Mireille Chinain (SPC)
Environment

Portrait of the Tahitian scientist who discovered what causes Ciguatera

French Polynesian scientist Mireille Chinain has been spearheading regional research efforts on Ciguatera poisoning, the foodborne disease related to the consumption of subtropical and tropical marine finfish which have accumulated naturally occurring toxins through their diet. Ciguatera poses not only a public health problem but has also a significant impact on the economies of affected countries, especially in Pacific Island Countries and Territories, where populations … Continue reading Portrait of the Tahitian scientist who discovered what causes Ciguatera

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Environment

This geneticist collected 1,500 different taro crops from across the Pacific

Samoan Valerie Saena Tuia is a leading expert on plant genetic resources who has made significant contributions to advancing food security in the Pacific Islands region. She was the Curator and then Genetic Resources Coordinator of the Pacific Community’s Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) in Fiji for over 15 years until early 2017. Ms Tuia has carried out pioneering scientific research, established the … Continue reading This geneticist collected 1,500 different taro crops from across the Pacific

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Environment

Scientific expedition sees massive coral death all over the Pacific

Coral is massively dying everywhere in the Pacific Ocean. This is what the science expedition aboard the Tara is discovering since its launch in may last year. The Schooner continues its long journey. So far, it has sailed nearly 50 000 km and the scientific crew on board has gathered 15 000 samples of coral. Their main objective is to study the progression of coral … Continue reading Scientific expedition sees massive coral death all over the Pacific

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Environment, Politics

New huge marine protected area around Easter Island

The Chilean Government has announced a few days ago that a huge ocean patch the size of Chile around Rapa Nui (the native name of Easter island) was now a Marine protected area. That means that all kinds of industrial exploitation of natural ressources in these waters are now forbidden. Industrial fishing or mining, for instance, are now banned. The residents of Easter island were … Continue reading New huge marine protected area around Easter Island

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Environment, Politics

How do we fight epidemics across the Pacific Ocean?

Pacific islands are suffering from regular epidemics of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. In a decade-long dance around our Ocean, these viruses continually migrate to countries where the population has lost its immunity… But it doesn’t mean there is nothing to be done. Since the arrival of the Zika Virus, probably imported from African soccer players during the Beach Soccer World Cup of 2013 in Tahiti, … Continue reading How do we fight epidemics across the Pacific Ocean?

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Environment

Kea Trader: an ecological catastrophe avoided in New Caledonia

You certainly remember how the container ship Kea Trader  ran aground the Durand reef, South-East of New Caledonia, almost a month ago. The spectacular photos of the huge ship full quill on the coral were seen all across the Pacific. At the time, the local government and French armed forces mobilized a full anti-pollution task force. They feared a massive spill in this unique coral ecosystem. But … Continue reading Kea Trader: an ecological catastrophe avoided in New Caledonia

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Culture, Environment

This street artist from New Zealand makes giant murals of endemic birds

His name is Phat1, aka Charles Williams. He is a street-artist from New Zealand, where he started as a graffiti rebel spraying the walls of Auckland. But he got married (with another street artist, Lady Diva), got four children and now uses his talents for the promotion of indigenous culture and young artists. He is also a huge indigenous birds geek and lover. We met … Continue reading This street artist from New Zealand makes giant murals of endemic birds

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Environment

This real-life “ninja turtle” superhero has saved 11 sea turtles from being eaten

When Aaron and Mark found these two live turtles ready to be sold for meat on a Papua New Guinea market, they couldn’t let them to their sad fate. Instead, they bought them with their own money and drove them to the nearest beach to the Pacific Ocean. Aaron Culling shared this small adventure to his Facebook account with the caption: “Found these at a … Continue reading This real-life “ninja turtle” superhero has saved 11 sea turtles from being eaten

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Environment, Politics

From high school teacher to political activist to sustainable development

Suliana Siwatibau, 77, has made immense contributions to the Pacific region over many decades, working across multiple fields including science, environment, leadership and activism for peace, democracy and human rights. A botanist by training, Mrs Siwatibau started out teaching science at secondary school level in Fiji, then later biology at the University of the South Pacific before switching to agricultural research. She was also a … Continue reading From high school teacher to political activist to sustainable development

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Environment

This ecological economist helped save the mangroves of Fiji

Dr Padma Narsey Lal is a Fijian ecological economist known for her pioneering work in interdisciplinary research in the Pacific, integrating ecology and environmental economics, helping Pacific Island nations with the challenges of sustainable development and environment management for over 40 years. Her ground breaking work in the Pacific has covered a wide range of sectors and thematic areas including cost-benefit analysis, market and non-market … Continue reading This ecological economist helped save the mangroves of Fiji

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