🌏 IMSPARK: Sustainable and Inclusive UN Tourism in the Pacific🌏

🌏 Imagine... Sustainable and Inclusive UN Tourism in the Pacific🌏

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region will follow the UN tourism guidelines to restart tourism in a way that is safe, seamless, and responsible. 

🔗Link: 

Ref Here

📚Source: 

UNWTO. (2020, May 28). UNWTO launches global guidelines to restart tourism. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

By adopting measures such as health and safety protocols, digital transformation, and stakeholder collaboration, the Pacific region will enhance its tourism competitiveness and resilience, while also contributing to the global goals of sustainable development, climate action, and social justice.⚖️Tourism is a vital sector for the Pacific region, as it provides income, employment, and opportunities for many island communities. 🛫However, tourism has also been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted travel, reduced demand, and threatened livelihoods. 🌴The UN tourism guidelines offer a roadmap for the Pacific region to rebuild its tourism industry in a way that is not only profitable, but also sustainable and inclusive. 🏗️The guidelines aim to restore confidence among travelers and stakeholders, foster innovation and digitalization, and working toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

#UNTourism,#PacificRegion, #SustainableTourism, #InclusiveTourism,#Resilience,#RICEWEBB,#IMSPARK,

⚕️ IMSPARK: Resilient and Healthy Pacific in the Face of Climate Change⚕️

⚕️ Imagine... Resilient and Healthy Pacific in the Face of Climate Change⚕️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

In the next 3-5 years, the Pacific region will strengthen its capacity to cope with the health impacts of climate change, such as heat stress, vector-borne diseases, mental health issues, and food insecurity. 

🔗Link: 

Ref Here

📚Source: 

HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity. (2024, February). Climate and Health Outlook. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

By implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies, such as early warning systems, disaster preparedness, renewable energy, ⚡️and community engagement, the Pacific region will protect the health and well-being of its people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized groups. 🌡️Climate change threatens health in the Pacific region, home to diverse cultures, ecosystems, and economies. 

The Pacific region is highly exposed to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching.🌊 These hazards can affect the availability and quality of water, food, and air, as well as the spread of infectious diseases and the population’s mental health.🌺The Pacific region also faces health inequities and environmental injustices, as some groups, such as indigenous peoples, low-income communities, and coastal dwellers, are more vulnerable and have less access to health care and social services. 🏥The Pacific region has the opportunity and responsibility to address these challenges and ensure a resilient and healthy future for its people and the planet.

#ClimateChange,#HealthEquity, #Resilience,#DiseaseControl,#FoodSecurity,#IMSPARK,

🌊IMSPARK: Enhanced Resilience and Emergency Management in the Pacific🌊

🌊Imagine… Enhanced Resilience and Emergency Management in the Pacific🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region successfully integrated resilience and emergency management into its policies, plans, and practices, to cope with and recover from the impacts of natural and human-made disasters.

🔗Link: 

Ref Here

📚Source: 

Bergeron, W. P. (2023). Resilience versus emergency management. Domestic Preparedness. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The article by Bergeron (2023) explores the differences and similarities between resilience and emergency management, and argues that both concepts are complementary and essential for disaster risk reduction. The article defines resilience as the ability of a system to absorb, adapt, and transform in the face of shocks and stresses, and emergency management as the coordination of resources and responsibilities to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond, and recover from emergencies. 🛡️The article suggests that resilience and emergency management can be integrated through a holistic and systemic approach that considers the interdependencies and feedback loops among various elements and actors.

Resilience and emergency management are key challenges for the Pacific region, as it faces the impacts of climate change, natural hazards, and social disparities, which can threaten its security, development, and well-being. 🌟By integrating resilience and emergency management, the Pacific region can enhance its ability to cope with and recover from disasters, and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. 🙌The integration can also support the region’s preparedness, adaptation, and learning, and enable more stakeholders to work together to reduce risks, build capacities, and seize opportunities.

#Resilience, #EmergencyManagement, #PacificFuture, #DisasterRiskReduction, #Integration,#DRR,#IMSPARK,

🏢 IMSPARK: Safe and Sustainable Buildings in the Pacific 🏢

🏢 Imagine… Safe and Sustainable Buildings in the Pacific 🏢

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

The Pacific region has successfully adopted and enforced rigorous and regular building inspections and maintenance standards, as well as innovative and resilient design and construction practices, to prevent the collapse of aging buildings. The region has fostered a culture of safety, sustainability, and accountability, where building owners, managers, engineers, and regulators work together to ensure the structural integrity and performance of the buildings.

🔗Link: 

Ref Here

📚Source: 

Bolan, M. (2024). How to prevent America’s aging buildings from collapsing – 4 high-profile disasters send a warning. Route Fifty. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The article by Bolan (2024) reveals that the U.S. faces a looming crisis of aging and deteriorating buildings, which pose a serious threat to public safety and health, as evidenced by four recent high-profile building collapses that resulted in fatalities, injuries, and displacements.  🛠️ The article also discusses the causes and consequences of building collapse, such as poor design, construction, maintenance, and regulation, as well as the economic, social, and environmental impacts. 🏗️The article suggests some possible solutions, such as adopting more stringent and consistent building codes and inspection protocols, investing in building repair and retrofitting, and promoting green and resilient building practices.

Building safety and sustainability are key challenges for the Pacific region, as it faces the impacts of climate change, natural hazards, and urbanization, which can exacerbate the risks and damages of building collapse.🧱 By adopting and enforcing rigorous and regular building inspections and maintenance standards, as well as innovative and resilient design and construction practices, the Pacific region can enhance its building safety and sustainability, and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. ⚰️The standards and practices can also support the region’s safety, sustainability, and accountability, and enable more building owners, managers, engineers, and regulators to work together to ensure the structural integrity and performance of the buildings.

🌊IMSPARK: A Pacific Future with Resilient and Equitable Communities: 🌊

🌊Imagine… A Pacific Future with Resilient and Equitable Communities: 🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

The Pacific region has successfully participated in the Community Disaster Resilience Zones program, which provides priority access to federal funds for climate resilience and mitigation projects for the most at-risk and in-need communities. The region has fostered a culture of solidarity, cooperation, and partnership, where all stakeholders work together to ensure the resilience and equity of the communities.

🔗Link:

Ref Here

📚Source: 

Griswold, A. (2024). What could FEMA’s new disaster resilience zones mean for communities? Smart Cities Dive. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The article by Griswold (2024) reveals that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated 483 Community Disaster Resilience Zones across the nation, based on the National Risk Index and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. 

🌴

The zones will have priority access to federal funds for climate resilience and mitigation projects, as well as potential private and philanthropic investments. The article also discusses the challenges and opportunities of the program, such as the risk of green gentrification, the need for community engagement, and the potential for regional collaboration.

Resilience and equity are key challenges for the Pacific region, as it faces the impacts of climate change, natural hazards, and social disparities, especially among the low-income, unbanked, and underserved populations.  🤝By participating in the Community Disaster Resilience Zones program, the Pacific region can enhance its resilience and equity, and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.  🌟The program can also support the region’s solidarity, cooperation, and partnership, and enable more communities to access the resources and opportunities they need and deserve.

#Resilience, #Equity, #PacificFuture, #DisasterZones, #Partnership, #DRR,#RICEWEBB,,#IMSPARK 

🔑 IMSPARK: Disability-Inclusive Disaster Preparedness 🔑 (VIDEO)

Welcome to IMSPARK, Imagine Pacific Information Spark! In this episode, we delve into a crucial topic: 

🔑 Imagining Disabilities Empowered in Disaster Preparedness 🔑

Imagined Endstate

💡 Envision a world where individuals with disabilities aren't just included but actively participate in all disaster management phases. They have access to resources, information, and the support needed to navigate emergencies, contributing significantly to community resilience and safety.

📚 Source: 

Arena, K., & Abovyan, K. (2023, May 1), People with Disabilities Take Control in Disaster Preparedness. KBIA.

What’s the Big Deal:

💥 Disasters disproportionately impact individuals with disabilities. The World Health Organization highlights their increased vulnerability. Barriers to healthcare, shelter, and communication make inclusive and responsive disaster preparedness plans imperative.

🏠 By ensuring inclusivity, we not only protect their rights and dignity but also leverage their skills and knowledge to enhance disaster response and recovery efficiency and sustainability. Join the conversation using #IMSPARK #DisabilityInclusion #DisasterPreparedness #Resilience. Let's create a future where no one is left behind.

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining us on IMSPARK: Imagining Disabilities Empowered in Disaster Preparedness. Continue supporting our efforts for awareness, inclusivity, resilience, and responsiveness in the Pacific.

🌊IMSPARK: A Pacific Future with a Shared Vision🌊

🌊Imagine… A Pacific Future with a Shared Vision🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

The Pacific region has successfully implemented the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which articulates the region’s long-term vision, values, and key thematic areas for advancing the Pacific.

🔗Link:

Ref Here

📚Source: 

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. (2023). 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan 2023-2030. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The document by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (2023) outlines the implementation plan for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which was endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in 2022.  🌴The implementation plan provides a roadmap for the region to operationalize the 2050 Strategy, through collective actions, delivery timeframes, implementation arrangements, and resourcing requirements. 📈The implementation plan also identifies the roles and responsibilities of various actors, such as the Forum Secretariat, the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific, the Member States, the Associate Members, the Dialogue Partners, and the Non-State Actors.🤝The implementation of the 2050 Strategy is crucial for the Pacific region, as it represents the region’s shared vision and collective action to address the enduring and emerging challenges and opportunities that affect the region’s future¹. The 2050 Strategy covers seven key thematic areas: environmental integrity, climate change and disaster resilience, ocean health and marine resources, regional security, economic prosperity, social equity and inclusion, and effective governance.🏝️ By implementing the 2050 Strategy, the Pacific region can enhance its resilience, sustainability, and well-being, and secure its peaceful, secure, and prosperous future.

#2050Strategy, #BluePacific, #Vision,#Resilience,#StrategicThinking,#IMSPARK,#RICEWEBB,

🌊IMSPARK: Rising Above the Tide: How Pacific Islanders are Adapting to Climate Change🌊

🌊Imagine... Rising Above the Tide: How Pacific Islanders are Adapting to Climate Change🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

Imagine a future where Pacific islanders are not only resilient to the impacts of climate change, but also leading the way in finding innovative and sustainable solutions. A future where Pacific cultures, traditions, and values are preserved and celebrated, and where Pacific voices are heard and respected in the global arena.

🔗 Link: 

Climate change and its effects on the Pacific islands

📚 Source: 

UN News. (2019, July 15). Climate change and its effects on the Pacific islands. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Climate change is an existential threat for many Pacific islanders, who face rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, coral bleaching, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity. 🌏These impacts not only affect their livelihoods, health, and food security, but also their identity, culture, and sovereignty. 🌿However, Pacific islanders are not passive victims of climate change, but active agents of change. They are adapting to the changing environment by using traditional knowledge, local resources, and community networks, as well as embracing new technologies, partnerships, and policies.🕊 They are also advocating for more ambitious and urgent climate action from the international community, and sharing their stories and experiences with the world.

 #PacificRising #ClimateAction #Adaptation #Resilience #PacificVoices

🔑IMSPARK: People with Disabilities Empowered in Disaster Preparedness🔑

🔑Imagine... People with Disabilities Empowered in Disaster Preparedness🔑

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

In this world, people with disabilities are not only included, but also actively involved in all stages of the disaster management process. They have access to the resources, information, and support they need to cope with emergencies and recover from them. They are also recognized as valuable contributors to the resilience and safety of their communities.

🔗 Link: 

People with disabilities take control in disaster preparedness

📚 Source: 

Arena, K., & Abovyan, K. (2023, May 1). People with disabilities take control in disaster preparedness. KBIA. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Disasters can affect anyone, but they often pose greater challenges and risks for people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, people with disabilities are more likely to be injured, killed, or left behind during disasters.👥 They may also face barriers to accessing essential services, such as health care, shelter, and communication.🚑 That is why it is crucial to ensure that disaster preparedness plans and policies are disability-inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs and preferences of people with disabilities.🏠 By doing so, we can not only protect their rights and dignity, but also leverage their skills and knowledge to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of disaster response and recovery efforts. 

#IMSPARK #DisabilityInclusion #DisasterPreparedness #Resilience

🔀IMATRIX: 2024 Leadership Resolutions🔀

🔀IMATRIX: 2024 Leadership Resolutions🔀

Ref Knight, R. (2023, December 13). 8 Essential Qualities of Successful Leaders. 

Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/12/8-essential-qualities-of-successful-leaders

🤖IMSPARK: CISA’s Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Cybersecurity and Resilience🤖

🤖Imagine... CISA’s Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Cybersecurity and Resilience🤖

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

CISA leverages AI to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats, while ensuring the ethical and secure development of AI systems.

🔗 Link: 

CISA’s Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence

📚 Source: 

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. (2023). CISA’s Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

AI is a powerful technology that can enhance cybersecurity capabilities, 🛡️but also pose new challenges and risks. CISA has developed a plan to promote the beneficial uses of AI, ensure the 🚫protection of AI systems, and deter the malicious use of AI. CISA also collaborates with global partners🌎 to establish guidelines for secure AI system development. 

#CISA,#AI, #Resilience, #Cybersecurity, #Roadmap,#IMSPARK, 

🌳IMSPARK: Safeguarding Health in a Changing Climate: HHS's Pledge to Health Equity Amidst Environmental Challenges🌳

🌳Imagine... Safeguarding Health in a Changing Climate: HHS's Pledge to Health Equity Amidst Environmental Challenges🌳

💡Imagined Endstate:

A commitment extended to disadvantaged communities already grappling with environmental risks. HHS aims to bridge health disparities by addressing key factors, including geographical vulnerability, healthcare access, and socioeconomic challenges.

🔗Link:  

https://www.hhs.gov/ash/ocche/index.html

📚 Source:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Climate Change and Health Equity. 

💥 What's the Big Deal: 

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is on a mission to fortify the health and well-being of all, with a special focus on the most vulnerable. From intensified heatwaves to shifts in disease vectors, 🏥HHS is gearing up to tackle existing and emerging health threats exacerbated by climate change🌦️Climate change, intensifying health threats, and societal vulnerabilities intersect in HHS's comprehensive initiative. Recognizing that disadvantaged communities bear a disproportionate burden, the department is taking strategic action. The outlined factors influencing climate change resilience, 🌡️from geographical nuances to access to healthcare and information, underscore the commitment to inclusivity. 🌈 With climate change already impacting health in various ways—from heat-related illnesses to shifts in disease transmission patterns—the HHS initiative is a forward-looking approach. By addressing root causes, promoting awareness, and fortifying healthcare systems, HHS is at the forefront of ensuring health equity in a changing climate.

#HHS,#ClimateChange,#Innovation,#Resilience,#HealthEquity,#IMSPARK, 

IMOA: Fostering Collaboration For Climate Security

IMOA (Imagine Pacific Original Article)

Fostering Collaboration: Matson and PREL's Crucial Role in Establishing the KASL Climate Security Research Station

BY Dr. Gregg Nakano, Ed.D, MALD, MGeo

8/9/2023 

We overcame significant logistical challenges to build the first KASL (1) Climate Security Research Station on Ebadon, a small island on the other side of the Kwajalein Atoll system.

What you may not know is the critical role that Matson and PREL played in that success. 

 

PREL has been working on a four-track education program to help Pacific Island youth based on: 

1-college prep, 

2-vocational skills, 

3-military prep, and 

4-traditional knowledge. 

Since 2017, PREL CEO Paul Hadik has supported the development of Pacific Allies, an experiential service learning program that helps students, cadets and midshipmen understand the climate impact on national security by transforming Kwajalein Atoll into a living sustainability laboratory.

With the support of PREL, Mayor Kabua, KALGOV, Dr. Eric Rasmussen, ONR and all of you - the Pacific Allies effort has slowly grown into KASL (Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory), which was officially launched this Summer. 

Only one hiccup... 

Because all of this is done organically and out of hide, our outcomes are always "potluck" and only accomplished through trust, goodwill and sweat equity.

This Spring, as we prepared to build the Irene Paul KASL Climate Security Research Station, we were at a loss, because while the cost of the building materials was only around $8,000, the cost of the shipping would exceed $10,000. 

CEO Paul Hadik reached out to Matson Senior Vice President Vic Angoco to explain the purpose of KASL and how KALGOV was building a whole-of-society approach to strengthen climate security throughout the Pacific.

SVP Angoco immediately reached out to SVP Ku'uhaku Park, Director Government, Community Relations and Matson Giving. 

Working together with Dan Kenney, the KASL Climate Security Research Station designer and Gay Mathews, the Director of Philanthropy for Applied Hope, the non-profit partner to Infinitum Humanitarian Systems (IHS), Matson generously donated their expertise, networks and services to get our building materials from the mainland USA to Ebeye City on Kwajalein. 

As the Marshallese say - Jepilpilin ke ejukaan -

"Accomplishment through Joint Effort." 

Thanks to all of you for your blood, sweat, and tears in bringing KASL into existence. 

Special thanks to Matson for picking up the cost of transporting our equipment and construction materials - which provided us the tools to start.

Editors Note: This article celebrates the successful establishment of the KASL Climate Security Research Station on Ebadon, a small island within the Kwajalein Atoll system and the evolution of the Pacific Allies initiative, supported by PREL, Mayor Kabua, KALGOV, Dr. Eric Rasmussen, ONR, and collaborators, culminated in the launch of KASL. Dr. Nakano is a driving force behind many developmental and climate resiliency efforts in Kwajalein. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, a USMC Veteran, and Alumni of the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

                                            Ref: 

(1) Rasmussen, E., Nakano, G., Kabua, S., & Hatoum, A. (2022). Climate-Focused Field Research within the Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory.

🌱 IMSPARK: Pacific Nations Achieving Energy Self-Sufficiency through Renewables 🌱

 

🌱 IMAGINE - Pacific Nations Achieving Energy Self-Sufficiency through Renewables 🌱

 

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Picture a future where the Pacific island nations, often vulnerable to climate change, have transformed into beacons of sustainability. They harness abundant renewable energy sources, achieving energy self-sufficiency and contributing to a greener planet.

📚 Source:

Service, R. F. (2023, July 31). Electrified cement could turn houses and roads into nearly limitless batteries. Science.

🔗 Link:

Science.Org

What's the Big Deal:

🏝️ Imagine Pacific island nations no longer relying on imported fossil fuels. With renewable technology, they become self-sufficient in energy, boosting resilience against economic and climate-related vulnerabilities.🌞 These nations are blessed with ample sunshine, wind, and ocean energy potential. By tapping into these resources, they reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental conservation.🌍 The transition to renewable energy in the Pacific not only benefits the region but also contributes significantly to global efforts in mitigating climate change. It's a powerful example for the world.🌱 Sustainable Development: Energy self-sufficiency through renewables fosters economic growth, creates jobs, and improves living standards. It's a pathway to sustainable development, preserving these island paradises for future generations.

#selfsufficiency, #renewables, #Resilience, #AdaptableWorkforce, #IMSPARK, #PacificIslands,