'Changing Currents: Laws and Development in South Pacific Island States'

21 Pages Posted: 23 Nov 2012

See all articles by Susan Farran

Susan Farran

Northumbria University; University of the South Pacific

Date Written: May 10, 2011

Abstract

This paper focuses on the island countries of the South Pacific region, notably those countries which came under the influence of British colonial rule in the nineteenth century. With small land masses and large sea areas marine resources are essential to the survival of these countries. However development pressures, changing life styles, weak central government and lack of resources combine to undermine the marine and coastal wealth of Pacific islanders. In particular there is a tension between traditional patterns of marine and coastal management and modernization. Although custom and customary laws often have formal recognition in the legal systems of these islands, introduced ideas and compliance with international demands threaten to undermine local control and national sovereignty over marine and coastal resources. This paper explores relationship between tradition and change being experienced in some Pacific island states and the challenges presented for present and future sustainability.

Keywords: South Pacfiic, marine resources, fish, customary laws, international laws

JEL Classification: K00, N50, N57, Q22

Suggested Citation

Farran, Susan, 'Changing Currents: Laws and Development in South Pacific Island States' (May 10, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2179494 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2179494

Susan Farran (Contact Author)

Northumbria University ( email )

City Campus East
208, City Campus East-1
Newcastle upon tyne, NE1 8ST
United Kingdom

University of the South Pacific ( email )

Laucala Campus
Suva
Fiji

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
53
Abstract Views
920
Rank
681,640
PlumX Metrics