‘Water-smart’ taro varieties as the future of sustainable agriculture in the Pacific: Insights from CePaCT research
In pursuing sustainable agriculture amidst changing climate patterns, recent advancements in crop research have shed light on potential solutions. Through the project, "Identification of Drought-Tolerant Taro Varieties for the Pacific”, supported by the…
Research in Focus: Sprouting personalities: Semi, an advocate for crop genetic diversity
Deep in this forest that houses 2,400 plant and tree accessions and over 1,500 varieties of taro (edible aroids) is Semi Cakaunitavuki, a Senior Laboratory Technician in Germplasm Health at the Centre for Pacific Crops and Plants (CePaCT). Every day he…
Land Resources Research in Focus: Meet Feasirua Lagilagi, Coconut Genetic Resources intern
Could you describe your academic background and how it led you to pursue your internship at the Pacific Community (SPC)?
I graduated from the University of the South Pacific (USP) with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry, reflecting my strong…
Read the Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network meeting keynote address from Honourable Vatimi Rayalu, Fiji Minister of Agriculture and Waterways
Read the Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network meeting opening remarks by SPC's Land Resources Division Director Karen Mapusua
The Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network (PAPGREN) is meeting this week in Pacific Harbor, Fiji, to finalise the PAPGREN Charter and Pacific Seed Systems Roadmap and update the region on Plant Genetic Resources conservation to set out its…
Pacific’s “Tree of Life” forum agrees on next steps for regional platform
A forum held on the 3rd and 4th of April at the Pacific Community (SPC) offices in Fiji has resulted in agreement on future steps to formalise a regionwide platform that supports the development and trade of Pacific’s “Tree of Life” – the coconut.
Enhanced food systems planning and coordination called for at the Pacific Ministers Meeting to close the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry
Nadi, Fiji – In their first in-person meeting after the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry last week addressed some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, national food systems planning and…
Pacific Agriculture and Forestry Heads seek sector transformation at first in-person meeting in four years
Nadi, Fiji – In their first meeting since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Heads of Agriculture and Forestry for Pacific Countries tackled an ambitious agenda set on transforming the sectors to create thriving and resilient communities for…