Define the task
The Scenario: Managing change in the Pacific
As elected representatives of your Pacific Island nation you have the responsibility of governing fairly for all people. Many people live traditional lives as subsistence farmers and fisher folk but life is changing quickly. Seas are damaging coastal areas, salt is contaminating soils and variable rainfall makes access to freshwater difficult at some times during the year. Young people have to move away for education. Families are separated as one parent moves away for employment changing the roles of women and men.
Background
The Pacific Islands nations, scattered over vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, share many characteristics which limit their development. Their economies are small, remote from markets, and they rely on a narrow base of exports (fish, a few agricultural products, timber, tourism and labour) to finance the imports of many basic commodities. Climate change contributes to increased damage to low lying coastal areas, salt water intrusion to agricultural land and damage of infrastructure from increased flooding and coastal erosion. High birth rates are quickly increasing their populations contributing to rapid social changes to the interaction of men and women and high unemployment rates of young people.
Despite differences in culture, language, governance and geography Pacific Island nations have a long history of cooperation in trade and development and recent agreements include the Pacific Plan and the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change 2006-2015.
One third of Australia’s overseas development aid goes toward the development of its neighbours in the Pacific. Programs focus on reduction of poverty, economic growth, strengthening security and governance and the protection against climate change.
In this Global Learning Quest you will investigate the global question:
How can we assist Pacific Islanders manage the impact of climate change?
Perspectives on the Global Question
Form groups of four or five to investigate one of the Pacific Island nations eg: Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tonga. Team members will consider particular needs of your nation’s people – men, women and young people.
Government
Governments are under pressure to cope with rapid population growth, growing pressures on the environment (land and sea) and the provision of public services, including schools, health care, roads, electricity and water supply. With limited income from export of fish, a few agricultural products, timber and tourism you are dependent on aid and money sent by family members working overseas.
Men
Traditionally you have lived by fishing and hunting for food and gathering bush materials for housing requirements but the pressures of large population and the need to earn an income mean that you can no longer live this way.
Women
You have traditionally cared for the children, collected water and grown food in your bush gardens but changes mean you now have access to an education and better health care. Sometimes this means you can obtain a job in the city and an active role in decision making but this may cause tension with your husband.
Young people
There are many young people which puts pressure on land, resources and schools. This means you may have to travel to larger towns or even overseas for education and employment resulting in the loss of direct contact with you family and culture. Some young people are unemployed and may be caught up in crime.
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