Student Reflections of TIDES: Training in InterDisciplinary and Ethnoecological Studies of Reef Passages

Matina Kaitapu, Devavrat Bishwa, Amandine Aiglehoux-Bornet, Kelly Brown, Jasha Dehm, Eseta Drova, Ulaiasi Koroi, Veronica Lovobalavu, Sarah-Fina Manulevu, Watisoni Nata, Melody Salesa, Anuata Tetuanui, Dimateisuva Tuivanuaso and Salanieta Kitolelei
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Matina Kaitapu: Savoirs Environnements Sociétés (SENS), French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), New Caledonia / School of Law and Social Science, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Devavrat Bishwa: Savoirs Environnements Sociétés (SENS), French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), New Caledonia / Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji / School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Amandine Aiglehoux-Bornet: University of New Caledonia, New Caledonia
Kelly Brown: Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Jasha Dehm: Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Eseta Drova: Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Ulaiasi Koroi: Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji / School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Veronica Lovobalavu: Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji / School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Sarah-Fina Manulevu: Savoirs Environnements Sociétés (SENS), French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), New Caledonia / School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Watisoni Nata: Savoirs Environnements Sociétés (SENS), French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), New Caledonia / School of Law and Social Science, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Melody Salesa: Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji / School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Anuata Tetuanui: Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l’Environnement (CRIOBE), École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), French Polynesia
Dimateisuva Tuivanuaso: School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Salanieta Kitolelei: Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji / Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Germany

Ocean and Society, 2026, vol. 3

Abstract: The Training in InterDisciplinary and Ethnoecological Studies of Reef Passages (TIDES) summer school, held at The University of the South Pacific, Fiji, introduced early career researchers (ECRs) from diverse backgrounds to inter- and transdisciplinary research methodologies such as participatory mapping and talanoa (story sharing). Fourteen ECRs participated from three Pacific Island institutions, representing five countries and four disciplines. The methodologies in the TIDES summer school contrasted with previous, often siloed training the ECRs experienced. ECRs trained in laboratory-based research and those who specialized in theoretical policy analysis found common ground in interdisciplinary collaboration. For marine scientists, the program highlighted the importance of integrating local and Indigenous knowledge to contextualize ecological data. For social scientists, mapping emerged both as a spatial method and a medium for informing evidence-based policy, revealing hidden narratives—such as customary closures and traditional fishing grounds—that standard interviews often miss. A defining lesson was the transition from individual academic performance to collective responsibility. Participants recognized that meaningful inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration requires attentive listening, mutual respect, and humility regarding the limitations of their own disciplinary perspectives while contributing their specialized expertise. Informal exchanges over shared meals and mapping sessions proved equally valuable as formal instruction, helping dismantle hierarchies among experts, students, and community members. Participants left the TIDES summer school with strengthened technical skills, broader perspectives, and a commitment to inclusive, bottom–up research that values diverse knowledge systems and supports local engagement.

Keywords: Early career researchers; marine science; Pacific Islands; participatory mapping; social science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:ocesoc:v3:y:2026:a:12872

DOI: 10.17645/oas.12872

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