Plans to save Vanuatu from climate changes

The government of Vanuatu and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are working on a Vt800 million (US$7.6 million) climate change project for the rural communities in Vanuatu.

 From Vanuatu Daily Post/PACNEWS

 

“Adaptation to Climate Change on the Coastal Zone of Vanuatu” or V-CAP is the name of this 5-year project.
 
V-CAP aims to improve the resilience of the coastal zone in Vanuatu to the impacts of climate change in order to sustain livelihoods, food production and improve the quality of life.
 
Project sites are selected in each province. The project site for Shefa is Vermali and Vermaul Area Council of Epi, South Santo Area Council (Sanma), all Torres Islands, South Malekula Area Council (Malampa) and all Tafea Islands.
 
V-CAP will carry out re-vegetation of road sidings, will rehabilitate river crossings, bridges, build public walking tracks and ‘climate proofing’ infrastructure.
 
The Government, through the project, aims to increased efforts to recovery from Cyclone Pam and build long-term community resilience to climate change.
 
Therefore, for 2015 the project will concentrate in the three severely affected provinces with a focus on Epi, Pentecost and Tafea outer islands. Once completed, will move to other sites next year.
 
V-CAP does not focus on infrastructure alone but will work with communities to encourage sustainable forest, water and agricultural management.
 
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department is responsible for the second component of V-CAP; the development of an efficient early warning system for cyclones and other natural disasters.
 
The Project Board launched V-CAP following the first Inception Workshop attended by Area Secretaries, Site Coordinators and Secretary Generals.
 
The Ministry of Climate Change and Natural Disasters, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Forestry and Biodiversity, Public Works Department and the Department of Environment and Water Resource will be working closely with communities to deliver V-CAP.
 
The United Nations Development Program is implementing V-CAP with financial support from the Least Developed Country Fund of the Global Environment Fund.

 

Author: 
jwaeda