| Name |
Rolenas Tavue Baereleo |
| Position |
Principal Officer |
| Organization |
Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation |
| Town/Country |
Vanuatu |
Learning Impact and Change
How has the Ridge to Reef Sustainable Development graduate program with James Cook University changed your life – personally, and professionally?
Personally it’s a bonus to have graduated with a graduate Diploma as it enables me to climb the ladder in workforce in Vanuatu from a Volunteer in 2005 to a manager in 2021, additionally it provides me with the skills to be able to continue on with a Masters and even a PhD some days in Ridge to Reef Sustainable Development. Technically, It has improved my skills to think outside the box, to look at development with a sustainable development lens. This training has also provide me with the technical package I needed to improve the management of Protected areas to meet local needs and international standards, ensuring a sustainable resource use and sustainable livelihood for communities at all times.
Tell us the keys to your successful completion?
Commitment and Support from immediate family work family and friends
Why is R2R Sustainable Development vital for your country, and for the world?
R2R is very vital as it is the holistic approach for sustainable development since it targets environmental degradation issues in upland areas that have negative impacts to coastal areas. In this way the whole ecosystem is protected to ensure sustainable development, minimising species loss and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
What is next for you, and how will you continue to champion R2R?
I am currently the principal officer in Biodiversity and Conservation Division of the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, this training gave me the skills to promote Ridge to Reef management approach. With this training it gave me the skills to promote holistic approach to natural resource management seeking balance between social dimension, human dimension and Environmental and livelihoods dimension. I do look forward to doing a Masters program if it is offered in this field or even a PhD in the future.
