Knowledge for Development

The Pacific

A selection of S&T organisations in the Pacific.


Specialty Crops for Pacific Island Agroforestry

This project promotes high quality food, fiber, and healthcare crops grown in diverse agroforestry systems to provide family farms both subsistence and commercial opportunities. Specialty crops provide a rapidly growing economic opportunity for farmers and gardeners who are interested in diversifying their crops and who are willing to innovate their production methods, post-harvest processing, and marketing. Farm and Forest Production and Marketing (FFPM) profiles for 32 crops detail essential information for crop development: horticulture and botany; the roles for each crop in mixed-species agroforestry; nutrition and food security; commercial products, product quality standards; location and size of markets; post-harvest processing; opportunities for local value-added processing; and the potential for genetic improvement.The project supports: integrating trees and crops (agroforestry) commercial and non-commercial plantings of all sizes, including homegardens small-scale commercial operations suitable for small lots local food production for happier and healthier communities traditional crops community food self-reliance. Project outcomes include increased adoption of specialty crops, micro-enterprise development, local food production, and sustainable multi-crop agroforestry systems, thereby supporting economic and ecological viability of our communities.

3/05/2011


AP-Net (Asia-Pacific network on climate change)

A knowledge-based on-line clearing house for Asia-Pacific region on climate change issues Provides platform for policy dialogues and consultation within the region Provides access to latest information and data on climate change issues and developments focusing on the Asia-Pacific Supports capacity building for developing counties in the region.

4/04/2006


Asia Pacific Agriculture Resources

This site provides resources and information for people working in the agricultural sector of the Asia Pacific region. Encompassing a wide range of farmer needs, this section provides practical tools to improve plant and livestock agricultural methods and businesses, shares lessons learned from the region, and features technological advances in low-cost, ecologically sound and sustainable agricultural practices.

27/10/2006


Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI)

Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) promotes the development of NARS in the region through a regional collaboration network on priority programmes focusing on human resources development, policy advocacy, and technology transfer.

14/12/2004


Asia Pacific Gender Equity in Science and Technology (APGEST)

APGEST is a breakthrough initiative on gender, science and technology, spearheaded by UNESCO Office, Jakarta. APGEST is promoting the adoption of policies and programme that ensure access to cutting edge science and technology by poor women in the Asia Pacific. Specific sections on biotechnology, greenhealth, IT, renewable energy and water.

14/12/2004


Asia-Pacific Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology (APCoAB)

APCoAB, a programme of Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), is an apolitical forum with a goal to enhance the benefits of biotechnologies for sustainable agricultural development in the Asia-Pacific region, through greater stakeholder partnerships, improved policy environment, enhanced capacity building and greater public awareness. The consortium's strategic areas include research networking, capacity building, knowledge and information dissemination and policy support on biotechnology. It has held an Expert Consultation on "Post Harvest Technology and Value Addition of Horticultural Produce" at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI, Malaysia) during December 2010.

21/01/2011


Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission

The Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC) provides advice, coordinates activities and acts as an information broker to increase knowledge of fisheries and aquaculture in the Asia Pacific region to underpin decision making. Different sections of the site present briefing notes and background papers that contain analysis of the emerging issues, status and trends of aquaculture and fisheries production in the Asia-Pacific region. The sections cover a variety of emerging issues relating to fisheries resource use and management. A special section contains articles, links and some analysis of the various systems of certification and labelling which can be applied to aquaculture and capture fisheries.

25/05/2007


Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT)

The APCTT is a regional institution of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), based in New Delhi, India. The Centre promotes and facilitates transfer of technology to and from small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in member countries. Activities include strengthening the environment for technology transfer among SMEs, capacity development and consultancy assignments. The Centre maintains a database of technical information, and publishes the Asia Pacific Tech Monitor.

14/12/2004


BioNET-PACINET

PACINET is the Pacific loop of BioNET and serves the needs of SPC member countries. It aims to increase regional and world knowledge of the biodiversity in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) and provides information in printed form, CD-ROMS and through e-mail links. PACINET is managed by SPREP with support from SPC PPS in the area of agricultural plant protection. PACINET was developed to provide an effective means of identifying pests, transferring technology and knowledge and training experts in the region. PACINET is the Pacific loop of BioNET and serves the needs of SPC member countries. It was developed to provide an effective means of identifying pests, transferring technology and knowledge and training experts in the region.

3/11/2005


ENRAP (Knowledge Networking for Rural Development in Asia/Pacific Region)

ENRAP (Knowledge Networking for Rural Development in Asia/Pacific Region), an IFAD-IDRC collaboration, leverages a growing body of useful information generated by development projects and made available o¬n the Internet. The program is designed to bring the benefits of accessing and sharing global information resources to IFAD-supported rural development projects in the Asia/Pacific region. ENRAP’s goal is to help develop skills to access, manage and share knowledge relevant to IFAD project objectives and implementation, in collaboration with selected groups of IFAD projects and local specialists.

14/12/2004


European Centre on Pacific Issues (ECSIEP)

European Centre on Pacific Issues (ECSIEP) was set up in 1992 to improve the flow of information between Europe and the Pacific, and makes it available to Pacific networks. It functions as a service bureau for the Europe?Pacific Solidarity Network. The site offers links to many organizations in the Pacific and the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), and to EU documents relevant to the region.

14/12/2004


Global focus Aotearoa

Global Focus Aotearoa is a specialist provider of information and education on global and development issues. It provides services to support critical analysis and a deeper understanding of these issues. Global Focus Aotearoa consists of two teams: Education Services and Information Services. Education Services (formally the Global Education Centre) provides resources and services to schools, teachers, youth workers, and community groups. Information Services (formally Dev-Zone) provides resources and research services to the development sector, including practitioners, consultants, policy-makers, and tertiary staff and students.

14/12/2004


Global Focus Aotearoa

Global Focus Aotearoa is a specialist provider of information and education on global and development issues. It provides services to support critical analysis and a deeper understanding of these issues. Global Focus Aotearoa consists of two teams: Education Services and Information Services. Education Services (formally the Global Education Centre) provides resources and services to schools, teachers, youth workers, and community groups. Information Services (formally Dev-Zone) provides resources and research services to the development sector, including practitioners, consultants, policy-makers, and tertiary staff and students.

8/06/2010


INFOFISH

INFOFISH is an Intergovernmental Organization providing marketing information and technical advisory services for fishery products in the Asia-Pacific region. Fourteen countries are currently members of INFOFISH which are Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, DPR Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Thailand. The trade promotion and market information services of INFOFISH include: providing vital, up-to-date, reliable and unbiased fishery trade information (market trends and prices, landings/supplies, exports, imports, cold storage holdings); and publishing short, medium and long-term market analyses in: the fortnightly INFOFISH Trade News, the monthly European Fish Price Report, the quarterly Market Review, and the yearly Globefish Seafood Highlights.

25/05/2007


Institute for Research Training and Extension in Agriculture and Rural Development (IRETA)

The Institute of Research, Extension and Training in Agriculture embodies the University of the South Pacific’s mandate to address the needs and challenges facing agriculture development in the Pacific.IRETA was established in 1980 as an Institute of the University of the South Pacific (USP).IRETA’s vision is to provide quality living for the rural communities through agricultural development.It’s mission statement is to contribute to the sustainable growth and development of the Pacific Island Countries by responding appropriately to their needs for research, extension and training in agriculture.IRETA produces the Journal of South Pacific Agriculture (JOSPA) and the SPAN newsletter.

14/12/2004


PACE-Net: Pacific-EU Network for Science and Technology

The Pacific-EU network for Science and Technology will establish a bi-regional dialogue platform on S&T between EU and the 15 countries member of the Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Group of the Pacific region, namely Cook Islands, Federate States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, East Timor, Tonga, Tuvalu and Samoa. PACE-NET will examine possible synergies or complementarities with EU activities, especially with respect to challenges faces by developing countries. In particular, synergies with the European Development Fund shall be found. PACE-Net dialogue activities led will be fed by a preliminary critical and analytical work on the current S&T cooperation landscape in the region. The outcomes of the project will be transmitted to key stakeholders of the Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs). (Source: Cordis, End date of project: 30 April 2013).

5/11/2010


Pacific Academy of Sciences

Pacific Academy of Sciences is an autonomous international organization, founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1997, by a distinguished group of scientists to form a bridge between Chinese and Pacific academics, scientists and engineers.

14/12/2004


Pacific Biodiversity Information Forum

The Pacific Biodiversity Information Forum (PBIF) seeks to develop a complete, scientifically sound, and electronically accessible Pacific biological knowledge base and make it widely available to local, national, regional and global users for decision-making. PBIF's geographic scope includes the countries of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia, as well as the Australasian countries bordering these regions. PBIF has a number of databases and bibliographies on issues related to biodiversity, and it maintains a list of organisations working in the field.

7/06/2011


Pacific Biofuel

Biofuel Developments in the Pacific. This blog features news, articles, analysis, experiences, proposals, and opinions on how to promote the use of environmentally friendly biofuel applications in the Pacific. This is a service managed by the Community Lifelines Programme of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) located in the Fiji Islands. For more information, contact Jan Cloin:  

18/01/2008


Pacific Biofuel Network

The Pacific Biofuel Network is an email ist that aims at disseminating information, news articles, research, jobs and business opportunities on biofuels in the Pacific. Postings can be found at http://pacbiofuel.blogspot.com/. To become just send an email to jan@sopac.org.

25/07/2007


Pacific Institute: Climate impacts and adaptation initiative

The Climate impacts and adaptation initiative addresses the challenge of understanding and adapting to unavoidable impacts of climate change. Research is focused on water supply and the impacts of climate change; water and climate change bibliography; and climate and international security.

29/05/2008


Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

The Pacific Islands Forum is a political grouping of 16 independent and self-governing states. Members include Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshal Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, New Caledonia and French Polynesia. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is based in Suva, Fiji. The Secretariat’s mandate is to coordinate the implementation of the Pacific Plan for strengthening regional cooperation and integration.

14/12/2004


Pacific: Pestnet

Rapid advice and information on plant protection, including the identification and management of plant pests. PestNet is an email network that helps people in the Pacific and South East Asia obtain rapid advice and information on plant protection, including quarantine. It links the Pacific and South East Asian regions with plant protection specialists worldwide and is free to members. PestNet has members from government and non-government organisations, universities, and the private sector, as well as farmers and students. Any organisation, group or individual can join. All they need is access to email, a question to ask, information to give, or just an interest in plant protection and being part of a worldwide network.

18/10/2006


Pacific: PNDSA - Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association

Increasing economical, direct seed farming systems in the Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association is a grower-based organization committed to increasing economical, direct seed farming systems in the Pacific Northwest. The Association is committed to direct seeding as a preferred strategy in achieving economic and environmental benefit. PNDSA fills a void by uniting growers under a cropping system, rather than one specific crop, and by bringing together diverse groups with common interests to effect economic benefit for growers and environmental benefits for society as a whole.

28/06/2006


Papua New Guinea : National Agricultural Research Institute

NARI is a publicly-funded statutory research organization, established by the National Agricultural Research Institute Act 1996 of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, for conducting applied and development-oriented research on food crops, alternative food and cash crops, livestock and resource management issues. The major targets are the smallholder, semi-commercial and semi-subsistence farmers in the rural areas of the country. Besides applied and adaptive research, NARI is responsible for providing authoritative technical, analytical and diagnostic services and up-to-date information to the entire agricultural sector in PNG.

14/12/2004


School of Agriculture and Food Technology (SAFT) at University of South Pacific

The School of Agriculture and Food Technology (SAFT) is situated at the Alafua Campus of the University of the South Pacific in Samoa. The primary focus of the Alafua Campus when it was initially acquired from the Government of Samoa in 1977 was Agriculture. Alafua Campus was originally the South Pacific Regional College of Tropical Agriculture, (SPRCTA) which was established with New Zealand Assistance in the early 1960s under the Colombo Plan. In 1977, the Government of Samoa leased the campus to the University of the South Pacific and SPRCTA became the School of Agriculture (SOA) for USP. The School of Agriculture (SOA) changed its name in 2005 to include Food Technology (FT). The School of Agriculture and Food Technology (SAFT) has four academic disciplines, namely: Agricultural Economics, Extension and Education; Animal Science; Crop Science; and Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering. The School of Agriculture and Food Technology (SAFT) has the mission to assist in: Providing Agricultural Education. Developing and adapting new technologies to improve food production and food productivity Disseminating information throughout the region through collaboration with the Institute of Research, Extension and Training in Agriculture (IRETA).(Region: Samoa, Pacific region)

17/02/2011


Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS)

The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (formerly known as The Research and Development Institute of Samoa - RDIS) is a newly formed government initiative, established to provide scientific and technical research, and develop technologies which provide benefit to Samoa’s industry and economy. It is an independent corporate body constituted and operating under the provisions of the SROS Act 2008.The primary objective of SROS is to assist farmers and businesses through scientific and technical research with the primary aim of adding value to local resources to promote the national economy. There is a need to add value to food production in Samoa to fully utilize local resources (agricultural produce), generate income, employment and reduce imports. There is also a need to exploit energy sources that are renewable to compact high energy cost. All research activities of the Organisation are geared to achieving these goals.SROS research on postharvest disease management, among other themes, has received international commend.

14/09/2012


Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), based in New Caledonia, is a regional technical advisory, training and R&D organisation that works to develop the technical, professional, scientific, research, planning and management capability of Pacific Island people and provide information and advice. Activities include programmes focusing on land, marine and social resources.

14/12/2004


Small Island Developing States Network (SIDSnet)

Small Island Developing States Network (SIDSnet) connects 43 SIDS in the Pacific, Caribbean, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Africa. Its main goal is to utilise ICTs in supporting the implementation of the sustainable development objectives of the Barbados Programme of Action. The project was launched in 1998 through UNDP's Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). The project is administered by the Water Resources Management and SIDS Branch of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

14/12/2004


South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC)

South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) is an inter-governmental organisation, based in Fiji, that is working to develop natural resources, protect natural systems and reduce vulnerability through applied environmental geosciences, appropriate technologies, knowledge management, technical and policy advice, human resource development and advocacy. SOPAC projects include the use of GIS/remote sensing and the development of networks such as the Small Island Water Information Network (SIWIN) and the Science, Technology and Resources Network (STAR).

14/12/2004