Water plan helps Kiribati prepare for sea level rise

[Stacey King]

by Insciences Organisation
Published on 2 March 2009, 00:12 Last Update: 17 hour(s) ago

Low parts of Kiribati are under threat from sea level rise.

The central Pacific nation of Kiribati has taken a leap forward in protecting itself against the effects of climate-related sea level rise thanks to a project led by The Australian National University.

Most of the atolls and islands of Kiribati stand less than six metres above mean sea level, which means they will be partly inundated if sea levels rise to the extent predicted in climate change forecasts.

Because of its vulnerability, Kiribati was one of the first countries in the world to be selected under the Global Environmental Facility Strategic Priority on Adaptation. This project provides adaptation strategies for countries at risk from climate change.

During extensive consultations throughout the islands, communities were asked for suggestions on adaptation strategies. Seven out of the top ten strategies identified were concerned with access to freshwater, water quality and the protection of freshwater sources.

It was found that many of the freshwater problems arose because Kiribati had no wide-scale water resource policies or plans to draw on. An international effort set out to remedy this, drawing on over 30 years experience working in Kiribati. The project was led by Professor Ian White from the Fenner School of Environment and Society at ANU, and involved experts from Australia, Kiribati, Fiji and France.

The National Water Resource Policy and Implementation Plans developed by the team have recently been implemented. “The policy and its implementation plan provide leadership and coordinated action in the supply of safe, adequate, and affordable water services to all communities in Kiribati,” Professor White said.

“It also addresses the conservation, sustainable use and efficient management of Kiribati’s water resources. Both policy and plan will improve the welfare and livelihood of the people of Kiribati despite the threats of climate variability and change.

“The work represents one of the outcomes of the team’s 30 year engagement in water resources in Kiribati and the Pacific. Such time scales are necessary when dealing with cross-cultural issues involving behavioural change and natural resource management.”

The work is a contribution from the ANU Water Initiative and the Climate Change Institute. It has been supported by AusAID, the World Bank, the European Development Fund, the Pacific Islands Geoscience Commission, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the Australian Research Council, the Agence Francaise de Developpement and the Asian Development Bank.

For interviews: Professor Ian White 0416 249 809, [e-mail]

Contact: Simon Couper, ANU Media Office 02 6125 4171, 0416 249 241

Source:Australian National University