Written by Melissa Finucane – January 25, 2010

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Press Release (reprinted with permission)

In upraising the profile of the PACC Project in Tuvalu, a one day inception meeting was held last week at the Government Conference Room to introduce and launch the project. It was attended by government agencies, representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations, different representatives from the eight different Island communities of Tuvalu and youth groups.

The meeting was given recognition by the government and was officially opened by the Secretary for Works, Water and Energy. In his presentation, Mr. Paulson Panapa, recognised the important objectives of the project in trying to build the adaptation capacity of the people in adapting to impact of climate change and also recognises the assistance that the project can offer to the people of Tuvalu in terms of demonstrating the adaptive measure suitable for their need.

Tuvalu PACC Project was so fortunate to have Mr. Taito Nakalevu, the Regional PACC Project Manager to be in country to witness the inception meeting and to give a clear perception of the project from the perspective of the implementing partner. In his presentation, he indicated that this is the first GEF funded project that will initiate ground activities and PACC project will assist Tuvalu to build its capacity to develop and demonstrate adaptive measures in the water sector to build resilience against impact of climate change.

He also stressed that climate change is no new concept in Tuvalu and people are already facing the impact of climate change hence the need now is to adapt. People were also assured that the PACC Project will be owned by the People of Tuvalu.

The project objectives were also highlighted by the General Secretary of the Christian Congregation, Rev. Kitiona Tausi during his homily speech whereby he addresses the importance of water by stating that water is God’s gift for life and man is required to manage it in a sustainable manner.

Invited participants were given a clear elucidation of the purpose and objectives of the project and were also happy to learn that the project will be of beneficial to the communities. The Pilot site for demonstration is yet to be finalised but it is something that the Project needs to get confirmation from the communities. This is targeted to be achieved through Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment to determine the need of the people in relation to the impacts of climate change in the water sector. The PACC project however, will be focused on the capital Island of Tuvalu, Funafuti, whilst lessons learnt could be shared to the outer islands.

The PACC project is implemented by the Public Works Department under the Ministry of Works, Water and Energy. It is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as its implementing agency and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) as implementing partner.

Related Link: More information about PACC