ReliefWeb

Pacific Studies Series

Executive Summary

The Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are a diverse array of countries with widely varying topographies, cultures, and economies, but generally characterized by their small physical size and geographical remoteness, fragile biodiversity, and a limited natural resource base. Most, if not all, Pacific countries are also confronted with extraordinary circumstances with respect to climate change. The prosperity, stability, and security of Pacific countries can be compromised by the impacts of climate change on food production; use of land, coastal, and marine resources; damage to infrastructure and water resources; and risks to human health, thereby creating signifi cant development challenges for the region. The Pacific island governments view climate change as a priority issue, especially in terms of its potential impacts on food security, but need clear directions in addressing both issues.
The Pacific Food Summit held in Port Vila, Vanuatu on 21–23 April 2010 was the first time Pacific leaders in health, agriculture, and trade have come together with industry to take action on food security. The Summit reviewed threats to food security, discussed best practices for improving it, and endorsed a Framework for Action on Food Security to guide multi-sectoral and coordinated response in improving food security within the Pacific countries and across the region. The Framework recognized the importance of traditional agriculture, community involvement, climate resilience, and emergency systems and safety nets in ensuring food security in the face of climate change.
This report describes the present state of food security and its contributing factors in the Pacific region, assesses its prospects amid the growing threats and likely impacts of climate change, and describes potential areas for more active assistance, investments and interventions from ADB and other development partners.