Introduction
This month, we are pleased to introduce more exceptional peer reviewers from our team.
Mr Lajikit Rufus
Mr Lajikit Rufus is the Chief of Forestry at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce in Majuro, Marshall Islands. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and specialises in agroforestry. His research focus is on the Islands and his publications include a literature review and report on agroforestry in the climatic conditions of the Marshall Islands. He has received scholarships from the Republic of the Marshall Island Scholarship, Grant, and Loan Board, Micronesian Conservation Trust (MCT), Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), and the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC). Mr Rufus is fluent in Marshallese and proficient in English, with a basic knowledge of Japanese. He has also attended various training programmes such as the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in 2016 and workshops on invasive species, forestry, and agriculture.
Mr Vurohalili Mark Vurobaravu
Mr Vurohalili Mark Vurobaravu has served as the Deputy Director of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity in Vanuatu since November 2020. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Natural Sciences and has a research focus on Vanuatu. His technical expertise in natural sciences and agriculture, has led to a distinguished career in agriculture and rural development. Prior to his current position, he served as the Principal Agriculture Officer in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu. Mr Mark has been associated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity since February 2008 and has held various positions including Acting Principal Policy and Planning Officer and Principal Agriculture Officer - Technical. His vast experience and diverse professional networks have enabled him to coordinate and contribute to projects and organisations related to food security, agriculture, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and trade.
Contact
Natasha Begum, Information, Communications and Knowledge Management (ICKM) Adviser, Land Resources Division, Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected]
