The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is taking direct action to assist Tokelau and Tuvalu in dealing with their state of emergency due to lack of water on their islands.
Immediate support is being provided through the SPREP's Small Grants Scheme. This will support Tokelau and Tuvalu to help provide an urgent response to meet the water shortage in both countries.
Courtesy of Esther Richards: Tokelau fish market where the boats come in
"We fully understand the value of water and difficulties these Pacific communities are experiencing," said Mr David Sheppard the Director-General of SPREP.
"SPREP is pleased to be able to respond quickly to Tokelau and Tuvalu alongside the efforts of regional organisations, institutions and governments leading in disaster response."
"We see this as reinforcing our on-going and longer term support to members in adapting and managing climate change risks and impacts"
SPREP together with funding and technical support from the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Australian Government (AusAID) will assist Tokelau in long term planning for integrated water resource management including capacity building.
With the completion of the Tokelau National Climate Change Policy and the support through the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Project (PACC Plus) Tokelau will receive support to improve drought planning, increase water storage capacities, improve water conservation and other related training and awareness linked to maintenance and wise use of water.
This is in addition to SPREP's support to Tokelau on pollution and solid waste management.
SPREP is also supporting Tuvalu in the water sector through the SPREP/UNDP Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Project (PACC).
SPREP in partnership with the Pacific Applied GeoScience and Technology Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and UNDP has recently supported Tuvalu in the development of their National Climate Change Policy and the National Strategic Action Plan on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management.
Tuvalu is building a community water reservoir as part of the PACC for the Lofeagai community, the construction of the water reservoir is taking into account the climate forecasts and proximity to the influence of sea water. Planning is underway so this reservoir will be resilient to surges and king tides.
In Tuvalu, the PACC project is implemented by the Public Works Department under the Ministry of Works, Water and Energy.
"These projects are primarily looking at beyond the here and now to provide a sustainable water supply for these Pacific communities," said Mr. Sheppard.
"It's also a coming together of partners, the Governments of these island nations, the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility as well as the Australian Government. It's through working together that we can best help the people of Tokelau and Tuvalu."
The PACC and PACC + projects help reduce vulnerability and increase resilience to the adverse effects of climate change for 14 Pacific islands countries through on the ground projects in three key areas: coastal management, food production and food security and water resource management.