The Impact of SIV Global in the Pacific

1. The Impact of SIV Global in the Pacific Hans Dencker Thulstrup UNESCO Office for the Pacific States Apia, Samoa

2. Impact – what do we mean? How do we measure impact? Visibility of SIV Global in the public debate? Number of readers – e-mail addresses? Content and origin of Pacific postings? Actions taken as a result of reading SIV Global? …all are valid, but no easy method exists!

3. Visibility of SIV Global • Articles reprinted in newspapers, referred in broadcast media (Palau, Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji) • References to SIV global made by donor agencies, governments, NGO community • SIV Global topics referred to and advanced at public forums, events (Samoa water sector stakeholders’ meeting, Siumu, Upolu, 2005) “Thanks so much for sending us this article and feel free to send more in the future....we'll publish it in our paper and do inform us where we can send you a copy” Editor, Diario Belau, 2002

4. Number of readers – e-mail addresses • In spite of the clear advantages of good connectivity, Internet penetration remains low in the Pacific and costs high. • However, estimating that at least 25-30% of SIV global’s 20,000 addresses are Pacific-based would yield 6,000 recipients among the region’s 6,000,000 people – 1 in 1,000! • Pacific participation in SIV global is consistently high – often near 50% of substantive responses

5. Content and origin of Pacific postings • Pacific postings voice concerns and opinions often with direct reference to specific local issues with global relevance • Postings are made by NGO’s, traditional leaders, youth, urban/suburban wage earners, journalists, academics, government staff – a surprisingly complete cross-section of Internet-connected Pacific islanders • SIV Global is an outlet through which even controversial opinion can be expressed outside the conventional social structures – and without fear of repercussion

6. A sample from home… “In my small urban village, we have a very well-kept beach and increasingly other villagers from inland and elsewhere are now using it both for swimming and night fishing. This makes me jealous, and recently I told my father that this is not on. At first I physically chased people away from our beach and now my father alter the balance by being more diplomatic and taking it to the Chiefs’ monthly meeting […] I do believe, however, that people have a natural right to swimming and enjoying their leisure time at the beaches, but to a certain extent, the rights of those who own the beaches, whether it be the county, village or district must also be taken into consideration. […] Finally, may I thank those wonderful people who have written articles expressing their fears and concerns about this subject. I wish you well and have a great day at the beach. Anya Koche, Samoa

7. Andy George, Director of the Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization in the Federated States of Micronesia read and contributed to the discussion on bottled water Andy was inspired to consider UNESCO’s approaches to environment and development issues further and expressed interest in helping one of Kosrae’s local communities set up a Biosphere Reserve After two years of work by the community and Andy’s organization, the Utwe Biosphere Reserve was approved by the MAB Bureau two weeks ago as the Pacific’s first Biosphere Reserve The ultimate impact: Actions taken – perhaps - as a result of SIV Global

8. Thank you very much! …questions are very welcome!