climate Summit in Paris (COP21) last year where the PLG’s Taputapuatea Declaration proved pivotal in incorporating the 1.5°C margin into the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.

The Director General of SPREP,  the South Pacific Regional Environment Program, Kosi Latu, is speaking about what the Polynesian group ought to expect from the next UN climate summit meeting COP22 in Morocco later this year.

Leaders are also discussing  the idea of a ‘Common Oceans Declaration’ providing a sub-regional effort for the next Climate Change Summit.

They will also visit and observe French Polynesia’s climate adaptation and resilience projects during the week.

This is the first meeting of the Polynesian Leaders Group that American Samoa has attended under the Lolo Lemanu Administration.

Former Governor Togiola Tulafono was a member of the group which set up the block of Polynesian countries and territories, at the inaugural meeting that Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele hosted in 2012.

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