Results for Pacific Islands

Least Developed Countries are calling on the global community to do more at the upcoming Climate Change negotiations (COP23) in Bonn, Germany, next month. Representing 47 of the world’s poorest countries, they are committing to fully support Fiji presiding over COP23.

The Japanese ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Yukio Numata farewelled Tonga in style by performing a "Tongan/Japanese" tau’olunga, during a farewell reception at their residence at ‘Anana, on September 27.

A declaration outlining actions to tackle Climate Change is circling the Pacific Island countries for support before being delivered to world leaders at COP 23 in Bonn, Germany.

A push for the development of political parties in democratic societies in the Pacific by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was the focus of a dialogue held this week in Momi Bay, Fiji where over 40 representatives from the Pacific region attended, including Tonga. UNDP's Bakhodir Burkhanov said political parties need to be “more than just a temporary vehicle for the promotion of the interests of one political leader or a small group”.

Marine life in the Easter Island (Rapa Nui) waters, especially endemic species, should start thriving after the Chilean government declared it a marine protected area on 11 September. The protected area, one of the largest in the world, is around 740,000 square kilometers, roughly the size of Chile.

Chief Justices from the Pacific Islands are in Nuku'alofa this week, attending a workshop to strengthen judiciaries in the Pacific. The focus on judicial leadership is part of an Initiative funded by the New Zealand Government.

Tongan scientist, Siosiua Halavatau, is encouraging farmers to be “soil smart” when cultivating crops; to not overplough the land and to avoid using fertilizers and thereby play their part in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. By Finau Fonua

Climate change impacts are evident everywhere in the Pacific, where many communities are on the front line of its damaging impacts, said Australia’s Ambassador for Environment Patrick Suckling, who is visiting the Pacific region.

As the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) draws to an end in 2018, two regional organizations will continue the work of this Australian Government-funded initiative. By Linny Folau.