Port Vila, Vanuatu: Strengthening Urban Resilience Through Ecosystem-based Adaptation
2025. By KIDDLE, GL, LOUBSER, D, PEDERSEN ZARI, M.
In: UCCRN Case Study Docking Station. https://doi.org/10.7916/mctw-pt15
Abstract: The case study focuses on Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu in Oceania, and addresses its vulnerabilities related to climate change, with an emphasis on its population, urbanisation, and ecological diversity. Specifically, the case-study showcases the Pacific Ecosystems-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) project, which is an innovative initiative encompassing estuarine and coastal rehabilitation, river restoration, and community-based agricultural practices. The project not only strengthens ecosystem resilience but also boosts community involvement, thereby setting a precedent for future climate change adaptation strategies in Vanuatu and elsewhere.
Indigenous knowledge, architecture, and nature in the context of Oceania
2025. By: KAWITI, D.; REFITI, A..; YATES, A.; HETA, E.; BLOOMFIELD, S.; CHANSE, V.; & PEDERSEN ZARI, M.
In: Nature-Based Solutions, Volume 6, 100213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100213
Abstract: This perspective article is derived from conversations between leading Indigenous academics and practitioners in the fields of architecture and urban design recorded at a keynote panel at the 2023 NUWAO International Symposium on Nature-based Urban Climate Adaptation for Wellbeing, held at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. The focus of the discussion was Indigenous design for adaptation to climate change in Moananui Oceania with an emphasis on relationships to nature. Given the diversity of Moananui Oceania in terms of languages, cultures, histories, and worldviews, this discussion represented a unique convergence of Indigenous leadership and thought in the field. It highlighted key themes related to Indigenous design for climate change adaptation and offered a novel, distinctive perspective aimed at advancing thinking around nature-based solutions (NbS). It is important to recognise and integrate Indigenous values and approaches to knowledge generation, particularly within academic settings. In the context of Moananui Oceania this can require adapting oral traditions and formats, such as talanoa, and hui or kōrero, into conventional Western-based research formats such as the journal article. This paper is an attempt to capture important Indigenous knowledge and discussion in a western format to enable further dissemination and sharing. This means the format and methodologies described in the paper do not align exactly with traditional scientific journal article formats, however the discussions and findings help to meet the motivation of the authors, which is to transform traditional Indigenous ways of sharing information into a perspective article format and share insights with a wider audience. This methodology aligns well with the special issue call that this paper resides in (Just, Socio-ecological Urban Transformation: Nature-based Solutions and Traditional Ecological Knowledge), underpinning the relevance and potential contribution to the field. Two key themes were explored within the context of the importance of working with nature; relationships between ecologies and tikanga (customary practices), and looking backwards to generate innovation and resilience.
Working with Nature, Working with Indigenous Knowledge: Community Priorities for Climate Adaptation in Samoa
2024. By: LATAI-NIUSULU, A; TAUA’A, S.; LELAULU, T.; PEDERSEN ZARI, M.; BLOOMFIELD, S.
In: Nature-Based Solutions, Volume 6, 100144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbsj.2024.100144
Abstract: The culturally diverse region of Moananui Oceania, is where many of the world’s nations that are most impacted by climate change are located, including Samoa. Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer significant potential for effective climate change adaptation and are increasingly being explored and utilized in the region both in terms of (re)exploring traditional human designed living-systems created over connected land and oceanscapes, and in relation to contemporary NbS strategies. To explore nature-based adaptation agendas that link closely to Indigenous ecological knowledge and understandings of wellbeing, and that can enhance cultural connections to NbS in an urban climate change adaptation context, the Nature-based Urban design for Wellbeing and Adaptation in Oceania (NUWAO) Vaisigano Project in Samoa was conceived. The project examines and draws upon contemporary and traditional relationships between human settlements and nature in Samoa, as a means to advocate for regenerative urban environments that enhance entwined socio-ecological wellbeing and resilience as a climate change adaptation measure. We conducted a series of household interviews along a ridge-to-reef transect in the Vaisigano Catchment and then conducted fa’afaletui focus groups to ascertain community understandings and priorities related to NbS for climate change adaptation. Findings include that there is great potential in combining local Indigenous knowledges and worldviews with contemporary nature-based approaches to create culturally effective, just, and resilient climate change adaptation measures in Samoa, and in wider Moananui Oceania.
Multiple Roles of Green Space in the Resilience, Sustainability and Equity of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Cities
2024. By: BLASCHKE, P; PEDERSEN ZARI, M.; CHAPMAN, C.; RANDAL, E., PERRY, M.; HOWDEN-CHAPMAN, P.; GYDE, E.,
In: Land , 13(7), 1022. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071022
Abstract: Green space is needed in urban areas to increase resilience to climate change and other shocks, as well as for human health and wellbeing. Urban green space (UGS) is increasingly considered as green infrastructure and highly complementary to engineered urban infrastructure, such as water and transport networks. The needs for resilient, sustainable and equitable future wellbeing require strategic planning, designing and upgrading of UGS, especially in areas where it has been underprovided. We explore the implications of these needs for urban development through a detailed review of cited UGS analyses conducted on the larger cities in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). There are important differences in UGS availability (i.e., quantity), accessibility and quality within and between cities. Some of these differences stem from ad hoc patterns of development, as well as topography. They contribute to apparently growing inequities in the availability and accessibility of UGS. Broader health and wellbeing considerations, encompassing Indigenous and community values, should be at the heart of UGS design and decisionmaking. Most of AoNZ’s cities aim (at least to some extent) at densification and decarbonisation to accommodate a growing population without costly sprawl; however, to date, sprawl continues. Our findings indicate a clear need for the design and provision of high-quality, well-integrated UGS within and servicing areas of denser housing, which are typically areas in cities with a demonstrable UGS deficiency.
Centring Localised Indigenous Concepts of Wellbeing in Urban Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation: Case-studies from Aotearoa New Zealand and the Cook Islands
2024. By: MIHAERE, S; HOLMAN-WHAREHOKA, M.; MATAROA, J.; KIDDLE, G.L.; PEDERSEN ZARI, M.; BLASCHKE, P.; BLOOMFIELD, S.
In: Frontiers in Environmental Science Vol 12, https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2024.1278235.
Abstract: Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer significant potential for climate change adaptation and resilience. NbS strengthen biodiversity and ecosystems, and premise approaches that centre human wellbeing. But understandings and models of wellbeing differ and continue to evolve. This paper reviews wellbeing models and thinking from Aotearoa New Zealand, with focus on Te Ao Māori (the Māori world and worldview) as well as other Indigenous models of wellbeing from wider Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Oceania. We highlight how holistic understandings of human-ecology-climate connections are fundamental for the wellbeing of Indigenous peoples of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Oceania and that they should underpin NbS approaches in the region. We profile case study experience from Aotearoa New Zealand and the Cook Islands emerging out of the Nature-based Urban design for Wellbeing and Adaptation in Oceania (NUWAO) research project, that aims to develop nature-based urban design solutions, rooted in Indigenous knowledges that support climate change adaptation and wellbeing. We show that there is great potential for nature-based urban adaptation agendas to be more effective if linked closely to Indigenous ecological knowledge and understandings of wellbeing.
Centring Indigenous Wellbeing in Just Nature-based Solutions for Urban Resilience: Fonding from Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Oceania
2024. By: MIHAERE, S; LATAI-NUISULU, A., HOLMAN-WHAREHOKA, M.; MATAROA, J.; ABBOTT, M., BAKINETI, T., MISSACK, W., KIDDLE, R., Carter, L., PEDERSEN ZARI, M.; KIDDLE, G.L., BLASCHKE, P., and LOUBSER, D.
In: Handbook of Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (pp. 1-24). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Abstract: Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer significant potential for effective climate change adaptation. NbS strengthen biodiversity and ecosystems but must also center human wellbeing. However, understandings and models of wellbeing differ and evolve; some focus on narrow objective measures, and others are broader and more multidimensional. Some models, for example, from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, premise ecological connection and highlight living in harmony with nature as fundamental across cultures. Different cultures have different relationships with nature, and therefore NbS can have different meanings in terms of cultural values and wellbeing in varying contexts. Climate change also impacts the wellbeing of groups of people differently, with Indigenous people and vulnerable groups more likely to be negatively affected and in greater magnitude. This means that NbS also have a social-justice aspect to them. Therefore nature-based adaptation agendas that link closely to Indigenous ecological knowledge and understandings of wellbeing, which can enhance cultural connection to NbS, and advance justice, are key to developing more effective NbS, including in urban areas. This chapter examines how localized understandings of wellbeing and justice must underpin NbS. This is illustrated by wellbeing thinking from Oceania, highlighting that ecological connection and holistic understandings of human-ecology-climate relationships are fundamental. This is also demonstrated through findings from research exploring processes for nature-based urban design solutions driven by Indigenous knowledges that support just climate change adaptation and wellbeing from specific locations in Oceania.
Traditional Nature-based Architecture and Landscape Design: Lessons from Samoa and Wider Oceania
2022. By: LATAI-NIUSULU, A; TAUA’A S.; KIDDLE, G.L.; PEDERSEN ZARI, M.; BLASCHKE, P.; CHANSE, V.
In: Creating Resilient Landscapes in an Era of Climate Change, Eds: A. Rastandeh and M. Jarchow, Routledge: Oxon. Chapter 13, pgs. 194-216.
Abstract: The islands of Oceania, scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean, are dynamic and complex systems. Pacific Island communities, who first in-habited these places more than 3,000 years ago, have adapted ways of surviving amid these tropical environments and the waves of foreign influences that continuously bring change to their shores. In this chapter, Pacific Island architecture and landscape designs (ALDs) embody Pacific worldviews and a close connection with the environment. They have evolved over centuries and vary from island to island within Oceania. Pacific Island cultures recognize that islands are deeply interconnected socio-ecological systems, in and among themselves, and also in relation to other parts of the world. This knowledge is crucial to the development of nature-based solutions which call for integrated approaches to address climate change, biodiversity loss and other sustainable development challenges. This chapter argues that the evolution and continued existence of Pacific Island traditional architecture and the historical designs and structure of their villages, in spite of pressures, demonstrates the resilience of Pacific Island peoples and cultural knowledge. This knowledge is crucial and must be front and centre in the development of current and future urban ALD strategies that result in both ecological and human well-being benefits. This chapter employs a place-based and Indigenous-centric approach to exploring nature-based ALD in Oceania using Samoa as a case study.
Regenerative Living Cities and the Urban Climate–Biodiversity–Wellbeing Nexus
2022. By: PEDERSEN ZARI, M; MACKINNON, M.; VARSHNEY, K.; and BAKSHI, N.
In: Nature Climate Change. Online https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-022-01390-w
Extract: Understanding this urban climate– biodiversity–wellbeing nexus reveals an urgent need for cities to evolve at a systemic level and suggests a holistic, nature-based approach to urban climate change mitigation and adaptation. Reversing the current feedback loop between cities, climate change and biodiversity loss will require optimizing this nexus of relationships through the strategic design, construction and retrofit of increased green (relating to living vegetation and soil) and blue (relating to water) infrastructure, as well as increased building-integrated vegetation. This would increase urban biomass while producing measurable biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and wellbeing co-benefits
An Oceania Urban Design Agenda Linking Ecosystem Services, Nature-Based Solutions, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Wellbeing
2021. By: KIDDLE, G.L.; PEDERSEN ZARI, M.; BLASCHKE, P.; CHANSE, V.; KIDDLE, R.
In: Sustainability. Special Issue: Responding to Climate Emergency: Design, Planning and Assessment of the Built Environment
Abstract: Many coastal peri-urban and urban populations in Oceania are heavily reliant on terrestrial and marine ecosystem services for subsistence and wellbeing. However, climate change and urbanisation have put significant pressure on ecosystems and compelled nations and territories in Oceania to urgently adapt. This article, with a focus on Pacific Island Oceania but some insight from Aotearoa New Zealand, reviews key literature focused on ecosystem health and human health and wellbeing in Oceania and the important potential contribution of nature-based solutions to limiting the negative impacts of climate change and urbanisation. The inextricable link between human wellbeing and provision of ecosystem services is well established. However, given the uniqueness of Oceania, rich in cultural and biological diversity and traditional ecological knowledge, these links require further examination leading potentially to a new conceptualisation of wellbeing frameworks in relation to human/nature relationships. Rapidly urbanising Oceania has a growing body of rural, peri-urban and urban nature-based solutions experience to draw from. However, important gaps in knowledge and practice remain. Pertinently, there is a need, potential—and therefore opportunity—to define an urban design agenda positioned within an urban ecosystem services framework, focused on human wellbeing and informed by traditional ecological knowledge, determined by and relevant for those living in the islands of Oceania as a means to work towards effective urban climate change adaptation.
Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Wellbeing: Evidence and Opportunities From Kiribati, Samoa, and Vanuatu
2021. By: KIDDLE, G.L.; BAKINETI, T.; LATAI-NIUSULU, A.; MISSACK, W; PEDERSEN ZARI, M; KIDDLE, R; CHANSE, V; BLASCHKE, P; and LOUBSER, D.
In: Frontiers in Environmental Science. Special Issue: Nature-based Solutions for Natural Hazards and Climate Change, online.
Abstract: Climate change and urbanisation in combination put great pressure on terrestrial and ocean ecosystems, vital for subsistence and wellbeing in both rural and urban areas of Pacific islands. Adaptation is urgently required. Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer great potential, with the region increasingly implementing NbS and linked approaches like ecosystem-based adaptation in response. This paper utilises three Pacific island nation case-studies, Kiribati, Samoa and Vanuatu, to review current NbS approaches to adapt and mitigate the converging resilience challenges of climate change and urbanisation. We look at associated government policies, current NbS experience, and offer insights into opportunities for future work with focus on urban areas. These three Pacific island case-studies showcase their rich cultural and biological diversity and, importantly, the role of traditional ecological knowledge in shaping localised, place-based, NbS for climate change adaptation and enhanced wellbeing. But gaps in knowledge, policy, and practice remain. There is great potential for a nature-based urban design agenda positioned within an urban ecosystems framework linked closely to Indigenous understandings of wellbeing.
