Visit of His Excellency Mr Sujiro Seam, the European Union Ambassador for the Pacific, to the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia

The Pacific Community and the Loyalty Islands Province had the privilege to accompany the European Union Ambassador for the Pacific, His Excellency Mr. Sujiro Seam, during his field visits to Lifou, New Caledonia.

“I am truly delighted with my first trip to Lifou in the Loyalty Islands. The European Union is a project based on the values of peace, prosperity and solidarity, as current events remind us. By coming to the Loyalty Islands, I am keeping a promise I made to President Lalié.

With PROTEGE, the European Union funds professional integration actions and projects related to the sustainable management of ecosystems. I leave with a very positive assessment of my visits. I encourage the Loyalty Islands Province to keep focusing on concrete actions and regional cooperation. Indeed, PROTEGE is foremost a regional program.”

On this Monday, March 14, 2022, the day began with a presentation of PROTEGE project with the elected officials of the Loyalty Islands Provincial Assembly.
Various field visits were then conducted to report on the achievements of PROTEGE:

- work is underway to set up the first sewage sludge treatment unit in Wé,

- meters connected in the Waihmené and Cila pumping stations for a better management of the water resource,

- a site equipped with cage traps and rope snares to regulate invasive species, accompanied by a demonstration in which the Ambassador participated. The theme of Invasive Exotic Species is implemented by the Pacific Regional Environment Program (PROE).

The day ended with a visit to the Vocational Integration, Employment and Training Institution for the Loyalty Islands.

The Pacific Community is very grateful to His Excellency Mr. Sujiro Seam, the Loyalty Islands Province and all the stakeholders who made the organization of this day possible.