Vanuatu

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

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

When natural hazards, such as severe storms, strike Pacific islands during a pandemic, a dual threat is created that challenges leaders and planners. Photo: Trevor McKinnon

Dual threat in the Pacific: COVID-19 and natural hazards

The pandemic demonstrates that disasters are triggered by multidimensional risks and hazards, and that a country’s approach to urban resilience needs to be multifaceted.

Anupma Jain

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

How New Zealand contributes to ADB's approach to the Pacific

New Zealand and ADB are collaborating with Pacific nations to help them achieve their development goals.

Stephen P. Groff

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

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

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