24 March 2026, Apia - The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand, have strengthened their cooperation to assist the Pacific’s journey towards a more resilient Pacific environment.
SPREP and the University of Canterbury signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday, providing a framework of cooperation between the parties on issues of mutual concern. This includes collaboration to strengthen systems, institutions, organisations and individuals concerned with environmental protection in the Pacific region
The MOU was signed by SPREP Acting Director General, Ms Easter Chu Shing and Distinguished Professor and Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific Steven Ratuva, at the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) in the presence of SPREP’s Senior Leadership Team and a delegation from UC.
Acting Director General Ms Chu Shing welcomed UC to the family of educational institutions the Secretariat has signed memorandums with, in its ongoing efforts to work with communities, to build a resilient Pacific environment.
“SPREP is honoured to sign this MOU with the University of Canterbury today,” said Ms Chu Shing. “The signing today builds on ongoing cooperation with UC, including the partnership with the University of Canterbury to host the Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025) in Christchurch, last year.”
Known as the largest climate adaptation science conference in the world, SPREP was involved with the organisation and delivery of AF2025 including supporting the participation of Pacific Island delegates and enhancing the visibility of the Pacific.
SPREP is a regional, intergovernmental organisation comprising 26 members consisting of 21 Pacific Island Countries and Territories and five developed countries with direct interests in the Pacific region. It exists to promote cooperation in the Pacific region and to provide assistance in order to protect and improve its environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.
Established in 1873, the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha has a long-standing history of research excellence and offers a broad range of academic programmes and research strengths, including environment, earth and climate research.
The University has the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies (MBC), which hosts the Global Research and Innovation Hub on the Pacific (GRIPac). The MBC is a world-class centre for interdisciplinary Pacific research, promoting understanding of Pacific peoples, cultures, histories, arts, politics, environment, resources, and development.
“We are very pleased with the step we have taken today to formalise our collaboration,” said Distinguished Professor and Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific Ratuva.
“The cooperation between SPREP and the University of Canterbury goes back a long way, the Pacific Ocean Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA), the largest climate adaptation study focused on Pacific islands, launched at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2024, is one of those collaborations.
“The success of the AF2025 was another key milestone. So the signing today is a natural evolution of that relationship and we look forward to working with SPREP to build on the foundation already established.”
Distinguished Professor Ratuva was accompanied by Mr Chris Houghton, Pacific Academic Lead, Ms Thea Kleiber, Director of Advancement Engagement with Alumni and Philanthropy and Ms Samantha Boon, Alumni Relations Manager.