USD 9 million has been approved for the Federated States of Micronesia to help island communities reduce vulnerability to extreme drought, sea level rise and other climate risks.
The 29th Meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board approved the "Enhancing the climate change resilience of vulnerable island communities in Federated States of Micronesia" project jointly developed by FSM and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), with assistance from regional partners.
The project will respond to specific climate priorities identified by six highly vulnerable outer atoll islands: Woleai and Eauripik in Yap; Satawan and Lukunor in Chuuk; Kapingamarangi; and Nukuoro in Pohnpei. The responses will include water security and sanitation initiatives. The project will also support climate-resilient livelihoods in Kosrae through an inland road initiative as part of the broader Kosrae Coastal Shoreline Management plan.
All four State Governments of FSM – Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap - will also receive development planning tools and institutional frameworks to help coastal communities prepare and adapt for higher sea levels and adverse and frequent changes in extreme weather and climate events.
The development of the project was greatly enhanced by the technical assistance provided under the Climate Investment Funds Strategic Program for Climate Resilience –Pacific Track (SPCR-PR) administered by the ADB and implemented by SPREP.
Technical Assistance provided under the SPCR-PR Mainstreaming and Regional Technical Support Mechanism components helped to provide the detailed information and supporting documentation needed to secure the Adaptation Fund Boards approval.
Support for the design and preparation of project documentation was also supported by the USAid Adapt Programme.
"This project is testament to the regions ability to collaborate and coordinate to achieve a positive outcome," said Mr Kosi Latu, Director General of SPREP.
This is the first Adaptation Fund project to be delivered by SPREP since achieving accreditation as a Regional Implementing Entity under the Climate Change Adaptation Fund.
"Project preparation is a costly exercise and there are limited options to support Adaptation Fund project development. By working together we have been able to undertake this work, and support FSM in accessing USD 9 million to support climate change adaptation. We look forward to the positive benefits ahead."
The project was approved by the 29th Meeting of the Adaptation Fund in Bonn Germany in March along with seven other projects from around the globe, totalling to USD 60.3 million.
More information on the Adaptation Fund can be found at the website: www.adaptation-fund.org for more information on this project email simonw@sprep.org.