Niue consists of a single uplifted coral atoll with a unique rugged coastline. It is situated in the Southwest Pacific Ocean within the Polynesian cultural zone. The population of Niue was 2.088 at the 1977 population census, and is a declining population due to outward migration. Niue lies on the edge of the southern tropical cyclone belt, and has two distinct seasons, a hot wet season from November to March and a cool dry season from April to November. The economy is largely dependent on overseas aid. with no realistic prospect of economic self-reliance.
Modern biotechnology and biosafety are new concepts to Niue. Low-level biotechnology has been used by farmers for centuries to crossbreed plants and animals. This has resulted in higher crop yields, bigger animals or stronger plants. Modern biotechnology can now transfer characteristics from one species to another by taking genes from one species and inserting them into the same or another species to produce new and desired characteristics. This may include resistance to disease or to pests.
When you are faced with major challenges it is important to stop, take stock of your current position and then to plan how you move forward. Population and finance are major challenges currently facing this country that need this type of
approach. There are serious concerns that if our population drops much lower than the very things that make us a nation, such as our spiritualism, language, heritage and social values will be threatened. The recent loss of a major source of income has highlighted our precarious financial position. It has
The objective of the Stockholm Convention is to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The convention currently covers the following twelve chemicals: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor,