Centre for Sustainable Futures-USP

Experts, policymakers, academics, security practitioners, legal professionals and community representatives gathered in Suva this week for a timely discussion on the growing security implications of climate change for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Opening the conference, H.E. Dr. Andreas Prothmann, German Ambassador to Fiji, underscored that climate change is no longer solely an environmental issue but a critical security challenge affecting nations worldwide. He highlighted how rising sea levels, intensified storms, floods, droughts, food insecurity and displacement are increasingly threatening security, freedom and prosperity — key pillars of global stability.

Emphasising the importance of the climate-security nexus, His Excellency called for stronger collaboration across disciplines, bringing together diplomats, security experts, climate scientists, humanitarian actors and policymakers to move from analysis to action. He also reaffirmed Germany's commitment to working alongside Fiji and Pacific Island countries to strengthen climate resilience, support adaptation efforts and advance climate security initiatives at regional and global levels.

Hosted by The University of the South Pacific and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), the conference seeks to foster dialogue, share knowledge and generate policy recommendations to help Small Island States address climate-related security risks and build a more resilient future.

Today, staff at the Centre for Sustainable Futures came together for a Staff Awareness Session focused on strengthening communication, collaboration, and connection across the Centre.

The session provided an opportunity for staff to hear updates on the various activities and initiatives currently being carried out, while also learning more about the important work being led across different thematic areas. Staff had the chance to engage directly with thematic leaders, ask questions, gain clarity on their roles, and better understand how their individual contributions fit into the broader vision and direction of the Centre.

The session also gave the Director an opportunity to share his plans and priorities for the coming months as the Centre continues to grow its impact across the Pacific.

Moments like these highlight the importance of teamwork, open dialogue, and working together towards a more sustainable future for our region. 🌿

Join us next week as we witness Ms. Lucille Overhoff defend her PhD thesis, looking at how small island communities are navigating the growing impacts of climate change, environmental pressures, and extreme weather events. Drawing from case studies in Pohnpei and Yap State, the research highlights an important message — neither traditional knowledge nor modern science alone is enough to address today’s climate challenges.

Thesis Title: The role of engin kehlap, a Heuristic Model for Climate Change and Environment Adaptation: Case studies from the Federated States of Micronesia

Details:
🗓 Monday May 25, 2026
🕘 10am (Fiji Time)
📍 Online
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/5y96map6

Refer to poster below for more details.
Do join us!!

In our upcoming CSF Seminar Series, Dr. Francesc Piferrer will be hosting and he'll be speaking on ”Epigenetic Footprints of Global Change in Marine Species"

Details:
🗓 Tuesday 26 May, 2026
🕘 11.00am-12.00pm (Fiji Time)
📍 Marine Lecture Theatre, USP Marine Campus

For those wishing to join online:
🔗https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81943391915
Pass: 670193

Refer to poster below for more details.

Do join us!!

NB: Light refreshments will be provided

Applications for Semester 2, 2026, are now open!

Thinking about studying climate change, marine science, environmental studies, or ocean studies?

Our friendly team is here to help guide you every step of the way and answer any questions you may have about your study options.

For our Postgraduate Programmes:
E: [email protected]
Ph: +679 32 32180

For our Undergraduate Programmes & General Queries:
E: [email protected]
Ph: +679 32 31097

Applications for Semester 2, 2026, are now open! Explore internationally accredited programmes and take the next step toward shaping your future with USP.

New students or those last registered in a course at USP over 3 years ago, can apply online at: www.usp.ac.fj/apply

Former students returning within 3 years can resume their studies easily via: www.usp.ac.fj/resume

To view detailed programme information, visit: www.usp.ac.fj/programmes

Need support? Call our toll-free line on 1568 or email [email protected]

Our next session of the CSF Seminar Series will be jointly hosted by Dr. Sangeeta Mangubahi (Principal Consultant-Talanoa Consulting) and Dr. Salanieta Kitolelei (Adjunct Fellow-CSF) who will be speaking on 'Advancing Climate Resilience in Fijian Fisheries.'

Details:
🗓 Tuesday 19 May, 2026
🕘 11.00am-12.00pm (Fiji Time)
📍 Marine Lecture Theatre, USP Marine Campus

For those wishing to join online:
🔗https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87320990877
Pass: 070149

Refer to poster below for more details.

Do join us!!

NB: Light refreshments will be provided.

A few weeks ago, the Centre for Sustainable Futures had the privilege of hosting an important workshop at the USP Lower Campus focused on the future of scuba diving training, safety, and research in Fiji and the wider Pacific. 🌊🤿
The workshop brought together representatives from across the diving sector — including tourism operators, scientific researchers, NGOs, commercial divers, training agencies, and industry experts, to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration in the region.
Over the course of the discussions, participants highlighted the growing need for safer and more coordinated diving standards, improved training pathways for Pacific people, and stronger connections between education, research, and industry. Conversations also explored topics such as scientific diving, risk management, internship opportunities, marine conservation, and the role of diving in supporting the blue economy.
It was encouraging to hear the different perspectives from across the sector and to see a shared commitment towards building safer, more accessible, and internationally recognised diving programs for the Pacific.
The workshop also marked an exciting step forward for CSF’s vision of establishing a functional teaching and research dive facility at USP, with a strong focus on practical learning, research excellence, and community impact.

For many people, the ocean is a place to visit or admire from afar, but for Dr Jasha Dehm, it has always been home. The journey to his doctorate was a natural evolution of a life spent by the shore, eventually leading him to tackle some of the most pressing environmental questions facing Fiji’s coastal capital.

His thesis, titled “Ecological dynamics of a Pacific Island urban reef system: water quality, substrate composition, and coral community structure in Suva, Fiji,” focused on how urban centers create strong environmental gradients that shape coastal reef ecosystems.

To read mode, click on the link below ⬇️⬇️⬇️:

An Ocean Journey: Dr Jasha Dehm’s path to PhD - The University of the South Pacific For many people, the ocean is a place to visit or admire from afar, but...