CLIMAP PROJECT

Name of Project: TA 6064_REG Climate Change Adaptation Program for the Pacific (Second Phase, Country Level Activities)

Brief Description of Project: Six case studies (three for the Cook Islands and three for the Federated States of Micronesia) were prepared. These were designed to demonstrate to Pacific Developing Member Countries (PDMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) how they might best adapt to current and future climate risks. The Climate Change Adaptation through Integrated Risk Reduction (CCAIRR) framework and methodology were used to demonstrate a risk-based approach to adaptation, and the mainstreaming of adaptation at three levels: national development planning, sector programmes and project activities.

Project Objectives: The ultimate aim of the case studies was to show why and demonstrate how reducing climate-related risks is an integral part of sustainable development. The specific objectives were: i) to produce transferable and replicable methods and tools that support adaptation assessment and mainstreaming through risk reduction; ii) to demonstrate, in the context of the Pacific Islands Region, how adaptation through risk reduction will enhance the sustainability of national development programmes and projects; and iii) to assist the Cook Islands and FSM to mainstream adaptation in national development planning and decision making for their sustainable development.

Project Outcomes: For the Cook Islands key outcomes were:

1. Preparation of a climate risk profile for Rarotonga;
2. Convening of a National Climate Dialogue;
3. Guidance for "climate proofing" the design and construction of the breakwater for the Western Basin, Avatiu Harbour;
4. Assessment of current and anticipated climate risks facing Avatiu-Ruatonga and identification of effective and efficient methods for managing those risks;
5. Preparation of adaptation mainstreaming guidelines for the Cook Islands – subsequently approved by Cabinet;
6. Preparation of guidance for "climate proofing" the Cook Islands National Development Strategy – subsequently approved by Cabinet; and
7. Building of knowledge, enhancement of skills, raising of awareness, strengthening of institutions and empowerment for action.

Institutional Arrangements for Project: The Cook Island project activities were overseen by a Project Liaison Committee, comprising representatives from government, the Avatiu-Ruatonga community, the private sector and non-governmental organisations. Many Committee members were also part of the Cook Islands Climate Change Country Team, thereby ensuring coordination with other climate change activities. The project was hosted by the Ministry of Works, allowing for reciprocal institutional strengthening and technical and administrative cooperation.

The case studies were prepared through a partnership between the Government of Canada (funding provider), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) (executing agency), the Governments of the Cook Islands and of the Federated States of Micronesia (implementing agencies), Maunsell (NZ) Ltd (environmental and engineering consultancy) and the International Global Change Institute, University of Waikato, New Zealand. The regional technical assistance was funded under REACH by the Canadian Cooperation Fund for Climate Change – Greenhouse Gas Abatement, Carbon Sequestration and Adaptation. The technical assistance was administered by ADB. Greenhouse Gas Abatement, Carbon Sequestration and Adaptation. The technical assistance was administered by ADB.

Achievements: Climate-related risks facing communities and infrastructure and other projects are already substantial, but in all cases are projected to increase substantially as a result of increases in climate extremes and variability. The project demonstrated ways in which these risks can be managed efficiently and effectively, by undertaking appropriate adaptation activities at community, project, island and national levels.

How do the Objectives of the project contribute towards environmental sustainability? For infrastructure projects it is possible to avoid most of the damage costs attributable to climate change, and to do this in a cost effective manner if "climate proofing" is undertaken at the design stage of the project. Cost effectiveness can be further enhanced if environmental impact assessment procedures require that all development be "climate proofed" (i.e. "climate proofing" is part of best practice, as judged by the environmental impact assessment procedures). "Climate proofing" communities can also be cost effective if planning and regulatory measures take into account both current and future climate-related risks.

“Climate proofing” national strategic development plans enhances the enabling environment for adaptation, establishes the requirement for “climate proofing” sector, sub-national (e.g. state, island and community) development plans as well as “climate proofing” individual development projects (i.e. mainstreaming adaptation) and helps to ensure that actions to reduce climate-related risks are an integral part of, and harmonized with, all sustainable development initiatives.

Future Initiatives or Follow up Activities: Participants in the Environment Forum may wish to consider such project outcomes as:
i) Ensuring that the Western Basin breakwater is designed to accommodate increased risks attributable to climate change;
ii) Developing a proposal that will result in GEF funding the incremental costs of "climate proofing" the design and construction of appropriate coastal protection for the north coast as well as changes in land use and other remedial measures to reduce the damage costs of both inland flooding and storm surges. Sea surges impose the greatest climate risk to Avatiu-Ruatonga. Likely damage costs to structures (residential, commercial and community buildings) over the next 50 years are projected to be $31 million without climate change, increasing to $41 million with climate change. Without climate change, damage costs resulting from extreme rainfall are less than half those associated with sea surge flooding, and will not increase markedly due to climate change;
iii) Ensuring that climate risks are taken into account in future development projects – for example, without adequate drainage works, extending the airport runway into the Avatiu swamp would cause a greater increase in flood damage than is projected to result from climate change; and
iv) Implementing the Cabinet approved “Cook Islands National Sustainable Land Development and Resource Management Project”, as one means to address the key findings of the ADB climate change project.

For further information see the full report (1.7MB PDF) through the ADB website http://www.adb.org/REACH/reg-ta6064.asp