When 31-year-old Lisepa Paeniu graduates from her Master’s programme, she dreams of providing sound advice to benefit the people of her nation, Tuvalu, and the Pacific Region.  

Now completing her master's in environmental law from the University of New South Wales, Australia, Lisepa is among five students who have been supported by the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) with scholarships to support climate action on the island. 

With recent natural disasters around the world making news headlines, from earthquakes and flash floods to wildfires and heat waves, addressing environmental issues is top of mind for students like  Lisepa.  

With only around 25 square kilometers of land in total across its nine atoll islands, much of the Pacific Island Country is less than one meter above high spring tide levels. Due to sea-level rise, by 2050, it is estimated that over half the capital island, central Fogafale, will be flooded by tidal waters.  

“Sustainable technology used to solve environmental problems is only as good as the human resource capacity we have to maintain and fix the equipment,” said Lisepa when asked about what she has learned during her studies.  

“Legislative reforms to address environmental problems should consider traditional environmental knowledge for resource management and conservation to be sustainable. 

Tuvalu has a lot to offer the Pacific and the world especially with regards to marine protected areas such as the different seasonal ban of certain fishing methods of extraction of certain species of fish,” she noted.  

Celebrating 45 years of independence 

Under Tuvalu’s National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2021-2030, “Te Kete” resilience to climate change and disasters are a key priority in the vision for a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous nation.  

Understanding the risks of inundation are a critical part of the TCAP project, and the country’s response, together with building the capacity of the next generation of men and women to stay ahead of the curve in adapting to climate impacts.  

As Tuvalu celebrated 45 years of independence on 1 October, the TCAP project work in Funafuti is almost complete, demonstrating how the small island nation has doubled down on climate action. 

Since the start of TCAP in 2017, supported by the global Green Climate Fund and Australia’s The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), in partnership with the Pacific Community, the Government of Tuvalu and United Nations Development Programme, TCAP aims to reduce exposure to coastal hazards and to develop a long-term coastal adaptation strategy.  

Given that retreating to higher ground is not possible, the TCAP project is creating 7.3 hectares of new and raised land designed to remain above sea levels beyond 2100 – an undertaking which is now 95 percent complete. The design of the multimillion-dollar coastal adaptation infrastructure intervention ensures that large storms can be weathered to secure communities. 

Staying ahead of the curve on sea level rise 

Women and youth are receiving targeted training on coastal change and processes and will be coached in the advantages and differing approaches to coastal hazard management.  

These enhanced skills will not only contribute to the general empowerment of women but will directly be linked to increasing employment opportunities and support for leadership, increasing decision-making in coastal management among women on the island.  

Gender mainstreaming training models have also been developed by TCAP, tailored to the local context, and conducted with key government and civil society representatives, to ensure that no one is left behind. 

UNDP Pacific Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, recently visited the TCAP site in Funafuti and said the project was an important example of how climate change adaptation can be implemented in a small island developing state: 

“This work is the embodiment of partnership, through support from both the Green Climate Fund and the Government of Australia, alongside the Government and people of Tuvalu. The project is not only helping build resilience to the impacts of climate change, but also a valuable investment for the future of Tuvalu with its focus on both people and planet.”

About the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project

With US$36 million financing from the Green Climate Fund and US$2.9 million co-financing from the Government of Tuvalu, the 7-year Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project is contributing to strengthening the resilience of one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change and sea-level rise. Implemented by the UN Development Programme in partnership with the Government, the project is improving coastal protection in key locations on the islands of Funafuti, Nanumea and Nanumaga. While new measures will act as a buffer during storms, the project also strives to build the capacity of national and island governments and local communities in adapting to climate change in the longer term. Learn more at TCAP.tv Follow the project on Twitter @TCAPforTu8 or on Facebook

About the United Nations Development Programme

UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org

About the Pacific Community (SPC)

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, proudly supporting development since 1947. It is an international development organisation owned and governed by 27 country and territory members.

SPC is a key project partner to TCAP, undertaking Environmental and Social Impact, Geotechnical, Sea Level Measurement and Wave Inundation Assessments in support of TCAP’s work programme. SPC will also deliver a hands-on training programme for Tuvalu government officers and other interested parties in 2023. Among various subjects the training will cover use and improvement of the hazards dashboard.

Additional photos from the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project also available on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm6S2Zkw *Please credit as indicated