Pacific urged to protect coconuts with high-tech tools
Aging trees and invasive beetles threaten the “tree of life” as experts push for tech-driven solutions to protect livelihoods.
Tuesday 28 October 2025 | 05:30
The coconut palm, the “tree of life” provides providing livelihoods, food security and income for Pacific Island communities.
Photo: Supplied
Pacific Island nations are being urged to take urgent action to protect coconuts, a vital resource that supports livelihoods, food security, and income across the region.
Known as the “tree of life,” coconuts provide copra, virgin coconut oil, timber, and other products that are central to rural economies.
However, coconut trees face growing threats. Aging trees are becoming less productive, and the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle is causing widespread damage by burrowing into trees and feeding sap.
Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC) chairperson Bradley Eichelberger, said, “Accurate spatial information and data are key to sustainably managing this essential resource.’’
In the recent past, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing have been used to assess coconut resources in countries such as Rotuma, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.”
Mr Eichelberger highlighted how modern technology is transforming coconut management.
“By using Very High-Resolution image data available in the cloud, artificial intelligence can now automatically count all coconut palms on an island or in a country, or assess tree damage,” he said.
Pacific companies are helping make this technology accessible.
The importance of these technologies will be highlighted at the upcoming Pacific Islands GIS and Remote Sensing User Conference, set for November 24 to 27 at the Japan Pacific ICT Centre, University of the South Pacific, Suva.
Themed “Building and Enhancing Geospatial Networks in the Pacific,” the event will gather more than 300 participants from across the region.
Mr Eichelberger highlighted that the region’s strength lies in how we share knowledge and information.
“At this conference, Pacific users will discuss solutions to challenges faced across the region and learn new tools and skillsets. Technologies like GIS and Remote Sensing are already transforming fields from agriculture to disaster preparedness," he said.
By combining satellite data with on-the-ground surveys, we can plan more effectively, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen economies, and build community resilience in the face of climate change.”
The conference promises to be the largest gathering of Pacific Island GIS and Remote Sensing professionals, showcasing geospatial innovation and supporting sustainable development through the integration of science, technology, and traditional knowledge.
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