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.
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.
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.
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.
