8 Mar 2024

Melbourne uni launches new Pacific research hub

From , 6:02 am on 8 March 2024
The Maritime Academy is flooded at every high tide on the island of Amatuku. According to a former student, the litoral has lost ground for ten years. The rising waters should make the Pacific low islands unviable long before they disappear.

The Maritime Academy in Tuvalu floods at every high tide on the island of Amatuku. Photo: AFP / THEO ROUBY

A new research hub dedicated to addressing some of the biggest issues facing the Pacific region has been set up in Melbourne. 

Launched this week, the Oceania Institute at the University of Melbourne brings together researchers to highlight the challenges that directly affects Pacific peoples such as the climate crisis. 

The name 'Oceania Institute' was chosen to show respect and celebrate the custodianship that people of the Pacific have for their seas and islands. 

Co-director of the Oceania Institute, Professor Jon Barnett spoke with Pacific Waves host Susana Suisuiki.