'Changing Currents: Laws and Development in South Pacific Island States'

Abstract

This paper focuses on the island countries of the South Pacific region, notably those countries which came under the influence of British colonial rule in the nineteenth century. With small land masses and large sea areas marine resources are essential to the survival of these countries. However development pressures, changing life styles, weak central government and lack of resources combine to undermine the marine and coastal wealth of Pacific islanders. In particular there is a tension between traditional patterns of marine and coastal management and modernization. Although custom and customary laws often have formal recognition in the legal systems of these islands, introduced ideas and compliance with international demands threaten to undermine local control and national sovereignty over marine and coastal resources. This paper explores relationship between tradition and change being experienced in some Pacific island states and the challenges presented for present and future sustainability.