Environmental and technical officers from across the Pacific islands gathered in Apia, Samoa this week for a regional workshop focused on strengthening capacity in the utilisation of geospatial technologies and data management of climate data for a sustainable and resilient Pacific.
The workshop was conducted from 23-26 June and covered essential digital tools used in environmental monitoring and decision making, including Google Earth Engine (GEE), Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), QField, and the Pacific Environment Data Portal. Participants engaged in practical exercises that built their understanding of how these technologies can used to support tangible, evidence based environmental action.
SPREP’s Director of Environmental Governance, Mr. Jope Davetanivalu highlighted the workshop’s significance: “This training equips our Pacific island members with powerful, open-source tools that can be used in-country to manage and analyse environmental data. These skills are crucial for informed policy, climate resilience planning, and sustainable development.”
Highlighted during the interactive sessions was the integration of QGIS, a free and open-source GIS software, with QField, a mobile app that enables field-based data collection. Participants applied both tools during a practical field exercise at the Vailima Botanical Garden, where they mapped climate-resilient plant species demonstrating the direct application of geospatial technology in the field.
Complementing this was a hands-on training on the Google Earth Engine, a cloud-based platform offering access to global satellite imagery and the analysis of high quality datasets including thematic areas such as environment and climate. Participants explored long term climate data, such as mean rainfall patterns and learned how to filter and analyze this information within the specific context of their own countries to extract meaningful insights.
Familiarisation with the Pacific Environment Data Portal was another highlight of the workshop. This regional platform allows Pacific countries to securely store, share, and reliably access environmental datasets critical to national reporting, planning, and decision making. “Learning to use these tools step by step really helped me build confidence,” said Ms Mele Vaea Katrea from Tuvalu. “It’s not just about using the data but understanding how to manage it properly so we can strengthen our capacity and make informed decisions back home."
The workshop aligns with SPREP’s mission to enhance the capacity of its member countries to manage and respond to environmental challenges through better use of data and technology. It is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Pacific institutions in their ability to collect, manage, and apply environmental data effectively. “Capacity building like this ensures that Pacific countries are not just data users but also data producers and owners,” noted Ms Tavita Sua, SPREP’s System Analyst. He added “Data ownership is key to sustainable development and self-determined action in the face of climate and environmental change.”
Fifteen participants from 11 Pacific island countries – Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu – participated in the workshop.
Joint Regional Workshop on Climate Data Management and Geospatial Information Technology was held in Apia, Samoa from 23 – 26 June 2025 and marks a continued commitment by SPREP and its partners to support resilient, informed, and empowered Pacific communities. Hosted at the Sheraton Aggie Grey’s Hotel in Apia, the training was supported with funding support from Enhancing Climate Information and Knowledge Services for Resilience in 5 Island Countries of the Pacific Ocean (UNEP CISPac-5) programme, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) Climate Change Policy, Operational and Advisory and Enabling and Support, and the Emma Luke Fund initiative.
For more information on SPREP’s work on Environmental Data Management, please contact Mr Tavita Sua at tavitas@sprep.org
For more information on SPREP’s work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), please contact Ms Vani Koroisamanunu at vanik@sprep.org