Challenges for Geospatial development in the Pacific Samuela Naicegucegu

The Pacific is Beautiful

Geography have similar landform and vegetations, mostly are low-lying coastal nations some on par with sea level Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions expanding over million square kilometers have access to large Economic Zones since the ratifications of the Law of the Sea Convention giving the Pacific exclusive rights to over the sea extending 200 nautical miles from our shorelines.

Status share similar sustainable development challenges small but growing populations, remoteness, susceptibility to natural disasters, vulnerability to external shocks, and fragile environments. excessive dependence on international trade and reliance on assistances- transition of attitude borne out of imperialism and colonialism- to be led More inclined to cultural and traditional values

Socio-economic platform Ocean resources vast and abundant resources of rich mineral deposits in its sea beds but require expensive technology capacity to develop (Duncan & Nakagawa). disparity in distributions of resources can be clearly visible in the day to day struggle of our mostly communal populations and the dwindling values of existing developments. why? in most cultural environments set latitude for innovations and political aspirations undermine motivations and determinations

Geospatial Information Activities Creation of National Mapping – more individualistic reliance on existing infrastructures – conversion of data into digital forms as norms Mapping of Resources – the reliance on conventional methods Reliance on existing geodetic datum infrastructures – though outdated but serves the purposes for large scale maps – use of conversion factors inbuilt within software/programs Heavy reliance of utilities and infrastructures on data captured by authoritative mapping agencies

Geospatial Aspirations out of INDIVIDUALISTIC NEEDS and ASPIRATIONS -Creation of different data sets by different institutional arrangements Regional Organizations INITIATIVES and CONSULTANCIES Answer to GLOBAL CONCERNS…….UN etc Technology ?? Tertiary studies

Challenges Limited resources narrow channel of funds for more tangible and visible developments for advancing political/personal aspirations

Challenges Program proposals are normally outdated where consultants’ reports or study reports normally go through bureaucratic processes to be finally approved and implemented inadequate internet access provisions and in some instances for GIS development access is not possible at all.

Challenges Current Acts and legislations do not cover for modern technology advancements – some island nations like Fiji do not have the GPS surveying covered in the relevant Surveyors Act, Notices to Surveyors or the relevant land development acts and regulations Lacking legal cutting edge slows down momentum for more cohesive efforts to instill validity of adherence to international or global standards.

Challenges Datum changes – there is lack of understanding of the need in referencing our mapping systems to the global reference system – WGS84, ITRF, GNSS. Resources - most island nations do not have the capacity to sustain the technology – lacking the attitude and capability to help maintain the framework required to keep the developments going

Challenges ‘top slice’ practices where majority of the funds are merely to promote work rather than offering adequate and appropriate capacity development. Technology advancements may reduce employment opportunities- added load on our already struggling economy – unemployment, social problems

Setting effective policies location-based policies and the effective use of geospatial information are powerful drivers for sustainable development. need for an appropriate geospatial information infrastructure at all levels (local, national, regional) that can provide a geospatial integrative framework necessary to build a solid information base for accurate description

Designing the framework Developing a national, regional and global strategic framework - Institutional arrangements - Legal common framework - harmonization of geospatial information standards and best practices in the region – geodetic framework, standards

Building Capability and Capacity, look at ways to increase capacity and reduce the digital divide – we have to adapt Promoting geospatial advocacy and awareness review educational strategies to improve the awareness and literacy levels of geospatial information knowledge sharing

inter-disciplinary cooperation in geospatial information Review and embracing trends in information technology Promoting data sharing, accessibility and dissemination Working in partnership with civil society and the private sector

Data Authorization provide options for government and in their evolution to create national geospatial information authorities ???? review policy options and the role of government regarding privacy and confidentiality of geospatial information mechanisms for the government institutions and island nations to learn from each other and to share their concerns

The Question- are we in the right direction in Geospatial Information development in the Pacific??