Achieving biodiversity conservation whilst addressing the broader aims of sustainable development, is presenting a challenge for countries the world over. This is particularly so for small island developing states. Top down legal approaches have had limited success and attention has now turned...

The Pacific island region is comprised of a number of nations spread across a large ocean area. The region is also biologically and culturally diverse, nevertheless the countries share some commonalities. Relevantly, each of the countries is legally pluralist creating a complex context for law-...

Since gaining independence 30 years ago Samoa has been proactive in returning control of government, land and resources to traditional owners. The most recent challenges have been in the areas of biodiversity conservation and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Samoa has taken a progressive...

At a time when many developed countries are searching for alternatives to national park schemes, some of the less wealthy nations have already adopted other sustainable mechanisms for protected area management. Vanuatu is one such country - a nation that has retained a surprisingly rich cultural...

Sharks play a critical role in the ocean environment yet many species are under threat. Over the last ten years, the international community has taken significant steps to protect shark species and address the threats to them through the adoption and implementation of international laws, plans...