Environment, Politics, Social

Meet Neta, a scientist from Tonga who united the Pacific islands against climate change

As the former director of the Climate Change Division at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) for the past seven and a half years, Dr. Netatua Pelesikoti, or Neta as she is widely known, led Pacific Island efforts in tackling the single most pressing issue facing the region today. She brought over 20 years of experience in climate change, coastal management and … Continue reading Meet Neta, a scientist from Tonga who united the Pacific islands against climate change

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Environment, Politics

Costa Rica wants to ban single-use plastics by 2021

Costa Rica is the second country to announce the adoption of a plastics ban, following Vanuatu, two weeks ago. Costa Rica also announces a deadline, 2021, and its ban will be specifically against single-use plastics. After all, this small central american country is already an environmental leader, having managed multiple 100% renewable energy periods these past years. Moreover, Costa Rica has also set the challenge … Continue reading Costa Rica wants to ban single-use plastics by 2021

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Culture, Politics, Social

The anthropologist who dedicated her life to keep Palauan culture alive

The late Katharine Kesolei, or Kathy as she was better known, devoted more than 30 years of her life to the cultural, educational and economic advancement of the Palauan people. “In today’s world, people are beginning to reconsider these indigenous cultures. They now realize that this ‘white’ society that imposes some of their values on us is a kind of oppression…I’m not saying it in … Continue reading The anthropologist who dedicated her life to keep Palauan culture alive

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Politics

Meet Fiame (chief) Naomi Mata’afa of Samoa

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa made history as the first woman Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa after the 2016 elections. She first entered politics in 1985 as a member for Lotofaga under the Human Rights Protection Party. She became a Cabinet Minister in 1991 and held the Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Labour portfolios from 1991 to 2006. After the March 2006 General Elections, Honourable Mata’afa continued … Continue reading Meet Fiame (chief) Naomi Mata’afa of Samoa

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Culture, Environment, Politics

Nature is silently getting its legal rights back!

All around the world, the Environnement is getting increasing legal recognition and support. And this year things have started moving at a much higher pace, especially around the Pacific Ocean. July 2017 Oregon, USA – The Siletz River rallies the fight Last battle to date: a few weeks ago, a river of Oregon finishing its course in the Pacific Ocean, the Siletz River “filed to … Continue reading Nature is silently getting its legal rights back!

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Environment, Politics

Meet Teima Onorio, first vice-president of Kiribati

Teima Onorio made history when she became the first female Vice President of Kiribati in 2003, a position she served in for three consecutive terms until 2016. Onorio first entered politics in the Parliament in 1998. During her time in government, Ms Onorio held various ministerial posts including Minister for Internal and Social Affairs; Minister for Education, Youth and Sports Development; and Minister of Commerce, Industry and … Continue reading Meet Teima Onorio, first vice-president of Kiribati

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Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner Poet
Environment, Politics

The poet from the Marshall Islands who moved the world powers to tears

Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner burst onto the world stage through a poetry performance that moved many world leaders to tears at the opening of the United Nations Climate Summit in New York in 2014. The then 25-year-old poet and climate activist demonstrated the impact a poem can have. In a piece titled “Dear Matafele Peinem,” she managed to capture the stark reality of climate change in just … Continue reading The poet from the Marshall Islands who moved the world powers to tears

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Politics, Sports

Baklai Temengil: a woman of sports and convictions

Since being appointed Palau’s Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs in 2013, Minister Baklai Temengil has utilised her platform to advocate for gender equality and fight for the empowerment of women in the western Pacific nation. She has taken on issues such as the lack of elected women in government as well as domestic violence and has helped to establish services to help victims. In … Continue reading Baklai Temengil: a woman of sports and convictions

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Environment, Politics

Vanuatu will become the first country in the world to ban plastic bottles

The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, announced last Sunday that his country will introduce a progressive ban to all plastic bags and bottles that cannot be reused. The government stresses in the Vanuatu Daily Post that disposal of plastic waste has become a huge problem for the small insular nation, that “bottles and plastic bags are risky to human life and the environment” and that … Continue reading Vanuatu will become the first country in the world to ban plastic bottles

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Rosine Streeter, Union Activist, New Caledonia, SPC
Politics, Social

Her message to Pacific women: “Be strong, fight for a place at the table where important decisions are made”

70-year-old Rosine Streeter is a pioneering trade union activist in New Caledonia who has dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights in what was largely a male domain. For a time, she was the only  Kanak woman to run a trade union. In 1979, Rosine was appointed General Secretary of Union des Syndicats des Ouvriers et Employés de Nouvelle-Calédonie (USOENC), the renowned trade union for workers … Continue reading Her message to Pacific women: “Be strong, fight for a place at the table where important decisions are made”

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