Palau

Papua New Guinea has undertaken reforms in their state-owned power utility company. Photo: ADB

For state-owned power utility companies in the Pacific, it’s time to cut the cord

State-owned power companies in the Pacific are increasingly becoming a fiscal risk in part due to their outdated management practices. Reforms are needed to allow them to prosper and perform into the future.

Rafael Abbasov

Ports play a crucial role in Pacific economies. They need to operate more efficiently to meet their changing requirements. Photo: ADB

It’s time to get smart with Pacific ports

Harnessing advanced smart port technologies can enhance physical and economic resilience of “lifeline” ports in the Pacific.

Alexandra Pamela Chiang, Bas van Dijk, Cha-Sang Shim, Gabriella A. Bazzano, Josef Hargrave

In geographically dispersed Pacific atoll nations like Kiribati, women lack access to many needs including opportunities in the lucrative fishing industry. Photo: ADB

In the remote atolls of the Pacific, women struggle for basic resources

The immense distance between islands in the Pacific creates challenges for accessing resources, particularly for women. Targeted policies, tailored for their needs, are required.

Ritu Verma

In many countries, COVID-19 has pushed people toward the use of digital tools such as mobile devices for financial transactions. Photo: Quaid Lagan

COVID-19 has created digital opportunities in the Pacific

The pandemic is changing consumer behavior and expectations in the Pacific, particularly when it comes to using digital tools for financial transactions.

Lotte Schou-Zibell, Nigel Phair

Hand washing and other basic hygiene can be challenging on Pacific island where water is scare. Photo: Nathan Dumlao

Water, sanitation and hygiene key to Pacific’s ongoing COVID strategy

Pacific island nations have been among the top performers worldwide in controlling COVID-19. A greater emphasis on water, sanitation and hygiene practices will help continue that success.

Jingmin Huang

Waste management is particularly important in fragile island communities. Photo: Dustan Woodhouse

In the Pacific, COVID-19 is changing the way we think about waste management

The pandemic is producing more household waste and increased amounts of dangerous medical waste. We need to manage these changes for our immediate safety and for the long-term welfare of our communities.

Anupma Jain

Energy contingency plans are crucial for small vulnerable islands in the Pacific. Photo: Kawshar Ahmed

Are Pacific power utilities ready for the impact of COVID-19?

In the fragile energy scenario of small Pacific islands, contingency plans are crucial to keep the lights on during a crisis.

Rafael Abbasov

Marine protected areas, such as Nusa Penida in Indonesia, give sealife a chance to rebound from exploitation while at the same time creating economic opportunities for local communities. Photo: Francesco Ricciardi

Investing in marine protected areas is investing in our own survival

Marine protected areas are a powerful way to allow ocean life to rebound while at the same time supporting tourism, local communities and sustainable fishing

Francesco Ricciardi