A Month of Data Collection in Vanuatu: From Scientific Work to Detective Work

Abstract

Griffith University in the Gold Coast, Queensland conducts research in the South Pacific Islands in the scope of an Eco-based Adaptation project. Most South Pacific island populations and infrastructure are located on the coast and have a lack of sufficient resilience to deal with the increasing incidence of natural disasters such as cyclones or tsunamis. Coastal erosion, flooding and water quality are among the biggest concerns of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the South Pacific. A lack of understanding of coastal processes can amplify coastal problems, increasing risks from natural hazards. In the South Pacific Islands, many coastal adaptations are being built without sufficient knowledge of coastal processes due to a lack of data collection or expertise resulting in the application of inappropriate solutions.