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Project: ACP-EU Disaster Risk Reduction in Pacific Overseas Countries and Territories

Sunday, 27 June 2010 16:26 administrator
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Supporting Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Pacific Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) (2008-2013)

Through this project, the Geoscience Division expanded its engagement with Pacific overseas countries and territories (OCTs) - New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, and Pitcairn Islands - to further develop and implement disaster risk solutions adapted to their particular context. Funded by the European Union (European Development Fund 9, C Envelope) for €5.6 million over 4 years, this project contributed to reducing the vulnerability of OCTs to losses from natural and human-induced disasters, such as drought (Pitcairn), cyclone & storm surges (French Polynesia), tsunamis (Wallis and Futuna) and water-borne epidemics and pollution (New Caledonia) . Working closely with OCT governments and local/provincial authorities, this project benefited communities at risk through enhanced awareness of disaster risk, improved information for hazard assessment and response, and sustainable solutions to resource access and use.

The Contribution Agreement for the OCT facility was signed between the EU and SOPAC (now the Geoscience Division of SPC) in December 2008. The project was managed by Frederique Lehoux, a bilingual project manager with significant experience in disaster risk management, who provided direct oversight of implementation. Access to SPC's technical / scientific resources in water resources management, oceanography, disaster risk management and others was be provided to all OCTs.

This project is now complete.

Last Updated on Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:08  


Newsflash

Construction has just been completed of the new Emergency Operation Centre in Palau for the Government of Palau at a cost of about US$480,000.00. Funding for the building was made available by the European Union through the Disaster Risk Reduction Project implemented by the Applied Geoscience & Technology Division (SOPAC) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

The President of the Republic of Palau, His Excellency Johnson Toribiong and SOPAC Director, Dr. Russell Howorth, unveiled the plaque officially opening the building.  In his opening statement Dr. Russell Howorth stated that “ the new Emergency Operation Centre will strengthen the capacity of the National Emergency Management Office prepare for and respond to natural disasters. It is important that we build community resilience to reduce the loss of human life.” The project will also equip the new building with early warning communication equipment and improve the linkage with remote communities.