Paradise at risk: balancing population and resources in the Pacific

The main problem confronting most Pacific countries is how to improve the balance between population and resources. The deteriorating balance is largely a consequence of an urban and enclave-based model of economic development that has inhibited the development of incentives to reduce fertility. This has resulted in high levels of internal and international migration that support existing fertility patterns and suppress balanced development. Continuation of existing patterns will almost inevitably increase poverty and stimulate even higher levels of emigration to Pacific Rim countries, including Australia. Pacific countries need assistance to improve and diversify their education systems so that human resources development is more appropriate to their needs. This will help to decentralise monetary activity, reduce migration and promote lower fertility, thereby improving the balance between population and