There was concern that the limited mineral, forest and marine resources need to be looked after for future generations. Specific mention was made of the role of Malaysian logging companies in PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.
Climate change is seen to be the result of major deforestation in parts of Asia.
This can have devastating flow-on effects in Pacific Island countries. The Pacific Working group also expressed concern about the ability of Pacific nations to compete with Asian tiger economics in the more open global trading environment. It was generally agreed that Pacific Island Governments had not made much effort to create enabling environments for social groups and individuals to participate fully in society. A range of suggestions were to advance some of the Working group's concerns. Delegates wanted to see greater emphasis on human and civil rights through education and the increased development of civil society.