Back to Current Cohort Amelia Faotusia
Tonga
PhD Candidate, Department of Pacific Affairs,
The Australian National University, ACT
Amelia believes sustainable ocean conservation is not only vital to the livelihoods of Tongans, but also to reducing global warming. She was previously an economist within the Development Aid Unit of the Tongan Government’s Ministry of Finance, and has represented Tonga at the inaugural nine-month Pacific Ocean Finance Fellowship Programme 2019-20.
She hopes to build the capacity of ocean finance and conservation in Tonga by discovering effective financing modalities.
In 2022, Amelia achieved her Master of Environmental Management and Development from The Australian National University, winning the Tiri Tiri Prize for academic excellence.
She is currently a PhD candidate at the University's Department of Pacific Affairs, under which she is exploring blue economy policy and practice in coastal and cultural tourism, with a specific focus on ecotourism in Tonga and New Zealand.
Kate Nairn
Policy Officer, Plastics, Packaging and Food Waste, Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, ACT
With 15 years of experience delivering conservation programs and policy, Kate is passionate about finding holistic, collaborative solutions to environmental issues. Kate studied human ecology and development studies and was awarded her Masters of Natural Resource Management in 2013; investigating the enhancement of Indigenous participation in marine science of the Great Barrier Reef.
After working in climate change and marine issues for many years, Kate now works on improving packaging solutions and recycling in remote areas for the Australian Government. Through her work, Kate aims to support sustainable livelihoods based on human wellbeing, while conserving the ecosystems we depend on.