Diagnosis of environmental taxation in the Pacific Islands
Context
The role of taxation in preserving the Pacific Ocean
In 2019, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency conducted the Pacific Ocean Finance Program, a program aimed at improving the financing of activities for the preservation of the Pacific Ocean, both in terms of amounts mobilized and efficiency in the use of funds. Studies on blue bonds, financing protected areas by local communities, and insurance mechanisms for conservation financing were conducted as part of this program.
service
A rigorous methodology to analyze taxes, subsidies, and environmental impacts
In partnership with Sapere Research, Vertigo Lab conducted a study exploring the link between taxation, subsidies, economic decision-making, and ocean preservation.
The study aimed to identify taxes and subsidies related to the ocean in 11 Pacific countries, assess how they create — or do not create — economic incentives aligned with marine governance, and propose reforms to turn them into real preservation levers.
To address this, we deployed a rigorous methodology: a country-by-country analysis complemented by a regional overview, a conceptual model to classify the ecological and social impacts of fiscal measures (harmful, mixed, beneficial, or unknown), as well as in-depth consultations with regional administrations and organizations. Together, these approaches allowed for the establishment of a comprehensive and operational fiscal diagnosis in service of ocean health.
BENEFITS
Illuminating reforms to strengthen environmental taxation in the Pacific
While this research highlighted the interest of fiscal measures for achieving environmental objectives, it also underscored the importance of a rigorous political and administrative framework in their implementation to ensure their effectiveness.
Small island states in the Pacific show a strong interest in improving the accountability and transparency of fiscal mechanisms, but much progress remains to be made.
These results offer concrete avenues for reforming taxes and subsidies, strengthening the financial governance of the ocean, and supporting the transition to a tax system aligned with marine protection.
The + Vertigo Lab
Our research office can assist you with environmental taxation, blue economy, and impact analysis. Our expertise has, in this case, benefited small island states.
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