A study on tributyl tin (TBT) contamination of marine sediments in the major ports of Fiji

Tri-n-butyltin (TBT) compounds are synthetic, multipurpose chemicals, which have been extensively used, in marine antifouling paints. They have been known to be extremely poisonous to mollusc fishery resources (oysters, clams, scallops, etc.). TBT levels in marine sediments from the main ports in Fiji were analysed using the GC/FPD method. The results indicated that these sites were among the worst polluted with TBT in the world. The most contaminated site recorded a TBT concentration of 360μgg-1. TBT comprised 48-90% of the total organotins measured. Some stringent legislative means are needed to regulate the use of this contaminant in marine anti-fouling paints

Climate change and Small Island developing states

About one fifth of all politically independent countries are Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These are to be found in all regions of the world, but most of them are located in the South Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. One of the greatest challenges to the sustainable development faced by these states relates to climate change. A matter of great concern for these states is that although they contribute very little to global warming, they are the ones that will be harmed most by the effects of climate change.peer-reviewe

A new framework for integrated climate finance and inclusive responses to sustainable development in Malaysia

With Malaysia’s commitment to both mitigation and adaptation, the 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change in Paris, 2015, will be both an opportunity to showcase best practices and a forum to promote international ownership of climate challenge before it becomes a catastrophe. Our experience with weather extremes is that the best time to intervene is at the risk level via prevention and preparedness, compared to any wait-and-see approach. As the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, elaborated during the recent 11th Malaysia Plan presentation to the parliament, ‘such an approach has to be seen as part of adopting green growth and increasing our commitment to long-term sustainability’. Malaysia is also aware that this requires policy support, technological interventions and financial commitment. It is for this reason the Malaysia’s pledge at the Copenhagen COP-15 was to reduce its carbon emission by 40% from 2005 levels by 2020, subject to technology transfer and financial support by developed countries. Having achieved a 33% reduction in the last five years, Malaysia is convinced that it can reach the 40% target following an inclusive partnership framework for action