#HappeningNow While opening the Workshop on the Implementation Plan of the Regional KAVA Development Strategy and the Geographical Indication for KAVA today, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica highlighted the vulnerability of Pacific kava to exploitation. "The absence of a robust system to protect the geographical indication of Pacific kava makes it susceptible to exploitation and misrepresentation by others. Recent media reports have highlighted instances where kava has been successfully cultivated and harvested outside the region, in the United States, and potentially other areas worldwide." He was "pleased to note that our senior officials have elevated Geographical Indication as a stand-alone strategic priority under the Kava Regional Strategy." This is part of the united #onebluepacific KAVA approach. #KAVAGI Remarks were also delivered by EU Acting Head of Delegation @askoltu, and PIFS Director Programmes & Initiatives @ZarakFJ. #RegionalKava2024 is led by the @EUPasifika funded #SPIRITproject of @ForumSEC in partnership with the @spc_cps's ACP Businesss-Friendly programme which  is funded by EU and @PressACP and jointly implemented by @ITCnews, the  World Bank and @UNIDO.