6 June 2025, Funafuti, Tuvalu - A transformative week of interactive learning and collaboration in Funafuti, Tuvalu, marked a significant step forward for the country in bolstering national capacity to safeguard its unique environment and ensure sustainable development for its people. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Training Workshop was conducted from 26-30 May 2025 and successfully equipped over 30 key decision-makers and technical officers from across the government, donor-funded project staff, NGO groups, and statutory bodies with enhanced skills and confidence to champion robust ESIA processes.
The comprehensive five-day programme was designed to build upon and strengthen the implementation of Tuvalu's existing environmental legislative framework, primarily the Environment Protection Act 2008 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2022. Participants delved into the intricacies of the ESIA process, through dedicated sessions introducing ESIA as a sustainable development tool, effective and inclusive stakeholder engagement, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming, environmental and social risk assessment, the development of practical Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and robust monitoring and compliance techniques.
The initiative was proudly delivered through a dynamic partnership between the Government of Tuvalu, and spearheaded by the Department of Environment, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Pacific Community (SPC). The workshop stands as a testament to effective CROP agency collaboration, leveraging regional expertise to support national priorities. The initiative was supported through the Green Climate Fund-financed Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP), implemented by the Government of Tuvalu with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Mr Soseala Tinilau, Director of Environment, commended the workshop’s impact. 'This ESIA workshop has not only reinforced the importance of environmental protection and safeguards but also provided technical knowledge and shared experiences amongst each other. Now, please, don't work in silos again - I hope that now we can work together amongst our sectors to protect our beautiful Tuvalu.
“We deeply value the collaborative spirit and technical expertise brought by partners from SPREP, the TCAP, UNDP, and SPC, we thank you for your continued support in helping us build a more resilient Tuvalu.”, Mr Tinilau said.
The workshop's interactive format, which featured Tuvalu-specific case studies, group exercises, and the drafting of key ESIA components, ensured that learning was both practical and directly relevant to the national context. There were extensive discussions on gaps in the current ESIA legislative framework, including lack of clarity on the scope of its application and the lack of enforcement powers and tools to support the department in meeting its statutory requirements. The discussions highlighted a strong need to review and update the existing environmental policies and to support ongoing, continuous and effective awareness and capacity building for ESIA.
A key highlight from the program was the field visit to the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project Phase 2 (TCAP 2) land reclamation site in Funafuti. This provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to observe ongoing environmental management practices by the project contractor, Hall Contracting, and to apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world compliance monitoring exercise.
In his remarks during the workshop reflection and closing session, Mr Jehangir Khan, UNDP Project Coordinator for the TCAP project highlighted the importance of collaboration in capacity building ptogrammes. “Learning is a continuous process, and this workshop has been an excellent platform for sharing expertise, particularly SPREP's diverse experience in stakeholder engagement. For Tuvalu, a nation with unique environmental vulnerabilities and strong social cohesion, such capacity building is key. The aim is to empower the Department of Environment and local stakeholders to carry this knowledge forward, ensuring all future development is both environmentally sound and socially inclusive, with partners like UNDP supporting this national leadership.”
Mr. Puta Tofinga, SPREP Environmental Assessment and Planning Officer, commended the participants' dedication and the strength of partnerships that made the training possible. "Witnessing the commitment and active engagement from all Tuvaluan participants this week has been truly inspiring. SPREP is steadfast in its mission to support our Pacific Island members in strengthening their environmental governance frameworks. The exemplary CROP collaboration between the Government of Tuvalu, SPC, UNDP through TCAP, and SPREP is a powerful illustration of how we can collectively enhance regional capacity for a resilient and sustainable Blue Pacific."
The outcomes of this workshop are anticipated to enhance co-ordination between agencies and key stakeholders for safeguards management in Tuvalu, fostering more rigorous ESIA application, leading to better-informed decision-making, and a more secure and prosperous future for all Tuvaluans. The network of skilled practitioners established during the workshop will serve as a cornerstone for continued progress in environmental stewardship across the Pacific islands and reaffirms SPREP’s commitment to Tuvalu in enhancing environmental resilience.
For further information on the Tuvalu ESIA training or for EIA/SEA issues, please contact Mr Puta Tofinga, Environmental Assessment and Planning Officer, putat@sprep.org or Mr Ivan Diarra, PNEA Technical Officer, ivand@sprep.org.