As the Accelerator Lab Pacific continues its exploration of “Climate Security for Low-Lying Coastal Areas/Atolls”, references to cultural identity continued to emerge. Cultural identity for each community in the Pacific is unique and has strengthened their resistance to climate change. Through a series of system mapping exercises with experts, we can see the interplay of growing globalization and increased migration (exacerbated by climate change). This has led to island communities losing touch with their traditional ways.
Achieving impact, even if limited, is not really difficult. There are enough people who donate a loose dollar, euro or franc for a good cause during the Christmas season. Many of these well-intentioned donations end up in one or the other school project in Tanzania, hospital in Nepal or water filter in Mozambique. These projects are important, especially for the people who benefit from them. Unfortunately, the impact is limited both geographically and in regards to numbers of beneficiaries.
I just returned from a field trip to the north, east and west of Fiji. While on this trip, I had the opportunity to observe and talk with numerous rural farmers. I enjoyed kava with rural villagers and interacted with leadership of the large cooperative associations. I also spoke to countless market women as well as drivers and middle managers.
Interested in working for UNDP in the Pacific? Check out our job opportunities in the region.
Talk to us and help us advocate for change.
Engage with the United Nations as a volunteer and join the effort in tackling development challenges
Population
Poverty rate
GNI per capita
Human Dev. Index
