It is widely anticipated ongoing processes of environmental change will have severe impacts on the fragile environments of many Pacific island nations. These impacts, in turn, are very likely to hold security implications for these nations, potentially affecting security and stability across the region.

The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is hosting a workshop entitled ‘The Environment and Security in the Pacific Islands Region: Priority Risks, Challenges, and Actions for a Secure Future’ August 5-10, 2012. More than 45 government and non-government organization officials will discuss the impact of environmental changes on security in the Pacific region and how governments and regional organizations can better work together to mitigate risks.

The workshop kicks off Sunday evening with opening remarks and a reception. Ambassador (Ret) Lauren Kahea Moriarty, APCSS Dean of Academics will welcome guests and introduce the speakers that will include: APCSS Director Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Daniel Leaf; Mr. Ilan Kiloe, Political/Legal Advisor, Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat; Mr. Ioane Alama, Regional Security Adviser, Political Governance and Security Programme, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat; and Captain Hakaumotu Fakapelea, Maritime Port Security Adviser, Economic Development Division, Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

During the workshop participants will discuss the priority security risks associated with processes of environmental change in the region and the key challenges and opportunities faced in addressing these risks. At the conclusion, participants will provide recommended critical actions that may be taken in response to these challenges. These briefs will be shared with representatives from regional governments, international organizations and APCSS alumni in the region.

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Media note: while the workshop itself it closed to the media due to our policy of non-attribution, media is welcome to attend the workshop opening on Sunday, August 5th from 5-7 p.m. as well as the closing discussions on Thursday afternoon. For more information please contact Mary Markovinovic at 808-971-8916 or cell phone 808-373-6187.

The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is a Department of Defense academic institute that addresses regional and global security issues. Military and civilian representatives, most from the U.S. and Asia-Pacific nations, participate in a comprehensive program of executive education, professional exchanges and outreach events, both in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Center supports the U.S. Pacific Command by developing and sustaining relationships among security practitioners and national security establishments throughout the region. Its mission is to build capacities and communities of interest by educating, connecting, and empowering security practitioners to advance Asia-Pacific security. It is one of the Department of Defense’s five regional security studies centers.

Since opening in 1995, APCSS has had representatives from 104 countries and territories, and four international organizations attend courses at the Center for a total of more than 6,600 alumni.