Draft for Review Only. Please do not cite or distribute
Review of Current and Planned
Adaptation Action: Pacific
Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati,
Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu
FIRST DRAFT
International Institute for Sustainable Development
April 2011
2
Review of Current
and Planned
Adaptation:
The Pacific
First Draft
International Institute for
Sustainable Development
April 2011
© 2011 International Institute for Sustainable
Development (IISD)
Published by the International
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table of Contents
Abbreviations and Acronyms.......................................................................................................................... iii
Foreword
...................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Climate Projections ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.0 Needs and Priorities within the Pacific Region..................................................................................... 6
3.0 Assessment of Adaptation Action within the Pacific Region ............................................................. 9
3.1 Regional Level Action......................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 National Level Action ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.0 Conclusions .............................................................................................................................................. 20
References
.................................................................................................................................................... 21
Appendices: Country Profiles .................................................................................................. 24
1.0 Cook Islands............................................................................................................................................. 24
2.0 Federated States of Micronesia ............................................................................................................. 32
3.0 Fiji
.................................................................................................................................................... 38
4.0 Kiribati .................................................................................................................................................... 49
5.0 Marshall Islands ....................................................................................................................................... 58
6.0 Nauru
.................................................................................................................................................... 63
7.0 Niue
.................................................................................................................................................... 67
8.0 Palau
.................................................................................................................................................... 71
9.0 Papua New Guinea ................................................................................................................................. 77
10. Samoa .................................................................................................................................................... 85
11.0 Solomon Islands ...................................................................................................................................... 97
12.0 Tonga
.................................................................................................................................................. 108
13.0 Tuvalu .................................................................................................................................................. 117
14.0 Vanuatu .................................................................................................................................................. 126
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Abbreviations and Acronyms
ADB
AusAID
CIA
CIES
DCCEE
DFID
ESCAP
FAO
FINNIDA
FMFNP
FSM
GCCA
GDP
GEF
KMELAD
LDC
LDCF
MIEPA
NAPA
PCCR
PIFACC
SPA
PACC
PNG
PNGMEC
SCCF
SIDS
SIMCTA
SMNREM
SOPAC
SPC
SPREP
TDE
UNDP
UNFCCC
VMIPU
WHO
WWF
Asian Development Bank
Australia Agency of International Development
Central Intelligence Agency
Cook Islands Environment Service
Australia Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Department for International Development (UK)
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Food and Agriculture Organization
Finnish International Development Agency
Fiji Ministry of Finance and National Planning
Federated States of Micronesia
Global Climate Change Alliance
Gross Domestic Product
Global Environment Facility
Kiribati Ministry of Environment, Land, and Agricultural Development
least developed country
Least Developed Countries Fund
Marshall Islands Environment Protection Agency
National Adaptation Programme of Action
Pacific Climate Change Roundtable
Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change
Strategic Priority for Adaptation (Global Environment Facility)
Pacific Islands Adaptation to Climate Change Project
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Ministry of Environment and Conservation
Special Climate Change Fund
Small Island Developing States
Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Aviation
Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Meteorology
South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission
Secretariat of the Regional Pacific Community
Secretariat to Pacific Regional Environmental Program
Tonga Department of Environment
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Vanuatu Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities
World Health Organisation
World Wildlife Fund / World Wide Fund for Nature
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Foreword
In response to a growing awareness of the potential adverse effects of climate change and the
particular vulnerability of developing countries to this process, a significant increase in adaptation
action in Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean has been witnessed in recent
years. These actions are providing opportunities to increase understanding of the implications of
climate change for near- and long-term achievement of development objectives; to identify strategies
and measures that can be taken to reduce climate vulnerability; to communicate and build awareness
of climate risks, opportunities and potential solutions; and to begin taking action on the ground that
builds capacity to adapt to a changing climate.
The recent upsurge in adaptation action globally is a welcome development. However, the
emergence of a diverse array of efforts initiated by multiple actors within numerous jurisdictions has
the potential to create confusion, lead to duplication of effort, and limit the potential for sharing
good practice guidance based on past efforts. Enhanced coordination among expanding networks of
adaptation actors is needed to ensure resources are deployed quickly and effectively.
To this end, a Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action was initiated by the Adaptation
Partnership in 2010. Chaired by Costa Rica, Spain and the United States, the goal of the Adaptation
Partnership is to encourage effective adaptation by serving as an interim platform to catalyze action
and foster communication among the various institutions and actors engaged in the effort to scale
up adaptation and resilience around the world. The Review aims to contribute to improved
collaboration and the sharing of good practice guidance within the growing adaptation community.
Its purpose is to provide a baseline understanding of who is doing what on adaptation in three
developing regions—Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean—and in priority
adaptation sectors. It seeks to provide an assessment of: priority interests and needs; existing
communities of practice; factors that lead to success and could prevent failure in implementation of
adaptation measures; how adaptation is taken into consideration in development planning and
climate-sensitive sectors; and the scope of international support for adaptation efforts in different
countries and sectors.
To guide development of this review, a set of parameters was established to both limit the scope of
the study and ensure common understanding of terms used within it. In particular, parameters have
been set with respect to the definitions of “adaptation action” and “current action,” and to the
selection of countries examined within each region of focus. These parameters are as follows:
A. Definition of “Adaptation Action.” The intimate linkages between sustainable
development and building capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change are widely
acknowledged. Specifically, sustainable development can enhance adaptive capacity by
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
strengthening institutions, promoting sound management of natural resources, improving
health and education systems, promoting gender equity and fostering economic growth. At
the same time, climate change will present new socioeconomic and ecological risks that
challenge sustainable development.
While recognizing that many current development initiatives play a strong positive role in
increasing the capacity of developing countries to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of
climate change, a review of all these initiatives would be unmanageable. Therefore, to focus
this study, adaptation action has been defined as “policies, programs and projects designed
and implemented specifically to address the current and projected impacts of climate
change.” As such, specific reference has been made to supporting adaptation to climate
change, and/or climate risk reduction in the objectives and/or rationale of each policy,
program or project included in the study.
B. Definition of “Current” Action. To further focus the study, adaptation actions are deemed
to be “current” if they are ongoing or were completed in 2009 or later.
C. Projects and Programs for inclusion. A wide range of climate adaptation related initiatives
are underway throughout the world—covering the gamut from original scientific research
that inform our understanding of current and future weather and climate events, to capacity
building and knowledge sharing, to the building of infrastructure in anticipation of future
impacts. While recognizing this diversity, to better achieve the specific objectives of the
review, some types of projects and programs have not been included, namely: original
scientific research that enhances our knowledge of climate change; stand-alone capacity
building and knowledge sharing workshops; and capacity building and training solely related
to participation in the ongoing international climate change negotiations.
D. Countries and Regions Incorporated in the Review. To identify the countries to be
included in the analysis and their regional allocations, the following criteria were considered:
 Inclusion only of non-Annex I Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC);
 Allocation by region in accordance with the classification system used by the United
Nations Statistics Division (UNSD, 2010); and
 The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Development
Assistance Committee’s list of countries eligible to receive official development
assistance in 2009 and 2010 (OECD, 2009).
Adopting these criteria, this document presents the Review’s findings with respect to adaptation
action in the Pacific. It provides an overview of adaptation action at a regional level and in the
following countries: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Profiles of adaptation action in each of these countries are provided in the report’s appendices.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Review of Existing and Planned Adaptation Action:
The Pacific
The Pacific region refers to 14 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) scattered across the Pacific
Ocean below the Tropic of Cancer—the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji,
Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Tuvalu and Vanuatu (see Figure 1). Within this group, five are associated states of either New
Zealand (Cook Islands and Niue) or the United States (Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall
Islands and Palau). All of these countries and territories are listed as Non Annex I Parties to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and five are designated as
among the least developed countries (LDCs) in the world: Kiribati, Samoa, the Solomon Islands,
Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The region is often divided into the three, largely ethnographically defined,
sub-regions: Melanesia1 (western Pacific), Polynesia2 (southeast Pacific), and Micronesia3 (northern
Pacific).
Diversity characterizes the region. Some states are single-island nations (e.g. Niue), while others are
comprised of hundreds of widely dispersed groups of coral atolls (e.g. FSM). In terms of physical
geography, islands are generally divided into two groups: high volcanic islands and low-lying coral
atolls. The former vary in size but usually have more fertile soil and freshwater resources, while the
latter are small, only a few meters above sea level, with poor soils and limited surface and ground
water resources. The islands in Melanesia tend to be large, mountainous and volcanic, while most of
the states in Polynesia and Micronesia are composed of small, low islands.
The region’s 8.7 million inhabitants rely mostly on tourism, fisheries, forestry and agriculture. The
combined value of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Pacific SIDS is about US$15 billion
(ESCAP, 2010). Papua New Guinea is the biggest player in the region, with an estimated 74 percent
of the region’s total population (approximate 6.5 million people) and over half (US$8.2 billion) of its
GDP (ESCAP, 2010). The region has experienced a low average growth in economic output over
the last ten years and increasing trade deficits. Remittances, which are a major source of income and
a safety net for the poor (particularly in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga), have grown substantially during the
last decade. The global recession has, however, led to declines in these transfers; it has also
compounded economic challenges for the region by lowering prices and reducing demand for
Melanesia includes the islands immediately north and northeast of Australia, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea,
Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
2 The Polynesia sub-region extends in the general shape of a triangle from New Zealand to Hawaii to Easter Island, and
includes the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu.
3 Micronesia, lying to the east of the Philippines and north of Melanesia, is composed of thousands of small islands and
includes the countries of Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Palau.
1
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Source: Taken from Map No. 3974 Rev. 15 (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), United
Nations, July 2007.
commodity exports, slowing the growth in tourism, reducing the value of offshore national trust
funds, and decreasing foreign direct investment (AusAID, 2009).
While there are some indicators of economic recovery (ADB, 2010a), there is an overall recognition
that poverty in the region is growing and most countries are unlikely to meet their Millennium
Development Goal targets (ADB, 2010b; AusAID, 2009).
1.0
Climate Projections
The Pacific Island region is already prone to considerable climate variability and weather-related
disasters—including tropical cyclones, floods, coral bleaching and storm surges—which have
increased in intensity over the past several decades and are anticipated to increase with climate
change (World Bank, 2009). Historically, events such as these have had a discernable impact on
Pacific economies; between 1950 and 2004 cyclones accounted for 76 percent of reported disasters,
with an average costs per cyclone of around $75.8 million USD (2004 value) (UNFCCC, 2007). In
the 1990s alone, the cost of extreme weather events in the Pacific is estimated to have exceeded $1
billion USD (FAO, 2008).
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
According to the Fourth Assessment Report (2007) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, observed annual and seasonal warming in the South Pacific region has been from 0.6 to
1.0oC since 1910, with decadal warming in the range of 0.3o to 0.5oC since the 1970s. The annual
number of hot days and warm nights also increased in the South Pacific between 1961 and 2003,
while the number of cool days and cold nights decreased. Precipitation trends during this period are
difficult to discern due to high inter-annual variability. Other observed changes in the Pacific region
include an increase in the number of category 4 and 5 storms in the southwest Pacific and in tropical
cyclone activity (east of 160oE), particularly in association with El Niño events. As well, Pacific basin
sea levels have been increasing by 0.77 mm/year (Mimura et al, 2007, and citations therein).
In the future, the Pacific region is anticipated to experience warming of approximately 0.8 o to 1.8°C
by mid-century, reaching 1o to 3.1°C by the end of the century, as presented in Table 1 (Mimura et
al, 2007).4 However, because of challenges in scaling climate projections, these forecasts apply to
open ocean surfaces rather than small island land surfaces; as a result, land-based temperature
changes may in fact be higher than
Table 1: Projected effects of climate change on temperature and
these projections for the Pacific region. precipitation in the Southern Pacific region (Mimura et al, 2007)
Although the frequency of extreme Period
Projected increase in
Projected change in
temperatures is likely to increased,
temperature (ºC) relative precipitation (%) relative
to 1961-1990
to 1961-1990
current projections do not anticipate
0.45 to 0.82
-3.9 to + 3.4
significant changes in the range of 2010 to 2039
0.80 to 1.79
-8.23 to +6.7
daytime and night time temperatures, 2040 to 2069
0.99 to 3.11
-14.0 to +14.6
and seasonal temperature variations are 2070 to 2099
likely to be minimal (Mimura et al,
2007).
Precipitation projections for the region are less certain, with models predicting both moderate
increases and decreases in annual rainfall for most of the southern Pacific, as identified in Table 1.
Certain studies anticipate more rainfall during the summer period, along with a likely increase in
daily rainfall intensity (Lal, 2004). As the climate warms, the number of intense cyclones is also likely
to increase, although their frequency (at a global level) may decline (Meehl et al., 2007).
Given the low-lying nature of many Pacific islands, sea-level rise is a serious shared concern.
Globally, sea levels are projected rise by 0.19 to 0.58 meters5 over the course of this century (2080 to
Projected temperature and precipitation levels based upon a study completed by Ruosteenoja et al (2003) that used
seven coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation models and the A1F1 (high), A2 (medium-high), B1 (low) and B2
(medium-low) emission scenarios of the IPCC’s Special Report on Emission Scenarios. These findings are consistent
with previous findings of the IPCC (Mimura et al, 2007).
5 Projection based upon use of six IPCC emissions scenarios and in comparison to a base period of 1980 to 1999. The
IPCC emission scenarios present a range of sea level rise predictions, based on various emissions scenarios and resulting
from thermal expansion of the oceans and land ice changes. On one end of the spectrum, under the B1 emissions
4
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
2099; Meehl et al, 2007). The degree of change in the Pacific will depend in part on non-climatic
factors such as island tectonic settings (Mimura et al, 2007). Should sea-level rise reach half a meter
or more, the land area of Fiji and Kiribati would be reduced considerably—a scenario that likely
would not occur until the 2070 to 2090 period (Preston et al, 2006).
The vulnerability of Pacific island countries to the effects of climate change is exacerbated by their
limited adaptive capacity and unique geographic characteristics, including a small but rapidly
expanding population, limited size, remoteness, proneness to natural disasters, dependence on
international trade, and vulnerability to international economic shocks (Mimura et al, 2007).
2.0 Needs and Priorities within the Pacific Region
Pacific island countries have identified their adaptation needs and priorities through National
Communications to the UNFCCC, National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs), and other
policy documents. The priority areas of concern for these countries are summarized in Table 2. The
most commonly shared priorities including the following areas: coastal zones and fisheries; water;
agriculture; health; and forestry, biodiversity and nature.
Coastal zones and fisheries
Climate change is anticipated to adversely affect the coastal zones of Pacific island countries, with
impacts including sea level rise, bleaching of corals, loss of wetlands, flooding and erosion, and
endangerment of mangroves (SIMCTA, 2004; SMNREM, 2005; PNGMEC, 2000). Sea level rise,
along with larger storm surges and more intense tropical cyclones, also presents a danger to Pacific
island infrastructure (such as international airports and roads), nearly all of which are located in
coastal locations. So too are the capital cities of Pacific SIDS, as well as the majority of the
population of these island nations (Mimura et al, 2007).
In addition to these coastal impacts, rising ocean temperatures, changes in the occurrence and
intensity of the El Niño Southern Oscillation and damage to corals is expected to affect fish
circulation patterns, and may cause a decline in primary production of fisheries in tropical oceans
(Mimura et al, 2007; FAO, 2008).6 Under a high emissions scenario, reef systems within the Coral
scenario of the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (2001), global sea levels are expected to rise from between 0.18m
to 0.38m over the course of the century. On the opposite end of the spectrum, emissions scenario A1F1 predicts a
global sea level rise of between 0.25m and 0.6m over the same time period. There is still a significant amount of
uncertainty in these projections, as records on sea level rise remain relatively short and there are uncertainties relating to
the loss of land ice (Meehl et al, 2007).
6 The health of coral reefs and the marine ecosystems that support fisheries is also likely to be affected by “rising sea
level, increased turbidity, nutrient loading and chemical pollution, damage from tropical cyclones, and decreases in
growth rates due to the effects of higher carbon dioxide concentrations on ocean chemistry” (Minura et al, 2007: 689).
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
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Fiji
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Kiribati
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Marshall Islands
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Nauru
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Niue
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Palau
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Papua New Guinea
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Samoa
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Solomon Islands
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Tonga
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Tuvalu
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Vanuatu
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Research,
Meteorology
Micronesia
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Policy
integration
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Public
awareness
Tourism

Forestry

Fisheries
Cook Islands
Health
Agriculture

Water
Resources

Coastal Zones
Biodiversity and
nature
Table 2: Identified sectors of concern in Pacific countries
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Triangle7 could produce 80 percent less fish by 2100 compared with current production levels
(Oxfam, 2009). Given that the fisheries sector is a key source of income (and food security) for
many Pacific islanders, these changes may have significant economic impacts for these countries
(Oxfam, 2009).8
Adaptation measures proposed by countries within the Pacific region to address the vulnerability of
coastal zones and the fisheries sector include: the establishment of land-use policies that encourage
settlement away from low-lying areas; mangrove and reef protection measures, including creation of
protected areas; establishment of a sea-level monitoring center; improved public awareness; upgrade
and restoration of coastal defenses; establishment of early-warning systems; resettlement of urban
areas; and marine breeding and restocking programs (FMFNP, 2005; KMELAD, 2007; PNGMEC,
2000; SIMCTA, 2004; SMNREM, 2005; TDE, 2005).
The Coral Triangle refers to a marine area almost 6 million square kilometers in size that encompasses the Philippines,
Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas of
the world, containing at least 500 species of reef-building coral (WWF, n.d).
8 Within certain countries in the region, fish exports account for up to 73 percent of total exports (FAO, 2008).
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Water
Most small islands already experience limited access to freshwater resources due to their small size,
geology and topography. The quality and quantity of water resources within the Pacific are very
likely to be further compromised by climate change through a potential combination of reduced
precipitation,9 more variable rainfall, coastal inundation and salt water intrusion, along with nonclimatic factors such as deforestation, possible soil erosion and pollution (Mimura et al, 2007;
SMNREM, 2005; SIMCTA, 2004). In the past, periods of droughts have depleted rainfall collection
supplies and parched aquifers within Pacific Island nations (FAO, 2008).
Countries in the Pacific region have proposed an array of adaptation actions to address vulnerability
within the water sector, including: instituting water catchment management and soil conservation
measures to reduce erosion and sedimentation; flood control measures; development of alternate
water resources, including groundwater, rainwater collection and desalinization; water conservation
programs, including demand management and leakage control (FMFNP, 2005; KMELAD, 2007;
SIMCTA, 2004; TDE, 2005).
Agriculture
In Pacific island countries, approximately 70 percent of crops are dependent upon seasonal summer
rains (FAO, 2008). Many of the larger Pacific islands have invested in commercial cropping to earn
foreign exchange, and agricultural contributes substantially to these countries’ economic livelihoods
(FAO, 2008).10 In other countries (including the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu), approximately 75
percent of the population is dependent upon subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods (World
Bank, 2009). A disruption in agricultural production through changes brought about by climate
change—including through saltwater intrusion into freshwater resources, soil salinization, increases
in pests and diseases, more frequent cyclones, flooding, landslides and declining availability of water
resources—would therefore have a considerable negative impact on these countries’ economies.
Adaptation options proposed in the agriculture sector include: research into flexible farming
options, salt-resistant crops, and heat-tolerant species; cessation of crop production on marginal and
sloping lands; agroforestry techniques; pest and disease management; and crop diversification
(FMFNP, 2005; SIMCTA, 2004; VMIPU, 2007).
Health
Increased temperatures, variable rainfall, and more extreme weather events associated with future
climate change are anticipated to affect human health within the Pacific, including a possible
increase in the incidence of malaria, dengue fever, diarrhea, and other illnesses (Mimura et al, 2007).
For example, it is projected that should Kiribati experience a 10 percent decline in its average rainfall, the freshwater
lens on its Tarawa Atoll could be reduced by 20 percent (Mimura et al, 2007).
10 For example, Fiji historically has relied heavily on its sugar industry, which employed 25 percent of its workforce
(Mimura et al, 2007) and continues to constitute one-third of the country’s industrial activity (CIA, 2011).
9
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Health may also be impacted by compromised food security, severe storms, drought, and declines in
water quality and quantity (PNGMEC, 2000). The vulnerability of Pacific islands to the health
impacts of climate change is increased by existing weak health care systems, inadequate
infrastructure and poor waste management practices (Minura et al, 2007).
Measures proposed to address adaptation needs within the health sector include: dengue fever
control through prevention and epidemic preparedness; improved safety and sanitation of water;
public health emergency strategies; malaria awareness programs; and improved medical services
(FMFNP, 2005; SMNREM, 2005; SIMCTA, 2004).
Forestry, biodiversity and nature
Forests and other island ecosystems are important aspects of Pacific island environments, acting as
sources for food, income, medicine, fuel and building materials (FAO, 2008). Despite the small land
area of Pacific islands, these countries contain approximately one percent of the world’s mangrove
ecosystems which also serve to protect coastal areas (Oxfam, 2009). These ecosystems are very
vulnerable to climate disturbances, including extreme weather events, changes in precipitation,
coastal erosion, soil degradation and other impacts.
The unique ecosystems of Pacific nations are also closely linked to these countries’ tourism sectors.
The future development of this sector could be undermined by accelerated beach erosion,
degradation and bleaching of coral reefs, damage to coastal infrastructure, reduced access to
freshwater sources and a potential increase in vector-borne diseases (Mimura et al, 2007).
Adaptation measures proposed to address these vulnerabilities include: enhanced research into the
possible impacts of climate change on flora and fauna as well as ecosystem rejuvenation; integration
of climate change into environmental and natural resources policies; reforestation programs;
conservation programs; and the promotion of agroforestry, land use policies, and generation of
public awareness (CIES, 1999; KMELAD, 2007; MIEPA, 2000; SMNREM, 2005).
3.0 Assessment of Adaptation Action within the Pacific Region
Policy and programmatic adaptation action is occurring within the Pacific region at the regional and
national levels, although the degree of effort varies substantially between countries. Most project
activity is occurring at the regional level, a reflection of these countries’ shared adaptation concerns
and priorities, as well as their relatively small populations. This observation is also a reflection of the
fact that Pacific island states have traditionally taken a regional approach to addressing development
issues through various intergovernmental organizations, including:
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
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3.1
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC),11 including its Applied Geoscience and
Technology Division (SOPAC);12
The Secretariat to the Pacific Regional Environmental Program (SPREP);13
The Pacific Islands Forum;14 and
The Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific, which was established by the Pacific
Island Forum to improve cooperation and coordination between the various
intergovernmental regional organizations in the Pacific. SPREP and SPC are members of the
Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific.
Regional Level Action
Pacific island countries are engaged in substantial regional level policy coordination concerning
climate change adaptation. In 2005, Pacific Island leaders endorsed the Pacific Islands Framework for
Action on Climate Change (PIFACC), which covers the period of 2006 to 2015. The goal of this
Framework is to build the capacity of Pacific island countries to enhance their resilience to climate
change and to deliver outcomes under the following principles: implementing adaptation measures;
governance and decision-making; improving understanding of climate change; education, training
and awareness; contributing to global greenhouse gas reductions; and partnerships and cooperation.
SPREP was mandated to support implementation of PIFACC through the establishment of an
Action Plan that would set national and regional activities supportive of achieving the Framework’s
principles. Activities under the action plan are to focus on food security and agriculture, health,
coastal areas, infrastructure and water resources, and will also touch upon tourism, land-based
resources, fisheries, industry, and biodiversity (SPREP, 2006).
Complementing activities under the PIFACC, the Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR) is
convened biannually by SPREP to review the state of regional climate change cooperation and
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community provides technical and policy advice and assistance, as well as training and
research services, to Pacific Island countries. For more information see: http://www.spc.int/
12 SOPAC previously was the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission, but its core work program has
transferred and integrated into the Secretariat of the Pacific Community as of January 1, 2011. The member states of
SOPAC are: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, FSM, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga,
Tuvalu and Vanuatu. For more information visit: http://www.sopac.org/.
13 SPREP is mandated to promote cooperation between Pacific Islands and to provide assistance with efforts to protect
and improve the environment, and to ensure sustainable development. The members states of SPREP are: American
Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon
Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna, as well as France and the United States.
14 The Pacific Islands Forum is composed of 16 countries: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji,
Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The goals of the Forum are to stimulate economic growth and enhance political
governance and security for the region, and to strengthen regional cooperation and integration. For more information,
visit: http://www.forumsec.org.fj/.
11
10
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
ensure that the objectives of the PIFACC are being addressed. Meetings of the PCCR are attended
by heads of state of Pacific island countries, representatives of development agencies and partners,
civil society, non-governmental organizations, academic and research institutions, and other groups
assisting Pacific island countries and territories in their efforts to adapt to climate change. At the
March 2011 PCCR meeting, delegates discussed the establishment of a Pacific climate change fund
that would be coordinated regionally but fund nationally-focused programs.15
There are also a number of regional-level initiatives engaged in disaster risk reduction activities,
many of which have clear climate change adaptation benefits and have explicitly integrated
adaptation concerns within their programs and strategies. The mandated regional agency dealing
with natural disaster risk reduction is SOPAC, which oversees implementation of the Pacific Islands’
Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework for Action 2005-2015. This Framework
mentions the importance of anticipating the future impacts of climate change, and could address
concerns regarding the need for better integration of the disaster risk reduction and climate change
adaptation communities within the Pacific (World Bank, 2009).
In addition to the substantial coordination occurring at the policy level in the Pacific, these countries
are participating in a number of regional projects that address climate change adaptation concerns,
as described in Table 3. Examples of current adaptation projects involving multiple Pacific island
countries include:
 “Programmes for Water Safety Plans in Pacific Island Countries;”
 “Pacific Islands Adaptation to Climate Change Project;”
 “International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative;”
 “Vulnerability and Adaptation Initiative;”
 “Adapting to Climate Change in the Pacific Island Region;”
 “Pacific Islands Climate Prediction Project;” and
 “Strengthening the Capacity of Pacific Developing Member Countries to Respond to
Climate Change.”
These regional projects address a variety of priority concerns of Pacific island countries, with an
emphasis on needs related to improved management of water resources, coastal zone management,
agriculture, and greater capacity to understand and forecast climate. Other sectors addressed through
these projects include fisheries, infrastructure, health, forestry and education. Although the majority
of projects are focused on capacity building, policy and planning, and research, several projects also
finance the implementation of pilot adaptation measures.
Pacific island countries are also participating in a small number of projects that bring together
countries from Asia and the Pacific, including: “Promoting Climate Change Adaptation in Asia and
15
Further information is accessible here: http://www.sprep.org/climate_change/PCCR/index.asp
11
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Pacific,” “Strengthening the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network,” and “Enabling Climate Change
Responses in Asia and the Pacific.” The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are also participating in the
“Global Climate Change Alliance” while PNG, Samoa and Tonga are part of the regional program
of the “Pilot Program for Climate Resilience” focused on the Pacific. Addressing multiple sectors,
these projects typically have a strong emphasis on knowledge generation, knowledge sharing and
facilitating the integration of adaptation into policy implementation.
Table 3. Current regional actions in the Pacific Region
Name
Objectives
Participating
Countries
Project Details
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries
Guide"18 designed to improve the
awareness of National
Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on
resource availability and fishing
effort; how to better access
relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it
to interested stakeholders.
Cook Islands, Fiji,
Kiribati, Niue,
Papua New
Guinea, Samoa,
Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
Funder(s)
To develop the capability of
national meteorological service
staff to provide climatological
information including forecasts of
droughts and their likely impacts on
water resources to water agencies
and other stakeholders.
Cook Islands,
Kiribati, Solomon
Islands, Tonga,
Tuvalu and
Vanuatu
Regional Initiatives
1.
Climate and
Oceanographic
Variability and their
Impacts on Fisheries16
(Part of the Pacific
Island – Climate Change
Prediction Project17)
Application of Climate
Forecasting in Water
Management19
(Part of the Pacific
2. Island – Climate Change
Prediction Project20)
Regional Partnerships A strengthened information system
for Climate Change
that will support informed decisionAdaptation and Disaster making aimed at minimizing the
21
negative social and environmental
Preparedness
impacts of catastrophic events. It
will also mitigate financial risk of
3.
participating Pacific developing
member countries to the effects of
natural disasters, including those
exacerbated by human-induced
climate change.
Phase 1:
Cook Islands, Fiji,
Papua New
Guinea, Samoa,
Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu,
and Vanuatu
AusAID
Total Budget
Implementing
Agency(s)
Australia Bureau of
Meteorology
Duration
2005 - ?
Project Type
Capacity building
Focus Area(s)
Fisheries
Funder(s)
AusAID
Total Budget
Implementing
Agency(s)
Australia Bureau of
Meteorology
Duration
2007 - ?
Project Type
Capacity building
Focus Area(s)
Meteorology; Water
Funder(s)
ADB
Total Budget
USD 1.00-M
Implementing
Agency(s)
World Bank
Duration
2007 – 2010
Project Type
Capacity building
Focus Area(s)
Economy; Risk
management
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
18 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
19 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/water_mgt.shtml
20 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
21 http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=41187
16
17
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Participating
Countries
Project Details
Pacific Island
countries
Funder(s)
AusAID; WHO
Total Budget
USD 0.75 mil
Implementing
Agency(s)
SOPAC; WHO
Duration
2008 – 2009
(closed)
Project Type
Capacity building
Focus Area(s)
Human health; Water
Funder(s)
SCCF
Total Budget
$59,526,299
Implementing
Agency(s)
UNDP
Duration
2008-2012
Project Type
Capacity building;
Policy
Focus Area(s)
Agriculture; Coastal
Zone Management;
Water
Linked to the World Bank’s work on
the development of the Caribbean
Catastrophe Insurance Facility for
the Pacific.
Programmes for Water The program promoted
Safety Plans in Pacific development and implementation
Island Countries22
of a ‘catchment to consumer’ riskmanagement approach to safe
drinking water for both urban and
rural Pacific communities. Project
4.
outputs include development of a
framework for action to protect
human health from effects of
climate change in the Asia Pacific
Region.
Pacific Islands
Adaptation to Climate
Change Project
(PACC)23
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji, Nauru,
Palau, Papua
New Guinea,
Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
5.
This project (PACC) will implement
long-term adaptation measures to
increase the resilience of a number
of key development sectors in the
Pacific islands to the impacts of
climate change. This objective will
be achieved by focusing on
adaptation response strategies,
policies and measures to bring
about this result. The key
development sectors this project
will focus on are: 1. water resources
management; 2. food production
and food security; and 3. coastal
zone and associated infrastructure
(roads and breakwater). To ensure
sustainability of the project,
regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will
constitute a fourth component of
the project.
Coastal and Marine
Resources
Management in the
6. Coral Triangle of the
Pacific
(under the Pacific
To promote the conservation and
sustainable use of globally
significant coastal and marine
resources in the Coral Triangle
region through the introduction of
integrated and ecosystem-based
FSM, Fiji, Palau, Funder(s)
Papua New
Guinea, Solomon
Islands and
Total Budget
Vanuatu
22
23
Implementing
GEF-SPA; Japan;
Australia; United
States
GEF = $1,000,010
Co-fin = $15,150,000
ADB (lead)
http://www.adaptationlearning.net/program/programmes-water-safety-plans-pdmcs
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
13
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Alliance for
Sustainability Program
and the Coral Triangle
Initiative)24
International Climate
Change Adaptation
Initiative25
Participating
Countries
coastal and marine resources
Plus: Timor Leste
management in five Pacific
countries. Includes the
implementation of pilot adaptation
measures to enhance resilience and
increase capacity to respond to the
adverse impacts of climate change
on coastal and marine ecosystems.
To help the most vulnerable
countries adapt to the impacts of
climate change. It includes four
components: (a) improved scientific
information and understanding; (b)
strategic planning and vulnerability
assessments; (c) implementing,
financing and coordinating
adaptation measures; (d)
multilateral support for climate
change adaptation.
Project Details
Agency(s)
Duration
2008 - 2013
Project Type
Capacity building;
Research; Pilot
implementation
Focus Area(s)
Coastal Zone
Management;
Conservation
Pacific (focus on Funder(s)
islands
Total Budget
neighbouring
Australia)
AusAID
$150 million; plans to
increase to $178.2
million
Implementing
Agency(s)
Duration
2008 – 2011
Project Type
Research; Planning;
Pilot implementation
Focus Area(s)
General
All activities coordinated through Australia-Pacific Climate Adaptation Platform. Works with
Pacific island countries, regional and international orgs, and other donors.
Key activities include:
 Pacific Climate Change Science Program ($20 million 2009-2011): helping Pacific island
countries and East Timor better understand how cc will impact them.26
 Asia-Pacific Community-Based Adaptation Small Grants Program ($6 million 2009-2013):
implement priority adaptation measures at local level in 14 Pacific island countries, Mekong
sub-region, East Timor and Sri Lanka.
 Pacific Futures Climate Leaders Program ($3 million 2010-2011): work with pacific leaders to
develop greater understanding of cc and tools to enhance resilience.
 Mekong Delta Vulnerability and Adaptation Initiative (Australian contribution $1.14 million
2009-2010): aims to increase understanding of impacts of cc in 12 provinces.
 Community-based Adaptation Activity Grants ($2.7 million 2010-2011): Support Australian and
international NGOs to work with local orgs to scale up community-based adaptation
activities.
7.
Vulnerability and
Adaptation Initiative27
8.
Objectives
Through this initiative, six Pacific
countries have implemented
activities to reduce their
vulnerability to climate change and
achieve good environmental
Fiji, Samoa,
Funder(s)
Solomon Islands, Total Budget
Tonga, Tuvalu
Implementing
and Vanuatu
Agency(s)
Duration
AusAID
AusAID; DCCEE
2008-2012
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=3591
Because this is an umbrella initiative, some of the projects described below may fall under this category/pool of
money (although not explicitly mentioned on the website).
26 See: http://www.csiro.au/partnerships/Pacific-Climate-Change-Science-Program.html
27 http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/pacific/climate_change.cfm
24
25
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Adapting to Climate
Change in the Pacific
Island region28
9.
Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project29
10.
Small Grants Schemes
11.
28
29
Objectives
Participating
Countries
Project Details
outcomes. The Initiative has funded
activities such as the replanting of
coastal mangroves to protect
shorelines, the construction of rain
water tanks in islands affected by
seasonal drought, the trialing of
versatile crop varieties and the
recording of traditional knowledge
about disaster preparation.
Project Type
Pilot implementation
Focus Area(s)
Agriculture; Water;
Infrastructure;
Coastal zone
management;
Education
In the member countries of the
Fiji, Tonga,
Pacific Community, competence
Vanuatu
and performance in the sustainable
management of natural resources
are enhanced, in order to overcome
the effects of climate change and
avoid deforestation.
Funder(s)
GIZ
Total Budget
Implementing
Agency(s)
SPC
Duration
2009 – 2012
Project Type
Capacity building
Focus Area(s)
Agriculture; Forestry;
Land Use Planning
Funder(s)
AusAID
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands
Climate Prediction Project, the
Australian Bureau of Meteorology is
working with climate–dependent
industries and government agencies
in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months)
climate predictions. This support
will assist water resource managers
to plan for expected rainfall
shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
Cook Islands, Fiji,
Kiribati, Niue,
Papua New
Guinea, Samoa,
Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
Small grant schemes provide funds
for community–initiated climate
change adaptation projects. In
Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu,
communities have increased their
water storage capacity by
constructing rainwater tanks. On
the drought prone island of Aniwa
in Vanuatu, communities have built
small solar desalination stills
capable of producing enough fresh
water for drinking.
Fiji, Samoa,
Funder(s)
Solomon Islands, Total Budget
Tonga and
Implementing
Vanuatu
Agency(s)
Total Budget
Implementing
Agency(s)
Australia Bureau of
Meteorology
Duration
Project Type
Research; Capacity
building
Focus Area(s)
Meteorology
AusAID
Various
Duration
Project Type
Pilot implementation
Focus Area(s)
General
http://www.sprep.org/climate_change/pacc/pacc_news_detail.asp?id=762
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Strengthening the
Capacity of Pacific
Developing Member
Countries to Respond
to Climate Change
(Phase 1)30
12.
Objectives
Participating
Countries
Project Details
Incorporation of climate risk
management, adaptation practices,
and greenhouse gas mitigation
measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and
project designs. Adaptation related
actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program –
will assist participating countries
to improve their resilience to
climate change impacts through
(i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the
adaptation process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to
five countries will be supported in
preparing the implementation of
climate change adaptation plans,
including further capacity
building
Cook Islands, Fiji,
Federated States
of Micronesia,
Kiribati, Marshall
Islands, Nauru,
Palau, Papua
New Guinea,
Solomon Islands,
Samoa, Tonga,
Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Funder(s)
ADB; Canada
Total Budget
USD 3.465 million
Implementing
Agency(s)
ADB
Duration
2009 - ?
Project Type
Capacity building;
Policy (integration)
Focus Area(s)
Policy and planning
Funder(s)
DFID
Total Budget
£1 391 680
Implementing
Agency(s)
ADB
Duration
2008 – 2012
Project Type
Capacity building
Focus Area
Agriculture; Natural
resources/land-based
natural resources
management
Plus: Timor-Leste
Participation in Inter-regional Projects
Promoting Climate
Change Adaptation in
Asia and Pacific31
13.
The purpose of the project is for
Asia and Pacific
participating governments to have
an improved understanding of the
necessary actions they must take to
adapt to climate change. The
project Includes three phases:
Phase 1 focusing on establishment
of a regional information system for
climate change adaptation,
assessment of countries’ adaptation
programs, institutional
assessments, and identification of
geographic or sector blocks. Phase
2 comprises definition of
knowledge gaps in major sectors,
and drafting of a detailed work
program in relation to the
knowledge gaps. Phase 3 comprises
specific studies and pilot projects in
selected countries.32
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
http://projects.dfid.gov.uk/project.aspx?Project=113856
32 http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=39343
30
31
16
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Participating
Countries
Strengthening the Asia Comprehensive gap analysis and
Pacific Adaptation
need assessment, establishment of
33
an inline knowledge portal to
Network
disseminate work of Asia Pacific
Climate Change Adaptation
14.
Network to encourage knowledge
linkages.
Enabling Climate
Change Responses in
Asia and the Pacific
15.
34
Expected outputs are improved
macro-level scientific and economic
data at national and subnational
level to assist decision-making,
identification of ‘no-regret’
strategies, greater partnerships
with both civil society and private
sector in assisting with mitigation
and adaptation activities. Impact is
increased nationally appropriate
responses to climate change and
disasters with support from civil
society and the private sector.
Project Details
Funder(s)
ADB, A.T.F. FINNIDA
Grant
Total Budget
USD 350,000
Implementing
Agency(s)
ADB
Duration
2010-?
Project Type
Knowledge sharing
Focus Area(s)
Multi-sectoral
Funder(s)
ADB
Total Budget
USD 6.5 million
Implementing
Agency(s)
ADB
Duration
2010-
Project Type
Research; Knowledge
sharing
Focus Area(s)
Multi-sectoral
Participation in Global Adaptation Programs
The Global Climate
Change Alliance
(GCCA)35
16.
The Global Climate Change Alliance
seeks to enhance cooperation and
support between the European
Union and poor developing
countries, most vulnerable to
climate change, to adapt to the
effects of climate change without
prejudice to achieving the
Millennium Development
Goals. The program is funding
projects focused on disaster risk
reduction and integrating climate
change into poverty reduction
efforts.
Global, including: Funder(s)
Solomon Islands,
Vanuatu and the Total Budget
Pacific Region as
a whole
European
Commission
€110 million over
2008-2010 to start up
GCCA36
€12.5 million for
Pacific Region
Implementing
Agency(s)
National
governments
Duration
2007 – 2010 (start-up
phase)
Project Type
Various
Focus Area
Risk reduction, Policy
integration
http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=44126&seqNo=01&typeCd=2
http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=44158
35 GCCA, http://www.gcca.eu/pages/1_2-Home.html
36 As noted on the website “a significant share of Commission existing geographic funding also serves the objective of
this initiative….” It is not clear whether this is still active, or whether it has since been refreshed.
33
34
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Pilot Program for
Climate Resilience
(PPCR)37
17.
3.2
Objectives
Participating
Countries
Project Details
PPCR aims to pilot and demonstrate
ways in which climate risk and
resilience may be integrated into
core development planning and
implementation in a way that is
consistent with poverty reduction
and sustainable development goals.
In this way, the PPCR provides
incentives for scaled-up action and
initiates transformational change.
The pilot programs and projects
implemented under the PPCR are
country-led, build on NAPAs and
other relevant country studies and
strategies.
Regional
Programs:
Caribbean and
Pacific (includes
Papua New
Guinea, Samoa,
Tonga)
Funder(s)
World Bank’s
Strategic Climate
Fund
Total Budget
USD 971.75 million
pledged as of
February 2011
Implementing
Agency(s)
World Bank
Duration
2008 - present
Project Type
Policy (integration)
Focus Area
General
Country
programs:
Bangladesh,
Bolivia,
Cambodia,
Mozambique,
Nepal, Niger,
Tajikistan,
Yemen, Zambia
National Level Action
The level of assessment of adaptation needs as well as adaptation action varies considerably across
Pacific island countries. Each country in the region has prepared a National Communication, while
the region’s least developed countries—Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—
have each developed a NAPA. In addition, Micronesia and Fiji have developed national climate
change strategies.
As seen in Table 4, the Pacific island countries with the fewest adaptation activities are Micronesia,
Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, and Palau. These countries—none of which are classified as being
least developed—typically host one or two projects. The remaining countries in the Pacific region
host more adaptation projects, with the highest levels of programming occurring in Fiji, Samoa and
Vanuatu. In all countries, adaptation action is dominated by participation in regional programs, as
well as a smaller number of Asian and global projects. Only Samoa has developed more than a
couple of national projects; in the least developed countries of Tuvalu and Vanuatu, their only
national project is one financed through the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF).38 Although
dominate with respect to its geographical and population size, Papua New Guinea has an average
amount of adaptation action underway.
The more developed countries in the region (i.e. Fiji, Samoa and Tonga) seem to undertaken a fuller
analysis of their adaptation needs and have articulated a greater number of specific adaptation
37
38
http://www.climatefundsupdate.org/listing/pilot-program-for-climate-resilience
Kiribati and Samoa are also implementing projects financed through the LDCF.
18
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
projects that could be implemented. Poorer, smaller countries in the region appear to have a greater
need for basic analyses of the impacts of climate change in order to better understand their
vulnerability prior to identifying planned adaptation actions.
Adaptation activities appear to be diversified among a considerably large number of priority sectors,
with representation in the areas of forestry, fisheries, nature, coastal zones, agriculture, water, land
use management, meteorology, risk reduction, health and tourism. The most common funders in the
region are the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Asian Development
Bank (ADB) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF; including the Special Climate Change
Fund [SCCF] and LDCF). Additional funders include the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID)
and World Bank.
Table 4: Comparison of adaptation action at the policy and program level in the Pacific (as of April 2011)
Population
(est.)1
Policy Action
1st
National
Communication
NAPA
11,124
1999
Non-LDC
Federated States
of Micronesia
106,836
1997
Non-LDC
Fiji
883,125
2005
Non-LDC
Kiribati
100,743
1999
67,182
Participation in Projects/Programs
National
Multicountry
Total
1
7
8
2009
--
3
3
In
development
2
11
13
2007
3
4
7
2000
Non-LDC
--
1
1
9,322
1999
Non-LDC
--
2
2
1,311
2000
Non-LDC
--
2
2
20,956
2002
Non-LDC
--
3
3
6,187,591
2000
Non-LDC
2
6
8
193,161
1999
2005
6
9
15
Solomon Islands
571,890
2004
2009
--
10
10
Tonga
105,916
2005
Non-LDC
1
10
11
Tuvalu
10,544
1999
2007
1
7
8
224,564
1999
2007
1
11
12
Cook Islands
Marshall Islands
Nauru
Niue
Palau
Papua New
Guinea
Samoa
Vanuatu
National
Strategy/Plan
Note: Information contained in this table is based upon research completed as of April 2011. Additional project and programs, for example, may
be underway in each country. Full information regarding adaptation action in each country as of April 2011 is available in the Appendix of this
report.
1 Central Intelligence Agency, World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html. Estimated as of July 2011
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
4.0 Conclusions
There is a considerable level of climate change adaptation activity occurring with the Pacific
region—particularly through multinational policy and program actions. This level of regional
cooperation reflects the area’s shared vulnerabilities, needs and priorities, as well as the relatively
small size and limited human, technical and financial resources of many national governments. The
level of action in the Pacific also reflects the region’s early recognition of its high level of
vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and relatively long history of effort to address this
problem by regional governments with the support of the international community.
The high level of political commitment within the region to addressing climate change continues to
be reflected in the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change and Pacific Roundtable on
Climate Change. These and other ongoing regional initiatives provide an opportunity for Pacific
islanders to learn from one another regarding best adaptation practices in vulnerable sectors, such as
coastal zones, water and agriculture. It also creates space for better coordination of efforts, to ensure
that potential synergies are maximized and overlap of adaptation efforts is minimized.
Across the region, adaptation projects appear to be focused on a wide range of identified priorities,
although there appears to be a slightly higher level of activity in the areas of water, agriculture,
coastal zones, and climate forecasting and risk reduction. Future adaptation action in these areas will
be required to further enhance adaptive capacity in the region. Greater attention may also need to be
given so priority areas that appear to be under-represented within current initiatives:
 Human health – a priority concern for many countries due to the potential for climate change
to increase the degree of exposure to malaria, dengue fever, diarrhea, and other illnesses;
 Infrastructure – reflecting the exposure of much of the region’s roads, buildings and
communities to coastal erosion and sea level rise; and
 Marine resources – given the current and growing importance of fisheries and tourism to the
region’s economy.
As well, existing action remains dominated by capacity building, research and policy development
initiatives, although some pilot implementation actions are taking place in different communities
throughout the region. An increase in “on the ground” adaptation action may be appropriate. Within
some of the region’s larger countries, such as Fiji, PNG, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, greater
attention also may be given to developing targeted, country specific projects.
Many Pacific island states have recognized the need to integrate climate change considerations into
routine policy development and planning, as well as government and community-level programming
in a diversity of sectors. As such a greater level of adaptation action is likely taking place in the
20
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Pacific than what might appear. Given the high degree of vulnerability of the region to climate
change, these mainstreamed actions as well as those occurring through standalone adaptation
projects and programs will be essential to enable the long-term sustainable development of the
region.
References
Asian Development Bank [ADB] (2010a). Pacific Economic Monitor. Accessed March 2011 at:
www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/PacMonitor/pem-dec10.pdf
Asian Development Bank [ADB] (2010b). Weaving Social Safety Nets. Accessed March 2011 at:
www.adb.org/documents/studies/weaving-social-safety-nets.pdf
Australian Agency for International Development [AusAID] (2009). Pacific Economic Survey.
www.pacificsurvey.org/_lib/doc/PacificEconomicSurvey09.pdf
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). Fiji. The Worldfact Book. Last updated 6 April 2011.
Accessible at: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fj.html
Cook Island Environmental Service [CIES] (1999). Cook Islands. Initial national communication of
the Cook Islands under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved
February 2011, from
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/library/items/3599.php?rec=j&priref=2432#beg
Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] (2008). Climate Change and Food Security in Pacific
Island Countries. Accessible here: ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/011/i0530e/i0530e.pdf
Fiji’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning [FMFNP] (2005). Climate Change The Fiji Islands
Response. Fiji's First National Communication Under the Framework Convention on Climate
Change. Retrieved February 2011, from http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/fjinc1.pdf
Kiribati Ministry of Environment, Land and Agricultural Development [KMELAD] (2007). Republic
of Kiribati National Adaptation Program of Action. Retrieved February 2011, from
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/kir01.pdf
Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Agency [MIEPA] (2000). Marshall Islands. Initial
communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011,
from http://unfccc.int/essential_background/library/items/3599.php?rec=j&priref=3433#beg
21
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Meehl, G.A., et al. (2007). Global Climate Projections. In Solomon, S. et al (Eds). Climate Change
2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (747-846). Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University
Press.
Mimura, N. et al (2007). Small Islands. In Parry, M., Canziani, O.F., Palutikof, J.P., van der Linden,
P.J. and Hanson, C.E. (Eds). Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of
Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (pp.687716). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] (2009). DAC List of ODA
Recipients: Effective for reporting on 2009 and 2010 flows. Retrieved in September 2010 from:
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/32/40/43540882.pdf
Oxfam (2009). The Future is Here: cliamte change in the Pacific. Accessible here:
http://www.oxfam.org.au/media/releases/?oldID=599
Papua New Guinea Ministry of the Environment and Conservation [PNGMEC] (2000). Papua New
Guinea Initial National Communication Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Retrieved February 2011, from http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/papnc1.pdf
Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Metorology [SMNREM] (2005). National
Adaptation Programme of Action Samoa. Retrieved February 2011, from
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/sam01.pdf
Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Aviation [SIMCTA] (2004). Solomon Islands. Initial
national communications under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved
February 2011, from http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/slbnc1.pdf
South Pacific Regional Environment Program [SPREP] (2006). Pacific Islands Framework for
Action on Climate Change 2006-2015.
Tonga Department of Environment [TDE] (2005). The Kingdom of Tonga's Initial National
Communication. Retrieved February 2011, from http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/tonnc1.pdf
Tuvalu Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment [TMNRE] (2007). Tuvalu's National
Adaptation Programme of Action. Retrieved February 2011, from
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/tuv01.pdf
22
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific [ESCAP] (2010).
Sustainable Development in the Pacific: Progress and challenges. Accessed March 2011 at:
www.unescap.org/epoc/pdf/MSI%20+5%20Regional%20Report.pdf
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] (2007). Climate Change
Impacts, Vulnerabilities, and Adaptation in Developing Countries. Accessible here:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/impacts.pdf
United Nations Statistics Division [UNSD] (2010). Composition of macro geographical (continental)
regions, geographical sub-regions, and selected economic and other groupings. Retrieved September
2010 from: http://unstats.un.org/unsd/methods/m49/m49regin.htm
Vanuatu Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities [VMIPU] (2007). Republic of Vanuatu. National
Adaptation Programme for Action. Retrieved February 2011, from
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/vut01.pdf
World Bank (2009). Preparedness, Planning, and Prevention: Assessment of National and Regional
Efforts to Reduce Natural Disaster and Climate Change Risks in the Pacific. World Bank Synthesis
Report. Accessible here:
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPACIFICISLANDS/Resources/synthesis_report_EAP_re
gion%5B1%5D.pdf
World Wildlife Fund [WWF] (n.d.) Coral Triangle: The world’s richest garden of corals and sea life.
Accessed April 2011 at: http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/coraltriangle/
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Appendices: Country Profiles
Within this review, the Pacific Region is defined as including: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall
Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
1.0
Cook Islands
ADB
AusAID
GEF
DFID
SCCF
SPREP
Asian Development Bank
Australia Agency for International Development
Global Environment Facility
United Kingdom Department for International Development
Special Climate Change Fund
South Pacific Regional Environment Program
The Cook Islands are a chain of 15 small islands off the northeast coast of New Zealand. The islands collectively have a land area of
approximately 240 square kilometres, but the Cook Island’s Exclusive Economic Zone covers approximately 1.8 million square
kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. The main population is gathered on the island of Rarotonga. Tourism is by far the country’s main
industry, with other industries including pearls, offshore banking and the export of marine and fruit products. The people of Cook
Islands are actually citizens of New Zealand, but have a separate status as Cook Island nationals (Government of New Zealand, 2010).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The Cook Island’s main source of vulnerability to climate change is sea level rise. This process is expected to adversely affect the
following priority sectors: coastal and coral reefs; agriculture, food security and diet; marine resources; water resources; and biodiversity.
To enhance capacity to address the impacts of climate change, the following priority actions have been identified by the Cook Islands
(Cook Island Environmental Service, 1999):
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)






Gain more information about flora, fauna and how their interactions are and will change.
Understand circulation processes within lagoons and the influence of climate to assist in the understanding of pearl and
mariculture production, shallowing lagoons, lagoon flushing and lagoon temperature change.
Gain knowledge on the interactions between marine flora and fauna and the effects of external influences on these species and
their interactions, such as: pelagic fisheries migration and recruitment; gene bank of marine flora/fauna; and model low diversity
marine ecosystems.
Understanding of ecosystem rejuvenation after implementation of traditional conservation management practices e.g. Ra’ui
Island
Identify specific integrated effects affecting marine resources, such as coastal sedimentation from rainfall runoff through Avatiu
Harbour.
Capacity building in areas like: local physical oceanography expertise; systems/ecosystem approach; environmental ocean
modeling of tuna and other pelagic stocks; training and equipment required; and an improvement in the biological species
database.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
The Cook Islands have released their Initial National Communication in 1999. It outlines the socioeconomic status of the islands as well
as its environmental status. This document includes a greenhouse gas inventory which concludes that its emissions are low, but that the
Cook Islands are still committed to the reduction of those sectors that are higher emitters. The main identified vulnerabilities to the
impacts of climate change in the Cook Islands are sea level rise and the impacts of salt water intrusions on water availability for drinking
and agricultural activities. There are several additional measures briefly outlined in this document (Cook Island Environmental Service,
1999).
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
1.
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Cook Islands. Initial National
Cook Island
Released
Communication of the Cook Islands Environmental Service October 1999
under the United National
Framework Convention on Climate
Change39
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
Agriculture; Marine
Resource; Tourism
The national circumstances are briefly outlined in terms of
most aspects of the economy and natural resources. The
greenhouse gas inventory concludes that there is little global
contribution, but a reduction in fossil fuel dependence is still
important. The vulnerabilities are outlined; main
vulnerabilities in the island are the coastal zone, coral reefs,
agriculture sector, marine and water resources and
biodiversity. Several adaptation measures are outlined, along
with cross sectorial measure that can be taken to adapt to
climate change.
C. Current Adaptation Action
Current adaptation action in the Cook Islands tends toward capacity building and the implementation of an improved methodology of
climate data collection for use in climate modeling. There are many regional projects and few focused on the Cook Islands or
implemented by the island government itself.
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in the Cook Islands
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
The project will incorporate communitybased impact and adaptation strategies
within four vulnerable communities on
Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.
The project will develop replicable
community-based adaptation risk
management tools to minimize risks on
ADB
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Unknown
Nature; Coastal Aitutaki and
Zone
Rarotonga
Management
National Action
1.
39
Protecting Island
Biodiversity & Traditional
Culture in Pacific Island
Communities Through
Community-based Climate
Risk Assessment and
Management: Development
Communitybased
adaptation
Further information available here: http://unfccc.int/essential_background/library/items/3599.php?rec=j&priref=2432#beg
26
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
(PACC)41
resilience of a number of key development
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
of climate change. This objective will be
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
strategies, policies and measures to bring
about this result. The key development
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
resources management; 2. food production
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
associated infrastructure (roads and
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
SCCF
ADB; SPREP
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Coastal zone
management;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
Promoting Climate Change
Adaptation in Asia and
DFID
of adaptation strategies and critical infrastructure and service sectors,
community-based risk
and help climate-proof vulnerable
management tools for four community investments
vulnerable communities and
related infrastructure in the
Cook Islands40
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
2.
3.
40
41
The purpose of the project is for
participating governments to have an
Capacity
building;
Policy
In the Cook Islands: Demonstrate measures to reduce vulnerability in coastal areas;
implement policy changes to deliver immediate vulnerability reduction benefits in
context of emerging climate risks; improve capacity to plan for and respond to changes
in climate-related risks; establish guidelines for integrating coastal climate risks into an
integrated coastal management program; demonstrate risk reduction practices in
Manihiki communities; and provide additional support to the Government of the Cook
Islands to put in place measures that reduce the effect of climate risks (e.g. storm surges)
when redeveloping the Manihiki Airport.
 Lead Implementing Agency: Aid Management Division in collaboration with the National
Environment Service
ADB
Capacity
Building
2008-2012
Land use
management;
East Asia and
Pacific
Further information available here: http://www.adb.org/Climate-Change/coo-island-biodiversity.asp
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Pacific42
4.
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
improved understanding of the necessary
actions they must take to adapt to climate
In Cook Islands: Project focusing on biodiversity.
change. The project Includes three phases:
Phase 1 focusing on establishment of a
regional information system for climate
change adaptation, assessment of countries’
adaptation programs, institutional
assessments, and identification of
geographic or sector blocks. Phase 2
comprises definition of knowledge gaps in
major sectors, and drafting of a detailed
work program in relation to the knowledge
gaps. Phase 3 comprises specific studies and
pilot projects in selected countries.43
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Nature
Regional Partnerships for
A strengthened information system that will ADB
World Bank
Capacity
Phase 1:
Economy; Risk Regional:
2007-2010 management Cook Islands,
Climate Change Adaptation support informed decision-making aimed at
Building
and Disaster Preparedness44 minimizing the negative social and
Fiji, Papua
environmental impacts of catastrophic
New Guinea,
events. It will also mitigate financial risk of
Samoa,
participating Pacific developing member
Solomon
countries to the effects of natural disasters,
Islands,
including those exacerbated by humanTonga,
induced climate change. This work is linked
Tuvalu, and
to the World Bank’s work on the
Vanuatu
development of a Caribbean Catastrophe
In Cook Islands: In the first phase of the project, data will be gathered for catastrophe risk
Insurance Facility for the Pacific.
models in each country, and country-specific loss risk profiles will be created in order to
assess the feasibility of catastrophic risk financing and insurance options. This
information will support the World Bank`s Pacific Catastrophe Risk Pool Initiative.45
Further information available here: http://projects.dfid.gov.uk/project.aspx?Project=113856
http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=39343
44 Further information available on the ADB website: http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=41187
45 Further information available on the ADB website: http://www.adb.org/Documents/TARs/REG/41187-REG-TAR.pdf
42
43
28
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
5.
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Ongoing
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project46
Research;
Capacity
building
In Cook Islands: Climate forecasts with an emphasis on rainfall and cyclone prediction.
6.
Climate and Oceanographic
Variability and their Impacts
on Fisheries47 (Part of the
Pacific Island – Climate
Change Prediction Project48)
Guide"49
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries
designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
Building
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Cook Islands: Development of a “Fisheries Guide” and workshop entitled “Climate and
Fisheries – Guide to Managing Risks and Taking Opportunities”.
7.
Application of Climate
Forecasting in Water
Management50
(Part of the Pacific Island –
To develop the capability of national
AusAID
meteorological service staff to provide
climatological information including
forecasts of droughts and their likely impacts
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
building
2007-
Meteorology;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Kiribati,
Solomon
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
48 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
49 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
50 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/water_mgt.shtml
46
47
29
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Climate Change Prediction
Project51)
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
on water resources to water agencies and
other stakeholders.
Geographic
focus (if any)
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Cook Islands: Additional information required.
8.
Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)52
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Cook Islands: Additional information required.
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
The Cook Islands has submitted project proposals to both the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) and the Adaptation Fund for
consideration. As summarized in Table 3, these projects are to focus on building the resilience of the islands’ infrastructure and its
communities.
51
52
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects and Programs in the Cook Islands
Name
Objectives
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
1. Cook Islands Infrastructure
Development Project (Phase 2) Increasing Climate Resilience of
Island Infrastructure53
Promote environmentally sound development of Capacity Building
Infrastructure (Energy, Cook Islands
infrastructure for power, water supply, sanitation,
Water, Waste,
solid waste, and transport in support of the
Transportation)
Government’s pro-poor objectives.
Notes: Proposed to the SCCF = $5,000,000; Proposed co-fin = $16,100,000
(ADB agency)
2. Enhancing Resilience of
Communities of Cook Islands
through Integrated Climate
Change Adaptation and Disaster
Risk Management Measures54
Vulnerability assessment, development of
community based adaptive management plans
and institutional strengthening.
Capacity Building
General (Agriculture;
Coastal Zone
Management; Human
Health; Water)
South Pacific Convergence
Zone (Cook Islands)
Notes: Concept note approved by the Adaptation Fund Board at its
meeting on December 15, 2010. Planned Implementing Agency: UNDP
E. Assessment
The Cook Islands are making some progress addressing climate change adaptation, primarily through participation in regional projects.
The country may benefit from preparing a national climate change strategy in order to more systematically identify key vulnerabilities
and to prioritize adaptation actions going forward. Adaptation activities within the areas of coastal zones, agriculture, water, fisheries,
and other priority areas for the Cook Islands could be expanded.
References:
Cook Island Environmental Service. (1999, October). Cook Islands. Initial national communication of the Cook Islands under the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011, from
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/library/items/3599.php?rec=j&priref=2432#beg
Further information available here: http://adaptation-fund.org/system/files/AFB.PPRC_.3.4%20Proposal%20for%20Cook%20Islands.pdf
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/publication/adaptation-actions_0.pdf
54
and
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Government of New Zealand. (2010, November). Cook Islands. Retrieved February 2011, from New Zealand Ministry of Foreign
Affairs & Trade: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Countries/Pacific/Cook-Islands.php
2.0 Federated States of Micronesia
ADB
FSM
GEF
NGO
SCCF
UNDP
Asian Development Bank
Federated States of Micronesia
Global Environment Facility
Non-Governmental Organization
Special Climate Change Fund
United Nations Development Programme
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a group of 607 islands with a population of approximately 106,000 in the Western Pacific
Ocean located approximately 2,900 miles north of eastern Australia. The mainstays of the Micronesian economy are subsistence farming
and fishing; although there are high-grade deposits of phosphate (CIA, 2011). There is little tourism in the area due to lack of access and
facilities; the geographical isolation and poorly developed infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth. The main
vulnerability for the FSM is the acceleration of sea level rise and the possibility of an increase in frequency, duration and intensity of El
Niño droughts (FSM, 1999).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The short term priorities for the FSM are adaptation to El Niño and La Niña events. The long term priorities are reducing vulnerability
to accelerated sea level rise, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing capacity to address the El Niño and La Niña events. The
adaptation needs of the FSM as identified in its early National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (FSM, 1999) were:
32
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)






Reforestation of mangroves, upland forests and other forests in need of restoration.
Development of a community based coral-reef protection program.
Public awareness programs related to fire danger (related to drought events) and climate change, supported through the training
of government employees and development of sustainable development educational materials.
Research programs that will document Micronesian traditional environmental knowledge, completie vulnerability and needs
assessment, and design of an evaluation tool for new programs.
Technology development and transfer, including: implementation of Micronesian traditional environmental management
knowledge programs; and networking with various NGO’s to develop a program for identifying, transferring and modifying
appropriate technologies for use in the implementation of sectoral climate change adaptation measures.
Interagency strengthening, including restructuring of the Sustainable Development Council into four working groups: 1)
Management and protection of natural resources, 2) Improvement of waste management and pollution control, 3) Improvement
of environmental awareness and education and 4) Integration of environmental consideration in economic development.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
There are several documents released by the FSM government related to climate change adaptation. These include:
 The First Climate Change National Communication (1997) outlined the priority sectors that would feel the impacts of climate change
and exactly how they would be affected. The most significant impacts are from sea level rise and droughts (FSM, 1999).
 The Nationwide Climate Change Policy (2009) includes a commitment to addressing climate change adaptation through a
framework in which: “all development activities in FSM to take into account projected climatic changes in the design and
implementation as stipulated in the FSM Strategic Development Plan/Infrastructure Development Plan.” It also calls for the use
of an ecosystem based approach where applicable; for strengthening the application of traditional knowledge on conservation
practices; and for the development and implementation of appropriate strategies to improve food production and other relevant
sectors. The Policy also calls for the integration of climate change into other policies and strategies, including those related to
disaster preparedness (Federated States of Micronesia, 2009, p. 2).
 The US Forest Service and the FSM collaborated on a forest management plan, Federated States of Micronesia State-Wide Assessment
and Resource Strategy 2010 – 2015+ (2010), that is a strategic plan to harvest timber and manage forest resources in a way that
33
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
preserves the soils and resource. The plan integrates climate adaptation considerations (Federated States of Micronesia National
Government & US Forest Service, 2010).
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Climate Change National
Communication55
FSM National
Government
Released 1997
Coastal Management;
Coral Reef Ecosystems;
Waste Management;
Agriculture/Agroforestry; Water
Resources
This report identifies the major concerns for FSM; La
Niña/El Niño events, sea level rise and greenhouse gas
emissions were at the top of the priorities. A number of
focus sectors were also identified, the ways in which
particular sectors are vulnerable and several adaptation
measures are outlined.
2.
Nationwide Climate Change
Policy 200956
FSM National
Government
Released 2009
Multisectoral
This national policy document outlines the climate change
policy, goals and strategies for the FSM. The document
outlines goals, adaptation, technology transfer, financing,
capacity building and training, education and public
awareness, implementation and support in regards to
climate change goals.
3.
Federated States of Micronesia
State-Wide Assessment and
Resource Strategy 2010 – 2015+57
FSM National
Government, US
Forest Service
Released 2010
Agroforestry; Forestry;
Water Resources
This document outlines the forest stewardship needs,
forest resources and management strategies for all of the
states of Micronesia. This document has a focus on
climate change adaptation and mitigation for all of the
states.
C. Current Adaptation Action
The Federated States of Micronesia appear to be participating in a small number of regional climate change adaptation projects, the
focus which are coastal zone management, agriculture, water and conservation. The main funders in projects in Micronesia are the
55Climate
Change National Communication: http://unfccc.int/essential_background/library/items/3599.php?rec=j&priref=358#beg
Nationwide Climate Change Policy 2009: http://www.fsmpio.fm/Nationwide_Climate_Change_policy.pdf
57Federated States of Micronesia State-Wide Assessment and Resource Strategy 2010 – 2015+: http://www.islandforestry.org/pdf/2010/federated-states-ofmicronesia.pdf
56
34
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF). Implementing agencies include the Asia
Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in the Federated States of Micronesia
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
To promote the conservation and
sustainable use of globally significant coastal
and marine resources in the Coral Triangle
region through the introduction of
integrated and ecosystem-based coastal and
marine resources management in five Pacific
countries. Includes the implementation of
pilot adaptation measures to enhance
resilience and increase capacity to respond
to the adverse impacts of climate change on
coastal and marine ecosystems.
GEF-SPA;
Japan;
Australia;
United
States
ADB
This project (PACC) will implement longterm adaptation measures to increase the
resilience of a number of key development
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
of climate change. This objective will be
achieved by focusing on adaptation
response strategies, policies and measures
to bring about this result. The key
development sectors this project will focus
on are: 1. water resources management; 2.
food production and food security; and 3.
SCCF
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if
any)
Coastal zone
management;
Conservation
Regional:
FSM, Fiji,
Palau, Papua
New Guinea,
Solomon
Islands and
Vanuatu
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
1.
2.
58
59
Coastal and Marine
Resources Management in
the Coral Triangle of the
Pacific
(under the Pacific Alliance
for Sustainability Program
and the Coral Triangle
Initiative)58
Pacific Islands Adaptation
to Climate Change Project
(PACC)59
Capacity
2008 –
building;
2013
Research;
Pilot
implementati
on
Plus: Timor
Leste
In Federated States of Micronesia: Further information required.
ADB; SPREP
Capacity
building;
Policy
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Coastal zone
management;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
Nauru,
Palau, PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Federated States of Micronesia: further information required.
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=3591
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
35
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if
any)
ADB;
Canada
ADB
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru,
Palau, PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
coastal zone and associated infrastructure
(roads and breakwater). To ensure
sustainability of the project, regional and
national adaptation financing instruments
will constitute a fourth component of the
project.
3.
Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)60
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
In Federated States of Micronesia: further information required.
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
No proposed adaptation actions have been identified for Micronesia.
60
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
36
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
E. Assessment
Although the Federated States of Micronesia is engaged in a limited number of adaptation projects at present, it appears to have made
progress with respect to the integration of adaptation into national policies. This commitment is reflected in FSM’s Nationwide Climate
Change Policy, which clearly expresses a commitment to the integration of adaptation considerations into relevant policies and
strategies. The degree to which this commitment has been translated into the implementation of ongoing efforts not specifically
identified as an adaptation action is unclear. The content of the FSM’s Climate Change Policy also suggests a need for greater attention
to be given to vulnerability reduction related to agriculture and disaster risk reduction.
References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). The World Factbook: Micronesia, Federated States of. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fm.html
Federated States of Micronesia [FSM] (1999). Micronesia (Federated States, of) Climate Change National Communication. Retrieved February
2011 from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/micnc1.pdf
Federated States of Micronesia National Government & US Forest Service. (2010). Federated States of Micronesia State-Wide Assessment and
Resource Strategy 2010 - 2015+. Retrieved February 2011 from: http://www.islandforestry.org/pdf/2010/federated-states-ofmicronesia.pdf
Federated States of Micronesia (2009). Nationwide Climate Change Policy 2009. Retrieved February 2011 from
http://www.fsmpio.fm/Nationwide_Climate_Change_policy.pdf
Federated States of Micronesia et al. (2006). Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Kosrae State report of InCountry Consultations . Retrieved February 2011 from: http://www.sprep.org/att/IRC/eCOPIES/Countries/FSM/64.pdf
37
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
3.0 Fiji
ADB
AusAID
GEF
GIZ
IFRC
SCCF
SPC
UNDP
WHO
WWF
Asian Development Bank
Australian Agency for International Development
Global Environment Facility
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (Germany)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Special Climate Change Fund
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
United Nations Development Programme
World Health Organisation
World Wildlife Fund
Located approximately 1,100 miles off of the northeast of New Zealand’s north island, the majority of the group of over 330 islands
collectively and officially known as the Republic of Fiji was formed through volcanic activity. Fiji is one of the most economically
developed countries in the Pacific island realm due to the abundance of forest, mineral and marine resources. The main industries are
tourism and sugar exports (Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands, 2009). Climate change is expected to affect the country’s
coastal resources by way of raising temperatures in the marine environment and through sea level rise. As well there may be impacts on
infrastructure by the increase in frequency and intensity of cyclones and other tropical storms (Fiji’s Ministry of Finance and National
Planning, 2005).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
Fiji has identified four main sectors in which adaptation strategies need to be assessed, planned and carried out (Fiji’s Ministry of
Finance and National Planning, 2005):
38
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
1. Coastal resources. Adaptation are identified as being:
 An improved understanding of the coastal system, examination and evaluation of coastal protection options;
 Land use policies that encourage settlement away from low-lying coastal areas;
 Mangrove and reef protection, including exploration of the use of artificial reefs to enhance coastal protection; alternative
sources of construction aggregate (not coral); reducing use and cutting of mangrove areas; and mangrove rehabilitation;
 Controls on pollution from residential, tourism, commercial and industrial areas; and
 Water-catchment management and soil-conservation measures to reduce erosion and sedimentation.
2. Water Resources. Needs in this sector have been identified as including:
 Flood Control – Construction of diversion channels; weirs, cut-off channels, retarding basins and dams; and riverimprovement activities such as channel widening, dyke construction or river-bed excavation.
 Drought alleviation – Management of water resources water legislation, development of alternative water resources such as
groundwater and the use of roof catchments, and consumer charges for water use.
 Catchment Management – Reforestation, land-use controls, protection of wetlands and soil conservation; reducing flooddamage potential by regulating development on flood plains and promoting flood-proof building design; community level
activities to improve awareness of water conservation and emergency response; and institutional development such as the
creation of catchment and water authorities would help build capacity to improve the management of water resources.
3. Agriculture. Adaptation needs identified include:
 Researching flexible farming systems that are tolerant to climatic variability, development of sustainable production systems, and
melding of traditional and modern systems.
 Establishment of an Agricultural Diversification Scheme (under the Commodity Development Framework).
 Cessation of sugarcane production of marginal sloping lands and coastal lands, and intensified irrigation of sugar cane
production on better lands.
 Strengthening of land use planning in order to identify most suitable areas for adaptation commercial and subsistence based
crops.
39
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)

Root crop breeding program and development of improved irrigation systems.
4. Human Health. The needs for human health adaptation are:
 Dengue Fever control: encourage prevention, improve quarantine, epidemic preparedness response and implement proper
development policies.
 Diarrhoeal Disease: improve reliability, safety and sanitation of water, refrigeration practices, emergency strategies and health
care access.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
The Fiji Department of the Environment’s First National Communication, released in 2005, outlines the climate change situation for Fiji
and details adaptation measures for the country. The country subsequently has begun to prepare its Climate Change Policy. The intention
of this policy is to document Fiji’s official position to international climate change policies.
The Strategic Development Plan for Fiji is an all-encompassing document that outlines the development strategy for the country in
terms of environment, economy, human health, tourism, marine resources and many other areas. Climate change adaptation and
mitigation is a theme found throughout the document and as its own separate discussion piece.
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Fiji Department of the
Environment
Released 2005
Agriculture, Marine
Resources, Water
Resource
Management
The basics about climate change impacts and how these
changes will affect base sectors is described. This report
focuses on several projects; 1) Establishment of a
Climate Change Unit within the Department of
Environment, 2) Promotion of Renewable Energy, 3)
Natural vulnerability and adaptation assessment study,
Climate Change The Fiji
Islands Response: Fiji’s First
National Communication
Under the Framework
Convention on Climate
Change61
61Climate
Change The Fiji Islands Response: Fiji’s First National Communication Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/fjinc1.pdf
40
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
4) Watershed management for the sugarcane droughtprone areas 5) Integrated coastal zone management.
This detailed document introduces several mitigation
techniques and strategies for reaching their goals in
terms of the main projects proposed for Fiji.
2.
Strategic Development
Plan62
Ministry of Finance and
National Planning
Released
November 2006
General
3.
Climate Change Policy63
National Climate Change
Country Team and the
Ministry for Local
Government, Urban
Development, Housing
and Environment
In development
Agriculture; Coastal
Management
This all-encompassing document is a strategic plan for
the development of Fiji. It includes a well-developed
section on environmental sustainability and climate
change mitigation is a theme throughout.
Climate change adaptation and impact mitigation.
C. Current Adaptation Action
A number of adaptation projects and programs are currently underway in Fiji, as demonstrated in Table 2. These include projects
designed solely to address its individual needs as well as those that engage other countries across the Pacific and globally. The focus of
these projects is diverse, including coastal management, water management, wetlands, agriculture, meteorology and risk reduction as well
as health, fisheries, forestry and energy.
Strategic Development Plan: http://www.fijianaffairs.gov.fj/docs/Strategic_Development_Plan_2007_to_2011.pdf
Climate Change Policy: http://www.fiji.gov.fj/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3476:climate-change-policy&catid=71:pressreleases&Itemid=155
62
63
41
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Fiji
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Ongoing
Water; Energy Fiji (Vaturu
Dam)
National Action
1.
Impact of climate variability
and climate change on
water security – A case
study of Vaturu dam in Fiji64
(A part of the Pacific Islands
Climate Prediction Project65)
Develop and validate a rainfall runoff model AusAID
for the Vaturu Dam catchment against
acquired inflow data; simulate the impact of
various demand management scenarios on
storage volume and dam reliability; and build
local capacity in climate risk management
through improved linkages between the
National Meteorological Services and the
water sector
Australia
Capacity
Bureau of
Building
Meteorological
Services
2.
Developing a Method for
Adaptive Management and
Protection from Climate
Change in Mangrove and
Coral Reef Ecosystems66
This project will develop an approach in high
biodiversity tropical mangrove areas and
associated coral reed, sea-grass and upland
ecosystems for the ability to recover from
climate change impacts.
WWF
coordinated
project; with
Wetlands
International
GEF/UNEP;
WWF;
Partner
organization
s
Capacity
2007 –
building;
2009
Biodiversity
conservation
Biodiversity;
Coastal
management;
Wetlands
Fiji
Capacity
Building
Human health;
Risk reduction;
Water (waste
management);
Policy;
Risk reduction;
Global:
Barbados,
Bhutan,
China, Fiji,
Jordan,
Kenya and
Uzbekistan
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
3.
Piloting Climate Change
Adaptation to Protect
Human Health67
The goal of this project is to increase the
adaptive capacity of national health system
institutions, including field practitioners, to
respond to climate sensitive health risks. This
project works directly with seven developing
countries to design and implement practical
measures to protect health under a rapidly
changing climate.
SCCF
UNDP, WHO
($22.055M)
21 mill USD;
US$ 4.5
million (GEF),
other cash
and in-kind
co-financing
US$ 16.6
million
2010 - 2014
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/water_security.shtml
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
66 http://wetlands.org/Whatwedo/Ourfieldprojects/Projectarchive/tabid/59/mod/601/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1994/Default.aspx
67 http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/10-30-09-SCCF.pdf
64
65
42
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
In Fiji: The principal expected benefit for the health sector is having a functional Health
Information System that is capable of generating Early Warnings for climate sensitive
diseases and communicating these effectively to relevant stakeholders. The project will
also create awareness amongst communities, hence having communities that are more
resilient to climate change and variability. Furthermore it is anticipated that the project
would further strengthen both inter disciplinary collaboration and communication within
all levels the Ministry of Health. The proposed project would also strengthen intersectoral collaboration at all levels with other key government agencies such as the Fiji
Meteorological Service in provision of relevant climate data, the National Disaster
Management Office in the integration of HMD plans into the National Disaster
Management Contingency Plans and NSAs such as The Fiji Red Cross, the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent. This should contribute to the revival of the Fiji
Climate Change Country Team to ensure proper coordination of climate change activities
in the country.68
4.
Developing a Method for
Adaptive Management and
Protection from Climate
Change in Mangrove and
Coral Reef Ecosystems69
This project will develop an approach in high
biodiversity tropical mangrove areas and
associated coral reed, sea-grass and upland
ecosystems for the ability to recover from
climate change impacts.
5.
Coastal and Marine
Resources Management in
the Coral Triangle of the
Pacific
(under the Pacific Alliance
for Sustainability Program
To promote the conservation and
sustainable use of globally significant coastal
and marine resources in the Coral Triangle
region through the introduction of
integrated and ecosystem-based coastal and
marine resources management in five Pacific
GEF/UNEP;
WWF;
Partner
organization
s
WWF
coordinated
project;
Wetlands
International
partner
Capacity
Building
2007 –
2009
Coastal zone
management;
Wetlands
Global:
Cameroon,
Fiji, Tanzania
Capacity
2008 – 2013 Coastal Zone
building;
Management;
Research;
Conservation
Pilot
implementati
on
Regional:
FSM, Fiji,
Palau, Papua
New Guinea,
Solomon
Islands and
In Fiji: additional information required.
68
69
GEF-SPA;
Japan;
Australia;
United
States
ADB
Action in Fiji: http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/10-30-09-SCCF.pdf
http://wetlands.org/Whatwedo/Ourfieldprojects/Projectarchive/tabid/59/mod/601/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1994/Default.aspx
43
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
and the Coral Triangle
Initiative)70
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
countries. Includes the implementation of
pilot adaptation measures to enhance
resilience and increase capacity to respond
to the adverse impacts of climate change on
coastal and marine ecosystems.
In Fiji: Additional information required.
Geographic
focus (if any)
Vanuatu
Plus: Timor
Leste
6.
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term SCCF
ADB; SPREP
Capacity
2008-2012 Agriculture;
Regional:
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
building;
Coastal zone
Cook Islands,
(PACC)71
resilience of a number of key development
Policy
management; FSM, Fiji,
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
Water
Nauru, Palau,
of climate change. This objective will be
PNG,
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
Solomon
strategies, policies and measures to bring
Islands,
about this result. The key development
Tonga,
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
Tuvalu,
resources management; 2. food production
Vanuatu
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
In Fiji: Demonstration measures to reduce vulnerability in coastal areas and crop
associated infrastructure (roads and
production. Regional workshops.
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
7.
Adapting to Climate Change In the member countries of the Pacific
GIZ
SPC
Capacity
in the Pacific Island region72 Community, competence and performance in
Building
the sustainable management of natural
resources are enhanced, in order to
In Fiji: Additional information required.
overcome the effects of climate change and
avoid deforestation
2009-2012
Agriculture;
Fiji, Tonga,
Forestry; Land Vanuatu
use planning
8.
Vulnerability and Adaptation Through this initiative, six Pacific countries
2008-2012
Agriculture;
AusAID
ADB
Capacity
Regional:
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=3591
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
72 Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Program: http://www.sprep.org/climate_change/pacc/pacc_news_detail.asp?id=762
70
71
44
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
9.
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Initiative73
have implemented activities to reduce their
Building
Water;
Fiji, Samoa,
vulnerability to climate change and achieve
Infrastructure; Solomon
good environmental outcomes. The Initiative
Coastal zone
Islands,
has funded activities such as the replanting
management; Tonga,
of coastal mangroves to protect shorelines,
Education
Tuvalu and
the construction of rain water tanks in
Vanuatu
islands affected by seasonal drought, the
In Fiji: Activities to reduce their vulnerability to climate change and achieve good
trialing of versatile crop varieties and the
environmental outcomes.
recording of traditional knowledge about
disaster preparation.
Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project74
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Research;
Capacity
building
Ongoing
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Fiji: Support for Fiji’s Meteorological Services, and early rainfall warning system.
Training workshop for area producers.
10. Small Grants Schemes
73
74
Small grant schemes provide funds for
AusAID
Various
Capacity
community–initiated climate change
building; Pilot
adaptation projects. In Tonga, Samoa and
implementati
Vanuatu, communities have increased their
on
water storage capacity by constructing
rainwater tanks. On the drought prone island
of Aniwa in Vanuatu, communities have built In Fiji: Additional information required.
Multi-sectoral
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga and
Vanuatu
AusAID, http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/pacific/climate_change.cfm
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
45
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
small solar desalination stills capable of
producing enough fresh water for drinking.
11. Regional Partnerships for
A strengthened information system that will ADB
World Bank
Capacity
Phase 1:
Economy; Risk Regional:
2007-2010 management Cook Islands,
Climate Change Adaptation support informed decision-making aimed at
Building
and Disaster Preparedness75 minimizing the negative social and
Fiji, Papua
environmental impacts of catastrophic
New Guinea,
events. It will also mitigate financial risk of
Samoa,
participating Pacific developing member
Solomon
countries to the effects of natural disasters,
Islands,
including those exacerbated by humanTonga,
induced climate change. This work is linked
Tuvalu, and
to the World Bank’s work on the
Vanuatu
development of a Caribbean Catastrophe
In Fiji: Data gathering for country-specific risk models to be developed. These models will
Insurance Facility for the Pacific.
be used to assess the feasibility of catastrophe risk financing and insurance options.
12. Climate and Oceanographic
Variability and their Impacts
on Fisheries76 (Part of the
Pacific Island – Climate
Change Prediction Project77)
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries Guide"78
designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
Building
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu and
Vanuatu
In Fiji: Development of a fisheries guide to aid in fisheries management for local National
Meteorological staff.
13. Strengthening the Capacity Incorporation of climate risk management,
ADB; Canada ADB
Capacity
2009 - ?
Policy and
Regional:
Further information available on the ADB website: http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=41187
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
77 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
78 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
75
76
46
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)79
Objectives
Funder(s)
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Duration
building;
Policy
(integration)
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
planning
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Fiji: To be determined
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
As described in Table 3, Fiji has submitted a project to the Adaptation Fund for consideration.
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects and Programs in Fiji
Name
Objectives
1. Enhancing Resilience of Rural Communities to Flood and
Drought-Related Climate Change and Disaster Risks in the Ba
Catchment Area of Fiji 80
79
80
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
Disaster risk reduction Ba Catchment Area
Notes: Submitted to the Adaptation Fund Board.
Proposed implementing agency: UNDP
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
http://www.adaptation-fund.org/node/988
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
E. Assessment
Fiji is actively engaged in addressing climate change at both the policy and project level. It is involved in a number of international
projects, including its unique participation (in comparison to other Pacific island states) in the World Health Organization’s “Piloting
Climate Change Adaptation to Protect Human Health” project. This project helps Fiji address one its four priority areas of adaptation,
with human health being the least represented within ongoing initiatives. Most of the adaptation action in Fiji focuses on its important
coast zone and water management needs. Greater attention may also be given to addressing the countries adaptation priorities in the
agriculture sector.
References:
Fiji Ministry of Finance and National Planning (2005). Climate Change The Fiji Islands Response. Fiji's First National Communication
Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011 from:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/fjinc1.pdf
Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands. (2009). Our Country. Retrieved February 2011, from Fiji Government Online Portal:
http://fiji.gov.fj/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=645&Itemid=196
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
4.0 Kiribati
AusAID
DRR
GEF
LDCF
NAPA
SPA
Australia Agency of International Development
Disaster Risk Reduction
Global Environment Facility
Least Developed Countries Fund
National Adaptation Program of Action
Strategic Priority on Adaptation (Global Environment Facility)
Officially the Republic of Kiribati, this island nation is located on a group of 33 islands in the tropical Pacific Ocean, with a population
of approximately 98,000. Kiribati is amongst the poorest and least developed countries in the world; having few natural resources, the
main industries in Kiribati are tourism and the exports of copra and fish (CIA, 2011). The combination of geographic location and
economic situation make this one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. The main concerns for Kiribati are
sea level rise, extensive coastal erosion and stress on native flora (Kiribati Ministry of Environment and Social Development, 1999).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The Kiribati Government Initial Communication document (1999) describes the vulnerabilities of the country, with a focus on sea level
rise and the impacts that has on the islands. The impacts are numerous and very serious; brackish water invasions, coastal erosion and
groundwater quality/quantity. Throughout the document, there in an emphasis on the melding of traditional practices in agriculture and
extreme weather event preparation. This report includes a list of projects that are to be developed by the Kiribati government, including
(Kiribati Ministry of Environment and Social Development, 1999):
 Establishment of a climate change and sea level monitoring center.
 Formation of an integrated coastal zone management plan.
 Public awareness programming.
 Education and training program.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)




Research and information dissemination.
Technology transfers program.
Water supplies program.
Alternative energy source program.
In its National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), Kiribati builds upon these observations to identify nine key areas in which
adaptation action is required. These nine key areas (as detailed in Table 3) include implementation of areas in the areas of (Ministry of
Environment, Land and Agricultural Development, 2007):
 Water – A water resources adaptation project; a simple well improvement project;
 Coastal zones – A coastal zone management for adaptation programme;
 Risk reduction and monitoring – A strengthening of climate change information and monitoring program; upgrading of coastal
defenses and causeways; upgrading of meteorological services;
 Marine resources – Coral monitoring, restoration and stock enhancement; and
 Agriculture – Agricultural food crops development.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
The prominent documents of the Government of Kiribati that document is adaptation needs, priorities and action plans are its Initial
National Communication and its NAPA, the latter of which was released in 2007.
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Ministry of Environment and
Social Development
Released
October 1999
Coastal Zone
Management, Water
Resource Management,
Agricultural Systems,
Public Health
This document outlines the national
circumstances of Kiribati, and the greenhouse
gas emissions and possible strategies for
mitigation. The vulnerability and adaption
sections outlined the specific sectors and the
81
Kiribati Government Initial
Communication under the United
Nations Convention on Climate
Change81
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/kirnc1.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
most important impacts from climate change
on Kiribati – the most prevalent being sea level
rise. There is also a list of current programs that
are already implemented in Kiribati that may
aid in adaptation to climate change.
2.
Republic of Kiribati National
Adaptation Program of Action
(NAPA)82
Environment and
Released
Conservation Division,
January 2007
Ministry of Environment, Land
an Agricultural Development
Agriculture,
Biodiversity; Human
Health; Water
Resources;
Infrastructure; Coastal
Management
This document briefly outlines the situation of
Kiribati from a socioeconomic and geographical
perspective. The main features of this
document are the detailed climate change
adaptation program profiles that cross all
sectors.
C. Current Adaptation Action
The limited number of adaptation projects are underway in Kiribati, most of which seek to build local capacity. The projects mainly
focus on several sectors, namely: coastal zone management, water, meteorology, forestry and fisheries. Several notable national
programs are underway, as well as participation in regional programming. National programming includes support received from the
Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) to support implementation of risk reduction activities identified in its NAPA.
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Kiribati
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
World Bank
2009-2015
DRR; Coastal
zone
management;
Water
Geographic
focus (if any)
National Action
1.
82
Increasing Resilience to
Climate Variability and
Hazards
Strengthen the resilience of Kiribati to the LDCF
impact of climate variability, climate change $6.6 M
and climate-related hazards by reducing the
impact of storm surges and coastal erosion
on the quality and availability of freshwater
resources and the livelihoods of coastal
communities.
Capacity
Building
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/kir01.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
2.
3.
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Kiribati Adaptation Program The key objective of the proposed Pilot
– Pilot Implementation
Implementation Phase of the Kiribati
Phase
Adaptation Program is to implement pilot
adaptation measures and consolidate the
mainstreaming of adaptation into national
economic planning. The project aims to
develop and demonstrate the systematic
diagnosis of climate-related problems and
the design of cost-effective adaptation
measures, while continuing to integrate
climate risk awareness and responsiveness
into economic and operational planning.
GEF-SPA;
World Bank
AusAID;
New Zealand
Climate Change Adaptation Endeavours to protect the quality of scarce
program
freshwater supplies.
AusAID
World Bank
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries Guide"86
designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
AusAID
Pilot project
Budget: USD
$6.87 million
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
2006 – 2010 Public
Administration;
Agriculture;
Fisheries;
Forestry
Water
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
4.
5.
83
Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project83
Climate and Oceanographic
Variability and their Impacts
on Fisheries84 (Part of the
Pacific Island – Climate
Research;
Capacity
building
Ongoing
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Kiribati: Weather forecasting with emphasis on temperature, rainfall and tropical
cyclone prediction.
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
Building
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Change Prediction Project85) oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
Geographic
focus (if any)
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Kiribati: Development and delivery of a “Fisheries Guide” for the National
Meteorological Services Staff.
6.
Application of Climate
Forecasting in Water
Management87
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
Project88)
To develop the capability of national
AusAID
meteorological service staff to provide
climatological information including
forecasts of droughts and their likely impacts
on water resources to water agencies and
other stakeholders.
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
building
2007-
Meteorology;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Kiribati,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Kiribati: Development of the National Meteorological Services staff to be able to
provide drought forecasting and to be able to predict the likely impacts on water
resources using a software package.
7.
Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)89
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
85 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
87 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/water_mgt.shtml
88 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
89 ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
84
86
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Kiribati: To be determined
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
Within its NAPA, Kiribati identified nine priority projects for implementation, as outlined in Table 3. Some of these planned actions are
not being supported through the project “Increasing Resilience to Climate Variability and Hazards” financed by the LDCF.
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects and Programs in the National Adaptation Programme for Action for Kiribati
Name
Objectives
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
1. Water Resource Adaptation
Project
Agriculture; Human
Health; Water
Kiribati
2. Simple Well Improvement
To maintain and conserve available good ground water
lenses; To gain users confidence in the reliability of the
distribution system and promote their willingness to pay,
based on consumed quantity; To increase water storage
and water resources to meet current demands and at times
of serious droughts. To manage risks to water resources
throughout the atolls. This will be achieved through risk
assessments and in designing and implementing responses,
including sustainable community-based monitoring system.
To assess impacts of urban water supplies on other natural
resources, systems and subsistence activities
Capacity Building
Reduce the burden of diarrhea and other water related
diseases and problems particularly among very young and
old people in Kiribati. This will be achieved by improving
over the period of three years, 500 ground water wells that
are used by the communities for their drinking and cooking.
Capacity Building
Notes: Indicative costs AU$ 2,174,500; Local annual budget AU$
993,900; Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs: 3,168,405
Responsible Ministry: MPWU
Human Health;
Water
Notes: Indicative costs AU$ 146,000; Local annual budget AU$
190,470; Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs: 336,470
Responsible Ministry: MHMS
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
3. Coastal Zone Management
and Resilience Enhancement
for Adaptation
To improve public awareness of the coastal processes and
climate change impacts. To develop and pilot communitybased coastal management regime by establishing
community groups (essentially villages). To encourage
communities to participate in coastal-ecosystem
enhancement projects and to develop their own small scale
projects with similar purposes. To streamline regulatory
controls and conditions so as to ensure the resilience of the
coastal areas and to ensure the sustainable use of coastal
resources is enhanced
Capacity Building
Coastal zone
management;
Education; Marine
resource
management
To strengthen the capability of the government to be able
to keep abreast of, understand and interpret international
scientific information relevant to Kiribati. To establish a
central office to access and share information on climate
change issues from reliable regional and international
sources. To develop endogenous scientific capability for
analyzing and reviewing information on, and undertaking
research related to climate change. To enhance Kiribati
capacity to implement its obligations under climate change
international agreements.
Capacity Building
5. Upgrading of Meteorological
Service
To improve the reliability and scope of weather observation
on outer islands, and reporting to the National
Meteorological Services. Institutional strengthening of the
National Meteorological Services. To foster greater
appreciation and use of various meteorological products
that are turned out directly or indirectly from outputs of the
National Meteorological Services. To increase the National
Meteorological Service role in enabling the public and
individuals to be able to manage risks from extreme
weather events
Capacity Building
6. Agricultural Food Crops
Development
To maintain main existing gene banks; To increase and
diversify food crop production throughout Kiribati; To make
more people attracted to, see economic opportunities in,
and engaged in varieties of agricultural systems; To increase
efforts at planning out and meeting support requirements
for agricultural activities throughout the islands
Capacity Building
4. Strengthening Environmental,
Climate Change Information
and Monitoring
Geographic focus
(if any)
Notes: Indicative costs AU$ 1,312,910; Local annual budget AU$
624,370; Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs 1,937,280;
Responsible Ministry: MELAD, MPWU, MFMRD
Public
Administration;
International
Relations
Notes: Indicative costs AU$ 227,000; Local annual budget AU$
90,410; Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs 317,410;
Responsible Ministry: MELAD
Meteorology
Notes: Indicative costs AU$150,000; Local annual budget AU$
342,310; Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs 492,310;
Responsible Ministry: Kiribati Meteorological Service, MCTT
Agriculture;
Biodiversity
conservation
Notes: Indicative costs AU$450,000; Local annual budget AU$
1,105,230; Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs 1,555,230;
Responsible Ministry: MELA
55
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
7. Coral Reef Restoration,
Monitoring, and Stock
Enhancement
To gain more detailed information on observed coral
bleaching, including factors causing health problems to the
corals and ciguatera fish poisoning; To establish, implement
a sustainable monitoring programme to cover two atolls; To
pilot a restoration scheme for coral species in areas of low
growth; and To establish marine protected areas. To
establish a project where stock enhancement contributes in
maintaining a vigorous coral reef.
Capacity Building
Marine resource
management;
Biodiversity
conservation
8. Upgrading, Restoring,
To prevent encroaching coastal erosion from affecting
Enhancing resilience of coastal public infrastructure such as roads, airfields and community
defenses and causeways
public assets by upgrading existing seawalls; To improve
accessibility within the atolls which has been facilitated by
causeways. Accessibility is, in a few cases, threatened by
the inadequacy of causeway designs and/or change in the
environment; To minimize potential risks to assets from
climate-related disasters
Capacity Building
9. Enabling Kiribati effective
participation at regional and
international forums on
climate change
Capacity Building
To enhance the effectiveness of conveying climate change
related information based on Kiribati national
circumstances to regional and international meetings on
climate change. To increase Kiribati capability to influence
international efforts at mitigating climate change, and at
addressing immediate and urgent, and longer term
adaptation needs.
Geographic focus
(if any)
Notes: Indicative costs AU$499,000; Local annual budget AU$87,75;
Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs 586,750;
Responsible Ministry: MFMRD, MHM
Infrastructure;
Coastal zone
management
Notes: Indicative costs AU$5,102,870; Local annual budget AU$
567,880; Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs 5,670,750;
Responsible Ministry: MISA, MWP
International
Relations
Notes: Indicative costs AU$60,00o; Local annual budget AU$ 45,000;
Total NAPA Costs Over 3 yrs 105,00;
Responsible Ministry: MFAI
E. Assessment
Kiribati, through the development of its NAPA, has prioritized and developed programs for adaptation to climate change that will
address many of the adaptation needs of the country. Many of the projects and programs underway in the country address its identified
priority sectors of water, coastal zones, marine resources, agriculture and risk reduction and monitoring. Of these sectors, actions that
reduce vulnerabilities related to agriculture and marine resources may be under-represented.
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References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA]. (2011). Kiribati. Retrieved February 2011, from The World Factbook:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kr.html
Kiribati Ministry of Environment and Social Development. (1999). Kiribati. Kiribati Government initial communication under the United Nations
Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011, from
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/library/items/3599.php?rec=j&priref=2437#beg
Ministry of Environment, Land and Agricultural Development. (2007, January). Republic of Kiribati National Adaptation Program of Action.
Retrieved February 2011, from http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/kir01.pdf
57
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5.0 Marshall Islands
CIA
EPA
PICCAP
UNFCCC
Central Intelligence Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Program
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
The Marshall Islands are a chain of 29 atolls off the northeast coast of New Zealand. The islands collectively have a land area of
approximately 181 square kilometers, but the Marshall Island’s Exclusive Economic Zone extends 200 nautical miles off its coasts. The
country has a total estimated population of about 67,000 people, who mainly live in Majuro, the capital, and Ebeye. Subsistence
agriculture and fishing the country’s main industry; the tourism industry makes a noteworthy contribution along with a development
fund from the United States (CIA, 2011).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The major impacts that climate change is projected to have in the Marshall Islands are sea level rise and associated shoreline erosion
(EPA, 2000). This observation is reflected in the fact the low-lying nature of the atolls the form the country; its highest point of land is
found on the island of Likiep and extends 10 meters above sea level (CIA, 2011). In its National Communication released in 2000, the
Marshall Islands identified the following priority areas for adaptation (EPA, 2000):
 Institutional strengthening, such as by ensuring that governmental departments are adequately structured and equipped with the
appropriate skills and tools, and are capable of delivering an integrated response to the challenges arising from climate change
and accelerated sea level rise.
 Project management and operational training for all stakeholders involved in climate change programs and the implementation
of adaptation projects.
 Accurate documentation of baseline conditions from which to measure climate induced changes to the shorelines, reef and
island ecosystem and affected settlements and communities.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)





Research capacity needs to be strengthened by ensuring adequate support at the professional and technical levels, and by
providing financial support for baseline bio-physical and socio-economic environmental research, monitoring changes to
environmental conditions and implementing adaptation measures.
Appropriate systems are needed for spatial and other data generated through vulnerability assessments, monitoring programs,
integrated coastal zone management planning and the implementation of adaptation projects.
Confidence and capacity building programs are needed for government departments, members of local councils and nongovernment organizations.
Community awareness and education programs.
Proactive participation in international forums and meetings are needed with the aim of continuing to keep the issues
confronting small island states, when they are responding to climate change.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
The Initial National Communication (2000) of the Marshall Islands reviews the national activities that have been taking place in the
Marshall Islands, including vulnerability and adaptation case study and participation in the Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance
Program (PICCAP). There is a brief outline of the future and immediate adaptation needs of the country, followed by a possible list of
policy actions that could help the Marshall Islands adapt to climate change in some key areas (EPA, 2000):
 Land Use and Planning: amendment of land use planning policies to include adaptations to climate change.
 Environment and Natural Resources: amendment of environmental and natural policies to include adaptations to climate change.
 Natural Hazard Management: amendment of natural hazard management policies to include adaptations to climate change.
 Administration and Management: initiation of administrative arrangements and management policies to deal with the core sectoral
concerns in terms of water resources, coastal resources agricultural resources, marine resources and human health.
 Human Health: Develop a comprehensive suite of human health policies to address water borne diseases and other sicknesses
that are related to climate induced change.
 Solid and Liquid Waste Management: Provide broad management policies for domestic solid waste and discharges of liquid effluent
including consideration of a strategy to convert solid domestic and some industrial wastes to saleable energy.
 Foreign Affairs: Enhancement of foreign policy frameworks.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)


Center of Excellence: establish a Centre of Excellence to expand the role of the Marshall Islands in the international as well as
national issues of climate change.
Technology Exchange: technology exchange policies to address applied research and monitoring (information management)
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
1.
Environmental Protection Released
Agroforestry; Coastal
Agency
September 2000 Zones; Health; Marine
Resources; Water
Resources
Marshall Islands. Initial communication
under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change90
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
This document gives a brief outline on the country
and its vulnerabilities to climate change. There is
an overview of the national activities in the
Marshall Islands, and detailed mitigation measures
for greenhouse gas emissions. The immediate and
future needs for the country are outlined, with the
warning that there is no funding for many of these
types of projects in the islands.
C. Current Adaptation Action
As noted, the Marshall Islands previously participated in the PICCAP, which was initiated in 1995. Funded by the Global Environment
Facility and implemented through the United Nations Development Programme, PICCAP was executed by the Secretariat to Pacific
Regional Environmental Program in 10 Pacific Island countries (Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall
Islands, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) (Plume, 2002).
At present, the Marshall Islands appears to be participating in one regional adaptation project supported by the Asian Development
Bank and Canada (Canadian International Development Agency).
90
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/marnc1.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in the Marshall Islands
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
1.
Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)91
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
In the Marshall Islands: Additional information required.
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
There are no known proposed adaptation actions within the Marshall Islands.
E. Assessment
Although involved in climate change adaptation in the early 2000s, the Marshall Islands is not actively engaged in the implementation of
individual adaptation projects and policies at this time. The current project is reflective of the content of its National Communication
and its focus on integrating adaptation into existing policies and programming. These actions may lay the basis for more concrete, sector
specific projects to be initiated.
91
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
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References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). The World Factbook: Marshall Islands. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rm.html
Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] (2000). Marshall Islands. Initial communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011 from:
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/library/items/3599.php?rec=j&priref=3433#beg
Plume, H. (2002). Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme (PICCAP): New Zealand’s involvement. Presentation made to
the UNFCCC CGE Workshop, 8 to 10 August 2002. Retrieved April 2011 from:
http://unfccc.int/files/meetings/workshops/other_meetings/application/pdf/new_zealand.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
6.0 Nauru
CIA
DIDI
FSM
PACC
PNG
SCCF
UNDP
Central Intelligence Agency
Department of Islands Development and Industry
Federated States of Micronesia
Pacific Islands Adaptation to Climate Change Project
Papua New Guinea
Special Climate Change Fund
United Nations Development Programme
Nauru is the world’s smallest island nation, with an area of 21 square kilometers in the South Pacific, approximately 2,900 kilometers
northeast from Australia. The Exclusive Economic Zone extends 200 nautical miles from the country’s 30 kilometer coastline.
Historically, phosphate was the primary economic resource in Nauru, and the country boosted of having one of the highest rates of
Gross Domestic Product per capital. However, these stores were thought to be nearly depleted, the end of phosphate mining has left a
legacy of environmental degradation and unemployment. The country is now mostly dependent on foreign aid and food imports from
Australia and other countries (CIA, 2011).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The main climate change vulnerabilities in Nauru are sea level rise and the effect that an increase in temperature will have on marine
resources and already stressed water and vegetative resources (DIDI, 1999). Due to environmental degradation, Nauru is already
experiencing declines in the productivity of its coral reef systems and coastal erosion. Rising ocean temperatures, sea level rise and an
increase in the number of intense storms could cause further damage to these ecosystems (DIDI, 1999).
Nauru also has no significant surface water resources; desalination plant and groundwater are the only drinking sources. Water scarcity is
already affecting human health. Greater incidence of drought could therefore reduce the sustainability of the country’s groundwater
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
resources, the health of its population, and the persistence of a vegetation ecosystem already stressed from major phosphate mining
(DIDI, 1999).
In response to these concerns, Nauru had identified education and information activities that have been or should be implemented to
support is efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
Nauru’s First National Communication (DIDI, 1999) outlines its baseline situation, highlightly the environmental degradation resulting
from nearly a century of phosphate mining and the country’s commitment but limited capacity to cope with the effects of climate
change. This document outlines several initiatives that Nauru has taken part in, and several actions that it would need to take as first
steps to adaptation to the effects of climate change (particularly sea level rise).
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
1.
Department of Islands
Released
Development and Industry October 1999
and Nauru’s National
Committee on Climate
Change
Climate Change Response. Republic of Nauru
Response. 1st National Communication –
1999. Under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change92
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
Agriculture &
Livestock; Forestry;
Energy; Waste
This report describes the background of Nauru,
and present data on their greenhouse gas
emissions. It also outlines the vulnerabilities to
climate change and the different policies and
measures that can be taken for mitigation of
greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to sea
level rise. The last part of the document outlines
education and information activities that have
been or should be implemented.
C. Current Adaptation Action
Nuaru is involved in the “Pacific Islands Adaptation to Climate Change Project,” as identified in Table 2. Through this project,
adaptation action is being implemented on the ground that addresses needs related to agriculture, coastal zone management and water.
9292UNFCCC,
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/naunc1.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Nauru
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Coastal zone
management;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
1.
2.
93
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
(PACC)93
resilience of a number of key development
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
of climate change. This objective will be
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
strategies, policies and measures to bring
about this result. The key development
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
resources management; 2. food production
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
associated infrastructure (roads and
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
Special
Asian
Capacity
Climate
Development building;
Change Fund Bank;
Policy
Secretariat to
Pacific Regional
Environmental
Program
Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)94
ADB; Canada ADB
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
In Nauru: Demonstration measures to reduced vulnerability in coastal areas and crop
production. Groundwater prospecting and monitoring. Water tanks and water
catchment.
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
65
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Nauru: Additional information required
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
There is no evidence of proposed adaptation actions within Nauru at this time.
E. Assessment
Adaptation action in Nauru is currently limited and it does not appear a number of new projects are in development within the country.
This may be a product of the unstable economic status of the country. As a result of this lack of programming, gaps persist within the
priority adaptation areas identified by the country.
References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). The World Factbook: Nauru. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/nr.html
Department of Islands Development and Industry [DIDI] (1999). Climate Change Response. Republic of Nauru Response. 1st National
Communication - 1999. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011 from:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/naunc1.pdf
94
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
7.0
Niue
AusAID
CIA
NMS
Australian Agency for International Development
Central Intelligence Agency
Niue Meteorological Services
Niue is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 2,400 km northeast of New Zealand. The islands collectively have a
land area of approximately 260 square kilometers, but the island’s Exclusive Economic Zone extends 200 nautical miles off the
coastline. The main population is gathered in the town of Alofi, the capital. The main industry in the country is subsistence farming and
fishing, with some cash crops and processed foods. Niue is an associated stated of New Zealand (CIA, 2011).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
Sea level rise and an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of tropical storms are the main climate change concerns of Niue
(NMS, 2000). The country’s main vulnerability is sea level rise, which is projected to affect several key sectors (NMS, 2000):
 Agriculture: to adapt to an increase in temperature, insects and cyclones actions identified include better ways of storing food.
 Biodiversity/Land Use Change and Forestry: cyclones have a devastating effect on the regeneration of tree species, and in greater
intensity or frequency may change the biodiversity of the island (along with changes in temperature, precipitation and other
climatic factors).
 Coastal Zones and Reefs: in the absence of an adaptation strategy, the reefs may be lost due to an increase in tropical cyclone
frequency and severity.
 Human Health: certain parasites and pests survive well in damp warm environments, and deterioration in water quality could
increase incidences of diarrhoea
 Fisheries: changes in water quality and temperature could affect the type and abundance of marine resources.
 Water Resources: sea level rise may impact water availability, and there could be a need to harvest rainwater more intensely to cope
with drought.
All of these changes will have a variety of socio-economic impacts. In response, Niue has identified the following priority needs to
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
support its adaptation efforts (NMS, 2000):
 Capacity Building: Need for on-going technical training in sector analysis, climate change science, negotiations and policy making.
 Education and Public Awareness: Maintain and increase public awareness of issues pertaining to climate change through means such
as print, radio, television and competitions.
 National Forest Policy: this policy as identified as needing to be passed by Cabinet as it provides guidelines on the regulation and
implementation over program and activities for the use, management and conservation of the forest resources of Niue.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
The Initial National Communication for Niue (2000) outlines the national situation at that time, its greenhouse gas emissions, and
possible strategies for mitigation of greenhouse gasses and adaptation to climate change impacts. The main vulnerably of the island was
identified as being sea level rise and the potential for more frequent and intense cyclones.
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Niue Meteorological
Service
Released June
2000
Agriculture; Coastal Zone
Management; Forestry;
Human Health; Fisheries
This report outlines the national circumstances of
Niue and the vulnerabilities that the island faces to
climate change. There are few regular greenhouse
gas sources, and the tropical forest coverage
mitigates more than what is produced on the
island. The main vulnerabilities are outlined; sea
level rise and the greater frequency, intensity and
duration of cyclones are a particularly significant
impact. Several needs are identified for the
adaptation to climate change.
Niue Island. Initial Communication under
the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change95
C. Current Adaptation Action
There are few on-going adaptation programs in Niue, most of which focus on capacity building in the areas of climate prediction and
marine resources. Both identified activities are funded through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).
95
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/niunc1.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Niue
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Ongoing
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries Guide"99
designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
AusAID
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
1. Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project96
2. Climate and Oceanographic
Variability and their Impacts
on Fisheries97
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
Project98)
Research;
Capacity
building
In Niue: Detailed weather forecasting with emphasis on seasonal outlook for
temperature, rain and tropical cyclones.
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
Building
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Niue: A “Fisheries Guide” was developed to improve awareness for the National
Meteorological Services staff members.
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
98 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
99 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
96
97
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
E. Proposed Adaptation Action
Niue has submitted a capacity building project to the Adaptation Fund. The planned project will focus on helping communities and
government officers manage the likely effects of climate change in a variety of sectors.
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects and Programs in Niue
Name
Objectives
1. Reducing Climate Risks to Food Security
in Niue through Integrated Communitybased Adaptation Measures and
Related Institutional Strengthening100
The proposed project will strengthen
ability of communities and government
officers in Niue to make informed decisions
and manage likely climate change driven
pressures in food-security related sectors,
such as agriculture, fishery and forestry, in
an integrated way.
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
Capacity Building;
Agriculture; Forestry;
Community-based adaptation Fisheries
Geographic focus
(if any)
Niue
Notes: Adaptation Fund Request
Proposed Budget: USD $3,465,000
Proposed Implementing Agency: United Nations Development Programme
E. Assessment
A low level of adaptation action is discernable within Niue, at both the policy and project/program level. Current initiatives should
strengthen the capacity of National Meteorological Services staff to understand, predicate and communicate near and longer term
climate forecasts. Implementation of the project submitted to the Adaptation Fund would assist the country in addressing concerns
related to key economic sectors. Greater effort to understand and prioritize the country’s adaptation needs might be appropriate,
potentially through completion of the country’s Second National Communication.
References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). The World Factbook: Niue. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ne.html
Niue Meteorological Services [NMS] (2000). Niue Island. Initial Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change. Retrieved February 2011 from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/niunc1.pdf
100
Adaptation Fund, http://adaptation-fund.org/system/files/AFB.PPRC_.2.10%20Proposal%20for%20Niue.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
8.0 Palau
ADB
CIA
FSM
GEF
NAPA
PACC
PNG
POERC
SCCF
UNDP
Asian Development Bank
Central Intelligence Agency
Federated States of Micronesia
Global Environment Facility
National Adaptation Programme of Action
Pacific Islands Adaptation to Climate Change Project
Papua New Guinea
Palau Office of Environmental Response and Coordination
Special Climate Change Fund
United Nations Development Programme
Officially the Republic of Palau, this island nation approximately 800 kilometers east of the Philippines is composed of a group of
islands spread over approximately 459 square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. It has 1,519 kilometers of coastline. The economic base is
mainly made up of tourism, subsistence agriculture and fishing. The government is a major employer and relies heavily on external
funding (CIA, 2011).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The main vulnerabilities of Palau related to climate change are sea level rise and coastal erosion (POERC, 2002). Specific concerns
include: increased drought and storm activity; extreme high tides; sea level rise; coastal erosion; habitat fragmentation; sea surface
temperature rise; and coral bleaching (POERC, 2002).
In response, Palau identified a number of potential adaptation actions in the areas of water, agriculture, coastal systems, marine
resources, forestry, human health and policy and planning as follows (POERC, 2002):
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)







Water: improved management and maintenance of existing water supply systems is a high priority; centralized water treatment in
urban centers; catchment protection and conservation; and drought and flood preparedness strategies.
Agriculture: identify and document the uses, potential uses and preferred growing environment for trees and plant species in
order to better enable selection of species suited to a particular physical environment; introduction of salt-tolerant root crops for
use in low-lying areas; breeding more drought resistant cultivars and crops for use in drought prone upland areas; introduction
of alternative cultivation practices such as use of irrigation and raised-bed systems; improved soil and water conservation
practices; promote use of agroforestry; preservation and dissemination of traditional knowledge; and diversification of
subsistence crops.
Coastal Systems: enhance protection of mangrove forest areas and sensitive coral reef systems to help maintain their natural storm
and erosion protection capacity while also sustaining their productivity; protection of foreshore resources through re-vegetation
and the establishment of setbacks; establishment of sea walls in very specific areas (due to their high costs); and pollution control
measures.
Marine Resources: development and extension of marine breeding and restocking programs for both fish and corals; expansion of
marine reserves and protected areas; enhanced monitoring and enforcement of marine related legislation; and strengthening the
monitoring of migratory fish stocks.
Forestry: expansion of community based forest conservation projects and conservation focused forestry activities.
Human Health: public awareness programs related to malaria, dengue fever and other diseases; and reduction in mosquito
breeding sites.
Policy and Planning: develop an overall vulnerability and adaptation strategy that also addresses wider development, social and
environmental issues that includes: a national policy framework for adaptation; capacity building and institutional strengthening;
public awareness and education; and community-based management.
Palau notes the response strategies identified are consistent with sustainable development, sound environmental management and wise
use of natural resources.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
Palau’s First National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2002) outlines the
socioeconomic and environmental situation for the country. The vulnerabilities to climate change are outlines, as well as several
adaptation strategies as described above (POERC, 2002).
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus Summary description
1.
Palau Office of
Environmental Response
and Coordination
Released
December 2002
Agriculture;
Health; Economy;
Tourism; Fisheries
Palau. First National Communication
to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change101
This report outlines the socioeconomic and
environmental situation for the country. The national
greenhouse gas inventory showed a relatively small
amount of emissions from all sectors; although there
are still mitigation plans and options. The vulnerabilities
to climate change are outlined, as well as several
adaptation strategies.
C. Current Adaptation Action
There is little current adaptation action in Palau at the project and program level. Action identified includes Palau’s involvement in three
large regional projects that address needs related to policy integration, and management of coastal and marine resources, as well as
agriculture and water. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is active in the implementation of both of these projects, with funding
derived in part from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Palau
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
1.
101
Coastal and Marine
Resources Management in
the Coral Triangle of the
Pacific
To promote the conservation and
sustainable use of globally significant coastal
and marine resources in the Coral Triangle
region through the introduction of
GEF
ADB
(Strategic
Priority for
Adaptation);
Japan;
Capacity
2008 – 2013 Coastal zone
building;
management;
Research;
Conservation
Pilot
implementati
Regional:
FSM, Fiji,
Palau, PNG,
Solomon
UNFCCC, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/plwnc1.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
(under the Pacific Alliance
for Sustainability Program
and the Coral Triangle
Initiative)102
2.
3.
102
103
Objectives
Funder(s)
integrated and ecosystem-based coastal and
marine resources management in five Pacific
countries. Includes the implementation of
pilot adaptation measures to enhance
resilience and increase capacity to respond
to the adverse impacts of climate change on
coastal and marine ecosystems.
Australia;
United
States
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Priority
Sector(s)
on
Geographic
focus (if any)
Islands and
Vanuatu
Plus: Timor
Leste
In Palau: Additional information required.
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
(PACC)103
resilience of a number of key development
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
of climate change. This objective will be
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
strategies, policies and measures to bring
about this result. The key development
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
resources management; 2. food production
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
associated infrastructure (roads and
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
Special
ADB;
Capacity
Climate
Secretariat to building;
Change Fund Pacific Regional Policy
Environmental
Program
Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)104
ADB; Canada ADB
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
Duration
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Coastal zone
management;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
In Palau: Additional information required.
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=3591
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Palau: Additional information required.
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
Palau has submitted a project to the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) for consideration. The project will address needs related to
agriculture, tourism, water resources and infrastructure.
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects and Programs in Palau
Name
Objectives
1. Adaptation Cluster: A framework to support climate change
adaptation measures and investments for agriculture,
tourism, water resources and infrastructure105
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
Capacity building; Economic Agriculture; Tourism;
development
Water Resources
Geographic focus
(if any)
Palau
Notes: Proposed to the SCCF = $6,000,000
Proposed co-fin = $23,500,000
E. Assessment
Through its National Communication released in 2002, Palau noted its needs in the areas of water, agriculture, coastal systems, marine
resources, forestry, human health and policy and planning. The current and planned adaptation projects in the country should assist it in
104
105
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/publication/adaptation-actions_0.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
addressing vulnerabilities in some of these areas, particularly water, agriculture and coastal systems. Areas in which consideration might
be given to greater action include forestry and human health (if needs in these areas are not being address through other sustainable
development activities). The level of policy development in the country is also limited; the completion of a dedicated climate change
adaptation strategy may be appropriate.
References
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA]. (2011). The World Factbook: Palau. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ps.html
Palau Office of Environmental Response and Coordination [POERC] (2002). Palau. First National Communication to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011 from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/ps.html
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9.0 Papua New Guinea
ADB
AusAID
CIA
FSM
GEF
PACC
PNG
PNGMEC
PPCR
SCCF
UNDP
Asian Development Bank
Australian Agency for International Development
Central Intelligence Agency
Federated States of Micronesia
Global Environment Facility
Pacific Islands Adaptation to Climate Change Project
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Ministry of the Environment and Conservation
Pilot Program for Climate Resilience
Special Climate Change Fund
United Nations Development Programme
The Independent State of Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea106 as well as numerous offshore
islands. With a land area of 462,840 square kilometers and a population of over 6.1 million, Papua New Guinea is the larger country in
the Pacific region both by geography and population. It has an abundance of natural resources, and mineral deposits like copper, gold
and oil account for nearly two-thirds of Papua New Guinea’s export revenues. Still, 85 percent of the population relies on subsistence
agriculture (CIA, 2011).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The main sources of climate change vulnerabilities identified by Papua New Guinea (PNGMEC, 2000) are:
 Coastal and Marine Environments: potential for sea level rise, bleaching of corals, loss of wetlands, loss of freshwater (seawater
intrusions), and changes in the abundance and health of marine resources.
106
The western half of New Guinea forms part of Indonesia.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)

Human Health: potential for severe storms, drought, declines in water resources, impacts on agricultural resources, and an
increase in vector borne and other diseases (including malaria).
 Agriculture and Land Use Change: potential for unsustainable forestry and the monsoon season may create more landslides and/or
degradation of soils if storms occur with more frequency, climate variability to affect crop production, and enable declines in soil
fertility.
A number of adaptation priorities have been identified to reduce vulnerabilty to these anticipated impacts. These needs mainly focus on
the integration of sustainable development practices into natural resource extraction (PNGMEC, 2000).
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
Papua New Guinea released its Initial National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(PNGMEC, 2000). Subsequently policy related initiatives, such as integration of adaptation into sectoral policies and planning processes
and/or the establishment of a national adaptation strategy have not been identified.
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Papua New Guinea
Ministry of the
Environment and
Conservation
Released
November 2000
Agriculture; Forestry;
Fisheries; Coastal Zone
Management; Human
Health
This document provides an overview of the
socioeconomic and environmental situation of the
country. Main climate change concerns are extreme
weather (drought) and the degradation and erosion
of coastal areas. There is a very detailed chart that
includes a plethora of adaptation strategies.
Papua New Guinea Initial National
Communication Under the United
Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change107
C. Current Adaptation Action
There are a number of projects underway in the country, including projects being executed exclusively within Papua New Guinea. Many
of these actions have a clear focus on capacity building. These projects are addressing needs related to meteorological services and
coastal zone management, as well as water resources. The majority current projects in Papua New Guinea are funded and/or
107
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/papnc1.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
implemented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Global
Environment Facility (GEF).
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Papua New Guinea
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
OK Tedi
Mining
Limited,
Papua New
Guinea’s
Community
and Social
Investment
Program
Papua New
Guinea
Sustainable
Development
Program LTD
Australian
Bureau of
Meteorology
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Sustainable
2008Development ongoing
Mining; Water
resources;
Infrastructure;
Forestry
Western
Province of
Papua New
Guinea
Capacity
Building
Agriculture
Papua New
Guinea
National Action
1.
Papua New Guinea
Sustainable Development
Program108
The long term goal is to promote diversified
and balanced economic development of the
nation, especially Western Province,
providing for improved well-being and selfdetermination of local communities beyond
the life of the Ok Tedi mine. There are several
secondary goals, like exploring opportunities
associated with climate change.
2.
Application of climate
forecasts for improved
management of drought
and crop production (sweet
potato) in Papua New
Guinea109
(Part of the Pacific Islands –
Climate Prediction
Project)110
1) Develop a drought forecasting and early
AusAID
warning system for PNG by customizing and
refining the SCOPIC software. 2) Analyse
historical production data for a subsistence
crop (sweet-potato) and climate data to
identify the impacts of past climate on
production. 3) Identify strategies to minimize
the adverse impacts of climate and maximize
opportunities in favorable seasons through
discussions with key PNG agencies. 4) Build
local capacity in key government agencies to
use and apply forecasting tools and increase
stakeholder awareness of climate variability
and its impacts through targeted workshops
and training in Australia and PNG.
Ongoing
http://www.pngsdp.com/index.php/component/content/article/1-about-us/50-papua-new-guinea-sustainable-development-program
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/agriculture_png.shtml
110 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
108
109
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
3.
4.
5.
111
112
Coastal and Marine
Resources Management in
the Coral Triangle of the
Pacific
(under the Pacific Alliance
for Sustainability Program
and the Coral Triangle
Initiative)111
To promote the conservation and
sustainable use of globally significant coastal
and marine resources in the Coral Triangle
region through the introduction of
integrated and ecosystem-based coastal and
marine resources management in five Pacific
countries. Includes the implementation of
pilot adaptation measures to enhance
resilience and increase capacity to respond
to the adverse impacts of climate change on
coastal and marine ecosystems.
GEF
ADB
(Strategic
Priority for
Adaptation);
Japan;
Australia;
United
States
Capacity
2008 – 2013 Coastal zone
building;
management;
Research;
Conservation
Pilot
implementati
on
Plus: Timor
Leste
In Papua New Guinea: additional information required.
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
(PACC)112
resilience of a number of key development
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
of climate change. This objective will be
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
strategies, policies and measures to bring
about this result. The key development
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
resources management; 2. food production
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
associated infrastructure (roads and
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
Special
ADB;
Capacity
Climate
Secretariat to building;
Change Fund Pacific Regional Policy
Environmental
Program
Pacific Islands Climate
AusAID
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Regional:
FSM, Fiji,
Palau, Papua
New Guinea,
Solomon
Islands and
Vanuatu
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Coastal zone
management;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Papua New Guinea: Demonstration measure to reduce vulnerability in coastal area and
crop production. The institutional and socioeconomic adaptive capacity will be evaluated
using legislation, policies and capacity assessments. Developing an integrated
assessment of the vulnerability of the biodiversity of the region to climate change.
Australia
Research;
Ongoing
Meteorology
Regional:
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=3591
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
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Name
Prediction Project113
6.
Pilot Program for Climate
Resilience (PPCR) 114
Objectives
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Bureau of
Meteorology
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Capacity
building
Geographic
focus (if any)
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Papua New Guinea: Climatic forecasting with emphasis on rainfall and tropical cyclones.
PPCR aims to pilot and demonstrate ways in World Bank’s World Bank
which climate risk and resilience may be
Strategic
integrated into core development planning Climate Fund
and implementation in a way that is
consistent with poverty reduction and
sustainable development goals. In this way,
the PPCR provides incentives for scaled-up
action and initiates transformational change.
The pilot programs and projects
implemented under the PPCR are countryled, build on NAPAs and other relevant
country studies and strategies.
Policy
(integration)
2008 present
Multi-sectoral
Regional
Programs:
Caribbean
and Pacific
Country
programs:
Bangladesh,
Bolivia,
Cambodia,
Mozambique,
Nepal, Niger,
Tajikistan,
Yemen,
Zambia
Pacific participation includes Papua New
Guinea, Samoa, Tonga)
In Papua New Guinea: additional information required.
7.
113
114
Climate and Oceanographic
Variability and their Impacts
on Fisheries115
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries Guide"117 AusAID
designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on resource
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
Building
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
http://www.climatefundsupdate.org/listing/pilot-program-for-climate-resilience
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Project116)
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
Geographic
focus (if any)
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Papua New Guinea: Development of a Fisheries Guide for National Meteorological
Services Staff.
8.
Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)118
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Papua New Guinea: Additional information needed
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
116 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
118 ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
115
117
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
Papua New Guinea has developed projects for future implementation that have been submitted to the Special Climate Change Fund
(SCCF) and to the Adaptation Fund for consideration. These projects will focus on marine resources management, disaster risk
reduction and agriculture.
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects and Programs in Papua New Guinea
Name
Objectives
1. Adaptation in the Coral Triangle
(ACT)
2. Enhancing Resilience of
Communities in Papua New
Guinea to climate change and
disaster risks in the Coastal and
Highland regions119
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
Notes: Proposed to the SCCF = $20M; Proposed co-fin = $290M
Will involve: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon
Islands, Timor Leste
Climate early warning and information systems. Communitybased adaptation to flood -related risks and hazards.
Community based adaptation to drought and frost-related
hazards in agriculture. Institutional strengthening to support
climate- and disaster-resilient policy frameworks. Awareness
raising and knowledge management.
Capacity Building
Agriculture; Disaster risk
reduction
Notes: Submitted to the Adaptation Fund Board
Planned Implementing Agency: UNDP
E. Assessment
Papua New Guinea is in a unique situation compared to other Pacific Islands, as it has a large land and natural resources base. It also has
a number of adaptation projects underway that are focused at both the national and regional level; at least one of these projects is
funded by private industry. These ongoing initiatives address the concerns identified by Papua New Guinea with respect to coastal and
marine resources, and agricultural and land use (including mining and forestry). Concerns related to human health do not appear to be
addressed through current initiatives. As well, given that a decade has passed since Papua New Guinea identified its vulnerabilities and
adaptation needs through its Initial National Communication, a new assessment may be required to take into account new knowledge
and completed adaptation efforts.
119
http://adaptation-fund.org/system/files/AFB.PPRC_.3.15%20Proposal%20for%20Papua%20New%20Guinea.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA]. (2011). The World Factbook: Papua New Guinea. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pp.html
Papua New Guinea Ministry of the Environment and Conservation [PNGMEC] (2000). Papua New Guinea Initial National Communication
Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011 from:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/papnc1.pdf
84
Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
10.
Samoa
ADB
AusAID
CBA
CIA
DCCEE
FSM
GEF
LDCF
MNREM
NAPA
NCCCT
PNG
SWA
UNDP
UNFCCC
UNOPS
Asian Development Bank
Australian Agency of International Development
Community Based Adaptation
Central Intelligence Agency
Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (Australia)
Federated States of Micronesia
Global Environment Facility
Least Developed Country Fund
Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Metorology (Samoa)
National Adaptation Programme of Action
National Climate Change Country Team (Samoa)
Papua New Guinea
Samoa Water Authority
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
United Nations Office of Project Services
The Independent State of Samoa is a group of two main islands and several smaller islands with a total area of approximately 2,931
square kilometers and a coastline of 403 kilometers. The population of the country is approximately 193,000 people. The islands
experience distinct dry seasons that are vulnerable to droughts. Samoa’s economy is based on subsistence and commercial agriculture
and fishing, and a growing tourism industry. There are several food processing and automobile parts plants. However, the country is still
somewhat dependent on financial aid (CIA, 2011; NCCCT, 1999).
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
Samoa’s main vulnerabilities to climate change are sea level rise, extreme weather events and coastal erosion. These vulnerabilities in part
reflect the fact that most of the country’s infrastructure and human settlements are located close to its coastline. The agricultural sector
will have to adapt to variability in weather and soil conditions, as well as a possible increase in pests and disease. Samoa has also
identified human health concerns as a pressing need because of the possible relationship between climate change and several common
fatal diseases. Biodiversity is an additional concern as islanders have long depended on it to support their livelihood activities. As
biodiversity is likely to be affected by extreme weather events and human activities, Samoa has expressed a desire for more research to
be undertaken on how it can prepare to adapt to extreme weather events and a possible increase in pests/disease. Currently, there is an
abundance of water resources for Samoans, but the water sector is vulnerable to deforestation, droughts and turbidity of surface waters.
As temperatures rise, adaptation for the water sector is expected to become more important (NCCCT, 1999).
Samoa’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) identifies several priority areas for adaptation, with its top three being:
1) Water resources;
2) Reforestation programs and activities; and
3) Education and awareness programs.
The main priority criteria for implementation of programs in these areas is identified as being ensuring that they are country-driven and
local and community-based (MNREM, 2005). Specific adaptation actions recommended in Samoa’s NAPA are provided in Table 3.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
Samoa released its First National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in
1999. This report outlines the socioeconomic and environmental status of Samoa. The document describes several possible adaptations
for each of the priority sectors (NCCCT, 1999). Its adaptation needs and priorities were further elaborated in its 2005 NAPA.
Additional policy related action has not yet been identified.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
First National Communication
to the UNFCCC120
Samoa’s National Climate
Change Country Team
Released 1999
Agriculture; Biodiversity; Coastal This document provides a baseline description
Zone Management; Human
of the socioeconomic and environmental status
Health
of the country. The greenhouse gas emissions
were collected and shown that the amount of
emissions is globally insignificant. The main
vulnerabilities to climate change are outlined;
sea level rise and extreme weather events are
the most significant. Several adaptation
strategies are briefly discussed.
2.
National Adaptation
Programme of Action Samoa121
Ministry of Natural
Resources, Environment
and Meteorology
Released
December 2005
Agriculture & Food Security;
Forestry; Water; Communities;
Health; Biodiversity; Fisheries;
Trade and Industry; Works,
Transport & Infrastructure;
Tourism; Urban Planning &
Development; Coastal Zones;
Energy
This document outlines the national situation,
and the major adaptation concerns of Samoa.
The national adaptation programs that have
been, or are to be implemented in order to
cope with the impacts of climate change are
described in detail. There is a need for capacity
building that is apparent throughout the
document.
C. Current Adaptation Action
A number of climate change adaptation projects—national, regional and global—are presently underway in Samoa. Most of these
projects focus on forestry, agriculture, human health and infrastructure. There are a variety of funding and implementing agencies, with
the most common being the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank. Samoa has received funding for two projects through the
Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) that address priority actions identified in its NAPA.
120
121
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/samnc1.pdf
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/sam01.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Samoa:
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
2007-2011
Agriculture;
Health;
Meteorology
Samoa
Forestry
Samoa
National Action
1.
Integrated Climate Change
Adaptation in Samoa122
To increase the resilience and adaptive
LDCF
UNDP
capacity of coastal communities in Samoa to
the adverse impacts of on agricultural
Budget: USD
production and public health.
4.405 million
Capacity
Building
2.
Integration of Climate
Change Risk and Resilience
into Forestry
Management123
The objective of the project is to increase the
resilience and adaptive capacity of Samoa's
forest areas and communities depend on
them for livelihoods to the threat of climate
change through targeted adaptation
interventions in (i) lowland agro-forestry and
(ii) upland native forest sub-sectors.
Capacity
Building
LDCF
UNDP
Budget: USD
5.1246
million
3.
Samoa-Australia Partnership Australia is supporting the Government of
AusAID
Government of
for Development: climate
Samoa to implement activities under
Samoa
change124
Samoa’s NAPA, primarily in the water, forest Budget: USD
and tourism sectors. This includes a national 4 million
tourism adaptation strategy setting out
adaptation standards for tourism services
(e.g. to manage surface floods in the capital
Apia) and a national strategy for forest fire
prevention.
Economic
2009 - 2013 Forestry;
Samoa
development;
Tourism; Water
Natural
resources
management
4.
Samoans Turn to Traditional To recover indigenous cultural knowledge
World Bank Afeafe o
Housing as Sanctuary from held by Samoan elders about housing and
Vaetoefaga
125
Climate Risks
climate, and to apply this to the design and Budget: USD Pacific
construction practices of Samoan indigenous 199,000
Academy of
housing in order to inform the development
Cultural
of safer, accessible, resilient, and sustainable
Restoration,
Capacity
2010 - ?
building;
Communicatio
ns
Infrastructure; Apia
Forestry
http://www.mnre.gov.ws/documents/projects/climate/NAPA/05.03.07%20PIF%20Approval.pdf
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=4216
124 http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/cbrief.cfm?DCon=9205_8231_8940_8250_1457&CountryID=18&Region=SouthPacific
122
123
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
housing. To put indigenous knowledge into
practice through the construction of three
model Samoan houses (Fale) in three coastal
sites. To reinvigorate village-based teaching
and practice of growing materials, crafting,
and constructing indigenous Samoan
housing. To engage three village
communities in a public education program
about climate risk and developing risk
management plans for the hazards that they
will face.
Research and
Development
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
5.
Relationship between El
Nino-Southern Oscillation
and Incidence of Malaria in
the Solomon Islands126
(Is a part of the Pacific
Islands – Climate Change
Prediction Project127)
To determine whether malaria epidemics in AusAID
the Solomon Islands are related to the El
Niño Southern Oscillation, rainfall and other
hydro-climatic variables, and to determine if
such as relationship can be used as an early
warning system for predicting heightened
risk of a malarial epidemic and therefore in
assisting targeted control strategies.
Australian
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
building;
Research
Ongoing
Health
Samoa
6.
Application of climate
forecasting for improved
management of
hydropower production in
the Pacific Islands - Samoa
Determine the utility of seasonal climate
AusAID
prediction in the management of
hydropower generation for the Afulilo dam;
Identify management strategies to maximize
the use of hydropower generation relative to
thermal production; and build local capacity
in the use of seasonal climate forecasting for
improved water resource and renewable
energy management
Australian
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
building;
Research
Ongoing
Energy
Samoa
(Upolu
Island)
128
(Is a part of the Pacific
Islands – Climate Change
Prediction Project129)
http://wbi.worldbank.org/developmentmarketplace/idea/samoans-turn-traditional-housing-sanctuary-climate-risks
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/health.shtml
127 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
128 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/energy.shtml
129 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
125
126
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
2005 -
Government
Global
Policy and
Bangladesh,
Administration Bolivia,
Guatemala,
Jamaica,
Kazakhstan,
Morocco,
Namibia,
Niger, Samoa
Vietnam
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
7.
8.
9.
130
131
Community-based
Adaptation (CBA)
Programme130
The CBA project and program is aimed at: (i)
developing a framework, including new
knowledge and capacity, that spans the local
to the intergovernmental levels to respond
to unique community-based adaptation
needs; (ii) identifying and financing diverse
community-based adaptation projects in a
number of selected countries; and (iii)
capturing and disseminating lessons learned
at the community level to all stakeholders,
including governments. The goal of the
program is to reduce vulnerability and to
increase adaptive capacity to the adverse
effects of climate change in the focal areas in
which the GEF works.
GEF
UNDP/UNOPS
(Strategic
Priority for
Adaptation)
Capacity
Building
In Samoa: GEF = $5,009,560; Total = $9,534,700
Economics of Adaptation to The study had two specific objectives. The
Climate Change Study131
first was to develop a global estimate of
adaptation costs to inform the international
community’s efforts to tailor support and
provide new and additional resources to help
vulnerable developing countries meet
adaptation costs. The second objective was
to support decision makers in developing
countries to better evaluate and assess the
risks posed by climate change and to better
design strategies to adapt to climate change.
Government
s of the
Netherlands,
the UK, and
Switzerland
Vulnerability and Adaptation Through this initiative, six Pacific countries
AusAID
Research
2008 – 2010 Infrastructure, Global:
(closed)
Agriculture;
Bangladesh,
Human Health; Bolivia,
Forestry
Ethiopia,
Ghana,
Mozambique,
Samoa and
Vietnam
In Samoa: Research project to understand the effects of two climate change scenarios on
Samoa’s infrastructure, human health (malaria) and forestry sectors.
ADB
Capacity
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Regional:
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=2774
http://climatechange.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/documents/EACC_Samoa_draft.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Initiative132
10. Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project133
11. Regional Partnerships for
Climate Change Adaptation
and Disaster
Preparedness135
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
have implemented activities to reduce their
Building
vulnerability to climate change and achieve
good environmental outcomes. The Initiative
has funded activities such as the replanting
of coastal mangroves to protect shorelines,
In Samoa: Additional information required.
the construction of rain water tanks in
islands affected by seasonal drought, the
trialing of versatile crop varieties and the
recording of traditional knowledge about
disaster preparation.
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Research;
Capacity
building
Ongoing
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Water;
Infrastructure;
Coastal zone
management;
Education
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Samoa: A new building for the Samoa Meteorological Services department, training
workshops and technical support. Climate forecasting with an emphasis on temperature,
rainfall and tropical cyclone prediction134.
A strengthened information system that will ADB
support informed decision-making aimed at
minimizing the negative social and
environmental impacts of catastrophic
events. It will also mitigate financial risk of
World Bank
Capacity
building
Phase 1:
2007-2010
Economy; Risk Regional:
management Cook Islands,
Fiji, Papua
New Guinea,
Samoa,
Solomon
AusAID, http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/pacific/climate_change.cfm
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
134 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/wsm.shtml
135 Further information available on the ADB website: http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=41187
132
133
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
participating Pacific developing member
countries to the effects of natural disasters,
including those exacerbated by humaninduced climate change. This work is linked
to the World Bank’s work on the
development of a Caribbean Catastrophe
Insurance Facility for the Pacific.
12. Pilot Program for Climate
Resilience (PPCR) 136
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu, and
Vanuatu
In Samoa: Additional information required.
PPCR aims to pilot and demonstrate ways in World Bank’s World Bank
which climate risk and resilience may be
Strategic
integrated into core development planning Climate Fund
and implementation in a way that is
consistent with poverty reduction and
sustainable development goals. In this way,
the PPCR provides incentives for scaled-up
action and initiates transformational change.
The pilot programs and projects
implemented under the PPCR are countryled, build on NAPAs and other relevant
country studies and strategies.
Policy
(integration)
2008 present
Multi-sectoral
Regional
Programs:
Caribbean
and Pacific
Country
programs:
Bangladesh,
Bolivia,
Cambodia,
Mozambique,
Nepal, Niger,
Tajikistan,
Yemen,
Zambia
Pacific participation includes Papua New
Guinea, Samoa, Tonga)
In Samoa: Additional information required.
13. Small Grants Schemes
136
Small grant schemes provide funds for
AusAID
Various
Capacity
community–initiated climate change
building; Pilot
adaptation projects. In Tonga, Samoa and
implementati
Vanuatu, communities have increased their
on
water storage capacity by constructing
rainwater tanks. On the drought prone island
of Aniwa in Vanuatu, communities have built
In Samoa: Additional information required.
small solar desalination stills capable of
producing enough fresh water for drinking.
Multi-sectoral
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga and
Vanuatu
http://www.climatefundsupdate.org/listing/pilot-program-for-climate-resilience
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
14. Climate and Oceanographic
Variability and their Impacts
on Fisheries137
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
Project138)
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries Guide"139 AusAID
designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
Capacity
Building
In Samoa: Development of a “Fisheries Guide” and training workshops for fisheries
management and climate change.
15. Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)140
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Samoa: Additional information required.
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
139 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
140 ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
137
138
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D. Proposed Adaptation Action
Samoa identified a number of projects in its NAPA to address many of its capacity building needs. All of the adaptation projects
suggested have a strong community component. Support for implementation of these priority actions has been received from the LCDF
through the projects “Integrated Climate Change Adaptation in Samoa” and “Integration of Climate Change Risk and Resilience into
Forestry Management.”
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects and Programs from the National Adaptation Programme of Action for Samoa
Name
Objectives
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
1. Securing Community Water Resources
Project
Geographic focus
(if any)
To improve water quality, accessibility
and availability (quantity) of
communities
Capacity Building
Agriculture; Human Health;
Water
2. Reforestation, Rehabilitation &
Community Forestry Fire Prevention
Project
To protect, rehabilitate, and increase
resilience of coastal lowland and
inland forest resources.
Capacity Building
3. Climate Health Cooperation Program
Project
To institute coordination of climatehealth partnership programs and
emergency measures to respond to
climate change and extreme events.
Capacity Building
4. Climate Early Warning System Project
To implement effective early warning
Capacity Building
Meteorology
systems and emergency response
Notes: Implementing Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and
measures to climate and extreme events. Meteorology Coordinating Agencies: Ministry of Natural Resources,
Environment and Meteorology
5. Agriculture and Food Security
Sustainability Project
To maintain economically subsistent
agriculture and sustain food security in
communities.
Notes: Implementing Agency: Samoa Water Authority (SWA)
Coordinating Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment &
Meteorology
Forestry
Notes: Implementing Agency: Ministry of Agriculture, Fire Services, SWA
Coordinating Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and
Meteorology in close collaboration with identified vulnerable communities.
Meteorology
Notes: Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Natural
Resources, Environment and Meteorology
Coordinating Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and
Meteorology
Capacity Building
Agriculture; Human Health
Notes: Institutional Arrangements: Ministry of Agriculture with close
collaboration with communities
Coordinating Agencies: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and
Meteorology
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
6. Zoning and Strategic Management
Planning
Implement Zoning and Strategic
Management Planning
Capacity Building;
Sustainable Development
Public Administration;
Human Health; Urban
Planning; Water
Geographic focus
(if any)
Notes: Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment
and Meteorology
Coordinating Agencies: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and
Meteorology, Project Steering Committee (Advisory Committee)
7. Implement Coastal Infrastructure
Management Plans for Highly
Vulnerable Districts Project
To implement plans for Highly Vulnerable Capacity Building;
Districts Project
Sustainable Development
Infrastructure; Coastal Zone
Management
Notes: Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment
and Meteorology Ministry of Water, Transportation and Infrastructure
8. Establishing Conservation Programs in
To establish and or strengthen
Highly Vulnerable Marine and Terrestrial community-based conservation
Areas of Communities Project
programs for the protection of highly
vulnerable terrestrial and marine
biodiversity.
Capacity Building
9. Sustainable Tourism Adaptation Project Implement sustainable tourism
adaptation project.
Capacity Building;
Sustainable Development;
Economic Development
Coastal Zone Management;
Water
Notes: Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment
and Meteorology, Ministry of Agriculture
Coordinating Agency: Project Steering Committee
Tourism; Conservation
Biodiversity
Notes:
Implementing Agencies: Samoa Tourism, Ministry of Natural Resources,
Environment and Meteorology
Coordinating Agency: Ministry of Agriculture, NGOs, Communities, Resorts,
Hotels
E. Assessment
Samoa has a comparatively large number of projects underway focused on reducing vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
These include projects focused on its priority sectors of forestry and water. Action is also taking place in a breadth of other areas,
including agriculture, health, infrastructure and climate forecasting/meteorology. Potential gaps include apparently limited attention to
coastal resource management and fisheries (a key economic sector). Clarification regarding the extent to which adaptation is being
integrated into national policy and planning processes is required.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). The World Factbook: Samoa. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ws.html
Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Metorology [MNREM] (2005). National Adaptation Programme of Action Samoa. Retrieved
February 2011 from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/sam01.pdf
National Climate Change Country Team [NCCCT] (1999). Samoa. Government of Samoa. First national Communication to the UNFCCC.
Retrieved February 2011 from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/samnc1.pdf
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11.0 Solomon Islands
ADB
AusAID
CIA
DCCEE
DRR
EU
GEF
LDC
NAPA
PACC
SCCF
SIMCTA
SIMECM
UNDP
Asian Development Bank
Australia Agency for International Development
Central Intelligence Agency
Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (Australia)
Disaster Risk Reduction
European Union
Global Environment Facility
Least Developed Country
National Adaptation Programmes of Action
Pacific Islands Adaptation to Climate Change Project
Special Climate Change Fund
Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Aviation
Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Metorology
United Nations Development Programme
The Solomon Islands are a group of nearly 1,000 islands approximately 1,100 kilometers east of Papua New Guinea. Covering a land
area of approximately 28,400 square kilometers, the Solomon Islands are home to approximately 571,000 people. Ranked among the
least developed countries in the world, most Solomon Islanders are engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing activities. Timber was
once a major export of the islands, but recently this resource has become dangerously depleted. The islands are rich in many
undeveloped mineral resources like lead, zinc, nickel and gold (CIA, 2011).
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The most significant impacts of climate change for the Solomon Islands are expected to be sea level rise and the effect of rising
temperatures on flora and fauna (SIMCTA, 2004). Anticipated impacts of climate changes for different sectors within the the Solomon
Islands, as well as some potential adaptation strategies, are presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Climate change impacts and possible adaptation strategies for key sectors in the Solomon Islands (SIMCTA, 2004; SIMECM, 2009)
Sector
Vulnerability
Subsistence and
Commercial Agriculture
An increase in the duration, frequency and intensity of cyclones,  National Food Security Program and provincial food banks
along with salt water intrusions, would decrease crop yields
 Crop diversification
 Research into and breeding of salt-tolerant root crops and drought
resistant crops
 Improved water and soil conservation programs
 Intercropping and hydroponics
 National urban fruit tree planting
Coastal Environments and
Systems
Coastal areas may experience flooding and erosion, and coral
bleaching may occur due to an increase in sea temperature.
Mangrove forests are also at risk because the effects of sea
level rise on their habitats
 Protection of mangrove areas
 Re-vegetation of shore areas
 Resettlement of urban areas
Human Health
Some strains of malaria are endemic to the Solomon Islands,
and eradication programs have thus far been inefficient.
Extreme weather events, especially flooding, will create ideal
conditions for mosquitos to breed and may increase the
prevalence of malaria




Water Resources
Climate change is expected to decrease the availability and
quality of water resources
 Increase in water storage capacity
 Conservation of water
 Centralized water treatment
 Identification of alternative surface and groundwater sources
Marine Resources
Increases in sea temperature are associated with smaller tuna
catches, but there is little information about how these fish
stocks will be affected in the future due to climate change
 Marine breeding and restocking programs
 Quota system for tuna and subsistence fishing
 Comprehensive inventory of marine resources
Climate Forecasting and
Potential Adaptation Action
Malaria awareness program
Use of bed nets and mosquito eradication
Improvement of medical services
capacity building for understanding the relationship between climate
change and variability
 Rapid response to disasters
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Sector
Vulnerability
Potential Adaptation Action
Response
 Strengthening capacity in hydrological services
 Weather forecasting and weather stations establishment
Human Settlements
 Enhancement for communities to be able to plan for relocation
Education and Awareness
 Incorporation of information in school curriculum
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
The Solomon Islands released its Initial National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in
2004, and its National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) in 2009. Progress towards integration of adaptation into national
policies and planning processes is unclear.
Table 2: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Solomon Islands. Initial National
Communications under the United
Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change
Ministry of Culture,
Tourism and Aviation
Released 2004
Agriculture; Human
Health; Coastal zone
management; Water
resources; Marine
resources
The document outlines the baseline information for the
country in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and
socioeconomic status. This document also goes over
the key adaptation priorities and needs and provides a
list of possible adaptation strategies. There are several
areas that are identified as being vulnerable, like coral
reefs, mangroves, coastal areas, degraded soil areas
and degraded forest areas.
2.
Solomon Islands National Adaptation
Programmes of Action
Ministry of
Environment,
Conservation and
Meteorology
Released
December 2009
This document outlines the specific needs of the
country as it is particularly susceptible to the effects of
climate change; specifically to sea level rise and the
impacts that bring to human health, water quality and
environmental quality. The priority sectors are
discussed and ranked in priority order and several
projects are identified and outlined for the adaptation
to the impacts of climate change.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
C. Current Adaptation Action
Several adaptation focused projects and programs are underway in the Solomon Islands—all at either the regional or global level. These
project are addressing concerns related predominately to coastal zone management, water, agriculture, policy and planning, and risk
reduction and meteorology. Most projects support research and capacity building; a smaller number have a pilot implementation
component. The main funders in the region are the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Asian
Development Bank (ASB).
Table 3: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Solomon Islands
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
1.
Global Climate Change
Alliance141
The Global Climate Change Alliance seeks to European
National
Various
2007 – 2010 Risk reduction,
enhance cooperation and support between Commission Governments
(start-up
Policy
the European Union and poor developing
phase)
integration
countries, most vulnerable to climate
change, to adapt to the effects of climate
change without prejudice to achieving the
Millennium Development Goals. The
program is funding projects focused on
disaster risk reduction and integrating
In Solomon Islands: €2.54 million; type of support to be determined in 2010
climate change into poverty reduction
efforts.
Global,
including:
Solomon
Islands,
Vanuatu and
the Pacific
Region as a
whole
2.
Coastal and Marine
Resources Management in
the Coral Triangle of the
Pacific
(under the Pacific Alliance
for Sustainability Program
To promote the conservation and
sustainable use of globally significant coastal
and marine resources in the Coral Triangle
region through the introduction of
integrated and ecosystem-based coastal and
marine resources management in five Pacific
Regional:
FSM, Fiji,
Palau, Papua
New Guinea,
Solomon
Islands and
141
GEF
ADB
(Strategic
Priority for
Adaptation);
Japan;
Australia;
United
Capacity
2008 – 2013 Coastal zone
building;
management;
Research;
Conservation
Pilot
implementati
on
http://www.climatefundsupdate.org/listing/global-climate-change-allianc
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
and the Coral Triangle
Initiative)142
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
countries. Includes the implementation of
States
Vanuatu
pilot adaptation measures to enhance
resilience and increase capacity to respond
Plus: Timor
Leste
to the adverse impacts of climate change on
coastal and marine ecosystems.
In Solomon Islands: Support to meet emerging commitments under the CTI. Management
of shared mining resources. Achieving commitments in migratory turtle protection.
3.
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term SCCF
ADB; SPREP
Capacity
2008-2012 Agriculture;
Regional:
building;
Coastal zone
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
Cook Islands,
Policy
management; FSM, Fiji,
(PACC)143
resilience of a number of key development
Water
Nauru, Palau,
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
PNG,
of climate change. This objective will be
Solomon
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
Islands,
strategies, policies and measures to bring
Tonga,
about this result. The key development
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
resources management; 2. food production In Solomon Islands: Demonstration measures to reduce vulnerability in coastal areas and
crop production.
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
associated infrastructure (roads and
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
4.
Vulnerability and Adaptation Through this initiative, six Pacific countries
AusAID;
Initiative144
have implemented activities to reduce their
vulnerability to climate change and achieve
good environmental outcomes. The Initiative
has funded activities such as the replanting
ADB; DCCEE
Capacity
Building
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Water;
Infrastructure;
Coastal zone
management;
Education
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=3591
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
144 AusAID, http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/pacific/climate_change.cfm
142
143
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
5.
Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project145
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
of coastal mangroves to protect shorelines,
the construction of rain water tanks in
islands affected by seasonal drought, the
trialing of versatile crop varieties and the
recording of traditional knowledge about
disaster preparation.
In Solomon Islands: Additional information required.
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Research;
Capacity
building
Duration
Ongoing
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga and
Vanuatu
In Solomon Islands: Additional information required.
6.
Small Grants Schemes
Small grant schemes provide funds for
AusAID
Various
Capacity
building; Pilot
community–initiated climate change
implementati
adaptation projects. In Tonga, Samoa and
on
Vanuatu, communities have increased their
water storage capacity by constructing
rainwater tanks. On the drought prone island
In Solomon Islands: Additional information required.
of Aniwa in Vanuatu, communities have built
small solar desalination stills capable of
producing enough fresh water for drinking.
Multi-sectoral
7.
Regional Partnerships for
Climate Change Adaptation
and Disaster
Preparedness146
A strengthened information system that will ADB
support informed decision-making aimed at
minimizing the negative social and
environmental impacts of catastrophic
Economy; Risk Regional:
management Cook Islands,
Fiji, Papua
New Guinea,
Samoa,
145
World Bank
Capacity
Building
Phase 1:
2007-2010
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
events. It will also mitigate financial risk of
participating Pacific developing member
countries to the effects of natural disasters,
including those exacerbated by humaninduced climate change. This work is linked
to the World Bank’s work on the
development of a Caribbean Catastrophe
Insurance Facility for the Pacific.
8.
Climate and Oceanographic
Variability and their Impacts
on Fisheries147 (Part of the
Pacific Island – Climate
Change Prediction
Project148)
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu, and
Vanuatu
In Solomon Islands: Country specific catastrophe risk models will be developed to assess
the feasibility of risk financing and insurance options.
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries Guide"149 AusAID
designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
Building
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Solomon Islands: Development of a “Fisheries Guide” aided by technical assistance and
various workshops.
9.
Application of Climate
Forecasting in Water
Management150
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
Project151)
To develop the capability of national
AusAID
meteorological service staff to provide
climatological information including
forecasts of droughts and their likely impacts
on water resources to water agencies and
other stakeholders.
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
building
2007-
Meteorology;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Kiribati,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Solomon Islands: Technical assistance and workshops for National Meteorological
Further information available on the ADB website: http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=41187
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
148 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
149 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
150 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/water_mgt.shtml
151 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
146
147
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Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Samoa,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
Services staff.
10. Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)152
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
In Solomon Islands: To be determined
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
Through its NAPA, the Solomon Islands has identified a number of nationally targeted adaptation actions, as noted in Table 4. The
country is also proposed to be involved in several projects developed and submitted for funding to the Special Climate Change Fund
(SCCF) and the Adaptation Fund. There is potential that the combination of the current and proposed programs could fulfill the
capacity building needs of the Solomon Islands and better enable it to implement standalone adaptation actions.
152
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 4: Proposed Adaptation Projects and Programs in Solomon Islands
Name
Objectives
1. Improving the Adaptive Capacity of
Communities in Solomon Islands to the
Impacts of Climate Change and Climate
Variability in the Health Sector
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
Health
Notes: Proposed to the SCCF = $25,000; Proposed co-fin = $TBC
2. Adaptation in the Coral Triangle (ACT)
Biodiversity/Conservation
Notes: Proposed to the SCCF = $20M; Proposed co-fin = $290M
Will involve: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands,
Timor Leste
3. Increasing Climate Resiliency of the Transport
Sector in the Asia-Pacific
Transportation
Notes: Proposed to the SCCF = $30M; Proposed co-fin = $1,089,500,000
Will involve: China, Timor Leste, Solomon Islands, Vietnam
4. Enhancing Resilience of Communities in
Solomon Islands to the adverse effects of
climate change in Agriculture and Food
Security153
Agriculture; Food
security
Notes: Submitted to the Adaptation Fund Board.
Planned Implementing Agency: UNDP
Projects Proposed in NAPA
5. Managing the Impact of and Enhancing
To increase adaptive capacity and
Resilience to Climate Change and Sea-Level
resilience of key vulnerable sectors
Rise on Agriculture, Food Security, Water
Supply and Sanitation, Human Settlements,
Human Health and Education, Awareness and
Information
Capacity Building
6. Climate Change Adaptation on Low-lying and
Artificially Built Up Islands in Malaita and
Temotu Provinces
The main goal is to facilitate adequate
adaptation to climate change and sealevel rise
Capacity building
7. Waste Management
Main goal of this project is to better
Capacity building
153
General (Water;
Agriculture; Health)
Notes: NAPA
Coastal zone
management
Notes: NAPA
Water; Health
http://www.adaptation-fund.org/node/996
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
8. Coastal Protection
9. Fisheries and Marine Resources
10. Infrastructure Development
11. Tourism
Objectives
Type of project
manage impacts of climate change on
waste management.
Notes: NAPA
The main goal of this project is to
increase the resilience and enhance
adaptive capacity of coastal
communities, socioeconomic activities
and infrastructure
Capacity building
To improve the understanding of the
effects of climate change and climate
variability including El Nino-Southern
Oscillation on the inshore and tuna
fishery resources.
Capacity building
To improve the resilience of key
infrastructure to climate change and
sea-level rise.
Capacity building
Priority Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
Coastal zone
management; Health;
Infrastructure
Notes: NAPA
Fisheries; Coastal zone
management
Notes: NAPA
Infrastructure; Coastal
zone management
Notes: NAPA
To integrate climate change adaptation Policy and planning
strategies and measures into tourism
Notes: NAPA
planning and development.
Tourism
E. Assessment
Ongoing adaptation in the Solomon Islands is addressing some of the key priority areas identified by the Solomon Islands through their
NAPA and National Communication. These include increasing resilience in the management of coastal resources, agriculture and water.
However, although a diverse array of sectors are being targeted through current actions, concerns related to health and human
settlements appear to be overlooked. Greater attention to marine resources, particularly with respect to its inter-linkages with fisheries
and tourism might also be addressed in the future. At the policy level, the degree to which adaptation considerations are being integrated
into policy and planning processes is presently unclear, but may be an area for additional attention (building on existing initiatives such
as “Strengthening the Capacity of Pacific Developing Member Countries to Respond to Climate Change”).
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References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). The World Factbook: The Solomon Islands. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bp.html
Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Metorology [SIMECM] (2009). Solomon Islands National Adaptation
Programmes of Action. Retrieved February 2011 from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/slb01.pdf
Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Aviation [SIMCTA] (2004). Solomon Islands. Initial national communications under the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011 from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/slbnc1.pdf
107
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12.0 Tonga
ADB
AusAID
CIA
FSM
GEF
GIZ
PNG
SCCF
SPC
TDE
UNDP
Asian Development Bank
Australian Agency of International Development
Central Intelligence Agency
Federated States of Micronesia
Global Environment Facility
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (Germany)
Papua New Guinea
Special Climate Change Fund
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Tonga Department of Environment
United Nations Development Programme
The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago northeast of Australia comprised of 176 islands scattered over 700,000 square kilometers of
ocean in the South Pacific. It is the only island nation in the Pacific region to have avoided formal colonization. Its economic base is
small and mainly made up of agricultural exports and tourism, although the country remains dependent on foreign aid (CIA, 2011).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The main vulnerabilities Tonga faces related to climate change are sea level rise and an increase in the frequency, duration and intensity
of tropical cyclones. Several strategies have been suggested to aid in adapting to these changing conditions within different sectors
(TDE, 2005):
 Coastal Areas: building up coastal areas with crushed limestone; relocation; protection of infrastructure against storm events;
revegetation of coastal areas; elimination of onshore sand mining; fencing domestic animals (hard hooves and foraging for food
damage sensitive soils); and coral management plan.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)





Fisheries: monitoring changes; and legislation and regulation
Agriculture: introduction of salt tolerant species; introduction of heat tolerant crops; improved pest and disease management;
crop research; restoration of degraded lands; species diversification; and farm relocation.
Forestry: land use policy; legislation and regulation; reforestation; promotion for agroforestry
Human Health: research to understand relationship between climate and human health; and standardize health impact assessment
procedures
Water Resources: demand management; leakage control; consumer education and awareness; price policy; water conservation
plumbing measures; alternative water supply; expansion of rainwater collection; groundwater protection; importing water; and
desalination of water.
At a more macro level, the main responses to climate change recommended by and for Tonga are (TDE, 2005):
 Institutionalize and mainstream climate change preparedness;
 Increase national capacity to prepare and adapt to climate change;
 Increase public awareness and improve understanding of climate change, variability, sea level rise, extreme events and their
preparedness;
 Facilitate and mainstream adaptation options into all sectoral planning; and
 Develop a national climate change framework and policy
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
The Kingdom of Tonga’s Initial National Communication was released in 2005. It notes that Tonga has a limited capability to address
the myriad issues to be experienced resulting from climate change, and calls for the development of a policy framework for adaptation,
public awareness, systematic observation, research and capacity building (TDE, 2005).
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Tonga Department of
Environment
Released
May 2005
Agriculture; Forestry;
Coastal Management;
Fisheries; Human Health;
Water Resources
This document provides the environmental and
socioeconomic background of Tonga, as well as a
greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The main
vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies are also
outlined.
The Kingdom of Tonga’s Initial National
Communication154
C. Current Adaptation Action
Adaptive action in the country is focused on capacity building projects in the areas of agriculture, water resources, coastal zone
management and meteorology capacity. The majority of projects underway are those in which Tonga is one of several participating
countries. The majority of the funding comes from the Australian Agency for International Development, the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF).
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Tonga
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Includes support for climate change
adaptation has also helped communities
suffering from saltwater infusion of the
water table into their drinking water,
erosion, and tidal encroachment on marginal
lands in Tongatapu, Ha'apai and Vava'u.
AusAID
Up to $1
million per
year for all
activities
AusAID
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Education;
Water quality;
Transport;
Communicatio
ns; Energy,
Agriculture;
Fisheries
Tonga (some
actions have
taken place in
Tongatapu,
Ha’apai and
Vava’u)
Agriculture;
Coastal zone
management;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
Nauru, Palau,
National Action
1.
Tonga Community
Development Scheme
Capacity
On-going
Building;
Sustainable
Development
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
2.
154
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term SCCF
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
(PACC)155
resilience of a number of key development
ADB;
Capacity
Secretariat to building;
Pacific Regional Policy
Environmental
2008-2012
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/tonnc1.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
Program
PNG,
Solomon
of climate change. This objective will be
Islands,
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
Tonga,
strategies, policies and measures to bring
Tuvalu,
about this result. The key development
Vanuatu
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
In Tonga: Demonstration measures to reduce vulnerably in coastal areas and water
resources management; 2. food production management; groundwater monitoring, funded water tanks, rainwater harvesting.
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
associated infrastructure (roads and
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
3.
Adapting to Climate Change In the member countries of the Pacific
GIZ
SPC
Capacity
building
in the Pacific Island
Community, competence and performance in
156
Region
the sustainable management of natural
In Tonga: Additional information required.
resources are enhanced, in order to
overcome the effects of climate change and
avoid deforestation
2009-2012
4.
Vulnerability and Adaptation Through this initiative, six Pacific countries
AusAID
ADB; DCCEE
Capacity
2008-2012
building; Pilot
Initiative157
have implemented activities to reduce their
implementati
vulnerability to climate change and achieve
on
good environmental outcomes. The Initiative
has funded activities such as the replanting
of coastal mangroves to protect shorelines,
In Tonga: Additional information required.
the construction of rain water tanks in
islands affected by seasonal drought, the
trialing of versatile crop varieties and the
Agriculture;
Regional:
Forestry; Land Fiji; Tonga;
use planning
Vanuatu
Agriculture;
Water;
Infrastructure;
Coastal zone
management;
Education
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
http://www.sprep.org/climate_change/pacc/pacc_news_detail.asp?id=762
157 AusAID, http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/pacific/climate_change.cfm
155
156
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Ongoing
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
recording of traditional knowledge about
disaster preparation.
5.
Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project158
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is
AusAID
working with climate–dependent industries
and government agencies in ten Pacific
countries on tailored long–range (three to
six months) climate predictions. This support
will assist water resource managers to plan
for expected rainfall shortages by increasing
storage capacity.
Research;
Capacity
building
In Tonga: Climate forecasting focusing on rainfall and tropical cyclones159.
6.
Pilot Program for Climate
Resilience (PPCR) 160
PPCR aims to pilot and demonstrate ways in World Bank’s World Bank
which climate risk and resilience may be
Strategic
integrated into core development planning Climate Fund
and implementation in a way that is
consistent with poverty reduction and
sustainable development goals. In this way,
the PPCR provides incentives for scaled-up
action and initiates transformational change.
The pilot programs and projects
implemented under the PPCR are countryled, build on NAPAs and other relevant
country studies and strategies.
Policy
(integration)
Pacific participation includes Papua New
Guinea, Samoa, Tonga)
2008 present
Multi-sectoral
Regional
Programs:
Caribbean
and Pacific
Country
programs:
Bangladesh,
Bolivia,
Cambodia,
Mozambique,
Nepal, Niger,
Tajikistan,
Yemen,
Zambia
In Tonga: additional information required.
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/ton.shtml
160 http://www.climatefundsupdate.org/listing/pilot-program-for-climate-resilience
158
159
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
7.
To develop and deliver a "Fisheries Guide"163 AusAID
designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
Climate and Oceanographic
Variability and their Impacts
on Fisheries161
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
Project162)
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
Capacity
Building
In Tonga: Development of a “Fisheries Guide” as well as a workshop entitled “Climate and
Fisheries – Guide to Managing Risks and taking Opportunities”.
8.
Application of Climate
Forecasting in Water
Management164
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
Project165)
To develop the capability of national
AusAID
meteorological service staff to provide
climatological information including
forecasts of droughts and their likely impacts
on water resources to water agencies and
other stakeholders.
9.
Regional Partnerships for
Climate Change Adaptation
and Disaster
Preparedness166
A strengthened information system that will ADB
support informed decision-making aimed at
minimizing the negative social and
environmental impacts of catastrophic
events. It will also mitigate financial risk of
participating Pacific developing member
countries to the effects of natural disasters,
including those exacerbated by human-
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
building
2007-
Meteorology;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Kiribati,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
Phase 1:
2007-2010
Economy; Risk Regional:
management Cook Islands,
Fiji, Papua
New Guinea,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu, and
In Tonga: Additional information required.
World Bank
Capacity
Building
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
163 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
164 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/water_mgt.shtml
165 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
166 Further information available on the ADB website: http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=41187
161
162
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
induced climate change. This work is linked
to the World Bank’s work on the
development of a Caribbean Catastrophe
Insurance Facility for the Pacific.
Geographic
focus (if any)
Vanuatu
In Tonga: Data gathering for country-specific risk models to be developed. These models
will be used to assess the feasibility of catastrophe risk financing and insurance options.
10. Small Grants Schemes
Small grant schemes provide funds for
AusAID
Various
Capacity
building; Pilot
community–initiated climate change
implementati
adaptation projects. In Tonga, Samoa and
on
Vanuatu, communities have increased their
water storage capacity by constructing
rainwater tanks. On the drought prone island
In Tonga: Rainwater tanks have been constructed.
of Aniwa in Vanuatu, communities have built
small solar desalination stills capable of
producing enough fresh water for drinking.
Multi-sectoral
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga and
Vanuatu
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
11. Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)167
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Tonga: to be determined.
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
There is no evidence of proposed adaptation action in Tonga at this time.
E. Assessment
Tonga is involved in many regional projects and very few national projects. Many of the regional projects that involve Tonga support
general capacity building; only a limited number are engaged in targeted implementation of adaptation actions on the ground. The action
taking place does address some of the country’s priority needs related to water, coastal zone management, fisheries and agriculture. At
present, there does not appear to be efforts to reduce vulnerability within the health and forestry sectors—two priority areas of
identified by Tonga. As well, Tonga identified the need to develop a national climate change framework and policy. The extent to which
167
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
progress has been made towards achievement of this goal remains to be determined; as too is the extent to which adaptation is being
mainstreamed into all sectoral planning.
References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). The World Factbook: Tonga. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tn.html
Tonga Department of Environment [TDE] (2005). The Kingdom of Tonga's Initial National Communication. Retrieved February 2011 from:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/tonnc1.pdf
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13.0 Tuvalu
ADB
AusAID
CBO
CIA
DCCEE
FSM
LDCF
NGO
PNG
SCCF
TMNRE
UNDP
Asian Development Bank
Australia Agency of International Development
Community Based Organization
Central Intelligence Agency
Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (Australia)
Federated States of Micronesia
Least Developed Countries Fund
Non-Governmental Organization
Papua New Guinea
Special Climate Change Fund
Tuvalu Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
United Nations Development Programme
Tuvalu is an island nation with a population of approximately 10,500 located on nine small islands approximately halfway between
Hawaii and Australia. Classified as a least developed country, there are few natural resources on the islands. The primary economic
activities of Tuvalu are subsistence farming and fishing; income from foreign aid is an important part of the economy Tuvalu also sells
some stamps, coins and, in the last 10 years has sold use of their Internet domain ‘.tv’—an action that contributes a substantial amount
of revenue to their overall Gross Domestic Product (CIA, 2011).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The main climate change vulnerability of Tuvalu is sea level rise; none of the islands are more three meters above sea level (TMNRE,
1999). Other concerns are rising temperatures, increased frequency of extreme weather, increased coastal erosion, and threats to food
supply, freshwater resources and human health. Changes already observed within Tuvalu include saltwater intrusions, collapsed seawalls,
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
enhancement of salt-tolerant trees and less productive land.
Through its Initial National Communication, Tuvalu identified its main areas of adaptation as being human health, agriculture, and water
quality. Actions put forward included: completion of environment impact assessment for all new projects; development of a
comprehensive set of policies around climate change; incorporation of climate change issues into primary and secondary schools; radio
programs, leaflets, essay competitions, poster competitions, national workshops and visits to outer islands to promote education and
awareness on climate change and sea level rise (TMNRE, 1999).
More recently, Tuvalu has refined identification of its key priorities for adaptation, which are presented in order of priority as being
(TMNRE, 2007):
 Coastal Areas: Increasing resilience of coastal areas and settlement to climate change.
 Agricultural: Increasing subsistence pit grown pulaka productivity through introduction of a salt-tolerant pulaka species.
 Water: Adaptation to frequent water shortages through increasing household water capacity, water collection accessories, water
conservation techniques, and constuction of seawalls to minimize salt water intrusions
 Human Health: Strengthening of community health through control of vector borne/climate sensitive diseases and promotion
access to quality potable water.
 Fisheries: Strengthening of community based conservation programs focused on on highly vulnerable near-shore coastal shellfish
fisheries resources and coral reef ecosystem productivity.
 Marine Ecosystems: Increase information on the relationship between marine productivity and climate change.
 Disaster Risk Reduction: Strengthening community disaster preparedness and response potential.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
The Tuvalu Initial National Communication, released in 1999, identifies some of the early identified needs and vulnerabilities of the
country. It sets the stage for development of Tuvalu’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA). Released in 2007, the NAPA
provides detailed information about the current and possible future impacts of climate change on this island nation.
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Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Tuvalu Initial National
Tuvalu Ministry of
Released
Communication Under the United Natural Resources and October 1999
Nations Framework Convention
Environment
on Climate Change168
Coral reef
management;
Agriculture; Economy;
Human Health
This document gives a detailed background of the situation in
Tuvalu, and outlines the vulnerabilities of the country in terms
of climate change. The islands have already experiences a
higher than average amount of sea level rise and have
concerns about water supply, human health, infrastructure
and coastal erosion.
2.
Tuvalu’s National Adaptation
Programme of Action169
Coastal management;
Water resource
management;
Fisheries; Agriculture
This document outlines the impacts, vulnerabilities and
adaptation measures taken by Tuvalu Government in climate
change adaptation and mitigation. There are several national
projects outlined in this document in several major sectors;
coastal resilience, agricultural adaptation, water resource
adaptation, human health, strengthening community-based
fisheries and strengthening disaster preparedness and
response.
Tuvalu Ministry of
Released May
Natural Resources and 2007
Environment
C. Current Adaptation Action
Several adaptation actions are underway in Tuvalu, predominately through its involvement in a number of regional climate change
projects. Most of the programs focus on coastal zone management, agriculture and water—consistent with country’s top three priority
areas for adaptation. Tuvalu has also received funding from the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) to support implementation of
the project “Increasing Resilience of Coastal Areas and Community Settlement to Climate Change,” which was identified as the
countries more urgent and immediate need for adaptation action in its NAPA.
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Tuvalu
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
UNDP
2009-2013
Coastal zone
management;
Tuvalu
National Action
1.
168
169
Increasing Resilience of
Coastal Areas and
To increase the protection of livelihoods in
LDCF
coastal areas in all inhabited islands of Tuvalu
Capacity
building;
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/tuvnc1.pdf
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/tuv01.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Community Settlements to
Climate Change170
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
from dynamic risks related to climate change Budget: USD
and climate variability.
$8.196
million
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Community
planning
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
2.
3.
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
(PACC)171
resilience of a number of key development
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
of climate change. This objective will be
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
strategies, policies and measures to bring
about this result. The key development
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
resources management; 2. food production
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
associated infrastructure (roads and
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
SCCF
ADB;
Capacity
Secretariat to building;
Pacific Regional Policy
Environmental
Program
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Coastal zone
management;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Tuvalu: Demonstration measures to reduce vulnerability in coastal areas and in water
management. A number of other adaptation measures implemented at the community
level.
Vulnerability and Adaptation Through this initiative, six Pacific countries
AusAID
ADB; DCCEE
Capacity
Building
Initiative172
have implemented activities to reduce their
vulnerability to climate change and achieve
good environmental outcomes. The Initiative
has funded activities such as the replanting
of coastal mangroves to protect shorelines,
In Tuvalu: Additional information required.
the construction of rain water tanks in
islands affected by seasonal drought, the
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Water;
Infrastructure;
Coastal zone
management;
Education
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
http://207.190.239.148/uploadedFiles/Focal_Areas/Climate_Change__(PDF_DOC)/LDCF1/Tuvalu_10-7-09_Increasisng_Resilience_Coastal_Areas.pdf
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
172 AusAID, http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/pacific/climate_change.cfm
170
171
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Ongoing
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
trialing of versatile crop varieties and the
recording of traditional knowledge about
disaster preparation.
4.
Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project173
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
Research;
Capacity
building
In Tuvalu: Climate with emphasis on temperature, rainfall and tropical cyclone prediction.
Various workshops and training sessions for the National Meteorological Services. 174
5.
Regional Partnerships for
Climate Change Adaptation
and Disaster
Preparedness175
A strengthened information system that will ADB
World Bank
Capacity
Phase 1:
Economy; Risk
Building
2007-2010 management
support informed decision-making aimed at
minimizing the negative social and
environmental impacts of catastrophic
events. It will also mitigate financial risk of
participating Pacific developing member
countries to the effects of natural disasters,
including those exacerbated by humaninduced climate change. This work is linked
to the World Bank’s work on the
In Tuvalu: Development of country-specific loss risk profiles.
development of a Caribbean Catastrophe
Insurance Facility for the Pacific.
6.
Climate and Oceanographic To develop and deliver a "Fisheries Guide"178 AusAID
Variability and their Impacts designed to improve the awareness of
National Meteorological Services staff as to
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
Building
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Papua
New Guinea,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu, and
Vanuatu
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/tuv.shtml
175 Further information available on the ADB website: http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=41187
173
174
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
on Fisheries176 (Part of the
Pacific Island – Climate
Change Prediction
Project177)
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
the impact of meteorological and
oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
Geographic
focus (if any)
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
In Tuvalu: Development of a “Fisheries Guide” and technical workshops to help expand
the capacity of National Meteorological Services staff to effectively manage the impacts
of climate change on fisheries.
7.
Application of Climate
Forecasting in Water
Management179
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
Project180)
To develop the capability of national
AusAID
meteorological service staff to provide
climatological information including
forecasts of droughts and their likely impacts
on water resources to water agencies and
other stakeholders.
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
building
2007-
Meteorology;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Kiribati,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2009 - ?
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG, Samoa,
Solomon
In Tuvalu: Additional information required.
8.
Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)181
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
building;
Policy
(integration)
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
177 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
179 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/water_mgt.shtml
180 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
181 ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
178
176
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
Funder(s)
Implementing Type of
Agency(s)
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Tuvalu: Additional information required.
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
Many of the projects outlined in the NAPA focus on capacity building in coastal zone management, marine resources management,
human health and agriculture. Many of the projects have secondary goals of education or sustainable development (TMNRE, 2007).
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects from Tuvalu’s NAPA (TMNRE, 2007)
Name
Objectives
Type of project
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
1. Increasing Resilience of Coastal
There two objectives of this project are: 1.
Areas and Community Settlement to Increased protection of coastal areas from
Climate Change
erosion; and 2. increased protection of coastal
communities from natural phenomenon
(Funded through the LDCF)
Education and awareness;
Capacity building
Coastal zone
management;
Infrastructure
Tuvalu
2. Increasing subsistence of pit grown
pulaka productivity through
introduction of a salt-tolerant
pulaka species
The projects objectives are: 1. Increase number
of abandoned pulaka pit re-planted; 2. People’s
preference for fresh nutritious pulaka increased
Capacity Building
3. Adaptation to frequent water
shortages through increasing
household water capacity, water
collection accessories, and water
Adaptation to frequent water shortages through Capacity Building
increasing household water capacity, water
collection accessories, and water conservation
technologies.
Notes: The Primary implementing agencies: Department of Lands, Public
Works Department and Island Kaupule.
Secondary implementing agencies: Department of Agriculture and the
Department of Environment and NGOs and CBOs.
Agriculture
Tuvalu
Notes: Primary Executing Agencies: Department of Agriculture and
Kaupule.
Secondary executing Agencies: Department of Environment, Department
of Lands, Department of Rural Development, NGOs and CBOs.
Agriculture;
Water
Resources
Management
Tuvalu
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Type of project
The projects objectives are: 1. Increased
household water storage capacity and water
collecting accessories; and 2.Increased use of
water conservation technologies
Notes: Primary implementing agency: Public Works Department and
Kaupule.
Secondary implementing agencies: Department of Environment, NGOs and
CBOs.
4. Protecting Community health
through control of vector
borne/climate sensitive diseases and
promoting access to quality potable
water.
The projects objectives are: 1. Increasing
community access to clean water; and 2.
Controlling Climate sensitive and water-borne
diseases.
Capacity building
5. Strengthening of Community Based
Conservation Programmes on Highly
Vulnerable near-shore Marine
Ecosystems.
The project’s objectives are: 1. protection of
Capacity Building;
Coastal Zone
Tuvalu
coastal marine biological diversity; 2. Develop
Sustainable Development
Management;
and strengthen community sustainable
Biodiversity
biodiversity conservation program; 3. Increased
Conservation;
productivity of Coastal marine biological
Marine
communities; and 4. Develop a stakeholders
Resources
awareness program that will enhance traditional
Management
and modern conservation practices.
Notes: Primary executing agencies: Department of Fisheries, Department
of Environment and Kaupule. Secondary executing agencies: NGOs and
CBOs
6. Strengthening Community Disaster
Preparedness and Response
Potential.
The project’s objectives are: 1. To ensure
Capacity Building
community preparedness and effective response
to disasters; and 2. To ensure that climate hazard
risks on island communities reduced
conservation techniques.
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
Human Health; Tuvalu
Water
resource
management
Notes: Primary executing agencies: Department of Health, Public Works
Department, CBOs and Kaupule. Secondary implementing agencies:
Department of Environment and NGOs
Human Health; Tuvalu
Infrastructure;
Disaster
Response
Notes: Primary executing agencies: National Disaster Management Office,
Department of Environment and Tuvalu Meteorological Services.
Secondary implementing agencies: NGOs, CBOs and Kaupule.
7. Adaptation to Coastal Shellfish
Fisheries Resources Productivity
The project’s objectives are: 1. Increased
Sustainable Development;
Fisheries;
Tuvalu
protection of Shellfish population; 2. Increased
Capacity Building
Marine
protection of coral reef ecosystems productivity;
Resources
and 3. Increased public awareness and
Management
livelihood
Notes: Primary implementing agency: Department of Fisheries,
Department of Environment and Kaupule.
Secondary implementing agencies: NGOs/CBOs.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
E. Assessment
Tuvalu is involved in many regional projects and few national projects that are helping it meet its key adaptation needs in the areas of
coastal zone resources, agriculture and water. Action is also occurring in areas such as fisheries and disaster risk reduction. However,
gaps appear to exist with respect to adaptation action that targets human health and marine resource management concerns. Further
implementation of the project identified in Tuvalu’s NAPA should help the country develop socially and economically while making
changes that will help the country to adapt to climate change.
References:
Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). The World Factbook: Tuvalu. Retrieved February 2011 from:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html
Tuvalu Ministry of Natural Resources and Enviroment [TMNRE] (1999). Tuvalu Intial National Communication under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011.
Tuvalu Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment [TMNRE] (2007). Tuvalu's National Adaptation Programme of Action. Retrieved
February 2011 from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/tuv01.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
14.0 Vanuatu
ADB
AusAID
DCCEE
DFID
DRR
FSM
GCCA
GEF
GIZ
ICZM
IWRM
LDCF
NAPA
NACCC
PNG
SCCF
UKFCO
UNDP
VMS
WHO
Asian Development Bank
Australian Agency for International Development
Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (Australia)
Department for International Development (UK)
Disaster Risk Reduction
Federated States of Micronesia
Global Climate Change Alliance
Global Environment Facility
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Integrated Water Resources Management
Least Developed Countries Fund
National Adaptation Programme of Action
National Advisory Council on Climate Change
Papua New Guinea
Special Climate Change Fund
United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office
United Nations Development Programme
Vanuatu Metorological Services
World Health Organisation
Vanuatu is an archipelago of approximately 80 volcanic islands, with an area of approximately 12,336 km2, located off the north-eastern
coast of Australia. The island’s population of approximately 221,000 individuals is predominantly rural and relies mostly on agriculture,
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
tourism, cattle raising and offshore financial services (UKFCO, 2011).
A. Adaptation Needs and Priorities
The major climate change impacts to Vanuatu are projected to be sea level rise, sea temperature rise and an increase in cyclones and
other major storm events. Based on these projections, Vanuatu has identified the following sector-based needs to reduce its vulnerability
to the impacts of climate change (VMS, 1999; NACCC, 2007):
 Agriculture: The diversification of crops to help increase the resilience of agricultural systems to climatic extremes; and better
understanding of horticulture in the face of changes in the productivity, pests/pathogens and growth requirements of
subsistence crops.
 Human Health: Furthering the work that has already been done in environmental management to aid in the control of malaria,
dengue and filiarisis; researching proper waste disposal to minimize contamination in the face of cyclones/floods; and
management of surface water to maintain quality and supply.
 Water Resources: Management of water catchments to minimize pressure on groundwater resources; reducing vulnerability of the
water supply in rural and urban areas; water conservation efforts; and expansion of rainwater storage capacity through rainwater
harvesting.
 Coastal Developments: Modeling of the storm surge zone with consideration of sea level rise; planning initiatives for infrastructure
to be able to withstand cyclones, high floodwater flows and high intensity rainfall; exclusion of extractive activities from the
coastal zone; replanting littoral vegetation in cleared and degraded areas; identifying areas that are highly vulnerable and planning
for worst case impacts to communities; and technical planning for relocation of communities.
 Coastal Marine Environments: Community based marine resource management programs that consider modern and traditional
management strategies and aquaculture; and planning around local economic opportunities that are an alternative to the
harvesting of marine resources in the face of rising sea levels, greater concentrations of marine carbon dioxide and rising marine
temperatures.
 Forestry: Promote sustainable forestry management.
 Social and Cultural Concerns: Identification of coping strategies for the impacts of climate change on food security, land resources
and water availability; and fostering collaboration between social institutions to identify and prioritize social vulnerabilities.
 Broad Economic Impacts: Expanding the range of agricultural products; selection of plant varieties that are better suited to predict
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
future climates; identifying opportunities to reduce reliance on coastal marine resources; relocate infrastructure to areas of low
vulnerability; and introduce sustainable tourism programs.
B. National Level Policies and Strategic Documents
Vanuatu submitted its Initial National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1999
(VMS, 1999) and is currently in the process of preparing its Second National Communication. Reflecting its status as a least developed
country, Vanuatu developed a National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) that was submitted in 2007 (NACCC, 2007). There is
emphasis on the melding of modern and traditional management approaches throughout the NAPA. These documents provide a basis
upon which adaptation planning in the country is being built.
Adaptation action in the country is facilitated in part by the active National Advisory Council on Climate Change (NACCC). This
Council was established as part of the Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Project financed by the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that was initiated in 1995.
Table 1: Key Government Policies and Reports reflecting Adaptation Needs, Priorities and Planned Actions
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
1.
Vanuatu National Communication Vanuatu Meteorological Released
to the Conference of the Parties Services (VMS)
September 1999
to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
Agriculture; Coastal
zone; Energy; Fisheries;
Human Health; Waste
management
The background of Vanuatu’s economic and social
structure is outlined. The main vulnerabilities and
adaptation opportunities are discussed on a sectoral
basis; agriculture, human health, water resources,
coastal management and fisheries. The socio-cultural
impacts are also discussed. The capacity that Vanuatu
has, and its provinces and communities have to respond
to climate change are examined. A national response to
climate change action plan is also outlined with specific
measures for adaptation (and mitigation).
2.
National Adaptation Programme
for Action182
Agriculture; Tourism;
Marine resources;
Fisheries; Water
This document outlines several in-depth adaptation
strategies for the focus sectors like agriculture, water
management, tourism, marine resources and forestry.
There is emphasis on the melding of modern and
182
VMS and Vanuatu
Ministry of
Infrastructure and
Public Utilities
Released
December 2007
UNFCCC, http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/vut01.pdf
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name of Policy Action
Government Division
Responsible
Status
Sector(s) of Focus
Summary description
traditional management throughout the document.
C. Current Adaptation Action
A variety of adaptation action is taking place in Vanuatu at present, mostly because of its involvement in many of the regional programs
taking place in the Pacific. Many of the projects are focused in the most populated island areas and are concentrated on the effects of
sea level rise; improvement of meteorological data collection, infrastructure and water quality/quality are the common types of initiatives
taking place. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), GEF and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) are the
largest sources of funding for adaptation programming in Vanuatu. Vanuatu has also received funding from the Least Developed
Countries Fund (LDCF) to support implementation of the project “Increasing Resilience to Climate Change and Natural Hazards,”
which incorporates many of the priority activities identified in its NAPA.
Table 2: Current Adaptation Projects and Programs active in Vanuatu
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing
Agency(s)
Type of
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
DRR;
Agriculture;
Conservation;
Coastal
communities;
Tourism
Vanuatu
National Action
1.
Increasing Resilience to
Climate resilience and disaster risk reduction LDCF
Climate Change and Natural strengthened in key sectors in Vanuatu by
Hazards183
promoting a risk management approach to Budget: USD
reduce vulnerabilities. The project includes $6.21 million
implementation of climate resilience
measures in targeted sectors.184
World Bank;
Capacity
2010-2014
Vanuatu
building; Pilot
Meteorological initiatives
Service
Participation in Regional and Global Actions
2.
Global Climate Change
The Global Climate Change Alliance seeks to European
National
Various
2007 – 2010 Risk reduction, Global,
Increasing Resilience to Climate Change and Natural Hazards:
http://207.190.239.148/uploadedFiles/Focal_Areas/Climate_Change__(PDF_DOC)/LDCF1/Vanuatu_10-2808_Increasing_Resilience_CC_Natural_Hazards.pdf
183
184
These targeted measures are to achieve: (a) Sustainable livelihood practices enhance farmers resilience to cope with climate change; (b) Climate change risks,
preparedness and mitigation integrated in protected area/reserves and watershed planning; (c) Adaptive capacity of coastal communities increased; and (d) Climate
and disaster risk concerns guide development of new tourism infrastructure.
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Alliance185
3.
Coastal and Marine
Resources Management in
the Coral Triangle of the
Pacific
(under the Pacific Alliance
for Sustainability Program
and the Coral Triangle
Initiative)187
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing
Agency(s)
enhance cooperation and support between
the European Union and poor developing
countries, most vulnerable to climate
change, to adapt to the effects of climate
change without prejudice to achieving the
Millennium Development Goals. The
program is funding projects focused on
disaster risk reduction and integrating
climate change into poverty reduction
efforts.
Commission Governments
To promote the conservation and
sustainable use of globally significant coastal
and marine resources in the Coral Triangle
region through the introduction of
integrated and ecosystem-based coastal and
marine resources management in five Pacific
countries. Includes the implementation of
pilot adaptation measures to enhance
resilience and increase capacity to respond
to the adverse impacts of climate change on
coastal and marine ecosystems.
GEF-SPA;
Japan;
Australia;
United
States
Type of
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
(start-up
phase)
Policy
integration
including:
Solomon
Islands,
Vanuatu and
the Pacific
Region as a
whole
In Vanuatu: The Global Climate Change Alliance is helping Vanuatu's government to
enhance its capacity to cope with effects of climate change by improving overall
understanding of the effects of climate change and strengthening climate resilience and
DRR in key sectors. It is assisting the Government of Vanuatu in policy development on
climate change; increasing resilience to climate change and natural hazards by improving
farm practices; developing early warning systems for farmers in case of flooding; scaling
up good practices for water security; and promoting, as well as developing, natural
resources conservation and rehabilitation.186
 Funding: €3.2 million; total budget is €5.5 million.
ADB
Capacity
2008 – 2013 Coastal zone
building;
management;
Research;
Conservation
Pilot
implementati
on
Regional:
FSM, Fiji,
Palau, Papua
New Guinea,
Solomon
Islands and
Vanuatu
Plus: Timor
Leste
In Vanuatu: more information needed.
4.
Pacific Islands Adaptation to This project (PACC) will implement long-term SCCF
Climate Change Project
adaptation measures to increase the
(PACC)188
resilience of a number of key development
ADB;
Capacity
Secretariat to building;
Pacific Regional Policy
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Coastal zone
management;
Regional:
Cook Islands,
FSM, Fiji,
http://www.climatefundsupdate.org/listing/global-climate-change-allianc
http://www.gcca.eu/cgi-bin/datadirs.pl?&lg=2&id_datadir_family=1&extlink=8&sw=detail&id_datadir_sheet=8
187 http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetailsSQL.cfm?projID=3591
185
186
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts
of climate change. This objective will be
achieved by focusing on adaptation response
strategies, policies and measures to bring
about this result. The key development
sectors this project will focus on are: 1. water
resources management; 2. food production
and food security; and 3. coastal zone and
associated infrastructure (roads and
breakwater). To ensure sustainability of the
project, regional and national adaptation
financing instruments will constitute a fourth
component of the project.
Funder(s)
Implementing
Agency(s)
Type of
project
Duration
Environmental
Program
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
Water
Nauru, Palau,
PNG,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Vanuatu: Demonstrate measures to reduce vulnerability in coastal areas; implement
policy changes to deliver immediate vulnerability- reduction benefits in context of
emerging climate risks; improve capacity to plan for and respond to changes in climaterelated risks; develop their technical and institutional capacities to design and implement
multi-stakeholder decision-making in the redesign and relocation of roads due to the
impacts of climate change; and demonstrate the integration of climate change risk
reduction in road design in Epi, Shefa Province.
 Lead Implementing Agency: Public Works in collaboration with the Department of
Meteorology
5.
Adapting to Climate Change In the member countries of the Pacific
GIZ
Secretariat of Capacity
2009-2012 Agriculture;
Regional:
in the Pacific Island region189 Community, competence and performance in
the Pacific
Building;
Forestry; Land Fiji; Tonga;
the sustainable management of natural
Community
Sustainable
Use Planning
Vanuatu
resources will be enhanced, in order to
Development
overcome the effects of climate change and In Vanuatu: Implementation of adaptation measures to enhance resilience to the adverse
avoid deforestation
effects of climate change. Design and implementation of a pilot project on Epi Island
focusing on integrated coastal zone management and its associated infrastructure.
6.
Vulnerability and Adaptation Through this initiative, six Pacific countries
AusAID
ADB; DCCEE
Capacity
190
building
Initiative
have implemented activities to reduce their
vulnerability to climate change and achieve
good environmental outcomes. The Initiative
has funded activities such as the replanting
of coastal mangroves to protect shorelines,
the construction of rain water tanks in
In Vanuatu: more information needed.
islands affected by seasonal drought, the
2008-2012
Agriculture;
Water;
Infrastructure;
Coastal zone
management;
Education
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu and
Vanuatu
http://www.thegef.org/gef/sites/thegef.org/files/documents/document/09-16-08-SCCF.pdf
http://www.sprep.org/climate_change/pacc/pacc_news_detail.asp?id=762 and http://www.GIZ.de/en/weltweit/asien-pazifik/27718.htm
190 AusAID, http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/pacific/climate_change.cfm
188
189
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing
Agency(s)
Type of
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
ADB
World Bank
Capacity
Building
Phase 1:
2007-2010
Economy; Risk
management
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu, and
Vanuatu
trialing of versatile crop varieties and the
recording of traditional knowledge about
disaster preparation.
7.
8.
Regional Partnerships for
A strengthened information system that will
Climate Change Adaptation support informed decision-making aimed at
and Disaster Preparedness191 minimizing the negative social and
environmental impacts of catastrophic
events. It will also mitigate financial risk of
participating Pacific developing member
countries to the effects of natural disasters,
including those exacerbated by humaninduced climate change. This work is linked
to the World Bank’s work on the
development of a Caribbean Catastrophe
Insurance Facility for the Pacific.
Application of Climate
Forecasting in Water
Management193
(Part of the Pacific Island –
Climate Change Prediction
Project194)
In Vanuatu: In the first phase of the project, data will be gathered for catastrophe risk
models in each country, and country-specific loss risk profiles will be created in order to
assess the feasibility of catastrophic risk financing and insurance options. This
information will support the World Bank`s Pacific Catastrophe Risk Pool Initiative.192
To develop the capability of national
AusAID
meteorological service staff to provide
climatological information including
forecasts of droughts and their likely impacts
on water resources to water agencies and
other stakeholders.
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
building
2007-
Meteorology;
Water
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Kiribati,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu and
Vanuatu
In Vanuatu: Climate data was gathered and analysed. Workshop carried out in Vanuatu.
9.
Guide"197
Climate and Oceanographic To develop and deliver a "Fisheries
Variability and their Impacts designed to improve the awareness of
on Fisheries195 (Part of the National Meteorological Services staff as to
the impact of meteorological and
AusAID
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Capacity
Building
2005-
Fisheries
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Further information available on the ADB website: http://www.adb.org/Projects/project.asp?id=41187
http://www.adb.org/Documents/TARs/REG/41187-REG-TAR.pdf
193 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/water_mgt.shtml
194 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
191
192
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Pacific Island – Climate
Change Prediction
Project196)
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing
Agency(s)
Type of
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
oceanographic conditions on resource
availability and fishing effort; how to better
access relevant supporting data and
information; and how to present it to
interested stakeholders.
Geographic
focus (if any)
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu and
Vanuatu
In Vanuatu: Development of a “Fisheries Guide” and a workshop entitled “Climate and
Fisheries – Guide to Managing Risks and Taking Opportunities” for Vanuatu National
Meteorological Services staff.
10. Small Grants Schemes
11. Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project198
Small grant schemes provide funds for
community–initiated climate change
adaptation projects. In Tonga, Samoa and
Vanuatu, communities have increased their
water storage capacity by constructing
rainwater tanks. On the drought prone island
of Aniwa in Vanuatu, communities have built
small solar desalination stills capable of
producing enough fresh water for drinking.
AusAID
Through the ongoing Pacific Islands Climate
Prediction Project, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology is working with climate–
dependent industries and government
agencies in ten Pacific countries on tailored
long–range (three to six months) climate
predictions. This support will assist water
resource managers to plan for expected
rainfall shortages by increasing storage
capacity.
AusAID
Various
Capacity
building; Pilot
implementati
on
Multi-sectoral
Regional:
Fiji, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga and
Vanuatu
In Vanuatu: To increase water storage capacity by constructing rainwater tanks. On the
drought prone island of Aniwa in Vanuatu, communities have built small solar
desalination stills capable of producing enough fresh water for drinking.
Australia
Bureau of
Meteorology
Research;
Capacity
building
Ongoing
Meteorology
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati,
Niue, PNG,
Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu
In Vanuatu: In the first phase of the project, data will be gathered for catastrophe risk
Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/pilot_projects/fisheries_guide.shtml
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/workshops/Fisheries-guide.pdf
196 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml
198 Further information available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/
195
197
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Name
Objectives
Funder(s)
Implementing
Agency(s)
Type of
project
Duration
Priority
Sector(s)
Geographic
focus (if any)
models in each country, and country-specific loss risk profiles will be created in order to
assess the feasibility of catastrophic risk financing and insurance options. This
information will support the World Bank`s Pacific Catastrophe Risk Pool Initiative.199
12. Strengthening the Capacity
of Pacific Developing
Member Countries to
Respond to Climate Change
(Phase 1)200
Incorporation of climate risk management,
adaptation practices, and greenhouse gas
mitigation measures into infrastructure and
key sector investment plans and project
designs. Adaptation related actions include:
 Pacific Climate Change Program – will
assist participating countries to improve
their resilience to climate change impacts
through (i) mainstreaming of the
adaptation in their policies, plans,
programs, and projects; and (ii)
strengthening their systems and
capabilities to foster the adaptation
process;
 Adaptation preparation – up to five
countries will be supported in preparing
the implementation of climate change
adaptation plans, including further
capacity building
ADB; Canada ADB
Budget: USD
3.465 million
Capacity
2009 - ?
building;
Policy
(integration)
Policy and
planning
Regional:
Cook Islands,
Fiji, FSM,
Kiribati,
Marshall
Islands,
Nauru, Palau,
PNG, Samoa,
Solomon
Islands,
Tonga,
Tuvalu,
Vanuatu.
Plus: TimorLeste
In Vanuatu: To be determined
D. Proposed Adaptation Action
Vanuatu’s NAPA identifies several priority areas and projects for climate change adaptation. Many of the programs have cross-sectional
benefits, have a focus on sustainable economic development, and include traditional ecological knowledge and/or community
involvement (NACCC, 2007). Many of these proposed adaptation actions are currently being implemented through the country’s LDCF
financed project.
199
200
http://www.adb.org/Documents/TARs/REG/41187-REG-TAR.pdf
ADB, http://pid.adb.org/pid/TaView.htm?projNo=43071&seqNo=01&typeCd=2#timetable
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
Table 3: Proposed Adaptation Projects from the Vanuatu’s NAPA (NACCC, 2007)
Name
Objectives
1.
Agriculture and Food Security
2. Sustainable Tourism
Development
Type of project
Priority Sector(s)
Geographic focus
(if any)
The overall goal of the project is to enhance
food security and hence resilience of the
economy to the adverse effects of climate
change.
Capacity Building; Economic
Development
Agriculture; Economy; Vanuatu
Human Health; Food
security
Enhance adaptation to climate change in the
tourism sector for Vanuatu.
Capacity Building; Economic
Development; Sustainable
Development
Notes: The project will be implemented by the Department of Agriculture and
Rural Development under the Technical Section.
Tourism
Vanuatu
Notes: The project will be executed by the National Tourism Development Office
and the Vanuatu Tourism Office, which will work closely with the Vanuatu Hotel
and Resort Association, Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Tourism. The
overall guidance for the project will be provided by NACCC.
3. Community Based Marine
Resource Management
Programs
4. Sustainable Forestry
Management
5. Integrated Water Resource
Management
Enhance adaptive capacity and resilience of
vulnerable communities to the impacts of
climate change. To develop community based
marine resource programs, embracing both
traditional and modern practices.
Economic Development;
Community Development
Marine resource
management;
Traditional ecological
knowledge
To mainstream climate change issues in the
country’s sustainable forest management
policies and practices.
Sustainable Development;
Economic Development
Enhanced resilience of watershed through
integrated water resource management.
Capacity Building; Community
Agriculture; Water
Planning; Sustainable Development
Vanuatu
Notes: The project will be executed by the Department of Fisheries in close
consultation with other departments and ministries engaged in activities related
to the coastal zones and marine issues.
Forestry; Agriculture
Vanuatu
Notes: The Department of Forestry will have the overall mandate for the project
which will be undertaken in consultation with the Departments of Agriculture,
Livestock, Lands and Environment. NACCC will serve as the Advisory Committee
for the project
Vanuatu
Notes: The project will be implemented by the Departments of Geology, Mines
and Water Resources and Agriculture, working closely with the Departments of
Forestry, Lands and Environment, with NACCC acting as the Advisory Committee
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Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific (First Draft)
E. Assessment
Through its National Communication and NAPA, Vanuatu has identified the following as priority areas for adaptation: agriculture,
human health, water, coastal resources, coastal marine environments, forestry, social and cultural impacts and addressing the broader
economic impacts of climate change. Much of the adaptation underway in the country addresses these concerns—particularly those
related to agriculture, water and coastal resources; disaster risk reduction, conservation and policy related action is also taking place. A
gap appears to the absence of adaptation action directly specifically at the health needs of Vanuatu’s population in a changing
environment. At the policy level, the government has established a foundation for future action and the government of Vanuatu appears
to be committed to the planning and execution of climate change adaptation programs..
References:
National Advisory Committee on Climate Change [NACCC] (2007). National Adaptation Programme for Action. Retrieved February 2011
from: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/vut01.pdf
United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office [UKFCO] (2011). Asia and Oceania: Vanuatu. Retrieved February 2011 from:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/country-profile/asia-oceania/vanuatu?profile=all
Vanuatu Metorological Services [VMS] (1999). Vanuatu national Communication to the Confrence of the Parites to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved February 2011 from:
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/library/items/3599.php?such=j&symbol=VUT/COM/1%20B#beg
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