Research Collaboration

Partnering for science-led, Pacific-centred solutions

The Land Resources Division (LRD) works in partnership with regional and international research organisations to generate science, innovation and evidence that respond to the priorities of Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). Our research collaborations are grounded in Pacific contexts, guided by member-driven priorities, and designed to deliver practical, long-term impact.

LRD brings together scientific expertise, regional public goods, technical networks and traditional knowledge to address complex challenges across agriculture, forestry, food systems and ecosystem management.

 

Our approach to research collaboration

LRD prioritises co-designed, collaborative research partnerships that emphasise shared leadership, mutual value and relevance to national and regional needs. Research is not pursued in isolation, but as part of integrated programmes that link science to policy, practice and capacity building.

Our collaborative approach is guided by:

  • Alignment with member country priorities and regional strategies, including Growing the Pacific: 2050
  • Integration of scientific, technical and traditional knowledge systems
  • A focus on applied, solutions-oriented research with clear pathways to uptake
  • Long-term partnerships that move beyond project-based engagement
  • This approach ensures research outcomes are credible, actionable and accessible across the region. 

LRD collaborates with research partners across five interconnected thematic areas:

  • Climate change and resilience
  • Regenerative agriculture and forestry
  • Food and nutrition security
  • Healthy ecosystems, including One Health approaches
  • Institutional effectiveness

These themes support interdisciplinary research that addresses the interdependence of land, people, ecosystems and livelihoods in Pacific contexts. 

A cornerstone of LRD’s research collaboration is the Pacific Regional Research Agenda (RRA) — a member-driven coordination mechanism that identifies and prioritises research needs across the region on a biennial basis.

Through the RRA, LRD:

  • Facilitates collaboration among countries, researchers and partners
  • Aligns research investment with national development and agriculture strategies
  • Identifies scalable innovations to inform policy and development programming
  • Strengthens regional coordination and shared ownership of research outcomes

This mechanism ensures research collaborations are responsive, coordinated and regionally endorsed. 

What LRD offers research partners

Partners working with LRD benefit from:

  • Access to regional public goods, including conserved genetic resources, data platforms and scientific services
  • Strong links with government ministries, regional technical networks and communities across PICTs
  • Expertise in translating research into policy advice, technical guidance and capacity-building programmes
  • Experience convening and coordinating multi-country, multi-disciplinary research initiatives

LRD serves as both a research collaborator and regional connector, helping ensure research contributes to sustainable, inclusive outcomes.

Partnering with LRD

LRD actively engages with universities, research institutions, development partners and funding agencies that share a commitment to Pacific-led, impact-oriented research. We welcome collaborations that strengthen regional capacity, advance shared learning and support resilient, healthy Pacific communities.

Potential partners are encouraged to engage early to explore alignment with regional priorities and co-design research that delivers value at the country and regional levels. 

 

0