Pacific Islands Energy Policy (2004)

This document represents a regional consensus, affirmed at the 2004 Regional Energy Meeting in Madang, Papua New Guinea and is based on an earlier version of the regional energy policy affirmed in the Cook Islands in 2002 and with due consideration to the Rarotonga Declaration.

The review of the Pacific Islands Energy Policy has been coordinated by the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) - Energy Working Group in close consultation with the Energy Officials from Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs).

Vision - Available, reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy for the sustainable development of all Pacific island communities.

INtroduction - Energy has a vital role in achieving sustainable development in the Pacific region. It is a fundamental input to most economic and social activities and a prerequisite for development in other sectors such as education, health, and communications. Sustainable development is a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the directions of investment, the orientation of technological change, and institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations. It is recognised that youth and women are important stakeholders in the energy sector and their participation is vital to achieve sustainable development. Responding to energy issues within the context of sustainable development involves many complex, cross-sectoral and interdependent factors requiring effective coordination.