Analysis of learning cycles in participatory environment and development projects: lessons from Nepal

In this paper, the authors assess the extent to which the inclusion of learning cycles in community development projects can contribute to local people’s increased capacity to initiate action. A case study approach was used to test the hypothesis that: Participatory environment and development projects that incorporate learning cycles will result in empowerment among local people. In this research, learning cycles were defined as a ‘continuous process of situation analysis, collaborative planning, action and critical reflection’ (see Section 3.4), while empowerment was defined as ‘a process through which individuals, as well as local groups and communities, enhance their capacity to initiate action to improve their well-being by gaining decision-making power’ (see Section 2.2).This item was commisioned by Asia Pacific School of Economics and Government, AN

Markets Matter: ANU-UN Women Project on Honiara's Informal Markets in Solomon Islands

AusAI

A PUF of Fresh Air? Pacific Urban Forum 2019

The Pacific Islands region is rapidly urbanising with mounting social and ecological pressures, as has been well covered in many earlier DPA publications. To date, regional attention to this significant development challenge has been sporadic at best and generally ineffective (Bryar and Keen 2018; Keen and Connell 2019). Despite four regional Pacific Urban Forums (PUFs) since 2003, urbanisation still fails to get traction (Kiddle et al. 2017). In July 2019, the fifth PUF (PUF5) took place in Nadi, Fiji with the aim of achieving sustainable urban development by: • increasing action in support of implementation and monitoring of the Pacific Urban Agenda (or PUA) endorsed at the previous PUF in 2015 • improving mechanisms for data collection and the exchange of knowledge in support of evidence-based policy • developing new partnerships for action. At PUF5, Pacific Island governments, non-government organisations and academic institutions were well represented with the geographic spread of representation and attendance numbers the highest yet. This In Brief provides an overview of the prominent issues at the PUF5 and an analysis of future prospects for sustainable urban development in the region. Download/View publicatio

Pacific Urbanisation: Changing Times

Throughout the Pacific islands, urban planning and management remain largely neglected. A few Pacific island countries, like PNG, have tried to better manage urban pressures, but implementation of initiatives has been patchy at best; for example, there has been little action on the 2010 PNG National Urbanisation Plan (Jones 2012). While donors recognise urban centres as major drivers of economic growth (ADB 2012), few Pacific leaders have come to terms with the reality of an urban Pacific and the need to manage cities. This In Brief examines some of the key urban challenges in the Pacific islands, and some promising innovations.AusAI

Priced Out of the Market: Informal Settlements in Honiara, Solomon Islands

This In Brief reports on recent work, supported by UN-Habitat and donors, aimed at creating a profile of Honiara’s informal settlement situation and the challenges ahead. We then focus on one key missing element: the critical need to improve housing affordability.AusAI

Markets Matter: Enhancing Livelihoods and Localities

AusAI

After the floods: Urban displacement, lessons from Solomon Islands

This In Brief documents the challenges government authorities — the Honiara City Council (HCC) and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) — faced when they created a new subdivision for the displaced, April Ridge, and considers the lessons for more responsive planning.AusAI

Learning in sustainable natural resource management: challenges and opportunities in the Pacific

The importance of learning in natural resource management (NRM) is being recognized by an increasing number of scholars and practitioners. A learning approach to NRM applies principles and theories of adult, organizational and social learning, and is underpinned by three core elements – systems thinking, negotiation and reflection. By combining learning theories with concepts from adaptive management, co-management, and participatory resource management, this article explores how the explicit inclusion of learning principles and processes can strengthen community based natural resource management. Case studies from the South Pacific are used to draw out lessons for the wider application of learning approaches to NRM

The Blue Pacific in Action:Solomon Islands' National Ocean Policy

Solomon Islands has embraced the regional Blue Pacific and Pacific Oceanscape concepts for sustainable oceans management and translated the core principles into national action. The Solomon Islands National Ocean Policy (SINOP; SIG 2018) was launched in November 2018 to safeguard its rich fishing grounds that provide food security, livelihoods and government revenue. It is a useful example of the political and multi-jurisdictional commitment required to apply regional ocean frameworks nationally. This In Brief draws on the insights of senior officials engaged in policy development to provide critical reflections on the challenges ahead for implementation

Urban Politics in Melanesia: Shallow Roots

This In Brief considers why the rapid growth of cities is failing to translate into greater political pressure for urban investment and more equitable representation.AusAI