CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii - The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) announced today that they will host the Oceania Regional Environmental Security Forum (RESF) in Nadi, Fiji 24-27 May 2016.

The RESF, which was launched in 2010 by USPACOM, provides a unique opportunity for militaries in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to work with their civilian counterparts on enhancing environmental security, protection, and management in the region.

The 2016 event will bring together civilian and military representatives from approximately 15 countries to discuss environmental considerations as they relate to sustainable ocean resources, coastal zone protection, disaster resiliency, and project concept development. The intent of the forum is to increase awareness of environmental considerations, discuss best practices and lessons-learned in environmental stewardship, and identify collaborative opportunities were militaries in the region can support ongoing and future environmental programs related to all domains (air, land, sea, space, etc).

Participants will hear from subject matter experts throughout the week, and also contribute to panel sessions and group activities to identify gaps in current processes and share experiences that could lend itself to adoption in other locations. RFMF and USPACOM will host a site visit to an ongoing environmental protection project in Fiji, which will showcase the Government of Fiji's integrated environmental management strategies. Lastly, participants will work together to identify future projects in the region where the military can lend its support to enhance environmental protection.

Media interested in covering this exercise should contact the public affairs office at the U.S. Embassy in Suva (Ms. Shivanjani Naidu at NaiduSM@state.gov).