1 . Executive Summary

The Analysis of Disaster Response Training in the Pacific Island region was commissioned by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Regional Office for the Pacific.

The primary aim of the analysis was to provide guidance for future disaster management training and capacity development initiatives by Pacific Island Countries (PICs), international and regional humanitarian and developmental organizations and donor partners. The analysis as such focuses on disaster preparedness and response.

As experience with both disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) grows, there is increasing recognition that these two fields share a common focus: reducing the vulnerability of communities and contributing to sustainable development. The high level of climate-related risks in the Pacific, make DRR and CCA key policy goals. The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of the current level of integration of DRR and CCA in the region, with an emphasis on the policy and institutional environment.

Climate Change in the Pacific is a rigorously researched, peer-reviewed scientific assessment of the climate of the western Pacific region. Building on the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, this two volume publication represents a comprehensive resource on the climate of the Pacific.

Introduction and Background

Like some other Pacific island countries, Cook Islands has been experiencing severe water shortages.

In some parts of the Cooks, water rationing is now limited to 20 litres of water per family per day.

We also looked a other stories making news in Cook Islands including a reshuffle in government.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts

Speaker: Cook Islands journalist, Ulamila Kurai Wragg

Listen: Windows Media

The Pacific region covers a vast geographical area comprising thousands of islands and atolls. The majority of Pacific Island countries contend with the challenges of smallness and geographic isolation. The Pacific Island countries are heavily aid-assisted.

The Pacific region covers a vast geographical area comprising thousands of islands and atolls. The majority of Pacific island countries contend with the challenges of smallness and geographic isolation. The Pacific island countries are the most heavily aid-assisted part of the world on a per capita basis. The high rates of migration in the region are primarily a response to real and perceived inequalities in socio-economic opportunities.

A variety of hazards including cyclones, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides - constitute

In brief

Programme summary:

Cross sectoral initiatives during this period include:

- A dialogue with the Pacific Island Forum on potential cooperation initiatives.

- Delivery of the regional Community Resilience Forum, aimed at improving understanding of members in integrated approaches to working with communities.

- A monthly regional newsletter contributed to sharing best practice and improved coordination between Pacific members and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners.

- A monthly roster of travel by all

The reconstruction of homes after Cyclone Pat ripped through the Cook Islands in February continues, with New Zealand aid money soon to arrive to bolster efforts.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts

Speaker: Ulamila Wragg, Cook Islands reporter

  * Listen: Windows Media

Summary: CHF 150,000 (USD 140,434 or EUR 102,280) was allocated from the IFRC's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 12 February 2010 to support the Cook Islands Red Cross Society (CIRCS) in delivering assistance to 1,671 beneficiaries over three months.

The distribution of emergency relief items was completed over the reporting period. To date, the operation has provided 69 tents, more than 800 tarpaulins, and food to over 400 families in the affected areas. In addition, 265 people benefitted from psychosocial