Links
We are currently developing a very extensive links database that will allow researchers and other stakeholders to locate web-based resources related to the Pacific quickly and easily. We expect to have this available in August 2004.
In the meantime, please refer to the short list of essential links below.
National Academies
As the leading scientific institutions of their respective countries, these organizations are adhering organizations to the Pacific Science Association.
The Science Council of Japan
http://www.scj.go.jp/ (Japanese language)
The Science Council of Japan, born of the firm conviction that science constitutes the foundation of culture, was established, in January 1949, for promotion and permeation of science in all government agencies, industries and people's lives, as the organization to represent Japanese scientists, both in Japan and abroad and as a "special agency" under jurisdiction of the Prime Minister's Office. In the subsequent reorganization of central government agencies in January 2001, the Council was affiliated with the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommnunications.
The Council, consisting of 210 representative members (term: 3 years) elected from among some 730,000 scientists in the country, and functioning independently, is mandated (1) to deliberate on important matters related to science and implement decisions reached and (2) to promote effective exchanges among researchers to achieve greater productivity in conducting scientific research.
The Council provides counsel and recommendations when requested by the government and also has authority to offer, on its own initiative, advice and opinions to the government.
Some of the Council's international activities include: affiliating with various international academic institutions, sending delegations to academically important conferences overseas and to countries under bilateral academic exchange programs, and cosponsoring and supporting important international academic conferences in Japan.
National Academy of Sciences (USA)
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is a private, non-profit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. Dr. Bruce Alberts is the president of the National Academy of Sciences.
National Academies Forum (Australia)
The National Academies Forum is the peak organisation for the four Australian learned academies: Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Australian Academy of Science, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and Australian Academy of the Humanities. Established in 1995, the Forum provides a basis for cooperative activities by the four Academies and a common point of access to the Academies for outside organisations and individuals. It promotes a unified national vision, helping to overcome the difficulties that have often separated science, technology and engineering from the social sciences and the humanities.
China Association for Science and Technology (China - Beijing)
http://www.cast.org.cn/ (Chinese language)
The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization of Chinese scientific and technological workers. As a bridge between the nation's scientific and technological workers and the government, it is an important driving force in developing the country’s science and technology.
The major tasks of CAST are: 1) to promote the advancement of science and technology by means of scientific exchanges; 2) to popularize scientific knowledge among the general public; 3) to safeguard the legitimate rights of scientific and technological workers and organize them to participate in the political life of the state; 4) to award scientific and technological workers with outstanding contributions; 5) to provide policy advice and other services to the government and the society on science- and technology-related issues so as to contribute to the nation’s economic and social development; 6) to develop cooperative relations with the international science and technology community; and 7) to conduct continued education through various training programs.
Insitut de France – Académie des sciences
http://www.academie-sciences.fr/ (French language)
The Academy of Sciences of the Institute of France brings together French scholars and forms associations with foreign scholars, where both the former and the latter are selected from among the most eminent. By their involvement, they contribute to the accomplishing of the missions of the Academy. The Academy of Sciences is independent and durable, it encourages scientific life, and contributes to progress in the sciences and in their applications: it studies social questions associated with the development of the sciences and formulates recommendations, possibly with the involvement of other Academies, it is involved in the development of international scientific relations, notably within the European Union, and in the representation abroad of research carried out in France, it monitors the quality of the teaching of the sciences and works to ensure that the products of scientific development are integrated into the culture of people of our time, it encourages the diffusion of science among the public, it diligently upholds the role and the quality of French scientific language.
Academia Sinica (China – Taipei )
http://www.sinica.edu.tw/ (Chinese language)
Academia Sinica was founded in Nanking on June 9, 1928 . As the highest academic institution in Taiwan , Academia Sinica has two basic missions: conducting scientific research in its own institutes, as well as providing guidance, channels of communication, and encouragement to raising academic standards in the country. Academia Sinica has adopted various measures to promote internal integration of research activities in the three research disciplines (mathematics and physical sciences; life sciences; and humanities and social sciences); to help with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of long-term projects in order to enhance the impact of the research activities; to harness basic research results for applications and technology transfer; to engage the academic and research community within Taiwan toward a modern and forward-looking collective academic vision; to cultivate an intellectual environment that is conducive to the nurturing of young scholars and the recognition of outstanding scholarship in Taiwan; and to promote international cooperation and scholarly exchanges that will accelerate the overall development of academic research in Academia Sinica and Taiwan.
University of Hong Kong (China – Hong Kong)
The University of Hong Kong (or HKU, as it is familiarly known to students, staff and alumni) is the oldest tertiary education institution in Hong Kong. On March 16, 1910, Sir Frederick Lugard, the then Governor of Hong Kong, laid the foundation stone for the University, signifying the birth of Hong Kong's first tertiary institution. HKU is an adhering organization to the Pacific Science Association.
The University of Guam (USA)
The Indonesian Institute of Science (Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia - LIPI)
http://www.lipi.go.id/ (Indonesian language)
LIPI’s mandate is To assist the President of the Republic of Indonesia in organizing research and development, to provide guidance and service in science and technology, and advise the government on national science and technology policy. It conducts research and development of science and technology; provides guidance on the development of science and technology; encourages and develops science consciousness among the Indonesian people; encourages and develops the scientific community; develops cooperation with national as well as international scientific bodies; provides services relating to science and technology; and advises the government on the formulation of national policy on science and technology in the following fields: Social Science and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Scientific Infrastructure.
The Macau Foundation (China – Macau)
The Macao Foundation is instituted to promote, develop or research on cultural, social, economic, educational, scientific, academic and philanthropic activities, as well as activities that promote Macao. The Macao Foundation mainly conducts its activities in Macao , and conducts exchanges and co-operations with institutions at home and abroad having similar ideals.
The National Academy of Sciences ( Republic of Korea )
http://www.nas.go.kr/main.php (Korean language)
The National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Korea, is the Senior national organization of distinguished Korean scientists and scholars. Its primary objective is to promote learning and research in all areas of sciences by conferring membership and preferential treatment to those who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of sciences and learning. The Academy consists of 150 Fellows who are selected by their peers for outstanding contributions to the sciences and education. The Academy is dedicated to: fostering the highest levels of learning and research in all areas of scholarship by conferring the National Academy of Sciences Award; making available its members' broad and varied knowledge to evaluate and advise on social, cultural, economic and scientific issues for the benefit of Korea; promoting Korean scholarship and accomplishments internationally through active exchanges with other national academies; and suggesting policy recommendations of the promotion of science to the national government.
The University of the South Pacific
Based in Suva , Fiji , The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier provider of tertiary education in the Pacific Region, and an international centre of excellence for teaching and research on all aspects of Pacific culture and environment. Established in 1968, USP's academic programmes are recognised worldwide, attracting high calibre students and staff from throughout the Pacific Region and internationally. The University has 12 Member Countries: Cook Islands , Fiji Islands , Kiribati , Marshall Islands , Nauru , Niue , Samoa , Solomon Islands , Tokelau , Tonga , Tuvalu and Vanuatu .
University of the Ryukyus (Japan)
http://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/ (Japanese language)
The University of the Ryukyus was founded in 1950 under U.S. military control and became a Japanese national university in 1972, when Okinawa reverted to Japan. This historical background gives UR university unique characteristics that cannot be found in other national universities in Japan . Japanese universities are now undergoing a barrage of reforms, learning a great deal from U.S. universities. Since its foundation, our university has maintained a number of systems that other Japanese universities are now considering adopting.
Ministry Of Science, Technology & The Environment, Malaysia (MOSTE)
Russian Academy of Sciences (Russian language)
Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONCYTEC)
(Spanish language)
Academy of Sciences (Malaysia)
The mission of the Academy of Sciences, Malaysia is the pursuit, encouragement and enhancement of excellence in the fields of science, engineering and technology, for the development of the nation and the benefit of mankind. ASM is not an adhering member of PSA, but rather this position is fulfilled by the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology & The Environment.
The Royal Society ( United Kingdom)
As the UK national academy of science founded in 1660, the Royal Society plays a crucial role as the champion of top quality science and technology. It does this by: funding top science researchers; stimulating international interaction through grants; producing authoritative statements and reports which provide advise government and the public on key issues in science and technology; publishing scientific journals and maintaining a richly resourced history of science library and archive; devising a science communications programme comprising meetings, lectures, exhibitions aimed at specialists and non-specialists; promoting science education and awareness; and rewarding scientific excellence by electing to its Fellowship the most distinguished scientists in the UK and the Commonwealth and by awarding medals and prizes to scientists throughout the world for work of distinction.
National Research Council of Thailand
http://www.nrct.net/ (Thai language)
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) was inaugurated by the National Research Council Act B.E.2502 (1959) and was designated by the Cabinet as the national body responsible for implementing research – related matters and considering proposals of the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand before forwarding them with comments to the Cabinet. The council is also assigned to give the Prime Minister comments on research issues upon requested. The NRCT is chaired by the Prime Minister, with Deputy Prime Ministers as Vice Chairmen, and Ministers and Deputy Ministers as Advisors.
National Centre for Scientific Research ( Vietnam )
No URL located.
Conservation Biology & Ecology
Pacific-Asia Biodiversity Transect Network (PABITRA)
PABITRA is a PSA-sponsored network of conservation scientists involved in the Pacific basin and its island regions, and working in collaboration to investigate the function of biodiversity and the health of ecosystems in the tropical Pacific Islands. Particular emphasis is put on the comparative analysis of indigenous upland and inland forests of the volcanic high islands and their role as ecological reserves and watersheds. Their function under the natural biogeographic restraints of isolation and their watershed services in relation to the various lowland ecosystems will become the principal focus of collaborative research. PABITRA research sites include: Hawaii (USA), Pohnpei (FSM), Taiwan , Solomon Islands , Fiji , East Malaysia , Samoa , and the Marquesas ( French Polynesia ).
Center for Conservation Research and Training (University of Hawaii, Manoa)
An initiative of the Pacific Biomedical ResearchCenter, CCRT houses many outstanding research and training units, as well as the Hawaii Conservation Alliance, which serves as a link between the University of Hawaii and other conservation partners. Formed in 1993, CCRT’s mission is to begin to address Hawaii ’s extinction crisis through enhanced research and training in conservation biology.
Pacific Biological Survey
Research program based at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu which seeks to document the biodiversity of the Pacific Islands and make the information accessible and useful to scientists, communities, policymakers, NGOs, and other academic institutions. Ongoing research includes a full study of the biodiversity of the Cook Islands, studies of Samoan snails, freshwater insects of the Pacific Islands, Fiji fishes, corals of Oman, herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) of New Guinea and Papuasia, and insects of New Guinea.
U.S. Forest Service: Pacific Southwest Region
The Pacific Southwest Region of the USDA Forest Service manages 20 million acres of National Forest land in California and assists the State and Private forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.
Cook Islands Natural Heritage Project
The Project is a programme of the Cook Islands Government: a) to collect and integrate scientific and traditional information on local plants and animals; and b) to preserve such information, and make it available to the general public. The Natural Heritage Project was initiated in the Prime Minister's Department in 1990. The Project moved into the Natural Heritage Trust when it was established in 1999 by an Act of Parliament. We thank the many overseas scientific experts and the resident traditional knowledge experts for their generous support. We thank NZAID (NZ Agency for International Development), SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), and PBIN (Pacific Basin Information Node) for their financial assistance with the development of the database. The Project has a permanent research staff of one.
Pacific Basin Information Node
The subject of invasive species is one of the most pressing in the entire field of ecology in the Pacific Basin . Invasive species can change whole ecosystems by altering the water, soil, nutrient and energy cycles. The costs of containment, control and/or clean-up are astronomical. For instance, control or eradication of invasive species costs agriculture about a quarter of the US agricultural gross national product each year. The human cost can be even higher, for example, the invasive Asian Tiger Mosquito spreads diseases like Dengue fever and West Nile virus in the U.S.
USGS Non-Indigenous Plants and Animals Program (NAS)
The Nonindigenous Plants and Animals Program (NAS) tracks the status and distribution of introduced aquatic organisms in the United States , and provides this information in a timely manner for research, management and education.
The Alliance for Zero Extinction
The Alliance for Zero Extinction is an initiative led by a group of biodiversity conservation organizations to identify and protect the last remaining habitats for the world’s most endangered species. The Alliance aims to stem species extinctions, beginning with terrestrial vertebrates whose populations and distributions are best known, and including other species as soon as sufficient information becomes available to assess their threat level. By starting with the species that are most endangered, the Alliance aims to create a front line of defense against extinction that will hold until broader scale conservation efforts can restore sufficient habitat to enable populations to rebound.
Australian Conservation Foundation
ACF is a non-profit, membership-based environment group working to achieve ecologically sustainable outcomes in Australia , PNG, and East Timor . Their work includes natural heritage protection, water resource management and global warming, endangered species, uranium mining and sustainable cities. Their work includes lobbying governments to raise the level of awareness of environmental issues within Australia.
BirdLife International
BirdLife International is a global alliance of conservation organisations working together for the world's birds and people. BirdLife International is a global Partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources. BirdLife Partners operate in over one hundred countries and territories worldwide, including: Bangladesh; Bhutan; British Indian Ocean Territory; Brunei; Cambodia; China; Hong Kong (China); India; Indonesia; Japan; Laos; Macau (China); Malaysia; Maldives; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; North Korea; Pakistan; Philippines; Russia; Singapore; South Korea; Sri Lanka; Taiwan; Thailand; Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor); and Vietnam.
Community Conservation Network (CCN)
CCN provides skill-based, capacity-building services to communities, practitioners and organizations wishing to improve their practice of conservation and resource management, helping local groups, individuals, governments and others identify their natural resource issues and suggest ways to overcome them while meeting human livelihood needs. CCN works in areas of high conservation value throughout the Indo-Pacific, including Micronesia , Melanesia , Polynesia and Southeast Asia , typically in rural, tropical regions, with a primary focus on coral reefs and coastal ecosystems.
Conservation International (CI)
CI’s mission is to conserve the Earth’s living natural heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. Their current country-based terrestrial and marine conservation programs focus on Philippines , Indonesia , China , Cambodia , Papua New Guinea , Fiji , New Caledonia , and Solomon Islands.
Foundations of Success (FOS)
FOS is a network of individuals and institutions who seek to improve the practice of conservation. They are committed to working with practitioners to learn how to do conservation better. Key concepts and activities that they are involved with include adaptive management, the development of learning portfolios, and monitoring and evaluation.
Global Forest Watch
Leading organization documenting forest loss in various locations in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Russia, Chile, Canada, Venezuela and other countries. Includes economic and climate analyses in several publications.
The Global Islands Network
The Global Islands Network is a non-profit organisation established in June 2002 to conduct and promote culturally appropriate, ecologically sound, economically sustainable, and socially equitable development on islands worldwide. GIN’s particular objectives include: Facilitating the capacity of islanders to acquire, disseminate and utilise knowledge resources; I mproving access to existing data and generating original information about islands; Providing technical assistance and supporting initiatives which further integrated development on small islands; Encouraging collaborative projects and comparative studies between and among islands; Fostering cooperation by sharing good practices and offering a forum for discussion; and Strengthening the voice of island communities as well as their representatives in intergovernmental and policy making bodies. GIN brings together islanders and partner organisations, comprising amongst others, government agencies, university departments, research institutes, marine laboratories, businesses, companies, NGOs, voluntary bodies and community groups, in a network where they can learn from each others experience, borrowing as well as replicating best practices to: Improve production of renewable energy; Minimise waste; Introduce efficient public transport; Raise standards of water and air quality; Adopt integrated coastal zone management plans; Create protected areas; Safeguard endangered species; Control or eradicate alien invasive species; Document and maintain biodiversity; Promote sustainable tourism; Diversify economies to reduce dependence; Capitalise on Exclusive Economic Zones; Regulate local fisheries; Introduce ‘no-take’ marine reserves; Preserve traditional island cultures; Respect indigenous peoples, languages and customs; Foster gender equality; Use ITC to better health care and education.
Indo-Pacific Conservation Alliance (IPCA)
IPCA’s mission is to study and conserve the native ecosystems of the tropical Indo-Pacific region, and to support traditional peoples in their stewardship of these globally significant natural resources. IPCA was established to provide requisite conservation science information to decision-makers and resource managers in the Indo-Pacific region (Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia) , and to empower local community organizations to better manage their natural resources, by providing equipment, training, and environmental education. Affiliated with Pacific Science Association (PSA) and Bishop Museum , and with field projects in Indonesia and New Guinea.
Environmental Sustainability Portal
An information gateway dealing with issues of environmental sustainability. The original and best environmental portal, with search engine, links to sites and news, blog, action alert, discussion groups and more.
Forests.org (Forest Conservation Portal)
Ecological science-based forest conservation advocacy, providing vast rainforest, forest and biodiversity conservation news and information. One of the top internet portals for information on rainforests and biodiversity.
IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC)
The Species Survival Commission is a network of some 7,000 volunteer members from almost every country of the world, all working to stop the loss of plants, animals and their habitats. Most of SSC's members are deployed in more than 120 Specialist Groups and Task Forces. Some groups address conservation issues related to particular groups of plants or animals while others focus on topical issues such as reintroduction of species into former habitats, or sustainable use of species. SSC is the largest of the six Commissions of IUCN-The World Conservation Union. It serves as the main source of advice to the Union and its members on the technical aspects of species conservation. SSC seeks to mobilise action by the world conservation community for species conservation, particularly those species threatened with extinction and those of importance for human welfare. SSC produces the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, provides technical and scientific advice to governments, international environmental treaties, and conservation organizations, publishes species Action Plans, and policy guidelines, and implements on-ground conservation projects.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
The Nature Conservancy has five priority conservation initiatives to address the principal threats to conservation at the sites where they work, focusing on climate change, fire management, freshwater conservation, invasive species, and marine conservation. TNC has field-based programs in Australia, China , Indonesia , Japan , Micronesia , Palau , Palmyra Atoll, Papua New Guinea , China , and Solomon Islands.
Traffic
TRAFFIC's mission is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC's work is neither easier nor closer to completion than it was in the mid-1970s when TRAFFIC was founded largely to assist in the implementation of CITES. CITES now covers some 30 000 plant and animal species and has more than 150 member countries. These member countries face ever-more complex issues in determining how best to ensure that trade does not threaten the survival of species.
Pacific Basin Consortium On Hazardous Waste: Environmental and Health Studies
Formed in 1986 and based in Quezon City, Philippines, the Pacific Basin Consortium on Hazardous Waste: Environmental and Health Studies examines the issue of hazardous waste and its links to health and environment. The objectives of the Pacific Basin Consortium (PBC) are to: Promote technology and information exchange on health and environmental issues in the Pacific Basin; Develop a network of individuals and organizations experts in research and policies relating to the management of the environment, health and hazardous substances; Serve as an objective source of analysis, review and critique on hazardous wastes; and Stimulate, coordinate, and conduct research on and promote sustainable policy for the management of environmental and health issues. The aim is to speed the conduct of research and its application and to reduce the cost of managing hazardous waste for all members, including those at the forefront of this field.
RARE Center for Tropical Conservation
RARE’s mission is to protect wildlands of globally significant biodiversity by enabling local people to benefit from their preservation. Rare supports literally hundreds of grassroots conservationists around the world each year—providing them with training, technical support, and resources. They, in turn, inspire conservation among thousands of local residents, decision-makers, and tourists in some of the planet’s most important places for biodiversity. Countries in which RARE is active in the Asia-Pacific region include: Indonesia , China , Philippines , Fiji , Federated States of Micronesia , Marshall Islands , and Palau .
Seacology
Seacology is dedicated to preserving the environments and cultures of islands throughout the globe. Too often, islanders around the world are told that they should make financial sacrifices on behalf of the environment, and receive nothing in return. Seacology searches for "win-win" situations that not only protect the local environment, but also provide tangible benefits to the islanders. In Samoa , Seacology's first project was to build a critically needed school in the remote village of Falealupo . In exchange, the village chiefs signed a covenant protecting 30,000 acres of pristine rainforest. In Nadogo Village , Fiji , Seacology has provided funding for basic access road improvements in exchange for a protective covenant preserving a 2,000-acre rainforest. Other projects are located in Polynesia / Melanesia (American Samoa, Fiji, Samoa, South Pacific Islands, Tahiti, Tonga), Southeast Asia (China, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam), Micronesia (Kosrae, Palau, Pohnpei, Yap), and The Pacific Ocean ( Galapagos, Hawaii, Mexico, Taiwan).
South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
SPREP is a regional organisation established by the governments and administrations of the Pacific region to look after its environment. It is based in Apia , Samoa , with over 70 staff. SPREP operates two programmes: Island Ecosystems, which focuses on developing the capacities of the peoples of the islands to equip them to sustainably manage and conserve the terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems of Pacific islands, protects priority threatened species, and helps prevent damage from invasive alien species. The second programme, Pacific Futures, which focuses on securing a healthy Pacific islands environment for future generations, including sponsoring good governance - through building institutional capacity for assessment and priority setting, planning responses and ability to monitor and anticipate the impact of pressures, and emerging threats to Pacific islands from habitat loss, climate change, climate variability, sea-level rise, pollution, waste and other land-based sources of pollution.
WWF-South Pacific and TRAFFIC-South Pacific
World Wide Fund for Nature – South Pacific Programme (WWF SPP) is a regional NGO working in the Pacific island countries. The Programme was established in 1990 as part of WWF’s endeavour to work effectively and appropriately locally and globally. The office’s mandate is to develop and direct a strategic programme of conservation activities in the Pacific islands region, on behalf of the WWF network. The programme is managed from Suva , Fiji , with programme offices in Cook Islands , Fiji , Solomon Islands , and Papua New Guinea .
TRAFFIC Oceania South Pacific Programme is part of TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, which works to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants is not a threat to the conservation of nature. Established in February 2003, the TRAFFIC Oceania South Pacific Programme is hosted by WWF SPP in Suva , Fiji and is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK Government. Its main focus is to work with governments and other stakeholders to build capacity to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) within the region.
UNEP-WCMC
The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre provides information for policy and action to conserve the living world.
Their programmes concentrate on species, forests, protected areas, marine, mountains and freshwaters; plus habitats affected by climate change such as polar regions. We also address the relationship between trade and the environment and the wider aspects of biodiversity assessment.
World Resources Institute
World Resources Institute is one of the world's foremost independent nonprofit organizations, with a staff of more than 100 scientists, economists, policy experts, business analysts, statistical analysts, mapmakers, and communicators working to protect the Earth and improve people's lives. Their work is concentrated on achieving progress toward four key goals: protecting Earth's living systems; increasing access to information; creating sustainable enterprise and opportunity; and reversing global warming. Their focus is catalyzing permanent change through partnerships that implement innovative, incentive-based solutions that are founded upon hard, objective data. Harnessing the power of markets will ensure real, not cosmetic, change. They work closely with governments, the private sector, and civil society groups around the world, because that guarantees ownership of solutions and yields far greater impact than any other way of operating.
World Wildlife Fund - U.S.
Known worldwide by its panda logo, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) leads international efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. Now in its fifth decade, WWF works in more than 100 countries around the globe to conserve the diversity of life on earth. With nearly 1.2 million members in the U.S. and another 4 million worldwide, WWF is the world's largest privately financed conservation organization. WWF directs its conservation efforts toward three global goals: saving endangered species, protecting endangered habitats and addressing global threats such as toxic pollution, over-fishing and climate change. From working to save the giant panda and bringing back the Asian rhino to establishing and helping to manage parks and reserves worldwide, WWF has been a conservation leader for more than 40 years.
Wildlife Conservation Society
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild lands through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks. These activities change attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in sustainable interaction on both a local and a global scale. WCS is committed to this work because we believe it essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
Palau Conservation Society
Incorporated in 1994, Palau Conservation Society (PCS) is the only non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Palau ’s diverse natural resources. Activities include building public awareness, research, developing community-based resource management programmes, and contributing to the development of policies that support sustainable development at the national- and state- levels.
Wildlife Conservation Society - South Pacific Program
Based in Fiji and led by David Olsen, WCS has an excellent conservation and biodiversity research program French Polynesia, Palau, Cook Islands, and Fiji.
Marine Conservation
The Ocean Conservancy
The Ocean Conservancy was born in 1972 as the Delta Corporation. Starting with a single program to protest commercial whaling, the organization has expanded over the years to include program areas encompassing all ocean issues. The Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world's foremost advocate for the oceans. For over 30 years, we have employed science-based advocacy, research, and public education to inform, inspire, and empower people to speak and act for the oceans. OC’s national office is located in Washington DC ; their Pacific Region Office, based in San Francisco , focuses on ocean conservation issues off the states of California , Oregon , Washington and Hawaii . Important issues include protecting ocean ecosystems, restoring fisheries and marine wildlife and reducing ocean pollution. The Pacific Regional Office conducts campaigns with the assistance of field offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Seattle .
Asia Pacific Environmental Exchange (APEX)
APEX is devoted to promoting ecosystem health and ecological economics and to halting the globalization of unsustainable economic policies. Focusing on the vital areas of toxics, forests, fisheries and global trade policy, we achieve our goals through organization, education and advocacy.
Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)
CORAL promotes coral reef conservation around the world by working with the dive industry, governments, local communities and other organizations to protect and manage coral reefs, establish marine parks, fund conservation efforts, and raise public awareness with the mission to keep coral reefs alive for future generations. CORAL’s Parks Program is geared to help coral park managers leverage sustainable tourism to build local investment in the conservation of coral reef parks, by providing training, tools and resources to stakeholders in local reef communities, including dive operators, conservation groups, and community leaders and through our global partnership with the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN). The current geographic focus of our work is in the Western Pacific and the Caribbean , with a particular emphasis on the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef.
Marine Conservation Biology Institute
MCBI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding life in the sea by advancing the science of marine conservation biology. Based in Redmond WA and Washington DC, MCBI works to protect and restore marine life on the West Coast, around the United States and beyond, by: encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology; bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues; doing policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda; lecturing, producing books and other publications to educate scientists, the public and decision makers on key issues; and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people.
The National Coalition for Marine Conservation (NCMC)
NCMC is dedicated exclusively to conserving ocean fish, preventing overfishing, reducing bycatch and protecting habitat. The National Coalition for Marine Conservation (NCMC) is the nation's oldest public advocacy group dedicated exclusively to conserving the world's ocean fish, habitat and environment. Priority actions include marine protected areas, Pacific longlining, and protection of shark populations. Website includes access to NCMC publications.
Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI)
MERI is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to scientific research and education on the impacts of pollution on marine life, and to protecting the health and biodiversity of the marine environment for future generations. MERI accomplishes its goals through multidisciplinary ecotoxicological research, research dissemination, environmental education, and international programs. Through its program initiatives, MERI seeks to address the problems of pollution of the ocean environment, unsustainable coastal development, species and habitat degradation, and environmental emergencies (toxic spills, releases) affecting marine life.
Marine Fish Conservation Network
MFCN is the largest national coalition solely dedicated to promoting the long-term sustainability of marine fish. With more than 160 members - including environmental organizations, commercial and recreational fishing associations, aquariums, and marine science groups - MFCN uses its distinct voice and the best available science to educate policymakers, the fishing industry, and the public about the need for sound conservation and better management practices. MFCN’s primary objective is to make conservation a top priority of marine fisheries management.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will create meaningful opportunities for public interaction with the nation's marine sanctuaries. Through public and private sector partnerships, the Foundation will create conservation-based education and outreach programs designed to preserve, protect and promote these underwater treasures.
NOAA Pacific Services Center (PSC)
The NOAA Pacific Services Center (PSC) is an office within the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that develops and delivers coastal management information and services to the State of Hawai`i, Territories of American Samoa and Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The island-based philosophy of the PSC ensures the delivery of these products and services reflects global perspectives and local diversity. Through collaboration with its clients and partners, the PSC provides information, technology, training, and management solutions. Consistent with the mission of the NOAA Coastal Services Center , the PSC fosters an environment in which both staff and partners can promote sustainable and resilient coastal communities. Projects include h azard mitigation, safe navigation, economic valuation studies of coral reef and coastal resources, mapping, training, and coral reef management programs.
Ocean Futures
The mission of Ocean Futures Society is to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet. OFS has the following priorities: Clean Water, the essence of life and a birthright for everyone, must become available to all people now. Coastal Marine Habitats, coral reefs, estuaries and wetlands, must receive protection in order to assure the ocean’s quality of life and thus our own. Marine Mammals, our biological counterparts in the sea, must be protected from human impact. Sustainable Fisheries must be created to reflect our ability to manage natural resources wisely.
Pew Oceans Commission
In June 2003 the Pew Oceans Commission released its report on the state of America 's living oceans, the first comprehensive review of U.S. ocean policy in more that 30 years. This landmark report provides recommendations for restoring and protecting ocean ecosystems, rebuilding fish populations, controlling coastal development, curbing pollution, and improving ocean governance. See also the Center for SeaChange which promotes the recommendations of the Pew Oceans Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy to restore biological diversity and achieve sustainable use of marine ecosystems.
Center for SeaChange
SeaChange, an organization established to advance policy solutions to protect the oceans. SeaChange promotes the recommendations of the Pew Oceans Commission and those of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. It advances substantial reform of U.S. ocean laws and policies to restore ocean wildlife, protect ocean ecosystems, and preserve the ecological, economic, and social benefits the oceans provide.
Project AWARE
Project AWARE is dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. The Foundation’s Grant Program operates on a quarterly funding cycle and supports worthwhile aquatic conservation projects. Funding for the program comes directly from contributions made by divers and nondivers. Maximum USD $10,000 grants are restricted to projects that have a direct benefit to the aquatic environment such as: Public education (formal and informal); Grass roots conservation and enhancement projects; Environmentally focused research that leads to conservation measures; Public awareness initiatives; Environmental assessment and monitoring projects; and Volunteer-supported community activism.
Reef Check
Reef Check is a global volunteer effort by teams of recreational divers and marine scientists to raise public awareness about the value of coral reefs, the problems facing their health, and solutions to these problems. Reef Check is an international program that works with communities, governments and businesses to scientifically monitor, restore and maintain coral reef health. Reef Check objectives are to: educate the public about the coral reef crisis; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide. Their website includes access to publications on academic research, training manuals on reef monitoring techniques, and other topics.
Reef Relief
Reef Relief is a non profit membership organization dedicated to Preserve and Protect Living Coral Reef Ecosystems. Reef Relief is mainly focused on Florida and the Caribbean , but is working on a photo monitoring system that will link those areas to those in the Pacific.
SeaWeb
SeaWeb is a project designed to raise awareness of the world ocean and the life within it. The ocean plays a critical role in our everyday life and in the future of our planet. We believe that as more people understand this and begin to appreciate the earth as a water planet, they will take actions to conserve the ocean and the web of life it supports.
We, therefore, have constructed a web of our own -- a web of information that is anchored in science and interwoven with essential strands of social and political awareness. Through this web we will collect and communicate information about the importance and condition of the ocean to decisionmakers across the country -- and that includes individual citizens.
We aim to provide information and opinion from a broad spectrum of sources to help us all discover our connections to the ocean and become involved in the life of the sea. We are not a membership organization or an environmental activist group. SeaWeb's approach is objective, but not neutral -- our bias is to protect the living ocean.
COMPASS - COMmunication PArtnership for Science and the Sea
The COMPASS program is a collaborative effort to advance and communicate marine conservation science to policymakers, the public, and the media in order to accelerate the pace of solutions to important marine environmental problems.
COMPASS is helping marine conservation science mature into a discipline that is less fragmented, better communicated, and better-connected to and informed by policy. It is doing this by:
Stimulating interdisciplinary, conservation-oriented research and action by marine scientists;
Catalyzing communication among marine scientists, policymakers, nongovernmental organizations, the media, and the concerned public; and
Translating scientific concepts and information into accessible and policy-relevant forms.
Pacific Whale Foundation
PWF is a Hawaii-based international non-profit organization founded in 1980 with the mission of saving whales from extinction, but now also focused on all marine ecosystems. PWF conducts marine research, education, and conservation programs.
NGO Resources, Advocacy & Discussion Communities
ConserveOnline
ConserveOnline is an online public library that makes conservation tools, techniques, and experience available to conservation practitioners. It is intended to foster learning and collaboration, and provide information and support to anyone making conservation-related decisions, from the staff of conservation organizations to land managers at government agencies to local land trusts to private landowners. Through discussion groups and information sharing, ConserveOnline is an open forum for sharing successes and failures, and for connecting scientific research with field-based conservation practice. They welcome anyone with documents, data, maps, or images relevant to the science and practice of conservation to make these resources publicly available through their website and to share their expertise through the discussion groups.
Earth Blog @ the Eco-Portal
Provides brief commentary, analysis, essays and links on conservation issues by Glen Barry, Ph.D.
Earth Talk
A discussion community and learning network dedicated to bringing about global environmental sustainability through environmental advocacy. Established January, 2004.
Multilateral and Donor Organizations
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse that disseminates and shares information and knowledge – while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 190 Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication.
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation works to ensure opportunities for all children to reach their potential, to protect reproductive rights and stabilize world population, to conserve and restore the earth's natural systems, and to encourage the creative pursuit of science. The Conservation and Science Program is focused on the challenge of sustainability, finding paths for human progress that protect and restore the ecological systems upon which all life depends. We invest in action and in ideas, supporting grantmaking initiatives to secure public policy reforms and changes in private sector practices and scientific activities to develop essential knowledge and tools for understanding and addressing current and future priorities. The Program supports work on three priorities: Oceans and Coasts grantmaking seeks to transform the fisheries and seafood sectors; promote sustainability in coastal systems in three specific geographic regions—the California coast, the Gulf of California, and the Western Pacific Coastal Systems; and support scientific activities that concentrate on ecosystem-based management of coastal-marine systems, and more broadly on sustainability in oceans and coasts. In this focus area, the Foundation supports a key institution, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Atmosphere grantmaking seeks to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change through support for energy policy reforms in the United States and China and targeted research. The Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering Program supports promising university-based researchers early in their careers. The Population Program grantmaking emphases are global institutions/global solutions (GI/GS) in the field of population, reproductive rights, and future leaders. Funding is concentrated in five countries of the developing world ( Ethiopia , India , Nigeria , Pakistan , the Philippines ) and the United States .
Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative of Conservation International, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. CEPF aims to dramatically advance conservation of Earth's biodiversity hotspots by providing support to nongovernmental organizations, community groups and other civil society partners. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation. The partnership invests in biodiversity hotspots, Earth's biologically richest and most threatened areas. CEPF focuses on hotspots in the developing world and strategically targets priority areas in the hotspots for maximum impact. CEPF provides funding and technical assistance to civil society groups. It acts as a catalyst to create strategic working alliances among diverse groups, combining unique capacities and eliminating duplication of efforts for a comprehensive, coordinated approach. CEPF currently focuses on three priority regions: Mountains of Southwest China, The Philippines, and Sundaland, with possible expansion to Micronesia/Polynesia in the near future.
The MacArthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution dedicated to helping groups and individuals foster lasting improvement in the human condition. The Program on Global Security and Sustainability focuses primarily on international issues, including peace and security, conservation and sustainable development, population and reproductive health, human rights, and the consequences of globalization. International offices are located in Mexico , India , Nigeria , and Russia . Their Conservation and Sustainable Development program focuses on the following priorities: Lower Mekong : forest regions of the Mekong basin in Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam ; and Indo-Melanesia: coastal and marine areas of Papua New Guinea , Solomon Islands , Fiji and eastern Indonesia .
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
The mission of the Moore Foundation is to seek and develop outcome-based projects that will improve the quality of life for future generations. They encourage and support collaboration among the grantees involved in our initiatives in order to achieve the most significant and enduring outcomes possible, and seeks to collaborate with other foundations and interested organizations to attain these outcomes. The Foundation will typically—although not exclusively—make a relatively small number of large grants and will always emphasize clearly identified outcomes for the work it supports. To date, the Moore Foundation has developed four program areas of interest: Environmental Conservation, Science, Higher Education, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Please note that the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, proposals, or other inquiries.
The East-West Center
The East-West Center is an international education and research organization established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 to strengthen understanding and relations between the United States and the countries of the Asia Pacific region. The Center helps promote the establishment of a stable, peaceful and prosperous Asia Pacific community in which the United States is a natural, valued and leading partner. The Center carries out its mission through programs of cooperative study, training and research. Professionals and students from the United States , Asia and the Pacific study and work together at the East-West Center to better understand issues of common and critical concern and explore mutually beneficial ways of addressing them. As a national and regional resource, the Center offers: an interdisciplinary research program that examines major issues of critical importance in U.S.-Asia-Pacific relations; dialogue and professional enrichment programs that focus on groups central to the communication of ideas: the media, political and policy leaders, and educators; and educational programs to develop the human resources needed by the United States and the Asia Pacific region in a new era of increased interdependence.
Department for International Development (DFID)
The Department for International Development (DFID) is the UK Government department responsible for promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty. The central focus of the Government’s policy, based on the 1997 and 2000 White Papers on International Development, is a commitment to the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals, to be achieved by 2015. These seek to: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development. DFID’s assistance is concentrated in the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia . DFID works in partnership with governments committed to the Millennium Development Goals, with civil society, the private sector and the research community. It also works with multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, United Nations agencies, and the European Commission.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. Their work supports long-term and equitable economic growth and advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting: economic growth, agriculture and trade; global health; and, democracy, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance. Country programs include: Laos, Mongolia, Philippines, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, East Timor, and Indonesia.
Global Conservation Fund
The Global Conservation Fund (GCF) finances activities focusing on Conservation International's three priorities: Biodiversity Hotspots, which are the richest and most threatened concentrations of plant and animal life on earth; High-Biodiversity Wilderness Areas, the five most biologically rich, large tracts of pristine habitats remaining on Earth, and among the last places where indigenous people can maintain traditional lifestyles; and Marine Regions (notably coral reef hotspots) , which are the world's most biologically rich, yet threatened, ocean environments.
Global Environmental Facility (GEF)
The Global Environment Facility (GEF), established in 1991, helps developing countries fund projects and programs that protect the global environment. GEF grants support projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants. GEF projects address six complex global environmental issues: Biodiversity, Climate Change, International Waters, Land Degradation, the Ozone Layer, and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Since 1991, the GEF has provided $4.5 billion in grants and generated $14.5 billion in co-financing from other partners for projects in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. GEF projects are managed by GEF Implementing Agencies: the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Bank. Seven other international organizations, known as GEF Executing Agencies, contribute to the management and execution of GEF projects.
The BP Conservation Programme
The British Petroleum Conservation Programme (BPCP) supports conservation projects that address global conservation priorities at a local level by attracting, supporting and developing the skills and networks of future generations of young conservation professionals. Projects applying to the Programme must address a wildlife conservation priority of global importance, incorporate local involvement and collaboration among university staff, and demonstrate feasibility and delivery. BPCP does not fund conferences or travel to scientific meetings, pay for any salaries, nor offer any scholarships. Teams must be student-led and international, however, the Programme is able to provide assistance in creating international links for projects. Full details of criteria and submission procedure can be found on the website. BPCP has also developed a series of training workshops on fieldwork techniques and project planning. A representative from each award winning team is given the chance to attend these workshops, which are held annually, alternating between the UK and US. Training programmes are also being developed around the world with pilot programmes having taken place in Indonesia in 2000, and in Malaysia in 2001. These workshops are organised in collaboration with several world-class institutions including the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the Natural History Museum and the Smithsonian Institution.
The Australia & Pacific Science Foundation
In 2000, the Australia and Pacific Science Foundation was established, from its original form of the New Guinea Biological Foundation, to sponsor activities within Australia and managed by Australian entities. At the same time another foundation, the Pacific Biological Foundation, was formed to support projects with components within the south west Pacific. In seeking to achieve its aims, The Australia & Pacific Science Foundation provides support, on a competitive basis, for the following activities: to encourage high quality research by scientists in Australian national or state institutions, and universities; Occasional support may also be given to such activities as training, publications or conferences. The Foundation seeks to complement, rather than compete with, other funding bodies. Experience has shown that modest support can be particularly effective if used as “seed money” to initiate projects, which may subsequently expand and attract major funding from other sources. Foundation grants have also supported specific components of large projects financed primarily by other agencies.
Pacific Biological Foundation
In 2000, the Pacific Biological Foundation was established, from its original form of the New Guinea Biological Foundation, to sponsor activities with components within the south west Pacific. At the same time another foundation, the Australia & Pacific Science Foundation, was formed to support projects with components within Australia . In seeking to achieve its aims, The Pacific Biological Foundation provides support, on a competitive basis, for the following activities: High quality research by scientists in Australian national or state institutions and universities, or in institutions in countries of the south west Pacific; Training of local scientists and technicians as components of these activities is also considered a priority. Occasional support may also be given to such activities as publications or conferences.
Public Health
Information on Communicable Diseases in the Pacific
This site provides excellent information on specific communicable diseases which are prevalent in the Pacific region. Includes information on scabies, children immunization, mengicoccal disease, campylobacter, tuberculosis, Cryptosporidiosis, salmonella, shigellosis, whooping cough, yersinosis, hepatitis, rubella, giardia, and others. These reports, some in local languages such as Cook Island Maori, Samoan, Niuean, and Tongan, are available as PDF files online. Sponsored by the Community & Public Health Division of the Canterbury District Health Board (NZ), which delivers public health services throughout Canterbury and the West Coast of New Zealand.
The Journal of Community Health and Clinical Medicine for the Pacific
Via Pacific Health Dialog (PHD), a medical journal devoted to health issues in the Pacific region, including back issues available as PDF files. PHD is supported by the Fiji School of Medicine ( Fiji ); Pacific Basin Medical Association ( Micronesia ); Micronesia Human Resource Development Centre ( Palau ); Pacific Health Unit, Auckland Medical School (NZ); and the Pacific Health Research Council ( Fiji ).
Pacific Health Research Centre
Undertakes research and provides access to a database.
Pacific Island Nations
Geographical categories hosted by The National Library of New Zealand
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs (New Zealand)
Pacific Health Research Discussion Paper
This draft discussion paper evolved from a workshop jointly organised by the Health Research Council and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs for Pacific researchers and end users of research. It was attended by representatives from health, justice, education, economics and labour.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum is a Washington, DC-based national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policy, program, and research efforts for the improvement of health status of all Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The mission of the APIAHF is to promote improvement in the health status of all Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States . The Health Forum envisions a multicultural society where the Asian and Pacific Islander communities are included and represented in all health, political, social and economic arenas. The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum regularly produces newsletters on women's health, tobacco education, and HIV/AIDS. Newsletters are in PDF format.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and HIV/AIDS (PDF format)
NAPAFASA Conference: "Promoting Asian American and Pacific Islander Initiatives"
The mission of The National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse 2002 National Conference is to provide a deeper understanding of the health issues that impact all Asian and Pacific Islander populations. Webcasts available include: Workshop 1: Applying Asian American and Pacific Islander Drug Abuse Related Research to Practice; Workshop 4: Pacific Island Service Research, Training and Capacity Building Regarding Substance Abuse and Mental Health Concerns; and Workshop 9: Building Asian American and Pacific Islander Community-Based Service Capacity and Coalition Building.
Asian/Pacific Islander Institute (A&PII)
This 4-day Institute increases the involvement of Asians and Pacific Islanders in CSAP's Community Partnerships and increases the partnerships' ability to address their prevention needs. The Institute promotes cultural diversity; different educational and socioeconomic levels; and language, gender, and generational differences.
Technical Assistance Bulletin: Communicating Appropriately With Asian and Pacific Islander Audiences
Prepared by the National Center for Alcohol and Drug Information (U.S.), with the goal of d eveloping culturally appropriate prevention messages and materials for Asian and Pacific Islander audiences, recognizing and respecting their geographic, ethnic, racial, cultural, economic, social, and linguistic diversity. This bulletin discusses ways to facilitate the health communication process so as to enable planners to meet the challenge of developing programs for this target population.
Distance Education in Health for Pacific Islands
In development under the auspices of The Secretariat of the Pacific Community/Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN).
The Pacific Islands Continuing Clinical Education Program (PICCEP)
The Pacific Islands Continuing Clinical Education Program (PICCEP) coordinates needed continuing education to health professionals throughout the U.S.-associated jurisdictions in the Pacific. Based in Seattle , the University of Washington team works in close association with other institutions to evaluate and meet continuing clinical education needs in American Samoa , Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas , Federated States of Micronesia , Guam , Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau . The program is funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through the Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr) and the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC).
The WHO Library and Information Networks for Knowledge (LNK)
The WHO Library and Information Networks for Knowledge (LNK) provides comprehensive library and information services on WHO-produced recorded information in print and other media. In addition, library services give access to worldwide health, medical and development information resources to WHO headquarters, regions and country offices, ministries of health and other government offices, health workers in Member States , other UN and international agencies, and diplomatic missions. The WHO library programmes help regions and developing countries achieve self-sufficiency in providing information services to the health sector.
The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO)
AAPCHO website with information relevant to improving the health status of Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) is a national association representing community health organizations dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders within the United States , its territories and freely associated states, primarily through our member community health clinics. Formed in 1987, AAPCHO advocates for policies and programs that will improve the provision of health care services that are community driven, financially affordable, linguistically accessible, and culturally appropriate.
Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center
Community HIV/AIDS Services
Founded in 1943, EngenderHealth is a nonprofit organization that works internationally to support and strengthen reproductive health services for women and men worldwide.
Women’s, Gender, and Family Issues
Daughters of the Pacific
Explores issues of identity and the impact on that identity as Pacific daughters born in Aotearoa; raising awareness, of female perspectives, in wider communities of the changing face of Pacific peoples in Aoteroa; supporting Pacific women in their aspirations and Pacific women's aspirations in general; and celebrating a number of Pacific cultures.
The UNIFEM Pacific Mainstreaming Project, which started in 1990, had as its principal objectives to initiate a gender sensitive approach in national policies, programmes and projects, to prioritise women's concerns in the process of national development in four Pacific Island countries, and in the course of the project, to institutionalise and strengthen the Mainstreaming of gender concerns in all levels of development planning processes. The project targeted government planners in the central planning office, sectoral agencies, and women leaders in the government women's office and non-government organisations in the four pilot countries. Pilot countries for the programme were Cook Islands , Marshall Islands , Papua New Guinea , and Tuvalu . In addition to extensive information on these issues and UNIFEM programs, the website includes various publications and newsletters.
Gender Considerations in Sectoral Planning for Pacific Island Planners in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
UNIFEM book, which is available free online, intended to be used by sectoral planners in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors as an aid to incorporating gender issues in all forms of planning and all phases of the project cycle.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Gender Issues in Asia and the Pacific
Online presentation based on a research project on the use of ICTs by women's organisations in Asia and the Pacific. Initiated by the Asian Women's Resource Exchange and coordinated by three organisations, namely Isis International-Manila, the Association for Progressive Communication-Women's Networking Support Programme, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the research extended across seven countries in Asia-(India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Nepal and the Philippines); eight countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia-Armenia, Azerbajan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan); and nine Pacific Island countries-Federated States of Micronesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Fiji.
UNFPA in Asia & the Pacific: Demographic Trends
United Nations Population Fund information on demographic trends in the region, and for individual countries.
Development, Culture and Tradition
The Global Islands Network
The Global Islands Network is a non-profit organisation established in June 2002 to conduct and promote culturally appropriate, ecologically sound, economically sustainable, and socially equitable development on islands worldwide. GIN’s particular objectives include: Facilitating the capacity of islanders to acquire, disseminate and utilise knowledge resources; I mproving access to existing data and generating original information about islands; Providing technical assistance and supporting initiatives which further integrated development on small islands; Encouraging collaborative projects and comparative studies between and among islands; Fostering cooperation by sharing good practices and offering a forum for discussion; and Strengthening the voice of island communities as well as their representatives in intergovernmental and policy making bodies. GIN brings together islanders and partner organisations, comprising amongst others, government agencies, university departments, research institutes, marine laboratories, businesses, companies, NGOs, voluntary bodies and community groups, in a network where they can learn from each others experience, borrowing as well as replicating best practices to: Improve production of renewable energy; Minimise waste; Introduce efficient public transport; Raise standards of water and air quality; Adopt integrated coastal zone management plans; Create protected areas; Safeguard endangered species; Control or eradicate alien invasive species; Document and maintain biodiversity; Promote sustainable tourism; Diversify economies to reduce dependence; Capitalise on Exclusive Economic Zones; Regulate local fisheries; Introduce ‘no-take’ marine reserves; Preserve traditional island cultures; Respect indigenous peoples, languages and customs; Foster gender equality; Use ITC to better health care and education.
Australian Foundation for the Peoples of Asia and the Pacific, Ltd.
AFAP works to assist the peoples of Asia , the Pacific and Africa by supporting projects that are environmentally and economically sustainable, gender balanced and supportive of the integrity and self-determination of local communities.
We aim to improve the status of women, children, ethnic minorities, disabled and other disadvantaged or marginalised sections of society.
In cooperation with our extensive network, we promote sustainable, self-reliant community development projects in the areas of institution building, health, education, literacy, agriculture, environmental protection, hospital rehabilitation, village improvement, disaster relief and rehabilitation and small industry development which emerge from the aspirations of the local people.
Pacific Islanders in Communication (PIC)
PIC is a national nonprofit media organization established primarily for the purpose of increasing national public broadcast programming by and about indigenous Pacific Islanders. The mission of Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) is to support the development of national public broadcast programming by and about Pacific Islanders – descendents of the indigenous peoples of Hawai’i , Guam , the Northern Mariana Islands , American Samoa and other Pacific islands.
In keeping with that mission, PIC helps Pacific Islander stories reach national audiences through funding support for productions, training and education, broadcast services, and community outreach. In the past ten years, PIC has: Awarded more than $1.5 million toward television productions; Assisted over 14 Pacific Islander producers broadcast their shows on national public television; and Provided media training to over 120 emerging makers.
Micronesian Seminar
Micronesian Seminar, based in Pohnpei, FSM, and known popularly as MicSem, is a private non-profit, non-governmental organization that has been engaged in public education for thirty years. Micronesian Seminar's purpose is to stimulate people to reflect on current issues in their societies. Established as a research-pastoral institute by the Catholic Church, and turned over to the Jesuit Order in 1992, MicSem serves the people of the Federated States of Micronesia , the republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands , and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Social Sciences
Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO)
The Association For Social Anthropology In Oceania (ASAO) is an international organization dedicated to comparative studies of Pacific topics. ASAO holds annual meetings with a special format designed to facilitate discussion and develop topics for publication. ASAO has a monograph series and a special publication series. In addition many other publications have emerged from ASAO sessions. ASAO supports the full participation of Pacific Islanders through the Pacific Islands Scholars' Fund.
Earth Sciences
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI)
IAVCEI represents the primary international focus for: (1) research in volcanology, (2) efforts to mitigate volcanic disasters, and (3) research into closely related disciplines, such as igneous geochemistry and petrology, geochronology, volcanogenic mineral deposits, and the physics of the generation and ascent of magmas in the upper mantle and crust.
IAVCEI is run by an Executive Committee whose membership changes every four years. The Executive determines policies for the Association, enacting them through a series of Commissions and TaskGroups. IAVCEI aims to be outward-looking, seeks relationships with other international scientific organisations, and participates in international scientific projects. It aims also to maintain a robust publishing policy, encouraging the presentation of high caliber, volcanological research results, mainly through its premier international journal theBulletin of Volcanology.
Asia Oceania Geosciences Society
AOGS promotes cooperation and discussion in Asia and Oceania among scientists concerned with study of the Earth and its environment as well as space and planetary studies, and facilitates the study of those fields of knowledge through scientific assemblies and publications. AOGS is a partner of the PSA.
Natural Disasters
Pacific Disaster Center
The Pacific Disaster Center's mission is to provide applied information research and analysis support for the development of more effective policies, institutions, programs, and information products for the disaster management and humanitarian assistance communities of the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Pacific Disaster Center Atlas
Recognizing that natural disasters are predominantly local issues, often with national, regional or global impacts, the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) has developed the Asia Pacific Natural Hazards and Vulnerabilities Atlas. This Hazards Atlas provides a dynamic geospatial framework through which information may be accessed and viewed over the Internet by the disaster management and humanitarian assistance communities. A principal objective of the Hazards Atlas is to provide decision makers with greater awareness of the risks of natural hazards in their area of concern and will provide a venue for exploring regional and national level issues related to risk and vulnerability and for assessing impacts of natural hazard events. The Hazards Atlas allows decision-makers to answer operational questions such as: What hazards are likely to occur in this region, and with what frequency and intensity? Where are current hazard events and what is their extent? How many people can be affected? What are the potential impacts on the infrastructure and on the social and economic fabric of the region?
Science Associations
Science Council of Asia
The SCA brings together scientists and scientific organizations from all academic fields, including cultural and social sciences, as well as natural sciences and technology. At the conference hosted by a member country each year, the latest research results are presented, lectures are given by distinguished scientists, and discussions are held on a wide range of scientific issues. In addition, scientists from various countries work together to promote joint research projects and take part in activities mainly carried out by the United Nations, the United Nations University and other international scientific associations. The SCA has produced novel scientific knowledge and its presence is increasing each year through active efforts, thereby gaining importance in the Asian region.
Since its first conference, the SCA has focused on sustainable development as the main theme in order to find out how human activities should be maintained and expanded as the Earth's resources are finite. In addressing this issue, however, it may be an extremely difficult task to formulate a single model that is applicable to all countries because Asia is economically and culturally diverse. Nevertheless, it is vital that we gather under the banner of the SCA, take the initiative in establishing a vision for sustainable development in Asia through dialogues among member countries, and strive to achieve the ultimate goal of developing Asia into a more prosperous, harmonious and greener region while providing scientific knowledge by acting in concert with international academic organizations such as the International Council for Science (ICSU), as well as the governments of member countries.
The Asia- Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN)
The Asia- Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is an inter-governmental network for the promotion of global change research and links between science and policy making in the Asia-Pacific Region. Current member countries of the APN include: Australia , Bangladesh , Cambodia , China , Fiji , India , Indonesia , Japan , Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia , Mongolia , Nepal , New Zealand , Pakistan , Philippines , Republic of Korea , Russian Federation , Sri Lanka , Thailand , United States of America and Viet Nam . Activities include synthesis activities, partnership programmes, symposia convened in Kobe , Japan , and various capacity-building endeavours throughout the Asia-Pacific region. APN funded projects are selected through the competitive annual Call for Proposals process.
Mapping & Computer Modeling
Simulistics
Simulistics develops and distributes SIMILE, a software tool for computer simulation of complex dynamic systems in the earth, environmental and life sciences. We use unique logic-based declarative modeling technology to represent the interactions in these systems in a clearly structured, visually intuitive way. The latest version of SIMILE , our award-winning simulation and modelling software, was released on 12 February 2004 . It is available in three editions to meet all requirements, from evaluation to enterprise-wide model development. You can download a free evaluation version of Simile here.
Collaborative Learning (Co-Learn)
Co-learn is a computer software package that facilitates and enables users to navigate around a range of tools and processes. It is intended to be a meta-tool, implemented as a software interface and navigation aid for a suite of computer-based learning support tools. It seeks to support adaptive and collaborative management (ACM) of natural resources by helping people to enjoy learning processes in groups. You can download a free evaluation version of Co-Learn here.
This tool uses the metaphor of a map with bus routes that present to the users several options and aids to getting from any point in an abstract management landscape to another, by a route that the users select themselves. Because Co-Learn is a map on a computer, we can make the map interactive allowing the user to access resources-information (e.g. manuals, guides, anecdotes/experiences, etc.) and tools (software such as The Bridge, CIMAT, SSI etc.) that would make their journey easier and more likely to be successful.
Academic and Research Institutions
Kagoshima University Research Center for the Pacific Islands (KURCPI)
KURCPI is a research institute which aims to promote interdisciplinary studies on islands and island-zones in Oceania and its surrounding regions. The KURCPI aims to promote interdisciplinary studies on islands and islands zones in Oceania and its surroundings.
The results of the studies are combined to promote comprehensive understanding of islands and islands zones and to further the welfare of people in Oceania and its surroundings.
These objectives are accomplished principally through the following five projects, two on the Environment of Island-Zones and three on the Social Dynamics of Island-Zones.
Centre for Pacific Studies ( University of Nijmegen)
The Centre for Pacific and Asian Studies (CPAS) at the University of Nijmegen , the Netherlands , was established in 1991. Developed from the former Centre for Australian and Oceanic Studies, the CPAS has an interdisciplinary character and covers Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand, Continental Asia and insulair Southeast Asia.
The staff consists of anthropologists, legal anthropologists, development sociologists, geographers, historians, and linguists at the University of Nijmegen and at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen . At present 25 senior and 14 junior staff are working at or affiliated with the Centre.
The Centre aims at:
- advancing basic and applied research in the regions mentioned
- offering regular courses and coordinating teaching programmes within its fields of interest
- providing information about these regions.
To these ends the Centre initiates and promotes research of both senior and junior staff, provides a platform for discussion, exchanges information on ongoing research, and organizes regular workshops, conferences, seminars and exhibitions.
Centre for the Contemporary Pacific (at Australian National University)
The Centre's objective include:
Developing and promoting Pacific studies within the Australian National University; Developing links with government agencies, institutions and universities within Australia and the Pacific region and acting as a focal point for their access to Pacific studies at ANU; Facilitating contact and communication between Pacific scholars in Australia and the outside world through active cooperation with other centres and institutes for Pacific studies; Undertaking an outreach role in the Pacific region on behalf of the ANU and more generally for Pacific studies within Australia.
Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) ( Australia )
As one of the world's largest and most diverse scientific global research organisations our work touches every aspect of Australian life: from the molecules that build life to the molecules in space. Working from sites across the nation and around the globe, our 6500 staff are focused on providing new ways to improve your quality of life, as well as the economic and social performance of a number of industry sectors through research and development. These sectors are: Agribusiness, Energy and Transport, Environment and Natural Resources, Information, Communication and Services, Manufacturing, Mineral Resources, and Health.
The Bishop Museum
Charles Reed Bishop founded the Bishop Museum in 1889 honoring his late wife Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the great granddaughter of Kamehameha the Great. Since its establishment, the Museum has been dedicated to providing world leadership in understanding, conserving and telling the stories of the cultures and natural environments of Hawai`i and the Pacific.
Today the Museum has a staff of about 250 and is recognized throughout the world for collections, research and public programs. The Bishop Museum ’s collections and research publications represent over a century of work by its anthropologists, archaeologists, biologists and geologists, and have been the source of many exhibits and hundreds of publications. The collections include 24 million objects, and are a first-order world heritage -- the largest collections in the Pacific and among the largest in the world. They include: Over 1.2 million cultural objects representing Native Hawaiian, Pacific Island , and Hawai`i immigrant life; More than 125,000 historical publications including many in the Hawaiian language; One million historical photographs, films, works of art, audio recordings, and manuscripts; and Twenty one million plant and animal specimens.
he Museum has many current scientific programs and mandates. In 1988, the Museum was designated by state legislation as the State of Hawai`i Museum of Natural and Cultural History. In 1992, state legislation established the Hawai`i Biological Survey and designated it a program of the Museum. The Museum is home to five Pacific region initiatives: the Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Cultural Studies whose mission is to integrate and advance knowledge of Pacific cultural heritage; the Pacific Biological Survey that compiles biological information for the entire region; the Pacific Earth Science Center whose mission is expand knowledge and understanding of earth sciences, volcanology, and marine geology in Hawai`i and the Pacific; the Pacific Center for Molecular Biodiversity that is investigating natural science through in-house molecular capabilities; and the Pacific Science Association, whose mandate since 1920 has been to facilitate cooperative work among national science academies of the Pacific Rim.
The South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC)
SOPAC is the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission. It is an inter-governmental, regional organisation dedicated to providing services to promote sustainable development in the countries it serves. SOPAC's work is carried out through its Secretariat, based in Suva . The work programme is reviewed annually by the Governing Council assisted by: Secretariat representatives (SOPAC), a Technical Advisory Group (TAG), and a Science, Technology and Resources Network (STAR). SOPAC's work focuses on providing assistance to its member countries in three key programme areas: Ocean and Islands Programme, Community Lifelines Programme and Community Risk Programme. To effectively provide these support services, SOPAC maintains an Information Technology unit, provides publication and library services, and offers technical and field services for specific project work Member countries are Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji Islands, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. American Samoa, French Polynesia and New Caledonia are associate members. Any island member country can request assistance from SOPAC. Benefits accrue to island member countries directly through the provision of basic geological knowledge and indirectly, through improvements in land and ocean use, leading to improved health through water and sanitation provision, wealth generation through the development of mineral resources, hazard and disaster management and sustainable development by taking into account the geo-environmental impacts of development.
Traveler and Basic Information on South Pacific Region
South Pacific Organizer
Good general and practical travel information on the various states of the South Pacific region, by Moon Publications, publishers of the South Pacific Handbook. Includes information on each country: Fast Facts, The Land, The Weather, Flora & Fauna, Historical Timeline, Cultural Highlights, Activities, Holidays, Major Events, Practicalities, Getting There, Getting Around.
Map South Pacific
Basic traveler maps of the various Pacific island states; no topographic information. Includes links for each island.
University of Iowa Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research: Maps and References