Pacific Islanders have long drawn wisdom from the Earth, the sky and the waves. Research shows the s
One afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
These observations make scientific sense. Distant One afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicul
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should chang
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in futur
children in traditional dre
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AA
A proven, robust syste
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over tim
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damag
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generation
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sens
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate i
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacif
cyclone-hit landscape from the a
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AA
Reading the ocean and sk
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events
These observations make scientific sense. Distant stormOne afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
These observations make sciOne afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
These observations make sciOne afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
These observations make sciOne afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
These observations make sciOne afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
These observations make sciOne afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
These observations make sciOne afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
These observations make sciOne afternoon last year, we sat in a village hall in Fiji chatting to residents about traditional ways of forecasting tropical cyclones. One man mentioned a black-winged storm bird known as “manumanunicagi” that glides above the land only when a cyclone is forming out to sea. As the conversation continued, residents named at least 11 bird species, the odd behaviour of which signalled imminent changes in the weather.
As we were leaving later that evening, an elder took us aside. He was pleased we had taken their beliefs seriously and said many older Pacific people won’t talk about traditional knowledge for fear of ridicule.
This reflects the dominance of science-based understandings in adapting to climate change and its threats to ways of life. Our new research suggests this attitude should change.
We reviewed evidence on traditional knowledge in the Pacific for coping with climate change, and found much of it was scientifically plausible. This indicates such knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future.
children in traditional dress
Traditional knowledge should play a significant role in sustaining Pacific Island communities in future. Tracey Nearly/AAP
A proven, robust system
Our research was co-authored with 26 others, most Pacific Islanders with long-standing research interests in traditional knowledge.
People have inhabited the Pacific Islands for 3,000 years or more and have experienced many climate-driven challenges to their livelihoods and survival. They have coped not by luck but by design – through robust systems of traditional knowledge built by diverse groups of people over time.
The main short-term climate-related threats to island livelihoods in the Pacific are tropical cyclones which can damage food crops, pollute fresh water and destroy infrastructure. Prolonged droughts – common during El Niño events in the southwest Pacific – also cause widespread damage.
Traditional knowledge in the Pacific explains the causes and manifestations of natural phenomena, and identifies the best ways to respond. It is commonly communicated orally between generations.
Here, we describe such knowledge relating to animals, plants, water and sky – and show how these beliefs make scientific sense.
It’s important to note, however, that traditional knowledge has its own intrinsic value. Scientific explanations are not required to validate it.
Read more: Secrets in the canopy: scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific
cyclone-hit landscape from the air
Tropical cyclones can cause widespread damage in the Pacific. Pictured: the aftermath of Cyclone Harold in Vanuatu, 2020. Luke Ebbs/Save The Children via AAP
Reading the ocean and sky
Residents of Fiji’s Druadrua Island interpret breaking waves to predict a cyclone as long as one month before it hits. In Vanuatu’s Torres Islands, 13 phrases exist to describe the state of the tide, including anomalies that herald uncommon events.
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