PACE-Net Newsletter #6

Dear member of the PACE-Net community,

Our successful Conference in Suva marked the end of a wonderful human and scientific adventure that started three years ago: the PACE-Net project or a Pacific‐European network. We wish you good receipt of this Newsletter #6 that features our Recommendations for a Strategic Plan on Research, Innovation and Development in the Pacific, formulated with all Conference participants.

We believe that with the PACE-Net project, we have been successful in strengthening the bi-regional dialogue on Science and Technology between Europe and the Pacific on global and regional priorities of mutual importance; in identifying potential research partnership projects addressing these priorities; and most of all, in raising awareness of the critical importance of the Pacific region to global sustainability and the vulnerability of its island countries. The project has also allowed a closer collaboration between Pacific Island Countries and the Overseas Countries and Territories.

On the basis of those outcomes and encouraged by our European and Pacific partners, IRD has answered the call for projects for a next INCO-Net targeting the region. We are glad to inform you that PACE-Net Plus has been favourably evaluated by the European Commission.

We believe that this success relies on the interest and exemplary concern for the Pacific and Pacific islanders of all the key stakeholders involved in the project. We would like to thank all those who have taken part in the network and dialogue and who have supported us, in a spirit of openness, reflective of local realities. We hope that we will keep stimulating your interest and will expect even more support from you in the future!

The PACE-Net coordination team