After 35 years, the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, or SOPAC, has been renamed to reflect the significant expansion in the membership of the organisation throughout the Pacific Islands region.
Its 21 regional countries and territories have agreed that it now be called the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission.
The organisation will though retain the acronym SOPAC because of its wide recognition.
The director of SOPAC, Cristelle Pratt, said it will aim to continue working closely with Pacific governments to protect people from the impact of natural disasters and make more informed decisions about using land and ocean resources.
