United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Alumni

The Institute for Pacific Coral Reefs (IRCP) based in Moorea (www.ircp.pf), French Polynesia, is pleased to announce the 2012 call for projects for research grants (4.500 euros) for young PhD and/or Postdoc students (or degrees of similar level). Fields of study range from biological to human sciences, but all projects have to relate to coral reefs of French Polynesia. Four young scientists will be selected this year. Applications will include a CV (3 pages max), a research project (5 pages max), a financial appendix (including estimated expenses – 1 page max).
Please send applications prior to January 7th 2013 to: admin@ircp.pf or lecchini@univ-perp.fr

Grants descriptions are available at:
http://www.ircp.pf/bourses2012.html

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[Joy Raj Jit] On 26 September 2012, the United Nations Secretary General and the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders met on the margins of the sixty-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss key challenges facing the Pacific region. The UN Secretary General and the Pacific Islands forum issued a joint declaration highlighted some critical regional issues that have a direct impact on the implementation of Pacific States ocean and coastal policies plans.

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[Joy] Three of the 2012-13 United Nation Nippon fellows from tropical origins arrived in wintery New York for their second placement in the aftermath of tropical super-storm Sandy. It is great to report that all three of us arrived safely and were able to commence our placement straightaway even though over 12000 flights were cancelled, and vast areas of Manhattan were flooded and without electricity – even trading on the famous Wall Street stopped for a while! Watching agitated drivers in vehicles queuing up during the fuel shortage admittedly sprang up images of a possible future when carbon is severely depleted.

Cecilia (Brazil), Mmadi (Comoros) and I (Fiji) have since our arrival been welcomed warmly by the staff at the Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS). Dr François Bailet shared his vision for the alumni to each of us individually affirming the potential for our network to work harder and better. Afterall, we all share the common goal to serve our nations and regions. I am also impressed by the legacy left behind by previous United Nations fellows who have made this experience richer for us. Hopefully we will be able to keep up with all the responsibilities and expectations that come with being a UN Nippon Fellow just like those before us!

There are a number of exciting events at the headquarters this year which include the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, General Assembly 67th Session informal consultations related to sustainable fisheries, Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) negotiations, climate change and sustainable development meetings to name a few. This year, we will also be able to attend the United Nations Nippon Fellows Alumni meeting during our placement. On that note, I look forward to meeting more of you in the Big Apple in a few weeks time! It will not be long before the Manhattan returns to its former glory, no doubt.

[Joy] Solar energy is a promising renewable energy source because it does not produce carbon emissions or greenhouse gases, which contribute to concerning climate change impacts. Climate change impacts include ocean acidification and rising ocean temperatures. There is uncertainty in the way that these processes will impact the marine environment but change is imminent. Some scientists indicate modifications in fish behaviour and distribution impacting on commercial and coastal fishing communities. It is expected that those changes will greatly impact the Pacific Island states, which are heavily reliant on marine resources for their livelihoods. For example, the Pacific Ocean is the largest source of tuna in the world.

It is not surprising, then, that a small Pacific island state is at the forefront when it comes to reliance on alternative energy sources. Tokelau, a small Pacific island state with 1500 inhabitants, have been highlighted in the global news for being the first state to rely solely on solar energy. This was possible due to a solar project funded by New Zealand.