International Conference on Small Island Developing States

The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took place in Samoa on 1 - 4 September 2014. It provided an opportunity for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) to highlight the achievements and impact of the Pacific organic movement on sustainable development in the region, Island Business reports. Their work was featured in several side events at the conference.
 

The side event More than cocoa and coconuts was led by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and presented a case study of Cicia Island in Fiji. The island has been declared fully organic. The project has been funded by IFAD and ends in December 2014. Organic Islands: role and potential for organic agriculture in sustainable development was scheduled for 4 September. Speakers included the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, the President of IFOAM, Andre Leu and chef Robert Oliver.

The partnership Organic Islands – Growing our future was registered on the SIDS Partnership platform, illustrating the role of organics in economic development, food security and resilience to climate change. Organic ginger, vanilla, virgin coconut oil, coffee, cocoa, fruit juice, dried fruit, noni products and high-value cosmetic oils from seven Pacific Island countries were on display at the SIDS Village, giving delegates an opportunity to see the potential of the sector first-hand. The full article is available here.