This year, Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) is continuing its work across the Pacific through a new research project funded under the Transparency International Indo-Pacific Partnership (TIIPP) programme, with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The project builds on the relationships and conversations developed through our Pacific webinar series last year. During those webinars, we connected with civil society organisations, journalists, governance advocates, and community leaders across the region who shared a common concern: communities need better access to information and data if they are to hold governments and decision-makers accountable.
Again and again, we heard that people wanted clearer, more accessible information about how environmental decisions are made, who benefits, and how communities can participate in those processes. Access to information is critical for transparency, accountability, and reducing corruption risks — particularly in sectors that directly affect people’s livelihoods, cultures, and futures.
This year’s pilot research project focuses on two areas:
- Environmental information on Fisheries in Fiji
- Environmental information on extractives (mining) in Solomon Islands
The research is assessing how environmental information is made available to the public, including how easy it is for communities, civil society, media, and people with disabilities to access information that affects them. The project also examines the practical realities of requesting information from governments and agencies, and whether existing systems support meaningful public participation and oversight.
We are pleased to be working alongside researchers from Fiji and Solomon Islands who contributed to our work last year. Their local knowledge, relationships, and contextual understanding are central to this project and help ensure the research reflects Pacific realities and experiences.
The researchers are currently mapping environmental information systems, identifying barriers to access, and gathering insights from civil society, government, media, business, and community stakeholders.
Draft country findings are due in July, followed by a consolidated regional report and final review process through August and September. The project will finish with a public launch and presentation of findings later this year.
One of the key goals of the pilot is to develop practical recommendations and a rapid assessment approach that could be adapted and used more widely across Pacific governance in the future.
Keep an eye out later this year for the online launch of the final research report, where our Pacific researchers will share findings, reflections, and lessons from the project.
We look forward to continuing these important conversations about transparency, accountability, and access to information across the Pacific.
