Tonga

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 Tonga, access to water has a major impact on the lives of women and girls. Photo: ADB

Pathway to empowerment: Women’s decision-making and access to water in the Pacific

By meeting women’s practical and strategic needs, including greater access to water and more influence in decision-making, society overall is improved and made more equitable.

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

When the COVID-19 outbreak struck Asia, many Pacific islands restricted incoming air and sea traffic. Photo: Nils Grimm

In the Pacific, urgent action is the key to addressing COVID-19

Pacific nations, led by the smallest and least well-off, moved decisively to restrict travel from a fast-growing list of COVID-19 affected countries.

Emma Veve

Preventing economic disasters: Developing countries in Asia and the Pacific are among the world's most affected by natural disasters and their economic impact. Photo: ADB

GDP tragedy: Preventing natural hazards from turning into economic disasters

Small Pacific economies are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of disasters on economic growth. Special support systems need to be in place to help them respond.

Benno Ferrarini, Suzette Dagli

Banks in the Pacific are coming up with new ways to spot suspicious transactions. Photo: ADB

Risky Business: Separating the criminals from the job creators

Criminals must be prevented from using the financial system but misdirected efforts to stop crime can harm small businesses and the jobs they create

Steven Beck

Asian Development Blog Straight Talk from Development Experts