The movement for a nuclear-free Pacific recast itself in terms of a Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific, recognising that national sovereignty is a pre-condition of reasserting control over the environments. Resource bases had been ravaged by the extraction of resources and capital. This chapter addresses issues which Islanders face as they interact with the environment which must sustain future generations, symbolically and materially. It raises questions, for there is no agreed framework through which to understand relations between economies, cultures and environments. The new nations largely continued the economic linkages established by their colonial predecessors in order to fund the now essential education, medical and public safety service. Transformations are more visible in the capitals-international news services, hospitals, schools and colleges. Academies prepare sailors to join international fleets. Many Pacific nations seek joint ventures with foreign companies, and purchase fishing vessels outright. The root causes are rapidly expanding populations and urbanisation. The redefinition of mineral resources depends crucially on political context.