“There is a particular tree that grows by the Lungga River. We call it the lania tree. I have been by the riverside and I have seen the tree. I have seen our father, even our great grannies walk alongside the Lungga River and gaze at the tree. I have been told; countless times, that […]
Category: Our region
The forgotten people of Sikaiana atoll islands
SOLOMON Islands is made of scattered islands some of which are slowly perishing due to climate change. While the majority is enjoying every day life, those from these islands continues to fight each day to address poverty, education and health. This is the latest story of climate change in Sikaiana Island, part of the Malaita […]
Atoll nations declare their rights to remain in their islands
I will not leave the lands of my ancestors! I will not abandon my motherland! I refuse to leave the only place I call home!” These were the words of 21-year-old youth and future leader of Kiribati, Ms. Tabitha Awerika, at a side event organised by the Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CAN-CC), […]
Pacific island nations at the climate talks: Leave no one behind
Describing climate change as one of the greatest threats to their survival, leaders of the sinking countries in the Pacific region urged the international community at the 25th Conference of Parties (COP25) to urgently act and avert climate crisis. “ We are clearly on the frontline of climate change. They are realities for countries in […]
Climate fuelled disasters forcing more than 20 million people a year from their homes
Climate fuelled disasters were the number one driver of displacement within countries over the last decade, forcing more than 20 million people to leave their homes each year, Oxfam said today. The contentious issue of financial support for communities that have suffered loss and damage as a result of the climate crisis, including people who […]
Climate change is a factor in turning to China for some Pacific nations
This month, the Trump administration formally began the yearlong process of pulling the United States out of the 2015 Paris Agreement. It will be the first and only country to quit the 200-nation deal to combat climate change. That’s a big concern for some of the world’s most vulnerable countries, including the small island nations […]
SPC and GIZ sign agreement to support NDC hub
The Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contributions Hub (NDC Hub) was launched in 2017 as a response to calls from Pacific Island Countries (PICs) for a regional platform to support them in implementing, enhancing and financing their national climate commitments made under the Paris Agreement (CoP 21). Through the NDC Hub, a team of experts from […]
Commonwealth enters new partnership to enhance climate action in Pacific
The Commonwealth has entered into an innovative partnership with a UN agency to enhance climate action and disaster preparedness via satellite earth observation. The partnership will support some small island developing states in the Commonwealth, namely Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, with access to vital satellite-based tools and information on disaster and climate risks to […]
Palau President supports Pacific Islands Environment Leadership Award
In 2020, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the 10th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas will recognise and honour Pacific Islanders with a commitment to environmental sustainability and resilience within the Pacific Islands. The special PIELA ceremony will be held during the 10th Pacific Islands Conference on […]
New diplomat to UN wants more Pacific say over ocean resources
Solomon Islands’ incoming representative to the United Nations wants to ensure Pacific countries gain control over their ocean resources. Transform Aqorau, who was the original chief executive of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, helped turn the group of Pacific Island nations into a force to be reckoned with in the international tuna trade. In […]