Nere Nahal 2: five innovative initiatives for sustainable development in the Pacific region

The Nere Nahal 2 call for proposals, designed to encourage research and innovation in the Pacific, has selected five initiatives led by universities in the region. These projects stand out for their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their ability to address the environmental, economic and social challenges specific to island nations.

Here are the 5 projects selected for the second edition of the call:

Project 1: PIURN Thematic University (Pacific Islands Universities Research Network)

• Initiator: University of New Caledonia (UNC)
• Description: In 2025, this first PIURN thematic university will bring together students from the 15 member universities for two weeks of intensive training on a theme linked to the SDGs. Organized in a bilingual format (English and French), it will aim to strengthen collaboration between future researchers and support doctoral research capacities in the region. The theme of the university will be defined at the next PIURN board meeting at the National University of Vanuatu.

Project 2: Using drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor the coconut rhinoceros beetle

• Leader: Fiji - University of the South Pacific (USP)
• Description: This project uses drones and artificial intelligence to monitor and manage infestations of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros), which threaten biodiversity and the local economy. I focuses on acquiring and optimizing the use of drones, developing software and raising awareness among local communities.

Project 3: Strengthening climate resilience through AI-infused waste management enabled by theinternet of things(IoT)

• Leader: Fiji - University of the South Pacific (USP)
• Description: This project focuses on waste management in the Pacific Islands, where tourism is putting increasing pressure on infrastructure. The use of AI and the Internet of Things IoT enables waste management systems to be optimized, with the aim of minimizing environmental impact while promoting sustainable tourism.

Project 4: Environmental monitoring by drones: monitoring climate change and wildlife conservation

• Leader: Fiji - University of the South Pacific (USP)
• Description: This environmental monitoring project uses sensor-equipped drones to track the impacts of climate change and support biodiversity conservation. The data collected will enable more precise conservation strategies to be formulated, strengthening the resilience of local ecosystems.

Project 5: A la carte training and introduction to research (FLAIR2)

• Leader: National University of Vanuatu (UNV)
• Description: The FLAIR2 project offers practical training for future PhD students and young researchers from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, in conjunction with the FALAH seminars. It aims to develop skills in climate resilience and deepen understanding of the interactions between land use and natural resource exploitation. These courses include field research sessions and the use of digital tools.

These five projects illustrate the ongoing commitment of Pacific institutions to respond to regional challenges with innovative solutions, drawing on cutting-edge research and technologies. They receive joint financial support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD - Fonds Pacifique) and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie Asie-Pacifique. Nere Nahal 2 strengthens cooperation between universities and contributes to the sustainability and resilience of Pacific communities in the face of climate change.

As a reminder, under the " Nere Nahal 1 " call for projects launched in 2022, 7 projects had been selected and received overall financial support of €110,000.

*Nere Nahal - Innovative project co-financed by the Pacific Fund

Source: www.auf.org/nouvelles/