It’s hard work walking over sharp shells in the mud, reaching in amongst dense mangrove roots and chipping off oysters. But members of Muanaira Womens Group have been doing this work for years, harvesting the oysters that cling to the roots of mangroves in the Rewa delta and dragging them back in buckets to be sorted and prepared. Oysters here are a key part of life, used for consumption, for traditional purposes, and as a source of income when sold in Suva market as shelled oyster meat.

Adapting a Pacific approach to monitoring evaluation and learning

Representatives from around the region are convening this week to lay the groundwork toward establishing a Pacific-centred and owned approach to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) to enhance development effectiveness for the region.

A key part of this convening, is the emphasis on the methodology for which this gathering is being organised and facilitated.

The science we need for the ocean we want

Visit the CRGA site here

Imagine a scientist.

Go ahead, humor me. What does your scientist look like?

Lab coat? Check. Test tube? Check. Snorkle?...... in the Pacific Islands, you better believe it.

Now, return to that image of a scientist. Did you imagine a man or a woman?

Around the globe, less than 30 percent of research scientists are women. According to UNESCO data (2014-2016), only around 30 percent of all female students select science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related fields when they pursue higher education.

The four exclusively atoll nations came together in Fiji recently to discuss the fact their homes and cultures are at an increased risk as a result of the global climate crisis.  High level representatives from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Maldives recognised in the one-day science session that climate change is disproportionately impacting their Island nations, and threatening the future of their people.