Members’ Publication

Data governance in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is a critical and evolving domain, essential for fostering sustainable development, strengthening regional cooperation, and safeguarding against emerging cybersecurity threats. This article explores the current landscape of data governance in the Pacific, highlighting key components such as the development of robust data governance frameworks, the establishment of regional standards and policies, and the paramount importance of cybersecurity. I delve into existing practices, the strategic roles played by various regional bodies and UN organizations, and discuss the significant challenges faced. Furthermore, the article proposes a way forward to enhance data governance maturity in the region, emphasizing continued collaboration, capacity building, and the establishment of comprehensive legislative frameworks. Ultimately, effective data governance is foundational for evidence-based decision-making and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Pacific.

Dhaka's vital urban water bodies, once indispensable for drainage, ecological balance, and cultural heritage, are now relentlessly assaulted by uncontrolled wastewater disposal, reaching catastrophic levels of pollution. This urgent study rigorously investigates the alarming prevalence and drivers of direct fecal and wastewater discharge from residential structures into the canals and wetlands of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). A massive and meticulously designed survey, spanning from January 2023 to May 2025 with critical UNICEF support, encompassed an unprecedented 25,380 structures across eight critically impacted wards. The damning findings reveal that a staggering 59% of habitable homes directly dump their raw, untreated wastewater into municipal drains, canals, or open water bodies, effectively transforming them into open sewers. Even ostensibly affluent enclaves like Gulshan and Baridhara.

Climate change disrupts the ecosystem and decimates nature-dependent populations. The dried fish business in Cox's Bazar relies on raw fish. The community in Cox's Bazar district largely depends on these industries, which have contributed to poverty alleviation and local economic growth. However, they also have mixed ecological impacts, including positive outcomes and challenges such as waste generation. This paper assesses livelihood vulnerability in the coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar and Kutubdia through the LVI, LVI-IPCC, and various statistical tests. Data collection involved a survey of 150 households at each site, two focus group discussions (FGDs) at each site, and one key informant interview (KII) in each area. The results indicate that Kutubdia Island is more vulnerable than Cox’s Bazar, with an LVI value of 0.437. Initiatives for eco-friendliness, such as the adoption of Smart Solar Sun-Dryers, are being implemented. At the same time, the waste from this industry, which constitutes 14% of the waste in Cox's Bazar, is increasingly being reused for fish feed. These findings underscore the dual impact of this industry on the environment and its crucial role in the livelihoods of local communities. This will help policymakers formulate effective strategies for resource allocation, development planning, and policy formulation.

Strong and flexible Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems must be established immediately due to the Pacific Island Countries' (PICs') dynamic development landscape. Geographical dispersion, acute climate change vulnerability, and a variety of socioeconomic contexts present special challenges for international development organizations, especially UN agencies, which make it difficult to ensure accountability, promote learning, and support evidence-based decisionmaking. In order to improve program outcomes, build resilience, and promote community-focused sustainable development, this article contends that bolstering M&E systems throughout the Pacific is not just an operational improvement but also a strategic necessity. Existing frameworks, contextual difficulties, technological opportunities, and the vital significance of national ownership and inclusive approaches including the use of Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE) are all examined.

The major rivers and lakes of Bangladesh are increasingly threatened by pollution resulting from rapid urbanization and the effects of climate change. This study assessed the water quality of the Karnaphuli River using remote sensing techniques, focusing on three key parameters—chlorophyll-a, turbidity, and surface temperature—analyzed through Landsat imagery for the years 2000, 2007, and 2015. These parameters were measured across three representative months (March, July, and November), spaced at four-month intervals, and observed at 15 georeferenced stations. The results revealed a notable decline in chlorophyll-a concentrations between 2007 and 2015 and a steady increase in turbidity levels, indicating a deterioration in water quality from moderate to severe conditions. While remote sensing proved valuable for capturing large-scale temporal and spatial patterns, its inherent limitation in accurately detecting chemical properties such as salinity, alkalinity, and pathogens highlights the importance of integrating ground-based laboratory measurements. A hybrid approach—combining remote sensing with in-situ data collection—can enhance the accuracy of regression models and allow for the calibration and validation of satellite-derived estimates. Field surveys revealed that many river users have already reduced or ceased their use of river water and are inclined to shift to alternative sources if available, underscoring growing public concern over water safety. If current pollution trends persist, the Karnaphuli River may become unsuitable for domestic use within the next 15 years. These findings emphasize the need for continuous, integrated water quality monitoring and management strategies to safeguard river systems and support long-term water resource sustainability in the region.