🏞️IMSPARK: Pacific Renaissance: Transforming Communities with CBED 🏞️

 🏞️Imagine a Pacific Renaissance: Transforming Communities with CBED 🏞️

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Imagine picturesque communities across the Pacific, much like Macon Georgia's inspiring journey, reinvigorated through the principles of Community-Based Economic Development (CBED). 🌅These towns emerge as vibrant hubs of commerce, culture, and community engagement, igniting hope and prosperity throughout the region.

📚 Source:

Darby, B. (2023). Towns Resurrected. Georgia Trend, 38(12), 28–35.

🔗 Link:

https://www.georgiatrend.com/2023/07/24/towns-resurrected/

💥 What's the Big Deal:

A Pacific Renaissance 🏝️ would not only highlight the transformation of these Pacific communities but also emphasizes the profound impact of Community-Based Economic Development (CBED). 📖 By nurturing local businesses, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering community bonds, these towns and communities have not just flourished economically 📈 but have also become beacons of resilience and inspiration. A Pacific Renaissance could serves as a guiding light, 🌟 illuminating the path for other regions seeking similar revitalization and celebrating the spirit of unity and progress. 💪

#CBED,#Culture,#Renaissance,#IMSPARK,#EconomicDevelopment,#PacificIslands, 

💻 IMSPARK: Addressing the Gap in Pacific Internet Adoption 💻

💻 Imagine… Addressing the Gap in Pacific Internet Adoption 💻

 

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a digitally connected Pacific region 🌏 where every island nation and its people are seamlessly integrated into the digital world, harnessing the power of the internet to empower their communities and drive progress.

🔗 Link:

Visual Capitalist 🌐

📚 Source:

Ang, C. (2023, August 7). Bridging the Digital Gap in the Pacific: Internet Adoption Trends. Retrieved from

💥 What's the Big Deal:

In today's digital world, access to the internet is fundamental for economic, educational, and social progress. 📈 Yet, despite its prevalence, there are still regions, including parts of the Pacific, where significant segments of the population remain offline. 🌊Using data from the Pew Research Center, this graphic provides insights into internet adoption trends in the Pacific, shedding light on who is digitally connected and who is not. 👵Age remains a significant factor, with older generations less likely to be online compared to younger ones. Income levels also play a role, impacting access to the digital world. 📝Education emerges as a key driver of internet adoption. Those with higher education levels are more likely to be connected, highlighting the importance of digital literacy and education programs. Interestingly, gender and race do not show strong correlations with non-adoption. 🌏Join the effort to create a digitally inclusive Pacific, where every island nation and its people are connected and thriving in the digital era.

🌱IMSPARK: Empowering Pacific Communities through Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) 🌱

 

🌱Imagine... Empowering Pacific Communities through Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) 🌱

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Imagine Pacific Island nations 🏝️ fostering resilient and sustainable economies by investing in Community-Based Economic Development (CBED). Picture vibrant local businesses 🏢, empowered communities 👥, and thriving ecosystems 🌿, all contributing to a prosperous and resilient Pacific region.

🔗 Link :

Learn more about CBED in the Pacific

📚 Source:

Pacific Islands Development Forum. (N.D).

💥 What's the Big Deal:

The Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) collaborates with the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) to establish the Island Resilience Initiative (IRI) in Pacific Island nations like Palau, Marshall Islands, and Fiji. 🌟This initiative empowers local public-private civic partnerships to drive the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global agreements.

IRI 1.0 focuses on strengthening collaborative partnerships for system-level change 💪 and initiating the SDG framework for local implementation by 2030.

IRI 2.0 launches a project pipeline to catalyze investments in integrated infrastructure, supporting public-private civic partnerships. 🎯 It also establishes a peer-learning network coordinated by the Global Island Partnership and Hawai‘i Green Growth.

Successful stakeholder consultations in 2018 resulted in action plans for SDG implementation, 📆 frameworks for coordination, and prioritization of SDGs based on national needs. 💼 The Initiative aligns with regional development frameworks and international agreements, fostering resilience, sustainability, and economic prosperity in the Pacific.

#GLISPA,#EmpoweringCommunities,#SDG,#EconomicDevelopment,#PacificIslands,#Sustainability,#IMSPARK,#PIDF,#IRI,#CBED,

🏢 IMSPARK: Communities Making Banks Accountable for Equitable Lending in the Pacific 🏢

 🏢 Imagine... Communities Making Banks Accountable for Equitable Lending in the Pacific 🏢

💡Imagined Endstate:

Picture a Pacific where communities wield the power to ensure fair and accessible lending practices utilizing tools like the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Performance Ratings.

📚Source:

1.      FDIC (n.d.). Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Ratings Search.

2.      Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, & Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. (2022, May). Community Reinvestment Act Proposal Fact Sheet.

🔗Link:

1.     https://crapes.fdic.gov/

2.     https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/files/cra-fact-sheet-20220505.pdf

💥What's the Big Deal:

The charge of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is to drive transformative change, empowering underserved communities, often predominantly of color, lacking access to financial services. The CRA requires banks to reinvest in these communities, but its impact is broader through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These mission-driven entities bridge capital gaps for businesses in low-income regions, offering tailored financial support. 🌏 CDFIs could serve as beacons of hope in the Pacific, fostering economic viability where traditional banks may be absent. 💼 This approach narrows economic disparities and empowers communities, driving growth rooted in community-based economic development. The synergy of the CRA and CDFIs envisions a Pacific where enterprises could thrive and at the same time bolster economic stability and social justice with their investment.🚀By leveraging the CRA and embracing CDFIs, the Pacific could reshape its economic landscape, creating opportunities, bolstering businesses, and revitalizing communities.

#EquitableLending, #EmpoweringCommunities, #CRA, #CDFI, #CBED,#Economics

💰IMATRIX: Funding Opportunities💰

 

💰IMATRIX: Funding Opportunities💰

 Ref: NSIN - October/September

Title	Description	Submission Deadline	Agency
Funding Available for Multiple Technologies	Innovators with technologies to address hybrid-electric power plant development; manufacturing capabilities in low earth orbit; the creation of an application for wildfire and water management informed by NASA data; orbital debris remediation and tracking; and mining and mineral processing may submit their solutions for the opportunity to receive up to $1 million in SBIR/STTR funding over three phases from NASA.	Sept. 21, 2023	NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Funding Available for Prototype Payloads Capture and Recovery Systems	Innovators with the ability to develop and demonstrate a prototype system to capture and recover exploitable payloads from slow-moving, high-altitude aerial systems may submit their solutions to DARPA for the opportunity to receive funding.	Sept. 21, 2023	Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Funding Available for Robotic Technology Kernel Solutions (NEW)	Innovators with the ability to develop techniques and tools to securely run the Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK) software library on a high-assurance separation kernel may submit their solutions to the Army for the opportunity to receive funding.	Sept. 26, 2023	US Army
Funding Available for Mixed Reality Display Panels (NEW)	Innovators with low cost, high resolution medium format displays for mixed reality headsets may submit their solutions for the opportunity to receive up to $1.9 million in funding from the Army.	Sept. 26, 2023	US Army
Funding Available for Low-Cost Laser Sensors (NEW)	Small businesses with low-cost short-wave infrared (SWIR) laser sensors that could enable broader use of SWIR sensors in combat vehicles may submit their solutions for the opportunity to receive up to $1.9 million in funding from the Army.	Sept. 26, 2023	US Army
Funding Available for Digital Solutions to European Military Transport	Innovators from industry and academia may submit digital tools that would enable informed, coordinated military movement planning and execution may submit their solutions to NATO for the chance to win part of an $8,500 prize purse.	Oct. 5, 2023	NATO
Funding Available for Multilateral Autonomy Solutions	Innovators with the ability to improve artificial intelligence (AI)-based detection and classification of objects in still images and video, identify risk factors and improve facility location analysis, or leverage inputs from multiple types of sensors to create common operating picture of an environment may submit their solutions to win part of a $50,000 prize pool from the Palmetto Tech Bridge.	Oct. 31, 2023	NavalX Palmetto Tech Bridge
Funding Available for Multiple Technologies (Pre-Release)	Small businesses with innovations for autonomous systems, machine learning, cyber, cross-domain kill chains (connecting sensors and weapons across air, surface, and undersea domains), surveillance and reconnaissance, and non-traditional defense technologies may submit their solutions for the opportunity to receive funding from OUSD(R&E). This topic is in pre-release until it opens on Sept. 6.	Oct. 17, 2023	Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD)(R&E)
Funding Available for Nuclear-Related Research	Innovators with technologies supporting nuclear re-entry environments, materials characterization, explosion monitoring, and delivery devices may submit white papers for the opportunity to receive funding from AFRL.	Oct. 30, 2023	Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Funding Available for Multiple Technologies (NEW)	Innovators with technologies to support global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based tracking on previously unsupported frequencies or with compact systems to lift, load, and transport fully loaded pallets and containers may submit their solutions for the opportunity to receive funding from SOFWERX. Submissions open on Sept. 6 and close on Oct. 5. There will be an informational webinar on Sept. 7 (register by Sept. 6).	Oct. 5, 2023	SOFWERX

🛣️IMSPARK: AV INCLUSION ACCESS INCREASED FOR DISABLED COMMUNITY (VIDEO)♿️

🛣️IMAGINE... AV INCLUSION ACCESS INCREASED FOR DISABLED COMMUNITY♿️

 (VIDEO)

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a future where autonomous vehicles (AVs) revolutionize mobility for the disabled community, fostering unprecedented access and independence for all individuals. 🌐

🔗 Link:

https://www.uschamber.com/assets/documents/CTEC_InnovationHighwayReport_July23.pdf

📚 Source:

Innovation Highway. (July 2023). Unlocking the Social and Economic Benefits of Autonomous Vehicles.

💥What's the Big Deal:

The integration of autonomous vehicles has the potential to be a game-changer for the disabled community and society at large. By providing enhanced accessibility and independence, AVs can empower individuals with disabilities to participate more actively in various aspects of life. 🌟This transformative shift in mobility can lead to greater employment opportunities, improved access to essential services like healthcare and education, and a more inclusive and equitable society. 👥 Furthermore, as AV technology advances, it promises to reduce accidents, decrease emissions, and boost overall safety and efficiency, marking a remarkable leap toward sustainability and inclusivity! 🌍

#DisabilitiesStudies,#Inclusion,#AutonomousVehicles, #AV,#Innovation,

🌊 IMSPARK: Pacific Economies are seen as dynamic and valued globally. 🌊

🌊 Imagine... Pacific Economies are seen as dynamic and valued globally. 🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate:

🌊 Imagine a future where the Pacific harnesses its organic assets, depicted by 🌱science and global warming, 🎭culture and maritime legacy, and 🐟contribution to the world's food sources, to counter economic projections and emerge as a dynamic and globally valued region.

🔗 Link:

Visual Capitalist - Ranked: The Top Economies in the World (1980‒2075)

📚 Source:

Lu, M. (2023, July 21). Ranked: The Top Economies in the World (1980‒2075). Visual Capitalist.

💥What's the Big Deal:

🌏 Beyond economic rankings, the Pacific possesses invaluable organic assets. 🌊 Its pioneering contributions to scientific research, depicted by 🌱 marine biology and climate studies, are vital for understanding and combating global warming. 🎭 The region's rich cultural heritage, symbolized by 🎨 indigenous art, promotes global diversity and sustainable living. 🚢 With a maritime legacy, , the ⚓Pacific fosters cross-cultural exchange. 🐟 Its oversight of its marine resources and sustainable fishing, contribute to the global food security. By embracing these organic assets, the Pacific can redefine its global influence, becoming a beacon of sustainability, cultural preservation, and scientific advancement, thus reshaping the world's perception of economic strength.

#PacificIslands,  #MaritimeLegacy, #Culture,  #PacificDiversity,#FoodSecurity, #ClimateChange, 

🛣️IMSPARK: AV Creating More Access and Independence for the Disabled Community ♿️

  

🛣️IMAGINE... AV Creating More Access and Independence for the Disabled Community ♿️

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a future where autonomous vehicles (AVs) revolutionize mobility for the disabled community, fostering unprecedented access and independence for all individuals. 🌐

🔗 Link:

https://www.uschamber.com/assets/documents/CTEC_InnovationHighwayReport_July23.pdf

📚 Source:

Innovation Highway. (July 2023). Unlocking the Social and Economic Benefits of Autonomous Vehicles.

💥What's the Big Deal:

The integration of autonomous vehicles has the potential to be a game-changer for the disabled community and society at large. By providing enhanced accessibility and independence, AVs can empower individuals with disabilities to participate more actively in various aspects of life. 🌟This transformative shift in mobility can lead to greater employment opportunities, improved access to essential services like healthcare and education, and a more inclusive and equitable society. 👥 Furthermore, as AV technology advances, it promises to reduce accidents, decrease emissions, and boost overall safety and efficiency, marking a remarkable leap toward sustainability and inclusivity! 🌍

#DisabilitiesStudies,#Inclusion,#AutonomousVehicles, #AV,#Innovation,

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.

IMPRES (Imagine Pacific Presentations): United Nations Disability Inclusion Part 3 (VIDEO)

🌐 IMPRES: UNDIS Part 3: 

Applying the UN Disabilities Inclusion Strategy 🌐 

(VIDEO)

🌐 Welcome back to Part 3 of IMPRESS (Imagine Pacific Presentations), where we continue our journey through the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. In this episode, we focus on practical applications.

🔍 Understanding the Framework: We dive into the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy Accountability Framework, highlighting the crucial role of digital access within the "inclusion" category.

🌟 Empowering Participation: Explore how digital access empowers individuals with disabilities to actively participate in society. It amplifies their voices, enhances communication, and bridges geographical limitations.

📊 Data for Impact: Discover how digital technologies enable efficient data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This is crucial for assessing disability, inclusion, and humanitarian contexts accurately.

🌍 Universal Design and Accessibility: Learn how universal design principles, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation are implemented by the UN to create inclusive digital platforms for everyone.

👋 Closing Thoughts: As we wrap up Part 3 of IMPRESS, remember to like, subscribe, and explore more episodes on the Imagine Pacific Pulse (IMPULSE). Thank you for joining us on this journey of inclusiveness and digital access!

🚀 Don't forget to scan the QR code on your screen for more content on the Imagine Pacific YouTube Channel.

Thank you for being a part of our inclusive community!

#ImaginePacific,#IMPRES,#Inclusion,#DigitalAccess,#UNDIS, #Accessibility, #ImaginePacificPulse,#DigitalEquity,#DigitalInclusion,#DisabilitiesStudies, 

🎓 IMSPARK: Pacific Island Educators Empowered with Innovative Education Program 🎓

 

🎓 IMAGINE - Pacific Island Educators Empowered with Innovative Education Program 🎓

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Envision a future where Pacific Island nations are transformed into hubs of educational excellence. The University of Hawaii's PACMED program empowers educators through a place-based, culturally responsive curriculum, fostering a network of agents of change committed to advancing education, culture, and sustainability.

📚 Source:

Dower, L. (2023, August 28). Pacific island students earn master’s degrees through UH’s PACMED program. University of Hawaii.

🔗 Link:

Read more

💥 What's the Big Deal:

🎓 Picture Pacific Island educators achieving master's degrees in education through PACMED. This program equips them with STEAM-focused skills, enhancing the quality of education across the region.🏫 Imagine a curriculum rooted in native languages, cultures, and traditions. PACMED ensures that educators understand local contexts, fostering meaningful connections between students and their heritage.🌏 The program's ripple effect extends beyond classrooms. Graduates become catalysts for positive change, addressing regional challenges like health issues, climate change, and sovereignty.🤝 Envision a supportive network of educators, coordinators, and past cohorts. PACMED nurtures collaboration, enabling students to learn from each other and inspire progress. 🌱 These educators will address sustainability challenges, such as climate change and sea level rise. PACMED nurtures a new generation that's equipped to tackle pressing issues in each of their Pacific Island communities.

#EducationForAll,#GeographicalAccess,#PacificRegion, #PACMED,#IMSPARK,#Educators

🌱 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,