Accounting for environment in the Pacific

Abstract

Pacific Island governments face difficult decisions related to finding the balance between utilising the natural environment as a driver of economic growth and preserving the environment for the cultural, social and economic well-being of current and future generations. Good environmental policy making requires good information and analysis. Environment statistics, through accepted statistical frameworks such as the system of environmental-economic accounting (SEEA), underpin the ability to develop macro-economic policies that are sustainable (or green) in the long term.