What is the C-SPOD program?

The Canada-South Pacific Ocean Development (C-SPOD) Program/Projet d'exploitation des oceans Canada-Pacifique Sud -- Phase II is Canada’s major regional commitment to the Pacific Islands, worth more than $28-million Cdn spread out over 14 years in two phases. It reflects the Canadian and Pacific belief that ocean development is a key priority.

The program is funded by the Canadian Government through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and is coordinated by the Fiji-based Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and LGL Limited, environmental research associates, Canada.

The second phase of the C-SPOD Program, started in 1997, focuses on the sustainable development of the Pacific region’s living marine resources and promotes regional partnership, ownership, and accountability for the program’s results.

C-SPOD projects are developed and implemented by the program’s four participating Pacific regional partner organizations:

• the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency, Solomon Islands;
• the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Fiji;
• the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Samoa; and
• The University of the South Pacific, Fiji.

The projects are approved and managed by a committee of the regional organizations and CIDA.

All projects funded through C-SPOD ensure equity and balanced benefits for all Pacific Islanders, including children, women, and men.  They are also concerned with environmental sustainability and encouraging the involvement of the private sector.

The second phase of C-SPOD is slated to run until 2004.

More on C-SPOD