Most people associate a holiday in the Pacific with sun, sand and surf. However, climate change is putting this industry at risk with storm surge, environmental degradation and sea-level rise posing a threat to one of the region’s biggest economic drivers. SPC (The Pacific Community) is an international development organisation owned and governed by 27 country and territory members. SPC is working with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) to develop a proposal for the first UNESCO Global Geoparks in the Pacific Region. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular. At present, there are 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries.

Global Geoparks in the Pacific would contribute to strengthening the local economy, provide local employment and improve land conservation. They will also help raise the profile of the region’s natural wonders which are currently at risk from climate change.

This is just one of the game-changing projects that volunteer Australian lawyers are supporting through the Blue Pacific Pro Bono Collaborative, a partnership between four of Australia’s leading law firms to provide pro bono (free) legal support for climate change resilience projects in the Pacific Islands. The collaborative is also working with partners from the Fiji Law Society to promote the culture of pro-bono practice in the Pacific and foster a sense of global citizenship in the legal profession.

Learn more about this project at our free webinar on Thursday 5 October 5.30pm.

About our panel:

Christina Leala Gale, Manager Sustainable Tourism and Research, SPTO (Pacific Tourism Organisation) – Christina is a sustainable tourism expert who is passionate about the environment and helping vulnerable people prepare for extreme events through disaster risk reduction capacity building programmes and nature-based solutions to building community resilience to disasters and climate change.

Florence Ventura, Team Leader Energy Security and Acting Deputy Director for the Geo-resources and Energy Programme (GEP) at SPC (the Pacific Community) - Florence has over 14 years of experience managing sustainable energy projects, in France, African countries and Pacific Island Countries focusing particularly on energy access, renewable energy and energy efficiency. She previously worked as Renewable Energy project manager in the Regional Council of the South Region of France and as Sustainable Energy Expert at the African Development Bank, providing technical assistance to African countries on their sustainable energy strategies. She holds a master’s degree in energetics and environment from the French Engineering School “École Centrale”. 

Claire Robertson, Solicitor DLA Piper – Claire is a solicitor at DLA Piper with an interest in government advisory, sustainable finance, public international law, and dispute resolution between States on complex issues. Claire has experience with governments on maritime boundary delimitation, international aviation, climate change initiatives, and economic diversification strategies. She has advised on sustainable finance projects, in particular supporting ocean-related initiatives. As part of the Pacific Islands Pro Bono Collaborative, Claire spent time in Fiji working with the Secretariat for the Pacific Community (SPC), assisting the Government of Tuvalu on establishing a UNESCO Global Geopark to promote conservation of the marine area and development of sustainable tourism.

Chris Owen, National Pro Bono Team Leader, Norton Rose Fulbright - Chris Owen is a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Australia and leads the firm’s national pro bono program. He is also chair of the firm’s ESG (environment, social and governance) group. Chris is dual qualified in Australia and England. A litigator by background, he has a broad range of expertise advising in pro bono legal matters, including advising at clinics, assisting indigenous communities, conducting advocacy on behalf of clients in court proceedings and advising on international pro bono projects. He has particular interests in strategic litigation, sustainability and human rights.

Facilitated by Melanie Gow, CEO AVI.

Main image: Yasur volcano within the Siwi caldera. The caldera margin marked as an escarpment north of Yasur. Left of Yasur resurgent lava domes form a ridge. Credit: International Commission on Geoheritage

Left inset image: Aerial image of Fongafale Islet (main islet of Funafuti Atoll), looking southwest. Credit: International Commission on Geoheritage