OUR THINKING · ESSAY NO. 1

The Colonial Hangover

Rethinking the future of Pacific land
By Clint Borle

Much of the Pacific’s agricultural landscape still reflects decisions made for another era. Plantations were established around distant markets, particular commodities and supply chains that served priorities far from the communities working the land.

Today, restoring those landscapes requires more than replacing old trees.

It begins with different questions. What can this land sustainably support? What do the people who depend on it want to build? Where is. the demand for what they produce, and what needs to connect thetwo?

CORA’s approach brings ecological restoration and commercial thinking together. Healthy soils, diverse planting and stronger ecosystems need to sit alongside reliable buyers, appropriate infrastructure and livelihoods that can endure.

The answer will differ from place to place. Productive agricultural land and fragile coral atolls have different possibilities. Each requires an approach grounded in local ecology, community priorities and realistic economics.

Our conviction is simple: restoration has to work for the people responsible for maintaining it. Lasting progress depends on creating the conditions for both the landscape and its communities to thrive.

Interested in CORA’s approach? Get in touch to discuss research, project development or partnership opportunities.