This is the first in the ‘Fono in the Fale’ series, discussing the topic: Tourism and Covid-19 in the Pacific: a return to the Vanua.
Fono in the Fale is a Pacific Centre initiative drawing on Pacific resources and people around Aotearoa to talanoa about Pacific Issues in the region as well as here in Aotearoa. These sessions are ideal for any staff or student of Unitec but it is particularly useful for teaching staff working with Pacific students and who want to expand their understanding of Pacific peoples and Pacific Epistemologies.
- When: Friday 28 May, 1.00pm – 2.00pm
- Where: B170-1016. Also livestreamed – link to be sent to registered attendees prior to the event
- Please register to assist with event set-up
Register now, for the in-person or livestream event!
Topic: Tourism and Covid-19 in the Pacific: a return to the Vanua
Dr Apisalome Movono
Speaker: Dr Apisalome Movono, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Development Studies, Massey University, New Zealand
Like most SIDS, Fiji’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, and as elsewhere in the Pacific, this has virtually collapsed. Very few studies have examined the longitudinal changes experienced by indigenous communities in responding to tourism perturbations and volatility. Based on ethnographic experience, this presentation discusses findings from over a decade of community-based research conducted in Vatuolailai village along the Coral Coast of Fiji. This presentation seeks to extend our understanding of how indigenous Pacific knowledge, culture, and livelihood systems establish security and resilience for community members. Ultimately, the presentation asserts that a return to the status quo (post-pandemic) must be done so in a manner that considers indigenous kinship with nature as a cornerstone for building resilience in a world of increasing uncertainty and disorder.
Dr Apisalome Movono
Apisalome Movono joined Massey University in 2020 after ten years serving in various positions at the University of the South Pacific (USP), with a little ‘time out to complete his PhD at Griffith University. His research draws on postmodernist techniques seeking to improve our understanding of resilience, sustainable livelihoods, climate change and tourism development in the Pacific islands. He is Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Development Studies and also member of WINTA and PERL Network.
For enquiries on Fono in the Fale, please contact Pacific Success Navigator Lupeti Fihaki: lfihaki@untiec.ac.nz