Over 600 attend Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment

Jul 6, 2026 | News | 0

The inaugural three-day Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment (PIFCE) concluded yesterday at Warwick Le Lagon in Port Vila, bringing together government leaders, researchers, businesses, students and community groups working on climate and environmental solutions across the Pacific.

Organisers recorded an average of more than 200 local attendees per day visiting presentations and exhibition booths, while around 400 participants registered online.

The forum was initiated by the Government of Vanuatu through the Ministry of Climate Change, in partnership with V-Lab and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Minister of Climate Change and Environment Ralph Regenvanu said the forum was designed to connect innovators across the Pacific who are developing solutions to climate and environmental challenges.

“It is the first time we have tried to bring together people working on solutions to climate change and environmental conservation in the Pacific,” he said.

“Across our communities, private sector, governments and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), there are many innovative approaches emerging. The Pacific is already producing some of the best solutions, but these are often not widely shared between countries. The purpose of this forum is to bring people together to share ideas, learn from each other and strengthen a culture of innovation.”

Minister Regenvanu said the Pacific is often described as being on the frontline of climate change impacts, but it is also increasingly a source of practical solutions.

He said Vanuatu is leading work in areas such as loss and damage policy development, and has contributed to international climate advocacy, including efforts linked to the advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“We also have strong private sector solutions, such as RecycleCorp, and community-led initiatives showcased here this week. Vanuatu is also recognised for its role in advancing the ICJ initiative on climate change,” he said.

He said the forum also reflects efforts to strengthen climate diplomacy by using international legal pathways such as the ICJ process.

Across the three days, exhibitors showcased a wide range of innovations at the Pacific Village, including student-led projects, private sector initiatives and community-based solutions.

Students from the University of the South Pacific and the National University of Vanuatu also competed in a hackathon focused on climate innovation.

Among the solutions presented were bamboo-based construction materials, alternative cement products reinforced with recycled plastics, and coastal vegetation systems designed to reduce shoreline erosion.

“We have bamboo being used instead of steel rods in housing construction. There are also alternative cement products that use recycled plastic instead of steel reinforcement, making them more sustainable and resilient. There are also coastal planting solutions using grasses that help stabilise shorelines and reduce erosion from sea level rise,” Mr. Regenvanu said.

Bamboo specialist Arno Roos of Pacific Ark said bamboo-based solutions are being used to support both environmental restoration and community livelihoods in Fiji and other Pacific countries.

“We are a local business working in bamboo construction and agroforestry with communities,” he said.

“We plant bamboo on degraded land and restore it while intercropping with crops such as cocoa, banana and mahogany.”

Mr. Roos said research conducted in Vanuatu shows the same bamboo species used in Fiji is also available locally. He said bamboo construction systems have been designed to be resilient to cyclones and earthquakes.

One of the most visited booths at the Pacific Village was the Samoan-led Greater Good Diaper Project, which promotes compostable baby nappies.

Project manager Sina Paulo said the initiative collects and composts used nappies over an eight-week cycle to produce nutrient-rich compost.

{p data-start=”4429” data-end=”4675”}“The aim is to reduce waste and address plastic pollution in the Pacific,” she said. “According to SPREP data from 2022, nappies make up about 27 per cent of household waste. This contributes significantly to plastic pollution in the region.”

The project manager said the project shows measurable environmental benefits.

“For every 100 babies, around 700 kilograms of plastic waste is avoided, and about 105 kilograms of nutrient-rich compost can be produced each week,” she said.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Building a Brighter Future for Vanuatu’s Youth October 6, 2026
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Vanuatu’s Titan FX Dream beyond borders shortlisted in ICMA awards October 6, 2026
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Supreme Court dismisses charge against father over alleged neglect October 6, 2026
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