Gilles Pestana

Gilles Pestana is a Geographer at the University of New Caledonia and currently serves as the Head of the Department of Humanities (Lettres, Langues et Sciences Humaines). His research focuses on development policies, Indo-Pacific geopolitics, and socio-environmental issues across the Pacific.

Bridging academic research and societal challenges, Gilles adopts a critical perspective on rural and urban development, migration, and the political ecology of mining. His work is deeply rooted in field research and interdisciplinary collaboration, involving strong partnerships with local institutions and stakeholders. He holds a PhD and an Agrégation in Geography.