Tuvalu unveils Long-Term Adaptation Plan at COP27, a vision for a safe, climate-resilient future

14 Nov 2022

At a side event at the 27th annual United Nations Climate Change conference (COP27) in Egypt, Tuvalu’s Minister for Finance, Hon. Seve Paeniu has presented Tuvalu's new Long-Term Adaptation Plan.

As a small, low-lying atoll nation, Tuvalu faces extraordinary challenges due to sea level rise. By 2050, it is estimated that half the land area of the capital will become flooded by tidal waters. By 2100, 95% of land will be flooded by routine high tides. Climate change also poses extreme risk to drinking water, food security, and energy supply.

Developed by the Government of Tuvalu with the support of UNDP – and based on the best available science today – Tuvalu's Long-Term Adaptation Plan (L-TAP), 'Te Lafiga o Tuvalu' (Tuvalu’s Refuge), presents a new approach to adaptation, designed to provide comprehensive solutions beyond 2100. The vision: 3.6 square kilometres of raised, safe land with staged relocation of people and infrastructure over time; a sustainable water supply; greater food and energy security; and space for expanding civic and commercial areas, including government offices, schools, and hospitals.

Crucial to the evolution of the concept has been TCAP’s work, including the collection of very high-quality land elevation and sea floor depth data which has informed the best possible projections and timelines for sea level rise and storm wave inundation across the tiny island nation.

UNDP continues to assist the Government of Tuvalu to develop the L-TAP and is coordinating with partners to undertake a number of background, technical and socio-economic baseline assessments to support and guide the vision. UNDP is also assisting Tuvalu to consider financing options.

“L-TAP is Tuvalu’s long-term vision that can offer hope for the future of Tuvalu and Tuvaluans. L-TAP is informed by science, experience and best practice. It is technically feasible and appropriate to our national needs. L-TAP can accommodate our entire population safely beyond worse-case sea level rise beyond 2100.” – Minister for Finance, Hon. Seve Paeniu

For more information, please contact the Government of Tuvalu, Secretary Ministry of Finance, or Central Project Management Office tpatolo@gov.tv | director.cpmo@MOFTV.onmicrosoft.com For all technical enquiries, please contact Dr Arthur Webb arthur.webb@undp.org

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