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  • Collection Waste Management and Pollution Control
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United Nations to “Protect Fiji” — Environmental Awareness Key to Major Findings for Australia's State of the Marine Environment report
Biodiversity Conservation, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Anamua: Treasures of the Pacific Environment
Available Online
This United Nations-backed report, hosted by the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in collaboration with Australia’s environmental authorities, highlights critical insights from a comprehensive assessment of Fiji’s marine environment. Key findings include: Urgent need for environmental awareness: Enhanced public understanding is essential to safeguard Fiji’s rich marine resources from threats like marine pollution, coastal habitat destruction, and climate change impacts. Marine pollution pressure: Coastal waters are increasingly burdened by land-based pollutants—plastics, sewage, industrial runoff—and remnant debris from historical events (e.g., WWII wrecks), with contamination affecting marine ecosystems. Habitat degradation: Seagrasses, coral reefs, and mangrove ecosystems face degradation stemming from coastal development, deforestation, sedimentation, and unsustainable use. Climate change and invasive species: Rising sea levels and temperature increase stress marine ecosystems. Invasive species further destabilize native biodiversity and fish stocks. Policy and capacity gaps: Although Fiji is party to major environmental agreements, enforcement and systematic marine monitoring remain inadequate. Collaborative solutions: The report calls for strengthened coordination among UN agencies, SPREP, Fiji’s government, and Australian partners. Recommendations include expanding coastal climate-change observation, improving environmental education, enhancing marine pollution legislation, and bolstering community-based conservation efforts. Together, these insights emphasize that raising environmental awareness and fostering regional cooperation—especially with Australia—are vital to protecting Fiji's marine environment and achieving sustainable development goals.
Impact of Pesticides in the South Pacific: “Poisoned Paradise” – Case Studies from Tonga’s Megapode and Rarotonga’s Fly
Biodiversity Conservation, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Anamua: Treasures of the Pacific Environment
Available Online

Court, Caroline

1. Overview & Concerns A regional report titled “Poisoned Paradise” examines the environmental consequences of pesticide use across South Pacific islands, highlighting the ecological risks of toxic chemicals in agriculture and disease control . 2. Tonga – Tongan Megapode (“Malau”) The report raises concerns about pesticide exposure in Tonga’s fragile ecosystems, including impacts on unique species like the endangered Tongan megapode (Megapodius pritchardii). While direct studies are limited, ongoing threats include habitat degradation and potential chemical contamination in breeding grounds—often geothermal nests on volcanic soils. 3. Rarotonga – Indigenous Fly Species In Rarotonga (Cook Islands), pesticide usage to control agricultural pests and disease vectors (e.g., fruit flies, mosquitoes) threatens endemic insect populations, disrupting local food webs and ecological balance. Residues may accumulate in soils, water, and non-target wildlife—posing risks to biodiversity and human communities. 4. Broader Regional Themes The report indicates South Pacific nations increasingly rely on pesticides without sufficient regulation, labelling, monitoring, or disposal systems, leading to misuse and environmental contamination Over half of these countries report negative impacts from toxic chemicals in agriculture and public health initiatives, raising the need for stronger governance on chemical management. 5. Recommendations & Path Forward Strengthen regulatory frameworks: Licensing, proper labelling, safe use protocols. Build local capacity: Training for farmers, pest control operatives, and environmental officers. Promote integrated pest management and safer alternatives like biological controls. Enhance monitoring and waste disposal infrastructure to prevent environmental build-up. Foster regional cooperation to share research, best practices, and regulatory support.