The Sustainable Urban Solutions seminar hosted by The University of the South Pacific’s (USP), Centre for Sustainable Futures brought together three experts—Dr Joeli Varo from USP’s School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS); and Dr Gangadhara Reddy and Dr Ravita Prasad from the Fiji National University.
The trio discussed forward-thinking approaches to urban resilience in the Pacific. Their insights offered theoretical and technical pathways for addressing the interconnected challenges of urbanisation and climate change.
Dr Varo spoke about the rapid urbanisation in the Pacific and how climate change amplified its risks. “The way we build our cities will determine how we survive the future. Urban development should be both inclusive and sustainable.”
“Urban planning must go beyond zoning and buildings—it must involve the voices of the people who live there, particularly vulnerable communities.”
He added that many urban and peri-urban areas in the Pacific were informal settlements and highly exposed to flooding and environmental degradation. Without inclusive planning, these communities will continue to face disproportionate climate risks, he stated.
Dr Varo advocated for the integration of traditional knowledge, scientific research and community engagement into planning.
Dr Gangadhara Reddy offered a complementary perspective, focusing on innovations in construction materials and infrastructure. He addressed the environmental impact of traditional materials like timber and cement.
He proposed alternatives such as red mud, a by-product of industrial processes, with potential in soil stabilisation and reducing carbon footprints.
“This red mud contains high levels of iron oxide and calcium oxide,” Dr Reddy explained. “When added to aggregates, it increases strength and reduces environmental burden.”
He also discussed how innovative flow modelling techniques helped understand soil behaviour.
Adding a vital energy perspective, Dr Prasad emphasised the role of low-carbon energy systems in sustainable urban futures. She highlighted the urgent need for clean cooking solutions to reduce health risks and environmental harm in rapidly urbanising communities.
“Energy demand assessment is crucial for Pacific Island countries to plan effectively,” she explained.
“Understanding how energy is used helps us design systems that are both efficient and culturally appropriate.”
She highlighted that integrating renewable energy technologies with traditional practices could lower carbon emissions and improve resilience.
The speakers reinforced the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and argued that the Pacific must shift from reactive to proactive approaches.
