Latest news with #PacificCommunity
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'We show up': Pacific leaders apply pressure at oceans summit
Nowhere is humanity's exploitation of the oceans more starkly illustrated than the Pacific Ocean, where small island nations are fighting to outlast a crisis not of their making. The islands are besieged by rising seas and worsening storms, their coastlines choked in plastic, fishing waters plundered and coral reefs bleached and barren. But they refuse to be victims, pouring whatever resources they can into protecting the seas that sustain their people -- and calling out those not doing their share. This week, Pacific leaders have made some of the boldest commitments at the UN Ocean Conference, challenging wealthier nations to up their game. French Polynesia set the bar high at the outset of the five-day summit in Nice, France, announcing it would create the world's largest marine protected area in the far South Pacific. Within this enormous expanse of five million square kilometres (1.93 million square miles) will be a fully-protected sanctuary, double the size of Sweden, that totally forbids any human activity. Samoa announced nine new marine areas protecting 30 percent of its waters, while Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands unveiled plans for a mammoth joint marine park linking neighbouring Pacific nations. Once completed, they said, this ocean reserve would span six million square kilometres -- an area as vast as the Amazon rainforest. The Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands joined a global call for a pause on deep-sea mining, while four Pacific nations came forward to ratify a treaty to protect the high seas. "We show up by doing -- by taking action -- and not just through talkfests," said Sivendra Michael, permanent secretary at Fiji's environment ministry. - 'Time to act' - Almost as many Pacific heads of state and government turned up in Nice as European ones, making an impression in colourful traditional dress and through the force of their message. The elephant in the room is money, said Coral Pasisi, climate director at the Pacific Community, the region's principal scientific and technical development organisation. Pacific nations receive less than half of one percent of global climate finance, she said, and it can take years for sinking island nations to raise the capital to build a single seawall. Rich nations pledged last year to commit $300 billion a year to developing countries for climate action by 2035. But small island nations are wary, after similar promises have gone unmet. "Sometimes we feel alone in the world," Taivini Teai, environment minister of French Polynesia, told AFP. "But we must pull together and make industrialised countries understand that it is time to act." On stage and in private meetings in Nice, including with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pacific leaders demanded again and again that rich nations help them with actions, not words. "We need to adapt to shield our oceans from further harm. And that means -- plain and simple -- money. And money that we can use," said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. "The gap between what we need and what is available is growing dangerously wide. And this is a security issue for the Pacific." - Listen to us - The oceans summit did not address a lack of progress on phasing out fossil fuels -- deeply frustrating Pacific countries that have rallied to get the contentious issue back on the global agenda. "For the smallest of the countries and the most vulnerable, we have been the boldest and the loudest" on fossil fuels, said Michael of Fiji. Vanuatu's environment minister Ralph Regenvanu said it was "unfortunate" that fossil fuels weren't given sufficient prominence in Nice. "It's the single greatest cause of the damage to the oceans we're seeing now, and we're not talking about it enough," he said. Fed up with climate summits and pleading for action, Vanuatu and its Pacific neighbours are testing if international law can compel countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. For low-lying Tuvalu -- which is already making arrangements to shift its citizens permanently elsewhere -- the sense of urgency could not be greater as the tide laps higher. "I hope they listened to us," said Tuvalu President Feleti Teo, of his appeal in Nice for wealthier governments to come to their aid. np-aag/klm/phz
France 24
12-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
'We show up': Pacific leaders apply pressure at oceans summit
The islands are besieged by rising seas and worsening storms, their coastlines choked in plastic, fishing waters plundered and coral reefs bleached and barren. But they refuse to be victims, pouring whatever resources they can into protecting the seas that sustain their people -- and calling out those not doing their share. This week, Pacific leaders have made some of the boldest commitments at the UN Ocean Conference, challenging wealthier nations to up their game. French Polynesia set the bar high at the outset of the five-day summit in Nice, France, announcing it would create the world's largest marine protected area in the far South Pacific. Within this enormous expanse of five million square kilometres (1.93 million square miles) will be a fully-protected sanctuary, double the size of Sweden, that totally forbids any human activity. Samoa announced nine new marine areas protecting 30 percent of its waters, while Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands unveiled plans for a mammoth joint marine park linking neighbouring Pacific nations. Once completed, they said, this ocean reserve would span six million square kilometres -- an area as vast as the Amazon rainforest. The Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands joined a global call for a pause on deep-sea mining, while four Pacific nations came forward to ratify a treaty to protect the high seas. "We show up by doing -- by taking action -- and not just through talkfests," said Sivendra Michael, permanent secretary at Fiji's environment ministry. 'Time to act' Almost as many Pacific heads of state and government turned up in Nice as European ones, making an impression in colourful traditional dress and through the force of their message. The elephant in the room is money, said Coral Pasisi, climate director at the Pacific Community, the region's principal scientific and technical development organisation. Pacific nations receive less than half of one percent of global climate finance, she said, and it can take years for sinking island nations to raise the capital to build a single seawall. Rich nations pledged last year to commit $300 billion a year to developing countries for climate action by 2035. But small island nations are wary, after similar promises have gone unmet. "Sometimes we feel alone in the world," Taivini Teai, environment minister of French Polynesia, told AFP. "But we must pull together and make industrialised countries understand that it is time to act." On stage and in private meetings in Nice, including with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pacific leaders demanded again and again that rich nations help them with actions, not words. "We need to adapt to shield our oceans from further harm. And that means -- plain and simple -- money. And money that we can use," said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. "The gap between what we need and what is available is growing dangerously wide. And this is a security issue for the Pacific." Listen to us The oceans summit did not address a lack of progress on phasing out fossil fuels -- deeply frustrating Pacific countries that have rallied to get the contentious issue back on the global agenda. "For the smallest of the countries and the most vulnerable, we have been the boldest and the loudest" on fossil fuels, said Michael of Fiji. Vanuatu's environment minister Ralph Regenvanu said it was "unfortunate" that fossil fuels weren't given sufficient prominence in Nice. "It's the single greatest cause of the damage to the oceans we're seeing now, and we're not talking about it enough," he said. Fed up with climate summits and pleading for action, Vanuatu and its Pacific neighbours are testing if international law can compel countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. For low-lying Tuvalu -- which is already making arrangements to shift its citizens permanently elsewhere -- the sense of urgency could not be greater as the tide laps higher. "I hope they listened to us," said Tuvalu President Feleti Teo, of his appeal in Nice for wealthier governments to come to their aid.
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Perth Now
Holistic approach needed to overcome family violence
Approaches to domestic and family violence must include the entire community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocates and experts say. First Nations communities have the solutions to address family violence, Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service chief executive Wynetta Dewis told AAP. "We hear the challenges around government funding, or working in a colonised system and the structural, systemic issues," the Torres Strait Islander woman said. "We're trying to empower the Aboriginal community controlled organisations and the people working within them that you can still lead change within your own agencies to take that power and move forward." Indigenous ways of knowing must be at the heart of addressing family violence for Mereseini Rakuita, strategic lead for Pacific Community Teretia Tokam. An Indigenous Fijian woman, Ms Rakuita told a forum two in three women in her region have experienced sexual or physical violence. But there are a number of initiatives there working to address violence against women and girls, she said at the Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum on the Gold Coast. One of these is the Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women, formed by local organisations and women across the region. "The story behind this network is one of strength and resilience," she said. "A number of women sat down and said 'we've got to do something about this'. "They all had their day jobs so they started using their salaries to work towards a crisis centre, now it has become a a formalised structure, one of the most progressive and advanced crisis centres in the region." Ms Dewis said an all-of-community approach was required for addressing family violence. "Domestic and family violence intersects with child protection, even housing and health," she said. Including male behaviour-change services in the forum was important to ensure the entire community was brought along to address family violence, and the forum was receptive to the men who spoke about their programs, Ms Dewis said. One of the programs, Change Em Ways based in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, works with men to address underlying issues such as intergenerational trauma to help change their behaviour. Importantly to the program's cultural guidance worker Nelson Bieundurry, it includes on-Country camps to connect the men back to culture and traditions. "Activities include not only hunting, fishing and gathering but also include campfire discussions on the use of violence in intimate relationships, the importance of accountability and the acceptance of change," he said. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Disease-Free Coconut Nurseries In Papua New Guinea To Support White Copra Revival And Rural Livelihoods
Press Release – Pacific Community – SPC KIK Managing Director, Mr Alan Aku said the nurseries are a direct response to the challenges facing PNGs coconut industry, especially the damage caused by Bogia Coconut Syndrome. Three new coconut nurseries commissioned in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will provide disease-free, high-yield coconut seedlings to support farmers in replanting efforts, particularly those impacted by Bogia Coconut Syndrome (BCS), as part of broader efforts to revive the country's white copra market and strengthen rural livelihoods. Located in Malala (Bogia District, Madang Province), and in Viviran (Gazelle District) and Tabuna (Kokopo District) in East New Britain Province, the nurseries are part of the broader Agri Value Chain Finance (AVCF) Facility implemented by Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) with support from the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the ACP Business-Friendly Programme, funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). KIK Managing Director, Mr Alan Aku said the nurseries are a direct response to the challenges facing PNG's coconut industry, especially the damage caused by Bogia Coconut Syndrome. BCS is a plant disease affecting coconut palms and other palm species and is a major concern for PNG's agriculture and food security, as coconuts are a key crop for livelihoods and exports. ' By investing in clean, resilient planting materials and working with partners on financing and market access, we are not only restoring production but empowering our farmers to move from survival to success,' said Mr Aku. At the nursery launch in East New Britain, SPC's Land Resources Division Deputy Director, Ms Florence Rahiria, emphasised the long-term value of this initiative. 'These nurseries will not only provide disease-resistant, climate-resilient planting materials, but also serve as training and demonstration hubs, offering farmers direct access to technical support and modern farming knowledge,' Ms Rahiria stated. ' This integrated approach combining production, finance, and market linkages is helping transform the coconut industry from subsistence to enterprise. On behalf of SPC, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Government of Papua New Guinea, the leadership of KIK, our partners at the National Development Bank and Coconut Resource Limited, and the resilient farmers and communities who continue to inspire us,' she said. The Malala nursery is especially significant for farmers in Bogia District, where BCS has devastated coconut plantations. In addition to providing new planting material, the nurseries are linked to partner schools and learning centres that are integrating coconut farming into their school curriculum. Teacher at Malala Catholic Agro-Technical Secondary School, Mr Barry Buga shared that the initiative is not just about coconuts. ' It is about giving our students and their families real-life tools to rebuild and thrive. We now have a living classroom where agriculture meets opportunity.' Local educator in Kokopo District, Ms Melda Pona shared, ' Having this nursery here in Tabuna creates hands-on learning for our students and a direct link between schools and community-based agriculture. It encourages youth participation in agribusiness and promotes food security for the future.' The three nurseries complement wider efforts to develop tailored financing solutions for coconut and other key value chains. Through the AVCF Facility, farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will be supported with access to finance, technical assistance, and organised market linkages. The initiative targets not only coconut producers but also stakeholders across the cocoa, coffee, and fresh produce sectors. Agri-Finance Lead at SPC, Mr Lagi Fisher said, ' This is about strengthening the full value chain, starting with the seedling and ending with export-ready white copra. It is a model that is farmer-driven, finance-enabled, and focused on lasting impact.' About the ACP Business-Friendly Programme The ACP Business-Friendly Programme is a joint initiative of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). It aims to improve the business environment for MSMEs across the Pacific through inclusive finance, infrastructure development, and strengthened value chain partnerships.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pasifika Futures Forum Opens In Suva: Navigating A Bold Vision For The Blue Pacific
Press Release – UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji The broader Pasifika Futures Initiative aims to strengthen inquiry into how strategic foresight and Pacific wisdom can work together to build more equitable, resilient development partnerships. 13 May 2025 Suva, Fiji: The inaugural Pasifika Futures Forum officially opened today at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, bringing together over 150 Pacific Island leaders, policymakers, traditional knowledge holders, youth, disability advocates, and development partners from across the Pacific region. Hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji – with the generous support of the Government of Australia – the Forum will explore and shape long-term pathways for a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Blue Pacific Continent. The Forum follows the launch of the Pasifika Futures Report, a Pacific-led foresight publication that builds on the foundations laid by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the groundbreaking work undertaken by the Pacific Community (SPC). Drawing from Pacific epistemologies and contemporary foresight tools, the report highlights 10 emerging themes – from ocean governance and climate security to technological change and intergenerational decision-making. Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, opened the event and said: 'Our Blue Pacific Continent is the ocean that connects us through our shared culture, diversity, common challenges, and unique vulnerabilities. We must be vigilant of the emerging trends and signals, as our role is to build a region that thrives in unity and resilience.' Munkhtuya Altangerel, UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office in Fiji, in her opening remarks, said that the forum comes on the back of decades of work across the Pacific community: 'We stand today on the shoulders of remarkable regional leadership: the foresight of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the pioneering tools of the Pacific Community, and the shared vision laid out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The future therefore is not something we wait for; it is something we build together.' Over the next two days, the Forum will host a series of talanoa centred on identity, agency, and adaptive leadership in the face of accelerating global change. Guided by the Pacific concept of wayfinding, the Forum will invite participants to explore how Pacific knowledge systems – grounded in interdependence and connection to place – can guide development thinking and practice in new directions. The broader Pasifika Futures Initiative aims to strengthen inquiry into how strategic foresight and Pacific wisdom can work together to build more equitable, resilient development partnerships. The Pasifika Futures Forum will be staged on 13 May at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and conclude on 14 May at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
