A monthly resolved coral δ18O record from Sabine Bank, Vanuatu (SBV; 166.04° E, 15.94°S), extending from 2006 to 1929 CE, is used to assess the influence of sea surface salinity (SSS) on the oxygen isotopic composition of coral aragonite at this location. Monthly SSS anomalies at SBV between 2006 and 1970 are strongly correlated with monthly anomalies in sea surface temperature (SST) variations in the central Pacific cold tongue, as recorded by SST anomalies in the Niño 3.4 grid box (i.e., canonical record of ENSO variability, r = 0.68, p < 0.01; lag of 6 months). This relationship demonstrates that SSS in the waters offshore of Vanuatu respond to ENSO-driven changes in the coupled ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific. SBV coral δ18O is also strongly correlated with monthly instrumental SSS anomalies at Vanuatu (r = 0.71, p < 0.01), therefore SBV coral δ18O variations are driven by the ENSO-related changes in surface ocean conditions. A calibration-verification exercise using SBV coral δ18O values and instrumental SSS was performed over the period 2006-1970 CE. A statistically robust transfer function was determined and used to predict SSS at SBV back to 1929 CE. The coral δ18O and SSS relationship at Vanuatu is further evaluated via comparison with a coral δ18O record from Malo Channel, Vanuatu, a site that is 130 km to the east of SBV. The strong correlation between the two coral δ18O records (r = 0.70; p < 0.01) suggests that ENSO drives regional changes in SSS in this region and that such changes can be reconstructed using variations in skeletal δ18O of corals. / text

The oral histories utilized by this research reveal the experiences of those who suffered leprosy in five South Pacific nations, Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. This thesis explores how leprosy and its stigma impacted on the lives of these people, some of whom suffered decades of isolation at various leprosaria including the case of one New Caledonian resident for nearly seventy years. The testimonies of their experiences of diagnosis, removal into isolation, medical treatment and eventual discharge back to their homes implicitly contain descriptions of attitudes of stigma in their communities. This research reveals that where there is openness and knowledge about the minimal risk of leprosy contagion, as occurred in Fiji and Vanuatu from the 1950s, less stigma is attached to the disease. Nevertheless even in these countries, prior to the 1950s and availability of any effective medication, the fear and horror of the physical effects of leprosy was such that the victims were either cast out or chose to move away from their homes. This segregation led to groups of leprosy sufferers banding together to help care for each other. Once the policy of isolation in leprosaria was implemented, advanced cases of leprosy benefited from the better medical facilities and found opportunities for friendships and camaraderie. However, where the conditions at leprosaria were miserable and movements of the residents visibly restricted by fences, as occurred in Samoa and Tonga, there was heightened leprosy stigma. Perceptions of stigma varied from person to person and region to region. Higher levels of stigma were evident in New Caledonia, where leprosaria had been situated at former prison sites and strict isolation enforced, and in Tonga, where the removal of all leprosy sufferers had from the earliest days been associated with biblical strictures asserting that leprosy was a curse and the sufferers unclean. Following the availability of sulphone treatment in the South Pacific in the1950s and the improved medication in the 1980s, leprosy need no longer be physically disfiguring or disabling. Assisted by the generous donations gathered by the Pacific Leprosy Foundation in New Zealand to the medical services at the central leprosy hospital in Fiji, and by direct assistance to leprosy sufferers in the Pacific, the disadvantages that were imposed by leprosy in the past are disappearing and as one contributor to the project said ‘the time of darkness’ is ending.

The context for this thesis is conflict between indigenous peoples and foreign aid agencies over land `mobilisation' in Melanesia. The thesis considers whether or not the everyday activities of rural women can be shown to constitute and contribute to resistance to `development' bank structural adjustment. The research was conducted in Ambrym, Vanuatu, with the permission of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre. The study uses feminist, decolonising methodology, and qualitative methods including five months of community-based research and interviews conducted in Bislama. The findings highlight how the rural women engage in daily activities that maintain their connections with their land and strengthen communal value systems, thus resisting structural adjustment. Also featured are tensions between the women's desires to hold on to the land and to access perceived benefits from the modern cash economy. The thesis concludes by making a case for the need to incorporate everyday resistance into analyses of conflict situations.

Bibliography: leaves 373-418. / xiv, 418 leaves : maps ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Politics, 1996?

Novel techniques for in-situ lead isotope analysis of melt inclusions using multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and parallel Faraday cup and ion counter detection have been developed. These provide for measurement of the critical 204Pb isotope, which has been unavailable in melt inclusion Pb isotope studies, but requires on-line determination of 200Hg to correct for 204Hg isobaric interferences. External standardisation allows for effective mass fractionation correction and ion counter gain calibration. An off-line Tau correction was applied and standard glass analyses suggest that this correction provides more accurate and precise results.

The Choice Modelling technique is an emerging technique which appears to have strengths relative to other non-market valuation techniques. The latter group are important in the assessment of the tradeoffs involved in environmental and resource use tradeoffs. However, the use of these techniques is often criticised where ethical and moral frameworks are involved, where it is unclear how difficult choices are being framed against each other, or where it is unclear how values change according to the scope of the amenity under consideration The primary focus of the thesis is on the development of the Choice Modelling technique, which provides a richer information set to researchers than other techniques such as Contingent valuation method. However, the richness of this data is offset to some degree by the complexity of application, where careful attention is needed for design, application and analytical stages. In this thesis, a series of four Choice Modelling experiments are reported, as well as two small Contingent Valuation experiments. The Choice Modelling experiments were centred on the estimation of values that Australians might hold for rainforest conservation in Vanuatu. In order to frame and scope the tradeoffs of interest within the broad pool of substitute goods (such as rainforest conservation opportunities in other countries), the Choice Modelling technique appeared more suitable than the single tradeoff preservation of the Contingent Valuation method. The results of Choice Modelling experiments involved sets of parameters indicating that the probability of choice depended on a number of attributes used to make up the conservation profiles together with the influence of unobserved attributes. As a willingness-to-pay variable was included within the attributes making up choice profiles, estimates of value were available by predicting how changes in particular attributes could be offset by changes in the willingness-to-pay variable. The major conclusions of the research presented in the thesis were that the involvement with ethical and moral frameworks does not invalidate the use of non-market valuation techniques, and that the Choice Modelling technique has strengths in relation to scooping and framing issues. In particular, the research demonstrates that the information generated from an experiment can be used in an iterative approach to develop more accurate models of choice. As well, the research shows that the amenity of interest, rainforest conservation in Vanuatu, can have positive values for Australian residents relative to other conservation opportunities.

The Choice Modelling technique is an emerging technique which appears to have strengths relative to other non-market valuation techniques. The latter group are important in the assessment of the tradeoffs involved in environmental and resource use tradeoffs. However, the use of these techniques is often criticised where ethical and moral frameworks are involved, where it is unclear how difficult choices are being framed against each other, or where it is unclear how values change according to the scope of the amenity under consideration The primary focus of the thesis is on the development of the Choice Modelling technique, which provides a richer information set to researchers than other techniques such as Contingent valuation method. However, the richness of this data is offset to some degree by the complexity of application, where careful attention is needed for design, application and analytical stages. In this thesis, a series of four Choice Modelling experiments are reported, as well as two small Contingent Valuation experiments. The Choice Modelling experiments were centred on the estimation of values that Australians might hold for rainforest conservation in Vanuatu. In order to frame and scope the tradeoffs of interest within the broad pool of substitute goods (such as rainforest conservation opportunities in other countries), the Choice Modelling technique appeared more suitable than the single tradeoff preservation of the Contingent Valuation method. The results of Choice Modelling experiments involved sets of parameters indicating that the probability of choice depended on a number of attributes used to make up the conservation profiles together with the influence of unobserved attributes. As a willingness-to-pay variable was included within the attributes making up choice profiles, estimates of value were available by predicting how changes in particular attributes could be offset by changes in the willingness-to-pay variable. The major conclusions of the research presented in the thesis were that the involvement with ethical and moral frameworks does not invalidate the use of non-market valuation techniques, and that the Choice Modelling technique has strengths in relation to scooping and framing issues. In particular, the research demonstrates that the information generated from an experiment can be used in an iterative approach to develop more accurate models of choice. As well, the research shows that the amenity of interest, rainforest conservation in Vanuatu, can have positive values for Australian residents relative to other conservation opportunities.

Contrary to the predictions made by classical modernization theory that ethnic traditions and religion would die out, they have proved to be surprisingly resilient throughout the world. In contemporary times various revitalization movements have been on the rise and from Africa to Asia scholars have been debating what seems to be a growing attention to tradition and culture. This thesis, based on empirical material from a minor field study in Vanuatu, will elaborate upon revivalist tendencies in a small island country. The purpose of the thesis is to examine expressions of revival of tradition, their causes and their possible implications for the country and its inhabitants. Modernization theory and the contesting paradigm of Alternative development create the foundation of the work while Globalization and the notion of Neotraditionalism are used as further theoretical points of reference. The thesis main findings are that tradition is used as a political strategy in Vanuatu and that a present neotraditional ideology offers both opportunities and pitfalls to the future development of the country. Based on the understanding gained from the field study, the message of this thesis lies in the importance of keeping an open mind when discussing development.

This Master’s Degree project has been performed on behalf of Vanuatu Renewable Energy and Power Association. The purpose of the project was to suggest the design of stand-alone renewable power supply systems on Futuna Island in the Republic of Vanuatu. Futuna is the easternmost island in Vanuatu with a population of about 400 people. The island covers an area of just 13 km2. The proposed sites for power production were the villages of Mission Bay, Matangi, Herald Bay and Iahsoa. In Mission Bay and Matangi the power should be produced by wind turbines and in Herald Bay and Iahsoa, solar modules are proposed. The results of the study showed that some parts of Futuna Island can be suitable for wind power production and wind speeds in the order of 5-7 m/s are suggested. However, wind monitoring on the sites are required to estimate the exact potential. Furthermore, the study showed that there is less uncertainty involved with estimating the power output from the solar modules. In addition, solar power proved to be more reliable and less vulnerable to local variations in weather and topography. Solar modules are therefore considered more appropriate for small scale power production on the island, at least until the wind climate is better known. The results of the study also showed that proper sizing of battery banks and cables are essential to increase the efficiency and lifetime of the systems. If there are insufficient financial resources in the project, it is therefore recommended in the report to use all resources available to properly size the systems in 1-2 villages rather than to inadequately size the systems in all the villages. / Ögruppen Vanuatu är en självständig nation som består av mer än 83 bebodda öar av varierande storlek. Landet ligger mellan Fiji och Australien i Stilla havet och tillhör enligt FN världens fattigaste länder. Av landets befolkning på ungefär 200 000 människor är minst 80 procent självförsörjande bönder. Förutom på några av de större öarna där man byggt ut elnät till viss del finns det i princip ingen produktion av elektrisk energi i landet. Undantaget är några enstaka dieselaggregatsystem och solcellssystem som installerats med hjälp av privata medel och bistånd. Dock är många av dessa mikrosystem beroende av fossilt bränsle som måste importeras och därför är både dyrt och ofta en bristvara då transporten mellan öarna kan vara oberäknelig. Öarnas geografiska isolation och bristen på infrastruktur hindrar utvecklingen av storskalig energiproduktion i landet. För att förbättra denna situation initierade frivilligorganisationen Vanuatu Renewable Energy and Power Association (VANREPA) år 2005 ett projekt med syftet att producera elektrisk energi på öarna Futuna och Aneityum med hjälp av förnybara energikällor. Landet har gott om förnybara energiresurser i form av hög solinstrålning, passadvindar, biobränslen och höga vulkanberg som även möjliggör produktion av vattenkraft. Landet har därför potential att producera relativt billig och miljövänlig energi med hjälp av lokala resurser. Projektet leds av VANREPA’s grundare David Stein, ursprungligen från USA, och finansieras med hjälp av bidrag från EU. Det här examensarbetet har utförts i samarbete med VANREPA, och med David Stein som handledare. Ämnesgranskare på Uppsala universitet har varit Marcus Berg och examinator har varit Kjell Pernestål. Examensarbetet har även utförts som en Minor Field Study i samarbete med Arbetsgruppen för tropisk ekologi (ATE) på Uppsala universitet och med stipendium från Styrelsen för internationellt utvecklingssamarbete (Sida). I tillägg har examensarbetet finansierats med hjälp av ett resestipendium ur Jacob A. Letterstedts resestipendiefond som förvaltas av Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien (KVA). Syftet med examensarbetet har varit att föreslå lämplig design av de fyra förnybara kraftproduktionssystem som planeras i byarna Mission Bay, Matangi, Herald Bay och Iahsoa på Futuna. Den totala befolkningen på ön består av ungefär 400 människor. Det var önskvärt att kraftproduktionssystemen utformades så enkelt som möjligt. Detta för att underlätta att drift och underhåll ska kunna skötas av den lokala befolkningen på ön men även för att minimera projektets kostnader. Eftersom både efterfrågan och produktion av energi kommer att vara relativt låga var det även önskvärt att minimera alla förluster så mycket som möjligt. Dessutom var det önskvärt att systemen designades med möjlighet för expansion då detta endast anses vara ett första steg i att försörja Futuna med elektrisk energi. Komponenter som inkluderades i designen var vindturbiner, solpaneler, batterier och kablar. Ett antal givna förutsättningar begränsade utförandet av examensarbetet. Dels var vindturbinerna och solpanelerna redan införskaffade vid den tidpunkt då författaren påbörjade examensarbetet. Detta innebar att det inte fanns möjlighet att påverka vare sig val av produktionsmetod eller antal produktionsenheter. Dessutom hade byggnaderna för batteribankerna i de fyra byarna redan byggts. Eftersom det var viktigt att hålla förlusterna och kostnaderna på en minimal nivå kunde därför inte heller placeringen av solpanelerna eller vindturbinerna påverkas, då dessa måste placeras så nära batteribankerna och konsumenterna som möjligt. Utförandet av examensarbetet delades in i tre delar. I den första delen gjordes förberedande litteraturstudier i Sverige om småskaliga energisystem i allmänhet och förutsättningarna i Vanuatu i synnerhet. I den andra delen utfördes under sex veckor fältstudier på plats i Vanuatu. Under denna period genomfördes bland annat en fältresa till Futuna, där de fyra platserna föreslagna för kraftproduktion besöktes. Under fältresan samlades relevanta data in, såsom koordinater för platserna i behov av elektrisk energi och topografiska förutsättningarna för sol- och vindkraft på de fyra platserna. Dessutom intervjuades representanter för de fyra byarna för att kartlägga var och till vad elektrisk energi var önskvärd. Under den sista delen av examensarbetet analyserades materialet som samlats in under fältstudierna tillsammans med ämnesgranskaren på Uppsala universitet. Den förväntade kraftproduktionen från solpanelen och vindturbinerna uppskattades med hjälp av data från NASA, då inga vind- eller solmätningar gjorts på plats per idag. På grund av den stora osäkerheten med att använda dessa data är den beräknade kraftproduktionen inte lika exakt som den annars kunnat vara. När den förväntade kraftproduktionen uppskattats beräknades den nödvändiga storleken på batteribankar och kablar. För att inte underdimensionera systemen inkluderades ett visst antal dagar som batteribanken skulle kunna försörja den givna lasten med elektrisk energi om vind eller sol skulle utebli. Dessutom dimensionerades batteribankerna för ett maximalt urladdningsdjup, detta för att förlänga batteriernas liv. Kablarna dimensionerades för att minimera spänningsfall och i gränsfall valdes därför alltid den större kabelstorleken. Både batteribankarna och kablarna dimensionerades även med hänsyn till övriga förluster i systemet. Studien visade att vissa områden på Futuna kan vara lämpade för vindkraftsproduktion. Dock krävs vindmätningar på plats för att kunna uppskatta den exakta potentialen. Osäkerheten med kraftproduktion från solceller är mindre än för vindturbiner. Denna energikälla är också mindre känslig för lokala variationer och kräver mindre kunskap hos lokalbefolkningen för drift och underhåll. Solenergi anses därför vara en bättre lämpad energikälla för småskalig kraftproduktion på ön, åtminstone tills man fått en bättre uppfattning om det rådande vindklimatet. Kostnaden för batterier är en känslig del av energisystemen som tyvärr inte går att komma undan, då kraftproduktionen är för instabil för att försörja lasten direkt. Det är mycket viktigt att batteribankernas kapacitet dimensioneras korrekt, för att undvika kortlivade system. Underdimensionerade batteribanker leder även till mindre effektiva system då en mindre andel av den producerade energin kan användas. Detsamma gäller för dimensioneringen av kablar, eftersom för högt spänningsfall kan leda till att den producerade energin inte når fram till konsumenten. Om tillräckliga finansiella resurser saknas för att slutföra projektet är det därför rekommenderat att snarare satsa på korrekt dimensionerade system i 1-2 byar än ofullständigt dimensionerade system i alla fyra byarna.

Entertainment-Education (EE), or ‘Edutainment’ as it has come to be known, is a prominent discipline and communicative practice, both in international and community development, and is utilised to address social issues and culturally specific norms, some of which may be taboo or harmful.  This research sets out to explore the application of edutainment, in particular Theatre for Development (TfD), through an examination of its practice in a Pacific context; namely, a case study of Wan Smolbag Theatre (WSB), a grassroots NGO based in Vanuatu. Using tangible examples of WSB’s theatre work, the interplay between listening, participation, and dialogue will be examined as they bear on WSB’s diverse operations in Vanuatu. It will also be suggested that edutainment and TfD sits at the intersection of communication, culture and development and in fact, requires all three elements in order to be realised.  Through its use of edutainment and TfD, WSB’s core strength lies in its sensitivity and responsiveness to both culture as aesthetic activity and as a way of life, enabling a dialogic, participatory approach that provides a stage for subaltern community voices to identify issues, and importantly, solutions to their own problems.  The Pacific Region poses a complex landscape for development research and the same applies in the area of communication for development and social change. Due to its vast geographical area but often small population sizes, Pacific-focused research and data can be difficult to source, both of a qualitative and quantitative nature. This study aims to address one such gap, while also attempting to situate this research in the wider historical context of edutainment.