Pacific island countries and territories are endowed with some unique natural resources and environment and its people and economy rely extensively on their sustainable use and management. It is recognised that to achieve national sustainable development goals, including MDGs, an integrated and a whole of country approach to resource and environmental management is critical. Such an approach requires commitment and involvement of all levels of government, private sector and communities to pursue a balance between economic, social and environmental objectives.

Improved natural resource and environment management has been highlighted as a strategic objective for sustainable development under the Pacific Plan. This includes the development and implementation of enabling environments at the national level, principally national sustainable development strategies based decision-making processes; the development and implementation of national and regional policy on sectoral and cross sectoral issues, including fisheries, land, waste management, biodiversity conservation, energy, climate change, and disaster risk management; and facilitating access to appropriate financing for environmental initiatives including through the GEF.

As reflected in the Mauritius Strategy and various regional policies and frameworks for action agreed to by the Forum Leaders , the region has acknowledged that integrated natural resource and environment management that promotes sustainable use and management requires policies, strategies, and actions underpinned by rigorous interdisciplinary analysis together with traditional knowledge. However, member countries have recognized under the Pacific Plan that because of limited human, technical and financial resources they cannot achieve this without the assistance of development partners.

PIFS, as part of its sustainable development program, focuses on providing policy coordination and advice related to natural resource and environment management at all levels – international, regional and national. PIFS also provides direct technical assistance to member countries in areas of its comparative advantage, including economic and policy analysis based integrated policy advice to strengthen management of natural resources and environment.

PIFS sustainable development work program in the area of integrated natural resource and environment management includes: 

1. Coordinating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Initiatives under the Pacific Plan (PP)
2. Providing and/or coordinating preparation and provision of evidence based policy advice on Sustainable Development
3. Assisting member countries formulate and implement NSDS, and support mainstreaming of thematic/ sectoral policies and strategies into NSDS and budget process
4. Enhancing partnerships for the effective delivery of all of the above.