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MOBILITY MATTERS!

Building climate-resilient infrastructure in Vanuatu

November 20^th, 2014

a rising tide

TAKING A TOLL ON VANUATU

Climate change impacts such as sea level rise are a reality for Vanuatu, a country in the South Pacific Ocean made up of 83 islands. Since 1993, Vanuatu has seen a 12 cm sea level rise, which is twice the global average.

The rising sea has brought increased storm surges and coastal flooding to Vanuatu’s shores, taking a toll on the islands. The impacts are attacking the islands’ critical infrastructure including roads, airway strips and harbours which are essential to the country’s mobility and economy.

In some areas, upward of 40% of the current roads are located next to the high water mark. Due to their location, these roads are very vulnerable to coastal erosion which can make them dangerous and inaccessible. When this happens, livelihoods of communities that depend on the roads are severely impacted. Basic mobility, reaching health services, providing food supplies, and movement to safer ground in case of extreme weather events are all made more difficult if not impossible.

Climate change risk reduction

DESIGNING BETTER ROADS AND IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES

Better road design can reduce risks from climate change and improve people’s lives. On the island of Epi, the climate proofing of vital infrastructure has greatly benefitted the 3,000 residents. Paving existing dirt roads and the relocation of both a coastal road section and the island’s main airstrip are examples of measures that allow for better mobility across the whole island. At the same time these solutions improve access to external goods and services.
We want to make sure the people of Epi have infrastructure that is resilient to all possible impacts of climate change. — Brian Philips, Head of Climate Change Unit, Vanuatu Meteorological Services

Epi: An island under reconstruction

In the recent past, flooding and coastal erosion on Epi have damaged roads and rendered key sections unsuitable for use, particularly in wet seasons. The Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) programme in Vanuatu has developed solutions for these climate change related challenges, in cooperation with local Epi communities. For the island this has resulted in relocation of parts of roads and the entire Lamen Bay airstrip to higher, safer ground.
As a result of the PACC programme’s technical work, including vulnerability and adaptation assessments, the Vanuatu Ministry of Public Works has developed a practical guide for climate proofing infrastructure that is linked to ground experience and has a community-driven approach. The guide will support the replication of infrastructure adaptation measures in other islands and through related initiatives. - Ian Iercet, PACC National Coordinator, Vanuatu

Safer ground presents double wins

RELOCATING ROADS SECURES ACCESS AND PROTECTS THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

The relocation of roads to safer grounds on Epi is helping to secure access to transportation networks. At the same time, it protects the marine environment by limiting sedimentation to the island’s coral reef. A drainage system that allows for run-off during heavy rainfall, complemented with sedimentation ponds, will protect this fragile marine resource and ecosystem.

AN INCLUSIVE PROCESS

SUPPORT COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP

Community ownership is a key factor to the success of PACC projects. One particularly successful approach to engaging communities has been the three-dimensional participatory model, a low-tech but very powerful visual tool: Epi island’s hills, valleys and coasts came together as cardboard layers and paper maché in the hands of the community, creating ownership and helping to reach consensus on complex issues.

Another initiative was the Epi Island Climate Change Committee, established in March 2013, which included representatives from the community and the government.

the pacc programme

The Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) programme is the first major climate change adaptation initiative in the Pacific region. Since it began in 2009 the programme has laid the groundwork for more resilient Pacific communities that can cope with climate variability today, and climate change tomorrow.

Supported by UNDP, the PACC programme in Vanuatu is championed by the Government of Vanuatu with financing from the Global Environment Facility’s Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF). Additional funding is provided by the Australian Government. Project execution is supported by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.

The PACC Programme spans 14 different Pacific island countries and supports communities with climate change adaptation in one of three key areas; food production and food security, water resource management, and coastal zone management.

For more information on the project, please visit the UNDP-ALM PACC Vanuatu Project Profile. Additional information can be found at www.sprep.org/pacc/vanuatu and www.pacificclimatechange.net.

Footnotes

Story by Caitlin Connelly and Andrea Egan / Photos: Luke McPake, Joe Hitchcock and Gabor Vereczi

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FootNotes

Story by Caitlin Connelly and Andrea Egan / Photos: Luke McPake, Joe Hitchcock and Gabor Vereczi

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MOBILITY MATTERS!

Building climate-resilient infrastructure in Vanuatu

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