SPC hosts first-ever Regional Research Symposium to strengthen agriculture and forestry

The symposium, with the theme “Transforming Agriculture and Forestry in the Pacific through Science, Technology, and Partnerships,” will bring together researchers, government leaders, farmers, and development partners to showcase cutting-edge research, innovative solutions, and collaborative strategies shaped by the realities of Pacific Island communities.

Director of SPC’s Land Resources Division, Karen Mapusua, states, “The response and engagement from the region in this symposium, the upcoming journal release and the development of the Regional Research Agenda have been inspiring. This all grew from a decision of the Heads of Agriculture and Forestry at the Pacific Week of Agriculture in Samoa some years ago, and it really speaks to the power of initiatives that are seeded and are nurtured from the Pacific islands.”

She further says, “The symposium gives voice to the huge amount of Pacific-led research, including so many young researchers, and how we are working to solve our own challenges. It re-centres the role of research and innovation in developing our agriculture and forestry sectors.”

This milestone event features more than 60 presentations across four core themes: Sustainable Agriculture Systems, Enablers of Research, Climate Change, and Food Security and Nutrition. Discussions have highlighted the region’s shared challenges and solutions, from soil health and invasive pests to climate-resilient crops and traditional knowledge.

This symposium marks several key milestones for agricultural and forestry research in the Pacific, and its outcomes include:

• The official publication of the Symposium proceedings, documenting all research presented.
• A summary of key insights and recommendations to inform the Hearing Pacific Voices pillar of the Regional Research Agenda; and
• The establishment of a Pacific-wide research network under the Partners in Research initiative.
• The official launch of the Journal of Agriculture and Forestry in the Pacific, featuring a collection of consolidated articles.

Speaking on his research comparing rainwater and desalinated water for plant irrigation in Nauru through the Pacific Community, SPC’s Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network Project, Picasso Menke stated, “This research is vital for helping farmers in Nauru, providing a practical solution to the growing challenge of water scarcity. With prolonged droughts caused by climate change, access to water has become difficult and a growing national concern. The findings will enable Nauruan farmers to make use of desalinated water as a reliable alternative for plant irrigation when rainwater is no longer available”.

As the Pacific faces mounting environmental and food system challenges, this symposium is a critical step in strengthening research that serves our Pacific Island communities.