Experiences in Building Resilience.

More than 300 participants shared their experiences working together to promote resilient development at the first meeting on resilience in the Pacific. The meeting focused on the theme “The Future of Youth in a Resilient Pacific”, in recognition of the energy and contribution of youth in strengthening and strengthening resilience building in the Pacific.

The Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) Secretariat and other members of the Pacific Resilience Partnership (PRP), as well as Pacific island countries, organized the meeting on Pacific Resilience with ISACC Project Support for International Development. and the Pacific iCLIM project of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The meeting was held in Suva, Fiji from 1 to 3 May 2019.

A session on low carbon emissions during the event highlighted the benefits of transitioning to low-carbon economies through Low Carbon Development (LCC), one of the three objectives of the program. Sustainable Development Framework. resilient development in the Pacific. Espen Ronneberg, the SPREP climate change advisor, highlighted the economic, social and environmental benefits of liquid crystal displays, explaining that they are essential “a matter of sustainable development and strengthening the resilience of our societies.

“. He stressed that this development is particularly critical for Pacific communities that are at the mercy of fossil fuel prices, “which can dramatically affect their livelihoods. Ronneberg concluded that LCD technology would reduce households’ energy bills and would help them gain greater energy independence, participants said such a transition would put the Pacific at the forefront of the fight against climate change while increasing employment opportunities and reducing pollution.

The meeting also discussed the role of early warning systems in preventing and minimizing disasters. Tuvalu Meteorological Service Director Tauala Katie described the development of offshore wave forecast model software that allowed her country to predict the wave heights of its nine islands. The software provides Tuvalu with three to five days’ notice of large waves, allowing local authorities and communities to prepare and evacuate areas to avoid loss of life and property damage.

Esline Garaebiti, director of Vanuatu’s meteorology and geo-hazard department, explained her country’s investments in early warning and multi-hazard seismic monitoring, which allowed Vanuatu to detect more earthquakes and tsunamis. quickly and better prepare for natural disasters. The department merged with a similar department in New Caledonia to share resources and data via a common monitoring network. This network has since expanded to other Pacific island countries, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga, resulting in the creation of the Oceania Regional Seismic Network (ORSNET).

Participants explored opportunities to bridge the gap between climate science and youth at a side event on the Australia-Pacific Climate Partnership (APCP). The Partnership brings together several programs linking climate data to climate change and disaster-resilient decision-makers and aims to increase the effectiveness of climate change support and resilience in the Pacific. In Kiribati, the APCP supported the development of a climate-sensitive curriculum and provided teacher training and professional training on climate change. Other efforts in the region include a “Climate Change Competency Audit”, which examined the skills needed by businesses and organizations for climate change and shared this information with young people. in search of climate change. a work.

The meeting also discussed ways of involving young people in climate action in a meaningful way, including ensuring the participation of at least one youth representative in all meetings, panels and workshops on climate and resilience at the national level. regional. national, regional and international levels to ensure the perspective of young people.

Source: SDG Knowledge Hub.