Latest

Home

News & Media Releases

Latest

Updated data could lead to Fiji's first oil well

Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:26 administrator

Akura Ltd. could begin drilling for gas in Fiji as early as next year, subject to the necessary approvals, according to its Managing Director, Bill Brook.

Mr. Brook made the announcement at the SOPAC/STAR meeting now being held in Nadi.
SOPAC provides assistance to 19 island countries in the Pacific region through applied geoscience and technology.

Akura is a largely Fiji-owned company that has been given an exclusive 5 year exploration licence to search for oil over a 17,600 square kilometre area from August last year.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 May 2011 17:03 Read more...

How SPC and SOPAC will function under the new structure

Wednesday, 13 October 2010 15:14 administrator

In a wide ranging interview with SPC’s Director-General, Dr. Jimmie Rodgers, and SOPAC’s Director, Dr. Russell Howorth, the two leaders explain the way forward in the latest issue of Island Business (October, 2010)

Three years ago, the Pacific Islands Forum members decided to rationalize the operation of SOPAC (Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission) into SPC (Secretariat of the Pacific Community) and SPREP (Pacific Regional Environment Programme). While the decision of rationalisation was made, how the organisational restructure would work was not.

Read full article here at islandbusiness.com

Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 May 2011 17:04 Read more...

Observer role for SOPAC on French survey vessel L’Atalante

Friday, 01 October 2010 11:45 administrator

SOPAC’s Emily Artack, Project Officer and Cartographer of SOPAC’s Maritime Boundaries Project, is on board the French multi-purpose Research Vessel L’Atalante, as it sails throughout the EEZs of Tuvalu, Wallis & Futuna and Tokelau. SOPAC provides assistance to 19 Pacific countries and territories through applied geoscience and technology.

“In the true spirit of regional cooperation, SOPAC has been invited to participate in this expedition in an observer capacity. As well, Mr Faatasi Malologa and Mr Vakafa Lupe of the Tuvalu Department of Lands and Survey have also been invited to take part in the French Government-funded survey cruise,” said Ms Artack. Our participation in this survey was possible through funding from the University of the Sea programme, based from the University of Sydney, Australia.

Last Updated on Friday, 01 October 2010 15:50 Read more...

SOPAC victorious at mini-Olympics

Tuesday, 28 September 2010 11:22 administrator

In a historic victory that humbled the competition that included aid agencies, high commissions and embassies, the ebullient SOPAC team walked away with top honours at the 2010 Mini Olympics held at Yat Sen School in Suva recently.

The team was hosted to a celebration lunch at SOPAC headquarters last Friday where some of the winning team posed for this picture (below).

Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 May 2011 17:05 Read more...

Flood alert system now installed in Rewa River

Wednesday, 22 September 2010 16:46 administrator

With the continued danger of flooding from the Rewa River, SOPAC, through its Pacific HYCOS project has funded the installation of an ‘upgraded’ Flood Forecasting and Warning system to provide adequate time for those living downstream to take necessary precautions.

Flooding is an ongoing danger affecting Fiji with an average of 10 casualties and close to $20 million in direct damage every year to infrastructure, agriculture and homes; it also is a major interruption to, transportation and inland communications as well as tourism that was seriously affected in 2008, according to HYCOS Project Coordinator Llyod Smith.