Asian Development Blog

Oyster farming in Viet Nam. Coastal areas are working to cope with the challenges brought about by climate change. Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh

3 Ways Small Islands and Coastal Areas can Adapt to Climate Change

Solutions for climate adaptation need to span multiple sectors, government departments and societal contexts. The challenge is great but we can meet it by combining natural and built assets with incentives for collective action and the optimization of traditional knowledge.

Sonia Chand Sandhu, Shimako Takahashi

To keep Pacific islands in pristine condition, action must be taken at multiple levels. Photo: ADB

For Clean Islands and a Clean Ocean in the Pacific, Start with Solid Waste Management

Solid waste challenges in the Pacific must be addressed at the island, regional, and ocean level.

Jingmin Huang

In the Pacific, measures to prevent money laundering often inadvertently harm small businesses. Photo: ADB

Protect The Poor When Fighting Money Laundering in the Pacific

The risk of “de-risking” – the process of international banks disassociating from financial partners, such as small remittance providers and local banks – is that it could push people out of the financial system completely.

Lotte Schou-Zibell

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State-owned power companies in the Pacific are increasingly becoming a fiscal risk in part due to their outdated management practices.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.

Rafayil 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

Fintech solutions are key to Asia Pacific economies recovering from the pandemic and thriving in the future. Photo: Rami Al Aayat

Fintech Can Drive a Strong Post-COVID-19 Recovery in Asia

The pandemic has highlighted the power of digital technology. Now is the time to harness this power for inclusive growth so that communities, especially in poor and remote areas, can survive the crisis and thrive.

Bambang Susantono

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