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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Politics

Portrait of Dame Meg Taylor, a leading Pacific diplomat and politician

When Dame Meg Taylor was appointed Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum in August 2014, she became the first woman to hold this post. A national of Papua New Guinea, she began her professional life as Private Secretary to Chief Minister Michael Somare during self-government of Papua New Guinea, and then during his tenure as Prime Minister of an independent Papua New Guinea. She … Continue reading Portrait of Dame Meg Taylor, a leading Pacific diplomat and politician

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Politics

This Cook Islands parliamentarian is a champion of democracy in the Pacific

Niki Rattle was first appointed Speaker of Parliament of the Cook Islands in 2012, then reappointed in 2014. Her role is to ensure that the functions of parliament are carried out in accordance with the constitution, and the standing orders and procedures of parliament. Upholding the integrity and dignity of the House of Parliament is a critical part of Ms Rattle’s role. Ms Rattle is … Continue reading This Cook Islands parliamentarian is a champion of democracy in the Pacific

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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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Politics, Social

She introduced a “no discrimination” clause in the Fijian Constitution

Seventy-three-year-old retired politician Adi Finau Tabakaucoro has spent a lifetime advocating for the interests of indigenous Fijian women and girls. She is the current President of the largest women’s civil society organisation in Fiji; Soqosoqo Vakamarama i Viti, which works in the country’s 14 provinces on village, district and provincial matters as well as national development policies, programming, laws, regulations and services. A wide range of … Continue reading She introduced a “no discrimination” clause in the Fijian Constitution

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Politics

‘Utoikamanu is the highest ranking Pacific Island person at the UN

In April, Tonga’s Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu was appointed the United Nations’ High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States and Under Secretary General, making her the highest ranking Pacific Island person at the UN. Ms. ‘Utoikamanu has a wealth of national, regional and international experience in various senior leadership positions. Prior to her latest appointment, she was Chief … Continue reading ‘Utoikamanu is the highest ranking Pacific Island person at the UN

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Politics, Social

Rosa Koian: fighting for village people against mining corporations in PNG

“There can be no sustainable development when rural women in their communities are frequently held under threat of displacement, or physical and sexual abuse.” Rosa Koian, Activist, Papua New Guinea Fifty-two-year-old Rosa Koian is a pioneering environmental and human rights activist in Papua New Guinea, where she’s been unafraid to fight for the rights of women and village people against exploitation by transnational corporations or extractive … Continue reading Rosa Koian: fighting for village people against mining corporations in PNG

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Politics, Social

The woman who made Palau the only nuclear-free country in the world

The late Gabriela Ngirmang, Mirair of Koror, was instrumental in giving the world its first nuclear-free constitution. As  Mirair (leading woman for the eastern side of the state of Koror), Gabriela Ngirmang was the leader of Otil A Beluad (the Anchor of the Land) women’s organisation for 50 years. When she died at the age of 84 in 2007, she had been a central figure … Continue reading The woman who made Palau the only nuclear-free country in the world

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Politics

Portrait of Charmaine Scotty, one of two female deputies of Nauru

When Honourable Charmaine Eraidinomo Scotty was elected member of parliament in Nauru’s June 2013 elections, she made history as only the second woman to do so, following in the footsteps of Ruby Dediya (who was MP from 1986 to 1992 and from 1995 to 1997). Following her election to parliament, Hon. Scotty was appointed by newly elected President Baron Waqa to serve in his administration … Continue reading Portrait of Charmaine Scotty, one of two female deputies of Nauru

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