Nabilah S
The Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) is making significant strides in training government officials to utilize a coastal hazard modeling tool, aimed at identifying and addressing coastal risks. This essential software will assist government officials in the Pacific region in managing long-term threats such as sea-level rise.
The training sessions have provided participants with the invaluable opportunity to engage with various experts in Ocean and Maritime divisions, fostering collaboration and networking among country experts working on coastal resilience.
Ms. Naomi Jackson, the Coastal Risk Monitoring Officer at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s Geo-Science Energy and Maritime Division, shared with Tuvalu news that the training focused on imparting technical skills in Geospatial Information Services, using open software and data collection to enhance coastal risk management capabilities.
This initiative builds on a workshop conducted by TCAP from May to June this year, which focused on disaster risk for vulnerable communities and coastal risk assessment. The training will continue in the Marshall Islands, Niue, and the Cook Islands in the coming months.
During my time as a Mineral Officer at the Lands and Survey Department of the Government of Tuvalu, I had the opportunity to undergo attachment training, which has been incredibly valuable for my personal and professional growth. The knowledge and experience gained through the two-month training within the two projects have significantly enhanced my skills and expertise. My tenure at SPC was particularly enjoyable, as the supportive environment created by the staff made me feel at home, inspiring me to step out of my comfort zone.
Enhancing risk management through advanced intelligence.
Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project manager, Alan Resture, emphasized the significance of the new technology in empowering the people of Tuvalu to understand and prepare for potential climate hazards. He highlighted the use of Geographic Information System tools for data gathering, which is enabling them to proactively address climate change and develop effective solutions to bolster the resilience of Small Island Developing States like Tuvalu.
Resture also stressed that the training program is a crucial component of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project’s broader objective to enhance the skills of government officials and local residents. The aim is to ensure that the necessary technical expertise to mitigate climate risks is readily available within the community. Notably, the training has already engaged participants from key entities such as the Metropolitan Police office, and the Departments of Climate Change and Disaster, Environment, and Lands and Survey.
Revolutionary online platform that sets the standard in the industry.
The recent hand-over in July of a state-of-the-art online platform, in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC), marks a significant milestone for the atoll nation. For the first time, this digital training enables the nation to clearly identify, plan for, and reduce risks associated with sea level rise and more frequent intense storms driven by climate change.
The platform, which is free and publicly available, empowers the government, communities, and other users to make informed decisions regarding development, including strategic location choices. Additionally, it provides a crucial tool for planning adaptation into the future. Efforts have been dedicated to ensuring that the platform is user-friendly and seamlessly integrates with SPC’s national training programme under TCAP, incorporating valuable feedback from users.
In the coming months, the training will expand to include more potential users, providing them with the necessary skills to make routine use of the dashboard. They will also learn how to add data layers to the shoreline monitoring component of the system to effectively track changes over time.
“Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project Overview”
With a generous US$36 million financing from the Green Climate Fund and an additional US$2.9 million co-financing from the Government of Tuvalu, the 7-year Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project is playing a vital role in bolstering the resilience of one of the world’s most vulnerable countries in the face of climate change and rising sea levels. Implemented by the UN Development Programme in collaboration with the Government, the project is focused on enhancing coastal protection in strategic locations on the islands of Funafuti, Nanumea, and Nanumaga. The newly implemented measures will serve as a crucial buffer during storms. Moreover, the project aims to empower national and island governments, as well as local communities, to adapt to climate change over the long term. For more information, visit TCAP.tv, and follow the project on Twitter @TCAPforTu8 or on Facebook.
“United Nations Development Programme Overview”
The UNDP is a prominent United Nations agency dedicated to combating poverty, inequality, and climate change. Through collaboration with a vast network of experts and partners across 170 countries, we strive to assist nations in developing sustainable solutions for the benefit of both people and the planet. For additional information, visit undp.org.
“Pacific Community (SPC) Overview”
The Pacific Community (SPC) has been at the forefront of scientific and technical advancements in the Pacific region, playing a pivotal role in fostering development since its establishment in 1947. As an international development organization, it is owned and governed by 27 member countries and territories.
In collaboration with TCAP, SPC serves as a crucial project partner, conducting comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact, Geotechnical, Sea Level Measurement, and Wave Inundation Assessments to support TCAP’s work program. Additionally, SPC is committed to delivering a hands-on training program for Tuvalu government officers and other stakeholders in 2023. The training will encompass various subjects, including the utilization and enhancement of the hazards dashboard.
