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SPC and Wallis and Futuna sign agreements to reduce natural disaster risk

Thursday, 12 May 2011 14:47 Naomi Jackson
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Tuesday 17 May 2011, Mataa‘Utu, Wallis and Futuna – Wallis and Futuna will receive technical expertise and funding from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) to mitigate the risks of natural disasters facing the territory. A signing ceremony took place today in Mataa’ Utu, bringing together the European Union, SPC, and the Administration Supérieure (Office of the Chief Administrator for the territory of Wallis and Futuna).

The agreement worth €387,000 will support Wallis and Futuna in enhancing the safety of its people and infrastructure in the face of natural disasters, particularly tsunamis. Unlike the island of Wallis, the island of Futuna is highly exposed to tsunamis, as it lacks a coral reef.

Last Updated on Thursday, 26 May 2011 05:40 Read more...
 

Snapshot 68 - Disaster Reduction Programme - April 2011

Tuesday, 10 May 2011 12:53 administrator
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The EU EDF 9 B Envelope Project is really making some great strides as we demonstrate in this issue. The Federated States of Micronesia will have Emergency Operations Centres at state level and Chuuk is the first state to complete construction. In addition to this we are continuing with our training programme with the leadership and support of The Asia Foundation/USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and also continuing support for the developing of Joint DRM and CCA National Action Plans.

During April we have also been undertaking preparations for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction which is being held in Geneva from 8th – 13th May. A delegation of about 30 people are representing the Pacific with SOPAC contributing 4 including the SOPAC Division Director, Dr. Russell Howorth. We have worked closely with the UNISDR Sub Regional Office and colleagues from Pacific island countries to prepare for the Platform and will provide insights from those who attended in our May issue.

For the moment though I hope you enjoy reading this issue.

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Mosese Sikivou
Deputy Director
Disaster Reduction Programme

Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 May 2011 12:56
 

Safe navigation gets boost in region

Sunday, 01 May 2011 19:01 administrator
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The safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment in the region took a positive step forward recently with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Hydrography is the study, surveying, and mapping of the oceans, seas and rivers, especially related to navigation and the environment.

IHO is comprised of 80 member governments represented by their respective national hydrographic offices.  Its objectives include the standardization of nautical charts as well as the adoption of reliable and efficient methods to conduct hydrographic surveys.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 May 2011 10:32 Read more...
 

Deep sea mineral survey licence for institute

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 15:44 administrator
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The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI), rated among the world’s top ten such research institutions, is ready to explore Fiji’s deep sea mineral wealth.

After the issue of its deep sea mineral exploration licence by the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources late last month, its survey ship ARAON is now docked at the Kings Wharf in Suva.

The institute is keen to explore the Lau Basin after polymetallic sulphide deposits were discovered in the area.

Source: Fiji Sun, 27th April, 2011

Last Updated on Sunday, 01 May 2011 19:15
 

Meeting highlights political will to improve water and sanitation in Micronesia

Monday, 18 April 2011 16:27 administrator
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In mid-April Micronesian countries met for the first time in Majuro, The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), to look at ways to improve water and sanitation throughout the region.

Delegates from Palau, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, and RMI gathered to establish a Micronesian Water Committee, as a permanent working group of the Micronesian Chief Executives Summit’s (MCES).

In opening the meeting, RMI’s Acting President, Mr Ruben R. Zackhras, said that the fast pace of urbanization had led to tremendous pressure on demand for water and sanitation and that in many countries water had to go from being an abundant resource to one of scarcity. He also reminded delegates that globally water resources are in crisis.

Last Updated on Monday, 18 April 2011 16:32 Read more...
 
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Page 54 of 74

Newsflash

‘In country training is just what we need’

‘Cost benefit analysis is essential to make sure we do not waste government and donors' money,’ said Mr Terieta Mwemwenikeaki, Deputy Secretary of Office of the President, at a national workshop today.

The workshop, which is being delivered by SPC, SPREP and GIZ, is intended to guide government officers in how to do and use cost benefit analysis (CBA) in projects affected by climate change.

‘The workshop was originally requested by Fisheries to help guide which projects they should support,’ observed Mr Mwemwenikeaki. ‘However, this tool is useful to provide an evidence base to make the most of all our policies and projects.’

Mrs Kurinati Robuti from the office of National Economic Planning Office (NEPO) said, ‘NEPO is supposed to carry out a detailed CBA where necessary but often this does not happen since we have limited know-how about to undertake this.  We are grateful for this initiative.’

Marita Manley, Technical Adviser, Climate Change (GIZ) said that staff attending the workshop have been very enthusiastic. ‘The Government of Kiribati already has a national project appraisal template with a section on describing the costs and benefits of projects but it faces constraints in applying it. During the training, participants have already been discussing how to apply cost benefit analysis as a framework to help improve decision making and the quality of projects.’