Agriculture and forestry researchers, scientists and experts from across the Pacific are converging in Tonga this week for the first ever Regional Research Symposium. Held on 22-23 May, this landmark event is aimed at strengthening agriculture and forestry in the Pacific region through science, technology and regional collaboration.
The symposium will be hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) under the theme 'Transforming agriculture and forestry in the Pacific through science, technology and partnerships.' It will be led by Pacific research leaders who are part of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)-supported project Testing and adapting the Pacific Regional Research Collaborative Framework.
'The symposium will serve as a knowledge sharing platform to showcase recent research, innovations and strategies related to agriculture, forestry and fisheries in the Pacific region,' said Dr Ramona O'Connor Sulifoa, Research for Development Advisor at the Land Resources Division in SPC.
'The symposium offers a strong opportunity to strengthen partnerships, promote Pacific-focused research, and engage with a diverse audience including policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. It also supports the work of the Pacific Regional Research Agenda by providing a platform to better coordinate, share knowledge and innovations and identify research gaps and available resources.'
The symposium features 4 sessions over 2 days, focusing on the thematic priority areas identified under the Pacific Regional Research Agenda. This includes sustainable agriculture systems, enablers of research, climate change and food and nutrition security. Several research leaders from ACIAR-supported projects, current PASS scholars and ACIAR Alumni will attend the symposium to present their latest findings.
ACIAR Research Director Dr Ingrid van Putten, who will speak at the event, said ACIAR is proud to support the symposium. She hopes it will generate interest in research and capacity development outcomes that are valuable to development partners and countries in the Pacific region and potentially beyond.
'Our priority is to listen and respond to the needs of Pacific countries and SPC, where there is a shared agenda and benefit for all partners. The symposium enables ACIAR to engage with its research partners, create opportunities for networking with its Pacific alumni, and strengthen existing partnerships in research and capacity development.'
Learn more about the Research Symposium on the SPC website.
