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TUVALU NATIONAL STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN

FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT 

2012-2016

Foreword

he Government of Tuvalu is dedicated to building Tuvalu’s capacity at all levels to adapt to climate change. This dedication is reflected in the politi-

cal will to drive national adaptation programmes and to ensure climate change impacts and disaster risk considerations are fully integrated into all our policies, plans, budgets, and decision-making processes at all levels of government and communities. The Regional Framework for Adaptation to Climate 

Change, 2005-2015 provides guiding principles for developing a holistic, whole-of-country approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation. 

Similarly, Tuvalu has made a commitment under the Pacific Plan to operationalise the Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Regional Framework for Action, 2005-2015, which we endorsed with our fellow Leaders from the region in Madang, in 2005. 

Tuvalu needs financial commitment to implement the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) in order to build a safe, secure and resilient Tuvalu. Tuvalu’s national resources are limited and thus we need the support of our development partners and support from the whole international community. We also need long-term commitment and support from our regional organisations and development partners. 

Tuvalu is pleased to acknowledge the assistance provided by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP), Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and United Nations 

Development Programme (UNDP) to develop this NSAP as the implementation plan for Te Kaniva: National Climate Change Policy. This task was carried out in collaboration with our National Expert Team. I would like to commend the dedication of the National Expert Team and the high level of support provided by the Regional Organisations for this process in Tuvalu. This National Action Plan provides a prioritised programme of action that the Tuvalu Government will implement over the next five years. The NSAP provides a range of actions requiring commitment and a coordinated joint effort within government, and with the private sector and civil society. We need to maintain the momentum that has already been generated this year and with your technical and financial support, we will commence implementation. 

The ownership of the process and the responsibility for the success of our endeavors must remain with us. However, there is too much at stake for us given our very limited capacity. With all your continued support and assistance together we will protect Tuvalu’s status as a nation and its cultural identity, and build its capacity to ensure a safe, resilient and prosperous future.

Hon. Apisai Ielemia

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour

Acknowledgements 

This National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (NSAP) describes the people of Tuvalu’s priorities for immediate actions. The active participation of the Island Kaupule, Falekaupule,the Government, Civil Societies and NGOs are gratefully acknowledged. 

Similarly, to the Tuvalu National Expert Team led by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Trades, Tourism, Environment and Labour, Mr Tapugao Falefou and the Director of Environment Mr Mataio Tekienene are gratefully acknowledged for driving this process. It is expected that you will continue with the implementation of this important Strategic Plan to ensure Tuvalu’s resilience to the risk of climate change and disasters. 

SPREP and the SPC (SOPAC Division) provided technical and financial support throughout the whole development process of this NSAP. We are looking forward to your continued support to ensure timely implementation and monitoring. UNDP also supported the process and is gratefully acknowledged. 

Contents

Chapter IV Implementation Strategy                                                                                                       35

Institutional Arrangements for the NSAP                                                                                                  38

Costing Methodology and Indicative Costing                                                                                             39

Gross Indicative Costs                                                                                                                         40

Financing strategy                                                                                                                             42

References                                                                                                                                      43

TABLES

Table 1  Total population size, change,  

distribution and density, by island, 1991–2002              12

Table 2  Resource Costs by Goal                                         40

Table 3 Resource costs by Goal including  

contingency                                                                              41

Table 4 National Strategic Action Plan for 

Climate Change and Disaster Risk  

Management (NSAP) 2012–2016                                        44

FIGURES

Figure 1  DRM Arrangements for Emergency                  36 

Figure 2 Schematic of the Institutional  

Arrangements of National Climate Change  

Programmes                                                                            37

Figure 3  NSAP Implementation Arrangements              38 

MAPS

Map 1  Tuvalu                                                                          11  

Map 2  Locations where tropical cyclones formed  over the South Pacific Ocean during 1969-2006.  15

Map 3  The main climate drivers influencing the  

climate of Tuvalu                                                                    16

List of Acronyms 

            MCTPU         Ministry of Communications, Transport and Public Utilities

MFATTEL  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour

⁴             Tuvalu National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management  2012–2016

 PICT              Pacific Island Countries and Territories

 PIFACC          Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change

 NSAP             National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management 

NSAPCC         National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Coordination Committee

UNFCCC          United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Executive Summary 

he preparation of this National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (NSAP) was coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Pacific Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (SOPAC) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through relevant national climate change related projects. SPREP and SOPAC both provided technical support as well as funding support. 

A Tuvalu National Expert Team was identified to lead in this work which comprises of the national steering committees for the following national projects: ■Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) 

■Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) 

■National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) 

■Second National Communications (SNC) 

■Disaster Risk Management (DRM). 

Two major national summits were held to contribute to the development process of the Tuvalu Climate Change Policy (TCCP), the NSAP and an integrated water management policy. 

Both the TCCP and the NSAP followed a comprehensive consultation and participatory process that include government, civil societies, non-government organisations (NGOs), and all outer islands. The process followed detailed situation analysis, issues identification, prioritisation and a problem and solution tree analysis. The priority issues were then confirmed in the National Climate Change Summit. 

The NSAP arrangement has direct links to the Te Kakeega II, theclimate change policy and the disaster risk management plan.

Based on Tuvalu’s climate change and disaster risks context, seven thematic goals were developed. These covered adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk management and they are of equal priority and require urgent implementation as follows: 

From these priority thematic goals, each goal has strategies and key actions (refer Table 1). These actions were costed to provide an estimate of what it will take to fully implement the NSAP. 

The estimate cost for the NSAP is AUD8,402,529 of which AUD6,338,004 is the financial cost and AUD1,664,404 the in-kind contribution of local and regional organisations. The cost of establishing a NSAP management team to provide the secretarial role for the NSAPCC within the Department of Environment is not included in this estimated cost. Costing of the management unit is straight forward and could easily be done. 

An institutional arrangement was also included where the National Climate Change Advisory Committee (NCCAC) and the National Disaster Committee (NDC) are to merge for the purpose of coordinating and driving the implementation of the NSAP. This will be called the National Strategic Action Plan Coordinating Committee (NSAPCC). It was also recommended that a NSAP Management Team be established within the Department of Environment to drive the NSAP implementation and provide the secretariat functions for the NSAPCC instead of the already stretched Climate Change Unit of the Department of Environment. 

The background information given in this section is a summary only. This document does not contain the information that could easily be found in other documents or reports such as a detailed analysis of the population, economy and governance. 

Key Geographical and Geological Features 

Tuvalu is an independent constitutional nation in the southwest Pacific Ocean between latitudes 5 degrees and 11 degrees south and longitudes 176 degrees and 180 degrees east (Map 1). Tuvalu consists of nine small islands scattered over 500,000 sq km of the western Pacific. The islands include Niulakita, Nukulaelae, Funafuti, Nukufetau, Vaitupu, Nui, Niutao, Nanumaga and Nanumea. The total land area is only 27 sq km and all of the islands are less than five meters above sea level (Tuvalu NBSAP 2009).

Six of the islands are low lying atolls made up of motus (islets) fringing the edges of lagoons. These are made up of young, poorly developed, infertile, sandy or gravel coralline soils. Nanumaga, Niutao and Niulakita are raised limestone reef islands. Similarly, soils are generally of poor quality, supporting a limited variety of flora.  

Source: Draft Tuvalu DRM Arrangements (2010)

Communications

Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu. Most administration offices are all located in Vaiaku village on Fogafale Islet, Funafuti atoll. Funafuti atoll has a regular telephone service, and there are connections to all the outer islands through the post offices. Communications with the outer islands is also available by radiophone. Internet services have been available since late 1999. The main roads of Funafuti are the only sealed roads in Tuvalu, constructed in the late 1990s. There are regular air services from Funafuti International Airport to Suva, Fiji. Radio Tuvalu is the only local radio station. It broadcasts 40 hours per week, in English and Tuvaluan. The government publishes the only newspaper, Tuvalu Echoes. Tuvalu also has cargo services via Fiji or Kiribati and an inter-islands boat services between Funafuti and the rest of Tuvalu. 

Populations

The 2002 population census of Tuvalu was its second decennial census. Tuvalu’s population counted 9,561 which was distributed amongst 11,579 households. Out of the total population 4729 were males and 4,832 were females. As to be expected, the capital Funafuti is the most populous and has the highest population density. Its population was 4,492 which accounted for 58% of the total population. The population of the outer islands was 5,069(42%). The biggest island of the group is Vaitupu which only has 1,591 (16.5%) (See Table 1) 

TABLE 1Total population size, change, distribution and density, by island, 1991–2002

Source: SPC (2005), Tuvalu 2002 Census. 

Strategic Planning 

Te Kakeega II(2005 – 2015) is Tuvalu’s National Sustainable Plan. It contains eight themes and strategic actions including: 

■good governance

■strengthening macroeconomic stability 

■improving the provision of social services 

■improving outer islands development and Falekaupule 

■creating employment opportunities and enhancing private sector development 

■improving capacity and human resource development 

■developing Tuvalu’s natural resources ■improving the provision of support services ■mainstreaming of women in development. 

Te Kakeega IIis undergoing a mid-term review^[1]where implementation progress and impacts made will be identified as well as constraints to achieving the objectives of the Te Kakeega II. 

Economy

Tuvalu’s economy is small, fragmented and highly vulnerable to external economic influences. This has led to a heavy reliance on outside development assistance and a degree of complacency in fiscal and financial management. The economy is unusual in that a substantial amount of both government revenues and private incomes are generated from overseas. The government revenues come primarily from the income of the capital of the Tuvalu Trust Fund^[2](TTF), the assets of the ‘dotTV’ internet domain and from fishing license fees paid by foreign fishing vessels (natural resources), and sales of stamps and coins. For families the income derives from remittances from seamen (and other less formal remittances from other Tuvaluan resident overseas). There are very little exports and semi-subsistence farming and fishing are the primary economic activities. Fewer than 1,000 tourists, on average, visit Tuvalu annually. 

Governance

The National Government is the focal point of all national issues including climate change adaptations. These adaptation activities are to be undertaken at the Falekaupulelevel taking into account the 1997 Community Governance Arrangements. After December 12 1997, a new form of governance was established for all Island communities in Tuvalu. The new form of governance (Falekaupule Act of 1997), passed by the Parliament of Tuvalu, devolved the authority to the Falekaupuleand Kaupule(two separate bodies) to work together in addressing community affairs in order to promote decentralization to decrease domestic urban drift. 

The Falekaupuleis the product of the fusion of the traditional leadership and the introduced governing system. It functions as the decision making body on the island. The Kaupuleis the executive arm of the Falekaupule. The central Government links directly to the Kaupuleas shown below.

The Department of Environment has implemented several environmental programmes and projects. Each programme has established task committees or teams with representation from relevant and major Governmental departments, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), religious bodies and stakeholders.

The Development Coordinating Committee (DCC) that was setup under the Office of the Prime Minister, and chaired by the Secretary to Government assesses draft policies, projects and programmes prior to submission for approval by Cabinet. 

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Context

Driver of Tuvalu’s Climate and Weather

Tuvalu experiences a hot, humid tropical maritime climate, between the inter-tropical and South Pacific convergence zones, with near constant temperatures throughout the year. There is significant seasonal variability in precipitation with a May to October dry season and a November to April wet season. The average annual rainfall 3,000mm but rainfall can exceed 4,000 mm per annum at times, though Tuvalu often experiences droughts because of its location near the Pacific equatorial dry zone. Dry periods are more severe in the northern than the southern islands, notably in the months of August to October. Dry years in Tuvalu are associated with a positive Southern Oscillation Index (the cold phase of ENSO). There are frequent thunderstorms in the wet season. Tropical cyclones mainly develop in the Tuvalu area and move to higher latitudes with a few hitting the islands in the warm, rather than the cold phase of ENSO (Vavae, 2009), (refer Map 2). 

Spring tides and tropical cyclones are the main extreme events. In the 41 year period between 1969 and 2010, 33 tropical cyclones passed within 400 km of Funafuti. Over this period, cyclones occurred more frequently in El Niño years.

MAP 2Locations where tropical cyclones formed over the South Pacific Ocean 1969–2006. 

MAP 3  The main climate drivers influencing the climate of Tuvalu

The average positions of the climate features in November to April. The yellow arrows show near surface winds, the blue shading represents the bands of rainfall (convergence zones with relatively low pressure), and the red dashed oval indicates the West Pacific Warm Pool. H represents the typical positions of moving high pressure systems. Note the location of Tuvalu (box).

The West Pacific Monsoon

Moves north to mainland Asia during the Northern Hemisphere summer and south to Australia in the Southern Hemisphere summer. The seasonal arrival of the monsoon usually brings a switch from very dry to very wet conditions. It affects countries in the far western Pacific and the Maritime Continent.

The South Pacific Convergence Zone

A band of high rainfall stretching approximately from the Solomon Islands to east of the Cook Islands. It is strongest in the Southern Hemisphere summer and affects most countries in the south Pacific.

Sub-tropical and high latitude influences

These include sub-tropical high pressure systems and associated South-east and North-east Trade Winds, and cold fronts.

The El Nino phenomenon event usually happens once in every three to seven years. As the warm sea surface temperatures move eastwards during El Nino, moisture and water vapour required for cloud formation also migrate eastward and this causes droughts. The major impact of drought is on the rainwater catchment reserve. There is no surface water in Tuvalu and the underground water lens is small or nonexistent. 

Climate change in Tuvalu

Based on known information, maximum temperatures in Funafuti have increased at a rate of 0.21°C per decade since 1950. These increases are consistent with the pattern of global warming. Data for Funafuti and Nanumea since 1950 show no clear trends in annual or seasonal rainfall, although there is substantial variation from year to year. Since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen by about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average. Ocean acidification has been slowly increasing in Tuvalu’s waters since the 18^thcentury (PCCSP, 2011)

The most recent climate change projections for Tuvalu prepared by the Pacific Climate Change Science Program and discussed in detail in Climate Change in the Pacific: Scientific Assessment and New Research³are based on extensive analysis of the 24 global climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 (CMIP3) together with dynamic and statistical downscaling. The main results for Tuvalu may be summarised as follows:

■Projections for all emissions scenarios indicate that the average annual air temperature and sea surface temperature will increase in the future. By 2030 4 under a high (A2) emissions scenario this increase in temperature is projected to be in the range 0.4-1.0°C.

■There will also be a rise in the number of hot days and warm nights, and a decline in cooler weather.

■Almost all the global climate models project an increase in average annual and seasonal rainfall around Tuvalu over the course of the 21st century. This is due to the expected intensification of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (Refer Map 4).

■Projections show extreme rainfall days are likely to occur more often.

3      Australian Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO. 2011. Climate Change in the Pacific: Scientific Assessment and New Research. Volume 1: Regional Overview, Volume 2: Country Reports.

4      Projections are provided for 20-year time slices centred around 2030 (2020-2039), 2055 (2045-2064) and 2090 (2080-2099)

■In the Tuvalu region projections show a decrease in the frequency of tropical cyclones by the late 21st century and an increase in the proportion of the more intense storms.

■Sea level is expected to continue to rise in Tuvalu. By 2030 under a high (A2) emissions scenario the rise in sea level is projected to be in the range 4-14cm; by 2090 under a high (A2) emissions scenario the rise is expected to be in the range 19-58cm.

■Under all three emissions scenarios (low, medium and high) the acidity level of sea waters in the Tuvalu region will continue to increase impacting the health of coral ecosystems.

Disaster Risk Context

Subsequently Tuvalu is at extreme high risk^[3]for the following climate change impacts and associated disasters:

■Intense storms and tropical cyclones and associated damages to livelihoods, infrastructures, biodiversity, and erosion and inundation

■Droughts and associated health and economic impacts including damages to livelihoods and ecosystems

■Extreme rainfall and associated flooding and health implications (any of the health implications could reach epidemic it not managed early and from the root causes) 

■Sea level rise and increased erosion and inundation, impacts on marine systems such as coral reef, sea grass and mangroves 

■Increase in temperature and consequent health impacts, land and marine systems respond to the increase of temperature may increase algae bloom, coral bleaching which in turn have impacts on resources relying on these ecosystems for habitat 

■Increase ocean acidification and its impacts on calcium carbonate (calcification), which will affect the growth and life cycle of corals, crustaceans and shellfish. 

The implications and consequences of the above risks are huge for a small atoll nation like Tuvalu. For example, the average elevation in Tuvalu is one metre above mean sea level (MSL), with the highest being less than five metres above MSL. The islands are highly vulnerable to cyclones and sea level rise including tsunamis. Tuvalu is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change and rising sea levels (GoT, 1999). The population of Fogafale, Funafuti, where nearly half of the country’s population is concentrated, is on average less than 100 metres wide, making it extremely vulnerable to inundation from sea level rise. 

To address Tuvalu’s climate change risks, a Climate Change Policy has been developed (Tuvalu Climate Change Policy (2011)).

Other Anthropogenic Risks

Tuvalu is also vulnerable to the following ‘technical or anthropogenic’ events or situations^[4].

■Air disaster

■Maritime disaster (including oil spill)

■Fire or explosion

■Air 

■HIV/AIDS and other disease outbreaks

■Migration from islands

■Families with no access to land

■Deteriorating natural environment

■Waste management

■Pollution control

■Hazardous Material / Toxic release

■Declining rural production

■Urbanisation (in particular Funafuti)

transporting emergency water supplies during a drought in tuvalu, 2011.

ChaPtER ii  Development of the National 

Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management

Climate change as used here means climate change adaptation and mitigation^[5]unless specifically defined. Disaster risk management covers disaster risk reduction, mitigation^[6], minimisation, transfer and disaster management which are preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation. 

Rationale 

Several climate change and related national projects such as Tuvalu Pacific Adaptation to Climate 

Change (PACC), Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and National Adaption Priority for Actions (NAPA) have outcomes to develop a National Climate Change Policy. Similarly the Environment Act (2008) Part VIII: Responses to Climate Change also called for the development of a Climate Policy. 

Tuvalu’s current national development plan, Te Kakeega II: National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2005 – 2015 is the overarching framework that drives Tuvalu’s development path and resource allocation. Strategy 11.4 outlines the key policy directives for the environment. One of the priorities is to “Establish national climate change adaptation and mitigation policies”. The development of a Tuvalu National Climate Change Policy (TCCP) and its implementation plan (this plan) known as the National Strategic Action 

Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (NSAP) and a review of the Disaster Risk Management are inline with the Te Kakeega II priorities. The activities in this NSAP will strengthen adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk reduction and disaster management including mainstreaming climate change and disaster risk reduction into sector plans. This plan is a direct response to achieving Te Kakeega IIgoals and objectives thus contributing to Tuvalu’s sustainable development.

Because of the close and overlapping responsibilities in responding to climate change impacts and disasters, it makes sense to consider and implement them in a systematic and integrated manner. Climate change impacts in an atoll country like Tuvalu contribute to most of the hazards and subsequent disastrous or emergency situations. At the same time there are also areas distinct to each such as earthquake or tsunami risks and the mitigation strategies used to reduce risks. In the context of climate change, mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions may consider the use of a renewable energy option to reduce emissions from diesel electricity generators. 

The Government of Tuvalu requested technical support from the Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (SOPAC) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in March 2011 during the Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR) in Niue. SPREP and SOPAC Divisions responded to the request in May 2011. Other partners such as UNDP (Samoa and Fiji offices) were also able to provide technical support especially in the latter half of the process. 

National inputs to Relevant Regional and International Frameworks

This NSAP is also part of Tuvalu’s response to their commitments made under the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change (PIFACC) and the Regional Framework for Action on Disaster Risk Management endorsed by the Pacific Leaders in 2005. These two inter-related regional frameworks document regional and national priorities for actions. The two regional polices also guide Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs) on the types of issues that national polices and action plans could consider. Through the implantations of regional frameworks and national action plans, Tuvalu also contributes to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and meeting their obligations under the UNFCCC. Similarly, some of the priorities in the Regional Meteorological Strategy important to Tuvalu are picked up in this NSAP such as priority activities for the Tuvalu National Meteorological Services (refer Goal 2 in the action matrix). 

²²             Tuvalu National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management  2012–2016

Development Process for the NSAP 

The TCCP and the NSAP were developed simultaneously using the same methodologies and process. During the first country visit of SPREP and SOPAC Division to Tuvalu (in May 2011) a national expert team was identified to work with the SPREP and SOPAC Division advisers in developing the TCCP and NSAP. This national expert team was coordinated by the Director of Environment and comprised of members of national steering committees of the following national projects: PACC, IWRM, NAPA, SNC, as well as members of the National Disaster Management Committee. As to be expected, most of the members of each committee are the same people. Tuvalu has a six stage process. At each stage, several tasks had to be completed before the next stage could commence. 

Unique to Tuvalu is the convening of a national climate change summit in Stage 4. All of the High Commissioners from Tuvalu’s Diplomatic Offices participated, as did all of the islands Kaupule, governments, community groups, school representatives, youth and civil society. The key thematic goals of the TCCP and the NSAP were discussed and feedback was recorded for incorporation. The main output of the summit is a communiqué in support of the TCCP and NSAP signed by the Government, Island Kaupule and a representative of the community groups. The eventual approval by Cabinet and Parliament is procedural only. The detailed development process is as follows: 

²⁴             Tuvalu National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management  2012–2016

ChaPtER iii  The National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster 

Risk Management 

Linkages with the Tuvalu Climate Change Policy – Te Kaniva

The National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (NSAP) is a joint strategic action plan for climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management. The NSAP is also the operational (implementation) plan for Tuvalu’s Climate Change Policy (TCCP, 2011) known as Te Kaniva. The NSAP and Te Kanivashould be read and considered together. 

The Te Kanivais a ten year policy (2011-2020) while the NSAP is a five year action plan (2012–2016). This is to ensure that the action plan is regularly monitored to keep it relevant to national priorities.

The linkages between Te Kanivaand NSAP are in the vision, goals, strategies and outcomes. Table 1 of the NSAP gives the goals, strategies, key actions and responsible agencies. 

The Te Kanivaidentified the following seven thematic goals:

Summary of Goals and Outcomes

 Goal 1: StRENGthENiNG aDaPtatioN aCtioNS to aDDRESS CuRRENt aND FutuRE VulNERabilitiES outcomes 

■Resilience and livelihoods strengthened.

■Increased awareness of the costs and implications of climate change and disaster risks. ■Gender disaggregated data and information are available for development planning.

■Food security.

■Coastal protection through re-planting programmes and other appropriate schemes. 

■Water security (adequate water quality and quantity). 

■Preparedness for droughts and other extreme events.

■Recognition and adaptability of the inter-linkages of systems (ecosystems) in adaptations and disaster risk reduction activities to strengthen resilience.

■Marine (offshore) and coastal resources are sustainably managed in the context of climate change to the benefit of the people of Tuvalu.

■Economic security, food and species diversity (biodiversity and ecosystems) for Tuvalu.

■Appropriate technology transfer and capacity building to support economic diversity initiatives. 

■Climate change adaptation integrated into planning and development decision making including household daily activities. 

■Improved coordination driven by relevant policies. 

■Threats and impacts of climate change and disaster risks on biodiversity minimised and avoided (refer NBSAP, NAPA, NAP etc).

■Cost of re-building from the impacts of climate change are primarily borne by major GHG producing countries. 

Goal 3: ENhaNCiNG tuValu’S GoVERNaNCE aRRaNGEMENtS aND CaPaCity to aCCESS aND MaNaGE 

CliMatE ChaNGE aND DiSaStER RiSK MaNaGEMENt FiNaNCES outcomes

■There is capacity in each ministry and department to integrate climate change and disaster risks into project development and project monitoring and evaluation 

■Climate change and disaster risks are incorporated in each sector’s/agency’s policies, plans and budgetary processes and in all new and ongoing development programmes

■Effective and responsive island governance where climate change and disaster risks and impacts are integrated into Island Strategic Plans 

■Diversifying gender specific climate resilient livelihoods and enhanced hazard response capacity of the Kaupule. 

■Donor confidence in national procedures and governance arrangements. 

■High level of professionalism in financial management in central and line agencies including Island Kaupule to access and report on financial and technical support.

■National policies and by-laws are enforced to provide the policy driven support for coordinated climate change and disaster risk management targets and outcomes.

■Strong coordination of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation evident in government agencies implementing climate change and disaster risk management programmes.

■High level of awareness amongst agencies and communities on climate change finance. 

■Sustainable and predictable funding available for immediate, medium and long term climate change and disaster risk management planning and implementation of adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk reduction priorities. 

■Improved coordination, sharing of expertise, data and information. 

■Good lessons learned and best practices are gathered, replicated and shared. 

■A ministry to encompass climate change, disaster risk management and Meteorology thus raising their visibility and role in national sustainable development planning.

Goal 4: DEVEloPiNG aND MaiNtaiNiNG tuValu’S iNFRaStRuCtuRE to WithStaND CliMatE ChaNGE iMPaCtS, CliMatE VaRiability, DiSaStER RiSKS aND CliMatE ChaNGE PRojECtioN outcomes

■Key infrastructures ( e.g. power station, telecom, meteorological services, airport, wharfs, roads, hospital, schools, churches and Falekaupule in Funafuti and outer islands etc) are secure and functional at all times. 

■Improved and coherent physical planning 

■Physical planning integrated into the Island Strategic Plan (ISP).

■Building code is enforced for key infrastructure and construction of houses (wooden and concrete) in the context of climate change adaptation. 

■Increased public and community awareness on climate change and disaster risks issues impacting on their properties. ■Coastal protections and causeways constructions followed best practices appropriate for Tuvalu’s situation and reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, climate variability and geological hazards. 

taro plantation impacted by drought conditions in tuvalu.

ChaPtER iV  Implementation Strategy 

The key strategy for the implementation of Te Kanivaand NSAP is to ensure an all of government and community integrated approach to the implementation of the priorities identified in these two national policy and strategy documents. 

Leadership is crucial and expected to come from the Government of Tuvalu, coordinated by the Department of Environment as mandated by the 2008 Environment Act where the Minister responsible for environment is also responsible for climate change, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), waste management, conservation and protected areas, and sustainable development of land and marine areas and resources. 

This chapter presents the institutional arrangements for implementation of the TCCP and NSAP.

Institutional Arrangements for Implementation 

The implementation arrangements for Te Kaniva: Tuvalu Climate Change Policy (TCCP) and the National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (NSAP) partly follow the currently established arrangements and suggest a merging of the two national committees responsible for coordinating climate change and disaster risk management in Tuvalu. The suggested merging was developed through consultations with the Tuvalu expert team working on the TCCP and NSAP and through consultation with a number of Chief Executives and senior officials within Government. 

Currently, climate change and disaster risk management have two separate institutional arrangements although the positions and the holder inside these two arrangements may be the same. The National Disaster Management Act stipulates the institutional arrangements for disaster risk management (DRM). In the event of an emergency or disaster the structure is:

FIGURE 1DRM Arrangements for Emergency

Source: Tuvalu National Disaster Plan (2nd Draft, 2010)

The National Disaster Committee (NDC) is coordinated by the National Disaster Management Office 

(NDMO) which is housed in the Office of the Prime Minster. The Minister responsible to Government on all disaster related matters shall ensure that all government agencies have taken adequate measures to mitigate, prepare, respond to and recover from disasters and foster the participation of non-government agencies in disaster risk management arrangements taken by government (Part 2 National Disaster Management Act).

As mentioned above, the climate change portfolio is under the Department of Environment as provided by the provisions of the 2008 Environment Act. The Department of Environment provides the overarching coordination and advisory role for climate change related projects through 

a National Climate Change Advisory Committee (NCCAC) (refer Figure 2). The NCCAC is an inter-ministerial/department and sectoral committee that also has members from the civil society and NGOs, as well as outer islands representatives. The Development Coordination Committee (DCC) is under the Ministry of Finance where projects for donor funding are priorities and submitted to Cabinet for approval. Under the umbrella of the NCCAC, there are climate change and relevant projects that are coordinated by other government agencies (refer Figure 2). 

FIGURE 2Schematic of the Institutional Arrangements of National Climate Change Programmes showing some National Projects as examples.

This NSAP includes an action that will look in detail at the institutional arrangements of DRM, Climate Change and Meteorology. There is value in these three institutions working collaboratively to ensure timely sharing of data, information and expertise to support adaptation and disaster risk reduction planning. 

Institutional Arrangements for the NSAP

For the purpose of driving and coordinating the NSAP implementation, it is recommended that the NCCAC and the NDC be merged and called a NSAP for Climate Change and DRM Steering Committee (NSAPCC) (refer Figure 3). The DOE will provide the secretariat role for the NSAPCC. However, the DOE is thinly stretched and needs additional staff to coordinate the NSAP implementation. It is recommended that a new NSAPCC Management Team is established within the DOE consisting of a Coordinator, Technical Adviser, a Communication Officer and administration support. The initial functions of the NSAPCC could 

FIGURE 3  NSAP Implementation Arrangements

■Drive coordination and collaboration among the agencies in Tuvalu that have responsibilities for climate change and disaster risk reduction

■Package NSAP into funding proposals and facilitate requests for funding and technical assistance ■Liaise with donors, CROP agencies and UN agencies to support NSAP implementation ■Advocate NSAP, and monitoring and evaluation of NSAP activities.

■Assist Ministries to integrate NSAP actions into Corporate Plans and Annual Work Plans.

■Develop and implement a communication strategy to support NSAP implementation including the identification of the requisite resource requirements and associated costs

■Provide regular reports at a minimum of six month intervals to the DCC and Cabinet on NSAP implementation

■Submit reports and acquittals to donors and development partners in relation to any specific funding and technical assistance that may be provided for NSAP implementation.

Costing Methodology and Indicative Costing

Table 2 provides a total indicative cost to implement the DRM arrangements. The estimated cost includes both the financial cost of actions and the in-kind contributions made by the Government of Tuvalu and partners to execute actions. In the process of determining the costs certain assumptions were used so that they can be as close as possible to the real situations. The assumptions used are as follows: 

■Costs including travel to the outer islands using the vessel that service these islands. 

■Some community based actions – such as training – is envisaged to be conducted on each of the islands. There are nine islands that make up Tuvalu including Funafuti. 

■Travel costs and purchase of equipment or assets are generally distinguished from other costs. 

■In a few specific cases, an overseas consultant would be required to execute an action. In such cases, an overseas rate was applied. However, technical assistance from consultant would be sourced from Tuvalu wherever possible. The cost of a local consultant is often lower than the cost of an overseas consultant. 

■Communications are normally provided as a package (e.g. so many advertisements on radio per week) and often work out cheaper when provided that way.

■Action 3.1 covers the recruitment of an additional officer in the National Disaster Management Office to assist the lone officer in that office in the coordination of the implementation of this plan. NDC members suggested that this salary be costed provisionally for two years only. If the position was to be made permanent, costs would clearly need to be covered from the annual government budgetary estimates. 

Gross Indicative Costs

The overall indicative resource costs to implement the NSAP over the period 2012-2016 are estimated to be AUD8,002, 408 (Table 2). Of this, it is estimated that in-kind staff contributions would constitute 21 per cent of resource costs while the financial costs account for 79 per cent.

Table 2Resource Costs by Goal

The highest estimated cost is Goal 1 “Strengthening Adaptation Actions to Address Current and Future Vulnerabilities” which is around AUD2,108,119. It is also the highest in terms of the financial and inkind contributions. The financial cost will be sourced from development partners while the in-kind contributions are provided by the Tuvalu Government and regional partners. The majority of these inkinds are for staff time that will support the various initiatives. 

To provide flexibility in planning for implementation activities, a contingency of 10 per cent has been applied to all financial costs. In this case, the total financial costs would increase to a potential AUD698,670 (Table 3).

TABLE 3Resource costs by Goal including contingency 

Financing strategy

The financing of NSAP implementation is to be facilitated through three basic approaches: 

■In-kind support from the Government largely through the dedication of staff time.

■Securing financial assistance through external donors and development partners including the funding of a Management Team. The DCC will coordinate this approach with the NSAPCC Management Team.

■The management and accountability for any new donors’ funds for NSAP should follow the Government of Tuvalu’s procedures. 

References 

Australian Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO. 2011. Climate Change in the Pacific: Scientific Assessment and New Research. Volume 1: Regional Overview, Volume 2: Country Reports.

Government of Tuvalu 2008 Environment Act, Government of Tuvalu, Funafuti Government of Tuvalu 2005 Te Kakeega II, Government of Tuvalu, Funafuti.

Tuvalu 2002 Population and Housing Census, Vol 1, Analytic Report, Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

Tuvalu 2010 National disaster management plan, SOPAC, Suva Fiji.

                   Tuvalu National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management  2012–2016                           ⁴³

TABLE 4National Strategic Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management 

(NSAP) 2012–2016  

Goal 1- StRENGthENiNG aDaPtatioN aCtioNS to aDDRESS CuRRENt aND FutuRE VulNERabilitiES 

     Strategies                               actions                                                                                                                                      lead agency

Partner agencies

1.1 Health and                                 1.1.1 Conduct assessment of health and socio economic implications of                   Ministry of                     TANGO, 

socio-economic                             climate change and disaster risks in each island                                                            Health (MOH),                 Red Cross 

implications                                                                                                                                                                           Ministry of 

(inclusive of gender) 1.1.2 Create awareness of results and make available in the Finance and MFEP, of climate change database developed in 2.4.3 including gender disaggregated data and Economic MCTPU, and disaster information Planning Office of 

risks informing            1.1.3 Develop adaptation programmes for funding based on the     (MFEP)      the Prime appropriate health       recommendations of the assessment in 1.1.1                 Ministry of                   Minister 

and socio-economic                                                                                                                                                                                                   (OPM)

adaptation                   1.1.4 Organise annual donor roundtables to discuss national projects               Foreign Affairs, programmes for 1.1.5 Conduct ongoing monitoring and annual evaluation of project                   Trade, Tourism, Environment each island.     status to enhance project implementation and to inform new initiatives          and Labour 

                                    1.1.6 Upgrade and/or procure water quality testing equipment and                            (MFATTEL),

                                  make available to all islands                                                                                              MFEP

1.1.7 Provide training for sanitation aids on the use of equipment (1.1.6)

1.2 Assessment and                       1.2.1 Conduct research on current and other possible food crop and                         MFATTEL                       MFEP, 

analysis of salt and/                      tree species on their salt and/or heat tolerance capability                                                                                MOH

or heat tolerant food                                                                                                                                                           MOH

crops (e.g. pulaka)       1.2.2 Develop nurseries to nurture selected food crop and tree species            MOH          MFATTEL and tree species for      that are salt and heat tolerant coastal protection.          1.2.3 Create awareness and distribute planting materials of the food 

crop and tree species that are salt and/or heat tolerant

1.2.4 Support organic vegetable and food crops gardening and the use of composting

1.2.5 Conduct applied research in collaboration with SPC and SPREP on pest management and control of invasive species 

Goal 1- StRENGthENiNG aDaPtatioN aCtioNS to aDDRESS CuRRENt aND FutuRE VulNERabilitiES 

Strategies                                 actions                                                                                                                                   lead agency

Partner agencies

1.3 Integrated and                          1.3.1 Assess water availability and feasibility of water security options                     Ministry of                    OPM,

coordinated water                          including rain water harvesting, underground water and desalination                        Communication           OPM

resources (including                 on all islands.                                                                                                                        Transport and 

desalination)               1.3.2 Implement improved rain water harvesting, access to             Public Utilities             MFATTELOPM planning and         underground water and install energy efficient desalination on all                   (MCTPU),

management                           islands.                                                                                                                                 MFATEL

including                                                                                                                                                                                MFATEL, MPU, 

preparedness and       1.3.3 Prepare awareness materials on water conservation and safety               MOH response plans for               1.3.4 Implementation of these actions relevant to water resources are             MOH, Ministry each island.          to be consistent with the National Water Policy, Integrated Waters                  of Home Affairs 

Resource Management (IWRM) Plan and other water related plans,      and, Rural Public Health Act (Water Sector) and relevant recommendations from             Development 

                                 previous studies.                                                                                                                 (MHARD)

                                    1.3.5 Develop drinking water safety components for the Island                                   MCTPU, MOH

Strategic Plans (ISPs)

As above

1.3.6 Develop a national IWRM Plan 

1.4 Coordinated                              1.4.1 Create awareness on the inter-linkages of marine, coastal and                         MFATTEL,                       Ministry of 

planning and                            land ecosystems                                                                                                                  Ministry                           Education 

management of          1.4.2 Integrate climate change adaptation into the programme of work           of Natural (MOE) marine, coastal and           on protected areas including the development of protected areas on all                   Resources OPM land resources and 

systems (Whole                      islands                                                                                                                            (MHARD, MNR)                  MOE

Island Systems                               1.4.3 Review, update or develop new policies, local government by-                          MFATTEL,                     OPM

Management/                                 laws and legislations on sustainable marine, coastal and land system                      MNR                              OPM

Ecosystem base management MNR, MFATELL OPM management). 1.4.4 Build enforcement capacities in responsible agencies (e.g. 

Ministry of Lands and Survey, Department of Environment, Department                   MFATTEL   OPM of Fisheries, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture) to           MNR, MFATTEL            MNR

                                implement 1.4.3                                                                                                                   MFATTEL,                         As above

1.4.5 Conduct training for institutions responsible for coordinated        MNR, MPU planning and management in these areas. 

MFATTEL, 1.4.6 Conduct assessments on state of marine, coastal and land        MCTPU

resources/ecosystems and share this information with relevant            As above sectors, and translation for local communities 

1.4.7 Assess and address the impacts of land base practices including runoff and ground water leaching on the marine environment in context of climate change. 

1.4.8 Assess and seek international support for reducing the impacts of climate change (such as temperature increase, ocean acidification, changing pattern of circulation and ocean saturation) on coral reef, seagrass, algae, mangroves and other ecosystems. 

1.4.9 Undertake urgent coastal protection measures incorporating soft options, natural island formation and assessed structural protection where appropriate.

Goal 1- StRENGthENiNG aDaPtatioN aCtioNS to aDDRESS CuRRENt aND FutuRE VulNERabilitiES 

Strategies                                 actions                                                                                                                                   lead agency

Partner agencies

1.5 Responding to       1.5.1 Conduct awareness workshops on recent scientific studies     MFATTEL, MNR           TANGO possible changes              relating to the implications of climate change on tuna migratory    MNR                  MFATTEL in migratory                  patterns.

marine fish species                       1.5.2 Conduct a feasibility study on how Tuvalu may be affected                            MNRMNR                   MFATTEL, MFEP

movement due to       by the tuna migratory pattern due to climate change taking into    As above climate change.             considerations technology, capacity and governance arrangements requirements.

1.5.3 Develop an economic plan to adapt to possible changes in tuna movement within Tuvalu’s EEZ 

1.5.4 Conduct research on possible impacts of climate change on Tuvalu’s seamount resources.

1.5.5 Develop Tuvalu’s tuna fishing capacity to ensure food security and response to changes in migratory patterns

1.6 Awareness                                1.6.1 Develop awareness materials and communication strategies for 

and empowerment     each sector on the impacts of climate change and disaster              MFATTEL, OPM           MOE programmes for 

each island relevant    1.6.2popular media outlets.  Conduct public awareness programmes on each island using                  MFATTEL, OPM, MOETANGO to the impacts of              TANGO, 

climate change and     1.6.3 Analyse, compile and document traditional knowledge related to            MFATELL, OPM disaster risks in climate change and disaster risk management and make available to                   MHARD each sector.   all communities within Tuvalu. 

1.6.4 Carry out an assessment to measure effectiveness of awareness programmes in all islands.

1.7 Legislation             1.7.1 Review and update relevant legislation, policies including      OPM          MFATTEL and policies to               coordination arrangements for climate change and disaster risk     MFATTEL   MNR govern sustainable     reduction programmes.

resource    1.7.2 Implementation of the action strategy should be linked to     MFATTEL   OPM, MOE management,             implementation of NBSAP, NAPA, NAP and other relevant policies and            OPM

(marine, coastal and                action plans. 

land) in the context of climate change           1.7.3 Conduct awareness of existing legislation and policies. impacts.

1.8 Appropriate                                                                                                                                                                     MFATTEL,                    OPM

insurance   MFEP arrangement schemes to address loss and damage from the impacts of climate change.

1.8.1 Investigate and establish appropriate insurance arrangements to address loss and damage from the impacts of climate change.

1.8.2 Seek funding to support the establishment of the approved arrangements based on the investigation on 1.8.1 

Goal 2 - iMPRoViNG uNDERStaNDiNG aND aPPliCatioN oF CliMatE ChaNGE Data, iNFoRMatioN aND SitE SPECiFiC iMPaCtS 

aSSESSMENt to iNFoRM aDaPtatioN aND DiSaStER RiSK REDuCtioN PRoGRaMMES.

Strategies                                 actions

lead Partner agency agencies

2.1 Upgrading              2.1.1 Develop legislation for the Meteorological Services                 MCTPU      MFATTEL, the capacity of             2.1.2 Develop protocols for sharing weather and climate data         OPM the National 

Meteorology               2.1.3 Train meteorological service on climate change monitoring and data analysis Services including                 2.1.4 Assess the status of the equipment currently in use stations on the outer            2.1.5 Implement the approved recommendations of the assessment in 2.1.4 islands. 

2.1.6 Develop weather and climate products (weather maps, weather charts, tide predictions etc) for the use of the agriculture and fisheries sectors, tourists operators, women and men 

2.1.7 Develop and conduct relevant public awareness of weather and climate information

2.2 Reliable                                   2.2.1 Establish observing stations on all islands                                                                                  MCTPU                     MHARD, 

telecommunications   2.2.2 Assess the outer island communications and weather station capacity and               MFATTEL with outer islands         recommend the most feasible options through participatory and consultative for weather and       process. climate information.

2.2.3 Implement the approved recommendations of the assessment in 2.2.2

2.2.4 Training of Kaupule, Falekaupule and civil servants in the outer islands to monitor and report weather station readings to Funafuti

2.3 Climate change     2.3.1 Consult and assess the curriculum in all education levels, with a view to MFATTEL, OPM and disaster risk                   incorporating climate change and disaster risk management programs.                   Education 

management               2.3.2 Develop relevant programmes to strengthen the curriculum with the information are               incorporation of climate change and disaster risk management materials incorporated into 

school curriculum.                  2.3.3 Develop relevant student study aids, teachers’ teaching aids and resource material for the Curriculum Resource Development Unit relating to climate change and disaster risk management

2.3.4 Provide training for the Curriculum Resources Development Unit on climate change and disaster risk management 

2.4 Further                                       2.4.1 Carry out vulnerability assessments to inform on the ground adaptation                               MFATTEL               OPM, Red 

on the ground             activities as prioritised from the NAPA and PACC            MFATTEL   Cross implementation of              2.4.2 Create awareness of the assessment results in 2.4.1               OPM recommendations 

from the NAPA and     2.4.3 Develop a shared database for assessment information to be used by all the PACC projects.     sectors in decision making, adaptation and mitigation planning

2.5 National                 2.5.1 Conduct regular national training on international negotiations               MFATTEL, Education capacities in                 2.5.2 Create scholarships for Tuvaluans to build and strengthen their capacity and                OPM international      skills in climate change negotiations negotiations is strengthened. 

Goal 3 – ENhaNCiNG tuValu’S GoVERNaNCE aRRaNGEMENtS aND CaPaCity to aCCESS aND MaNaGE CliMatE ChaNGE 

aND DiSaStER RiSK MaNaGEMENt FiNaNCES

Strategies                                               actions

lead Partner agency agencies

3.1 Climate change and                3.1.1 Conduct awareness workshop for MPs, PS and Directors on   MFATTEL   OPM, disaster risk management impacts of climate change and disaster risks on all sectors                  MFEP aspects are incorporated into the Te Kakeega II (and             3.1.2 Conduct training for economic planners in all sectors future national sustainable     on integrating climate change and disaster risks into project development plans),           development, project monitoring and evaluation budgetary planning and into                  3.1.3 Conduct a stocktake on the level of integrating climate change sector policies and plans.      and disaster risks on all sector policies, plans and budget allocation

3.2 Island governance                   3.2.1 Conduct training for all eight Island Kaupule on integrating    MFATTEL   MHARD and leadership (Kaupule)                  climate change and disaster risks into Island Strategic Plans. strengthened. 

3.2.2 Conduct good governance programmes for Island Kaupule.

3.2.3 Identify vulnerable members of the communities that may need special attention in the context of climate change and disaster risk reduction

3.2.4 Implement actions to empower vulnerable members of the communities in diversifying their livelihoods.

3.3 Robust financial    3.3.1 Review existing Government financial management procedures              MFEP         MFATTEL, management procedures              and identify gaps that do not conform to donor funding requirements              MHARD and procurement policy 

for donor funded (or   3.3.2 Implement recommendations from the review of the Government partnership supported)       financial management procedures climate change and 3.3.2 Conduct training on financial management to key staff in all line disaster risk management               agencies including Kaupule programmes 

3.3.4 Develop robust financial management software that can be shared with all climate change and disaster risk management projects

3.3.5 Establish a National Implementing Entity (NIE) to access direct funding from the Adaptation Fund.

Goal 3 – ENhaNCiNG tuValu’S GoVERNaNCE aRRaNGEMENtS aND CaPaCity to aCCESS aND MaNaGE CliMatE ChaNGE 

aND DiSaStER RiSK MaNaGEMENt FiNaNCES

Strategies                                               actions

lead Partner agency agencies

3.4 Enabling policies and            3.4.1 Review and update legislations, policies and bylaws relevant for              MFATTEL, OPM tools to strengthen the        enforcement of coordination in delivering climate change and DRM      MFEP coordination role of the     programmes/projects.

Aid Coordination Unit, the 

National Climate Change            3.4.2 Conduct awareness programmes of the updated policies and Advisory Council (NCCAC)            by laws for all agencies and Kaupule to ensure that coordination is and the National Disaster    effectively carried out.

Committee (NDC)                                3.4.3 Build the capacity of the Aid Coordination Unit with appropriate tools and processes that are effective and efficient to monitor coordination among donor agencies.

3.4.4 Develop and implement regular sector and community awareness programmes addressing climate change and disaster risk reduction finances.

3.5 A National Trust Fund           3.5.1 Develop a policy and plan (based on lessons learned from      MFEP,        MFATTEL, to support adaptation, and            existing national trust fund (TTF and FTF) for establishing a National MHARD     OPM mitigation actions in to        Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Trust Fund respond to climate change            and National Implementing Entity (NIE) in consultation with potential impacts and disaster risks             donors.

3.5.2 Establish a functional unit to manage the National Climate Change and DRM Trust Fund with appropriate management procedures

3.5.3 Establish a transparent and accountable process with criteria for the use of the fund for immediate, medium and long term climate change and disaster risk management priorities

3.6 Strengthen institutional        3.6.1 Conduct an institutional arrangements analysis for climate    MFFATEL, OPM, arrangements for                change, meteorology and disaster risk management to ensure close                 MCTPU      MFEP climate change, disaster     coordination and collaboration amongst agencies risk management and 

meteorology to enhance            3.6.2 Implement approved recommendations of the institutional coordination.                analysis conducted in 3.6.1

3.6.3 Develop a framework for coordination and sharing of expertise, data and information on climate change and disaster risks management

© S. Chape/SPREP

Goal 6 – PlaNNiNG FoR EFFECtiVE DiSaStER PREPaREDNESS, RESPoNSE aND RECoVERy 

Strategies                                         actions

lead Partner agency agencies

6.1 Strengthen                                        6.1.1 Provide personnel (additional staff) support to the National Disaster                        MHARD,           OPM

the coordination                               Management Office (NDMO)                                                                                                      OPM

and operational          6.1.2 Develop a disaster management plan for Island Disaster Committees arrangements for             to be included in their ISP. Disaster Management (at national, sector, island and community levels)

6.2 Enhance                 6.2.1 Procure appropriate equipment for the National Coordination Centre     OPM          MHARD, preparedness to disaster                 (NCC) (e.g. computers, server, VHF handheld radios, backup generator etc)             MHARD     MFATTEL risks             6.2.2 Develop Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for NCC and Island            MCTPU      OPM

                                       Disaster Centres                                                                                                                           OPM                 OPM

                                          6.2.3 Conduct training at national and island level to support efficient                                                           MHARD,

                                           disaster management services (e.g. Introduction to Disaster Management,                                               MCTPU

Emergency Operation Centre, Initial Damage Assessment, Exercise Management etc)

6.2.4 Review and develop hazards support plan (e.g. tsunami, cyclone, drought, pandemic, oil spill)

6.2.5 Develop agency response plan

6.2.6 Review fire safety in all schools, hospital, power stations, key offices and conduct relevant training on equipment use and maintenance 

6.2.7 Improve fire fighting equipments and training at airport to meet IATA audit requirements

6.2.8 Procure portable pump to assist refilling of fire truck

6.2.9 Investigate and procure appropriate technology to supplement existing Early Warning System (EWS) arrangements and communications 

6.2.10 Conduct exercise annually to test warning and response systems 

6.2.11 Conduct disaster awareness programmes and to culminate in the International Disaster Reduction Day (Oct 13th)

6.2.12 Develop database on baseline data 

6.3 Effective disaster 6.3.1 Formulate external aid procedure (review and establish procedures for OPM          MHARD response system             humanitarian aid and personnel for better coordination)                 Red                  OPM

capability                                        6.3.2 Construct storage facilities for relief supplies in the remaining seven     Cross         MHARD islands           OPM

6.3.3 Conduct training in Disaster Victim Identification procedures

                                                                                                                                          OPM                     MHARD

6.4 Strengthen disaster                 6.4.1 Conduct training for key stakeholders on preparation of disaster recovery systems  recovery plans, costing and project proposal development

Goal 7: GuaRaNtEEiNG thE SECuRity oF thE PEoPlE oF tuValu FRoM thE iMPaCtS oF CliMatE ChaNGE aND thE 

MaiNtENaNCE oF NatioNal SoVEREiGNty 

Strategies                                                  actions

lead Partner agency agencies

7.1 Secure the EEZ of Tuvalu                           7.1.1 Review and amend Tuvalu’s constitution and relevant legislation                    OPM                       MFATTEL

(approved coordinates) as            to address Tuvalu’s sovereignty of its EEZ regardless of projected   OPM          MFATTEL belonging to the Government        impacts of climate change

and People of Tuvalu 7.1.2 Conduct public awareness programme on Tuvalu’s constitution regardless of any loss of           and legislation 

coastal areas or islands due to impacts of climate change                7.1.3 Finalise determination of Tuvalu’s EEZ such as sea level rise.

7.2 Ensure that Tuvalu                  7.2.1 Continue international climate change negotiations to ensure a               MFATTEL   OPM continues to have the capacity              global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions 

to remain as a nation.                             7.2.2 Secure and access fast start funds and/or other financial commitments to support timely implementation of this plan (NSAP) to increase resilience

7.3 Special Pacific Access              7.3.1 Conduct investigations and recommend revisions on the        MFATTEL   OPM Category (PAC) for Tuvaluans                opportunities available under the PAC. 

considering climate change          7.3.2 Explore and secure other migration schemes including an vulnerability and forced   expansion of the PAC climate migrants 

7.3.3 Establish professional training programmes in key identified occupations to allow for employment in neighbouring countries if climate change migration is necessary 

7.3.4 Conduct awareness on the requirements and conditions of PAC, any revised conditions and other schemes specific to Tuvalu

7.4 Climate change     7.4.1 Determine the point of forced migration/relocation through sound         MFATTEL, OPM migration/resettlement plan                 scientific and socio-economic assessments including any relevant     MCTPU      MHARD

for each island in view of climate change impacts worst studies.7.4.2 Conduct a feasibility study on the costs of relocation due to MFATTEL,        OPM

OPM case scenario. climate change impacts taking into consideration the findings of 7.4.1          MFATTEL

7.4.3 Develop a climate change migration/resettlement plan (in consultation with possible host nations, if appropriate)for each island in view of climate change impacts in consideration of the following:

Maintaining Tuvalu’s identity and integrity of its traditions and customs 

Most vulnerable communities 

7.4.4 The Government of Tuvalu to solicit support from the UN Security Council, General Assembly and the UNFCCC on the issue of forced migration (climate displaced people). 

7.4.5 Develop relevant awareness material/programme for use in public and community awareness on the outcomes of 7.4.1-7.4.4