Melanesia: climate change, and food and water security

Summary Melanesia, the biggest sub-region in the South Pacific, includes Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru and New Caledonia. Due to its geographical proximity, Melanesia is Australia’s immediate neighbour and is fundamental to regional stability, a major strategic interest for Australia. Melanesia currently experiences many food and water security challenges that will be further exacerbated by the effects of climate change and evolving regional demographics. Australia remains the most influential actor in the region and contributes millions of dollars towards foreign aid, development and humanitarian assistance. Food and water security trends in the region, however, will increasingly pose serious political, social and economic challenges to Australia’s role in the region and overall regional stability. Key points The effects of climate change, regional demographic trends and humanitarian development are some of the primary drivers in Melanesia’s long-term food and water security outlook. Melanesia has the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the world, due to the influx of cheap imported food and the evolution of the Pacific diet over the past several decades. Melanesia is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, largely due to its economic dependency on agricultural and fisheries sector. Water sanitation and hygiene remains one of the biggest challenges for Melanesian countries, particularly within informal settlements and rural communities. Australia must proactively engage with the region’s food and water security challenges, as part of its long-term future strategic outlook for a stable and prosperous neighbourhood