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Proposal for Funding for the Preparation of A National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) Country Name: Republic of Vanuatu Project Title: Programme of Action for Adaptation to Climate Change GEF Implementing Agency: United Nations Development Programme GEF operational focal point: Department of Economic and Social Development Climate change focal point: Department of Meteorological Services National executing agency: National Advisory Committee on Climate Change Secretariat, Department of Meteorology Country eligibility: (i) LDC status Vanuatu is listed as an LDC (ii) Date of UNFCCC Ratification March 25, 1993 GEF financing: US$200,000 Government contribution: US$20,000 (in-kind) Estimated total budget: US$220,000 Estimated starting date: March 2003 Duration: 18 months 1. Background The Y-Chain archipelago of Vanuatu stretches over some 1,300 km in the centre of a quadrangle marked by Fiji (to the west), Australia (to the east), Solomon Islands (to the north) and New Caledonia (to the south). The 80 islands, of which 65 are inhabited, cover a total land area of 12,190 km2 and give rise to an exclusive economic zone of 680,000 km 2. The diverse island forms range from atolls to mountainous volcanic islands with towering cliffs. Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the chain and has the highest peak, with an elevation of 1,800 metres. The mean annual air temperature for the country is 25C, with a mean minimum and maximum of 15C and 31C, respectively. The annual mean rainfall is 2,000 mm. The country's geographical location renders it susceptible to extreme climate variability, including cyclones, drought and heavy rainfall. The population of Vanuatu is concentrated in coastal areas. The coastal environment plays a vital role in the subsistence and commercial life of the ni-Vanuatu, the indigenous peoples of Vanuatu. Increased human activity in the coastal environment is placing greater pressure on sensitive areas such as beaches, coral reefs and mangroves. The atolls, low-lying islands, and low-lying coastal areas of Vanuatu are particular susceptible to erosion, flooding and inundation during storm surges, high seas and periods of intense rainfall. Already the economic and social costs of climate-related disasters have become a recognized impediment to national development. Among them, tropical cyclones Uma, Anne and Bola that traversed Vanuatu during 1987-88, caused a major disruption to people’s lives and to the economy, with 50 deaths, the sinking of 40 coastal trading vessels, massive damage to the copra and tourism industries, and destruction of property valued at approximately $US 152 million. In 1999 heavy rains associated with tropical cyclone Dani caused serious damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges, requiring repairs costing some $US 8 million1. Of the estimated population of 177,400 people, around 70% live in rural settlements, ranging from single families to villages of several hundred people. Almost 70% of the population lives on seven islands. Population growth and changing attitudes are placing increasing pressure on the coastal environment. These pressures are greatest in, but not exclusive to, the two main urban areas of Vanuatu, Port Vila and Luganville. Exploitation of marine resources, over-fishing, destruction of mangrove forests, and enhanced coastal erosion are some of the key consequences of these changes. Urban and infrastructure developments are, at present, occurring in an ad hoc manner. A lack of planning and environmental legislation creates potential for adverse environmental and social effects in the future. Urbanisation and economic development have also contributed to an increasing problem of pollution in urban areas. The main contributors to the cash economy of Vanuatu are agriculture, forestry and tourism. Subsistence agriculture continues to play a significant role in reducing demands for imported foods and sustaining rural communities. Alongside this, however, is a growing commercial agriculture sector, which is rapidly changing land use and rural life. Logging of natural forests continues to be important to the economy, and there are increasing controls to minimize the adverse environmental impacts of logging. The rapid growth of the tourism industry is placing increasing pressure on natural resources, particularly in coastal areas. 1 Unpublished reports, Department of Meteorological Services, Republic of Vanuatu 2 The developing cash economy, together with increased aspirations for material wealth, has been the main driver of change in Vanuatu. The most significant impact has been a shift in social values, leading to loss of the traditional barter and reciprocity system, as well as changing attitudes to the environment in Vanuatu. The land resource is integral to the sustainable livelihoods of niVanuatu. The rapid shift in land use practices is integrally related to rapid social and economic changes. Historically the major land use changes occurred with the clearing of forests for copra and beef production. The clearance of forests is continuing. While commercial logging is now controlled through the Code of Logging Practice, the first of its kind in the Pacific region, there is no mechanism to control land clearance by individual landowners. Whereas in the past land clearance would occur as part of a traditional system, the increased perception of land as a resource to exploit is leading to rapid changes in land use. The greatest land use changes in the present are being driven by the rapid growth of kava monocultures, for both local and foreign markets. Such changes are leading to a shift away from traditional subsistence livelihoods. Travel and communications between and within islands are difficult and expensive. Within islands the rugged terrain and tropical forest isolate villages. Consequently, the limited road networks are mainly in the lowland areas of larger islands. Coastal shipping services the central islands on a regular basis, but irregularly in the outer islands. Daily passenger and cargo flights are operated between the four main islands, but many smaller or remote islands are served on a weekly basis, if at all. While telephone communications are available in most of the larger islands, and many smaller ones, there may be only two or three telephone sets on an island. Radiotelephones are unreliable and there are at most only a few sets on any island. For most rural villagers their only regular communication with outside areas is via public radio broadcasts. In the past there have been several factors, which have helped the ni-Vanuatu to cope with adverse circumstances and environmental stresses. These include an abundant and diverse natural resource base and a traditional social support system that was well adapted to the environment and local circumstances. While traditional structures and values are in a state of transition, there are still many positive aspects which ni-Vanuatu retain. These aspects, coupled with the strong and diverse subsistence base economy, give the ni-Vanuatu potential capacity to cope with environmental stress and change. In March 1993, Vanuatu ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Studies completed as part of the preparatory activities for Vanuatu’s Initial National Communication2 showed that Vanuatu, like all other Pacific Island Countries, is susceptible to the effects of climate and sea-level variations, particularly in the coastal zone where the main settlements and vital economic infrastructure are concentrated. There is also a range of socioeconomic and environmental sectors that are sensitive to climatic variations and change. Those identified as being of greatest importance are agriculture (including food security), human health and settlements, coastal environments and infrastructure, and water resources. Over 70% of the Vanuatu population live on their traditional lands, growing food crops and harvesting forest and marine resources for personal consumption, exchange and gifting. All the 2 Republic of Vanuatu, Initial National Communication to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, July 1999. 3 necessities of life are available locally. Participation in the cash economy is limited to earning income from marketing copra, cocoa, other cash crops, shells and handicrafts, or by granting a logging company access to their timber. The small cash income is primarily directed to school fees, transport to school and purchases of household items. Both commercial and subsistence agriculture are based on rain-fed agricultural production systems. The crops, on which rural people depend highly, such as taro, yam, sweet potato, banana and vegetables, are often affected by adverse weather conditions such as droughts, heavy rainfall and cyclones. Commercial agriculture, including kava, beef and copra, is also affected by extreme weather conditions such as flooding due to heavy rainfall, droughts and cyclones. Any decrease in agricultural production due to climate change would adversely affect both the national economy and food security. There is a high incidence of mosquito borne diseases in Vanuatu, with a consequent reduction in the well being and productive capacity of the people. Epidemics of malaria can occur during both the dry and wet season, with outbreaks occurring when rainfall and floods provide pools of water that are favourable breeding sites for the anopheles mosquito that transmits this disease. During the dry season, breeding sites occur in pools of water that are formed along river and stream beds. Increased human pressures on coastal environments are enhancing the vulnerability of coastal areas to climate and sea-level variations and change. National investments in infrastructure have been primarily in low lying coastal areas, with the commercial centres of both Port Vila and Luganville built on land only a few metres above sea level. The infrastructure and fixed assets of both centres are vulnerable to cyclone damage and associated storm surges, and may be affected by quite small increases in sea level or increased frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones. Human activities, such as sand extraction and mangrove removal, have also increased the sensitivity of the coastal margins to climate and sea-level variability and change, including extreme events. Coral reef systems fringe most islands in Vanuatu and are important sources of economic and subsistence resources. Coral reefs are also an important asset for tourism, protecting adjacent coastlines from extreme marine events. Reefs are vulnerable to the projected changes in climate and marine conditions. Higher intensity cyclones will cause physical disturbance to reef systems, while coral bleaching is also likely to occur with greater frequency and intensity. Coral morbidity is associated with a decline in productivity of associated fish species, and increased incidence of ciguatera. Both have important consequences for human health and well-being. Vanuatu has limited surface water. Villages on many islands and residents in the two main urban areas are dependent on ground water. Water shortages are already apparent in dry seasons and salt water contamination of fresh water lenses is already a problem in some small, low-lying islands. Vanuatu’s Initial National Communication, and other documents3, identify both broad initiatives to enhance the adaptive capacity of Vanuatu and specific sectoral adaptation measures. The latter are detailed in Annex 1. The former include: 3 Vanuatu National Strategy for the Implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Draft), Vanuatu National Statement on Vulnerability and Adaptation (prepared by Nelson Rarua, Patricia Mawa, Russell Nari and Atchinson Marav Smith) and draft reports on second vulnerability and adaptation assessments of critically vulnerable islands of the Torres Group, Paama, Shepherds Group and Tafea outer islands. 4 Institutionalize and mainstream climate change preparations: Discussions during preparation of the Initial National Communication gave high priority to low cost initiatives to institutionalize and mainstream climate change, and to increasing national capacity to prepare for and adapt to climate change. These have become high priorities in the national action plan for climate change. High priority has also been allocated to training and information gathering that will assist national organizations to prepare for longer-term climate change. As more information becomes available it will be important to have the skills to allow preparation of climate change action plans on a both provincial and island by island basis. Improving networks for information transfer and coordinated adaptation and mitigation measures: As more information becomes available it will be necessary to translate this from scientific formats to messages appropriate for government agencies and planners and to inform the public. An initial information sharing network needs to be strengthened and expanded. Initial emphasis should be on information sharing and creating linkages for data transfer between departments and provinces. Increase national capacity to prepare for and adapt to climate change: Currently Vanuatu lacks the capacity to respond to climate change due to a low level of understanding of climate change issues and limited information describing the country’s vulnerability to climate change and limited technical and financial capacities. It is necessary to develop skills and financial and human resource support to prepare for climate change. Enhance community understanding of climate change, and their preparedness Planning and preparedness are not unique to climate change. The same participatory planning skills will be of general benefit, as local communities resume control for local development and ensure local disaster preparedness. There is a need to establish a network of skilled trainers within government and non-government organizations that will be able to conduct preparedness and planning training at the local level. Existing government networks (National Disaster Office, cultural centre, rural field workers, Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture extensions, schools) should be used in preference to establishing new training networks. More importantly, Vanuatu’s National Implementation Strategy on Climate Change places emphasis on: A strong institutional structure to ensure sustainability; Increasing understanding on climate change; Pursue sustainable development through opportunities under the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol; and, Effective national responses to the impacts of climate change. The Implementation Strategy also recognizes that: Vanuatu cannot bear the full costs of implementing the national programmes to address greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation to climate change; 5 Effective national effort in addressing climate change concerns depends largely on the success of human resource development initiatives, institutional strengthening and effective integration of science and policy; Adaptation is an on-going process and requires Government, private sector and nongovernmental organization involvement; the process should be pursued in light of the sustainable management plans of Vanuatu, and for the benefit of the local communities in the longer term; Public and community awareness and participation are prerequisites for an effective national effort to address climate change; Mitigation of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases is important as it will also help counter the current trade imbalance that results from the importation of large quantities of fossil fuels, and in light of the increasing national energy need, at all levels; Through further research and improved documentation and dissemination of information, training and mainstreaming initiatives, Vanuatu will be in an improved position to implement measures to reduce vulnerability and to foster adaptation to climate and sea-level change, as well as mitigating greenhouse gas emissions; and, The time lag between cause and effect of human induced changes to environmental systems should not compromise the need to pursue sustainable development practices at all levels. The Seventh Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC resolved to support the work programme for least developed countries (LDCs) to prepare and implement national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs), including meeting the agreed full cost of preparing the NAPAs. The NAPAs will communicate priority activities (including projects, integration into other activities, capacity building and policy reform) addressing the urgent and immediate needs and concerns of LDCs relating to the adverse effects of climate change. The rationale for developing NAPAs rests on the low adaptive capacity of LDCs, which renders them in need of immediate and urgent support to start adapting to current and projected adverse effects of climate change. Activities proposed through NAPAs are those whose further delay could increase vulnerability, or lead to increased costs at a later stage. 2. Institutional Context The principal goal of the present Government is to improve the welfare of the general population of Vanuatu, through a number of measures: first, by instilling macroeconomic prudence and policy stability so as to create a stable investment climate; second, through enhancing income earning opportunities for the general population, principally by lowering the cost of doing business in the country such that entrepreneurial and employment opportunities are improved; and third, by raising the standard of service delivery, particularly to the rural and outer regions, to improve access to basic health services, primary education and other government services, as well as lowering costs of internal trade. The Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF) is replacing the Comprehensive Reform Programme and the National Development Plan that preceded it. The MTDF will be used to translate the developmental intentions of the Government into a serious of priorities that are sequenced for action taking. The implementation of the recommendations, followed by on-going monitoring and fine tuning of actions, will be undertaken to realise the national developmental goals identified above. Given severe resource constraints, including limited internal capacity to institute and monitor programmes, a conservative approach to framing the MTDF is being taken. 6 In 2001 the Government of Vanuatu, with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank and AusAID, commissioned a comprehensive study of the Vanuatu economy with a view to strengthening development policies. The resulting report made several recommendations to raise the rate of growth of output and enable improved public service delivery. A subsequent diagnosis of the reasons for persistent revenue shortfalls of the state, and of potential remedies to this problem, has added to an already large list of recommendations as yet to be implemented by the authorities. The goal, therefore, of the MTDF is to formulate and articulate medium term priorities of Government, and to sequence and resource policy interventions so as to realise the developmental goal of the State. Vanuatu has prepared a draft National Strategy for the Implementation of the UNFCCC. This is currently under consideration by Government. The Strategy outlines the country’s development roadmap on the climate change front, and provides guidance to Government departments and other stakeholders on the way forward, through a unified system of work, to maximize sustainable development opportunities, to minimize the vulnerabilities of the rural population and to meet Vanuatu’s reporting requirements to the UNFCCC. Through the National Strategy, the Government of Vanuatu recognizes the greater benefits in acting now, and the importance of institutionalizing appropriate sustainable development structures, through which to facilitate an integrated approach to meet both the immediate and longer-term needs for improving the quality of life for all ni-Vanuatu. The National Advisory Committee on Climate Change (NACCC) was established in 1989, to advise the Government on matters relating to climate change. It drew on expertise available within relevant Government departments. The Committee facilitated the work of a technical team, including staff drawn from appropriate sectors. In 1997, with commencement of Vanuatu’s involvement in the Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme (PICCAP), the Committee was strengthened so that it could support the necessary technical and policy-related studies being conducted as part of Vanuatu’s enabling activities. PICCAP was a three-year regional project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). In a decision of the Council of Ministers in June 2000, the NACCC was given further recognition, and mandated: To foster the mainstreaming of national climate change activities, in order to maintain continuity and progress in addressing local climate change concerns; and To implement the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol. The Vanuatu Meteorological Services Department was instructed to coordinate and integrate the institutional arrangements, including hosting the NACCC Secretariat as part of a newly established Climate Change Section. The Department was given responsibility for institutional, financial and logistic support arrangements. The institutional structure is shown in Fig. 1. 7 Government of Vanuatu Council of Ministers Government Departments Development Committee of Officials Private Sector National Advisory Committee on Climate Change Non-governmental Organizations National Project Coordinator and NACCC Secretariat Technical Team Consultants Figure 1: Current institutional structure for Vanuatu’s climate change activities. Membership of the NACCC includes the Meteorological Services Department, Foreign Affairs Department, Environment Unit, Department of Fisheries, Department of Economic and Social Development, Department of Agriculture, Energy Unit, Department of Land Survey, Land Use Planning Office, Department of Forestry, Department of Health, National Disaster Management Office, Department of Quarantine and Inspection Services, Department of Education, National Statistics Office, Chamber of Commerce, Department of Provincial Affairs, Vanuatu National Council of Women, and a representative of Vanuatu non-governmental organizations. Currently the Head of the Environment Unit chairs the NACCC, which in turn is part of the Department of Land Survey. 8 3. Objectives, and linkages to on-going activities a) Project Objectives As stated in the NAPA Guidelines4, the rationale for NAPAs “rests on the low adaptive capacity of LDCs, which renders them in need of immediate and urgent support to start adapting to current and projected adverse effects of climate change”. The objective of the proposed NAPA project for Vanuatu is to develop a country-wide programme of immediate and urgent project-based adaptation activities in priority sectors, in order to address the current and anticipated adverse effects of climate change, including extreme events. In the context of Vanuatu, this NAPA project will provide an opportunity to facilitate dialogue and consultations designed to identify and elaborate the immediate and urgent adaptation issues and appropriate activities, by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the available and necessary information on Vanuatu’s vulnerability to climate change and of the response measures and other activities needed to enhance the resilience of the most threatened parts of Vanuatu’s natural heritage, society and economy. Given Vanuatu’s vulnerability status with regards to climate change and sea-level rise, the NAPA will provide an avenue to raise awareness and understanding at all levels in society, with respect to vulnerability and adaptation issues of greatest significance to the country. The initiatives that must be undertaken to identify and implement appropriate activities to be implemented in priority sectors, in order to enhance the resilience of Vanuatu to climate change (including extreme events), through adaptation, will also be identified and documented. b) Priority Sectors As part of the preparations for submitting its Initial National Communication, Vanuatu undertook a comprehensive assessment of the country’s vulnerability to climate and sea-level variability and change, including extreme events. Subsequent to submitting its Initial National Communication, Vanuatu embarked on a second phase of vulnerability and adaptation assessments. These studies, which are now all but completed, focused on more remote communities that the first phase assessments had identified as being highly vulnerable. The two phases of vulnerability and adaptation assessments have allowed Vanuatu to identify priority sectors for urgent and immediate implementation of adaptation activities. These sectors are: 4 Water resources, especially rural water supply; Coastal zone; Infrastructure, of national, provincial and community importance; Human settlements, both urban and rural; and Food security, including subsistence and commercial agriculture and also fisheries. Operational Guidelines for Expedited Funding for the Preparation of National Adaptation Programmes of Action by Least Developed Countries, Global Environment Facility, April, 2002. 9 c) Linkages to Previous and On-going Activities This section is intended to outline the synergies and explain the complementarities between the NAPA preparation and implementation process and other activities being undertaken in Vanuatu. Steps to avoid any possible duplication of effort will also be indicated, as appropriate. In the years leading up to and following UNCED, several important international and regional environmental conventions, agreements and other legal instruments have been negotiated and concluded. The Government of Vanuatu, since UNCED, has shown its interest and commitment by adopting various international and regional environmental related instruments. The Environment Unit oversees international responsibilities and national projects related to the multilateral environmental agreements, which Vanuatu has signed, ratified or acceded to. In addition to the UNFCCC, these include the following: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (acceded on 28 May, 1999); Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention (ratified on 17 July, 2001); Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (signed 21 May, 2002); United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified on 25 March, 1993) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (ratified on 15 October, 1989) International Tropical Timber Agreement (ratified on May 1, 2000); Vienna Convention (ratified on 21 November, 1994); Montreal Protocol (ratified on 21 November, 1994); London Amendment (ratified on 21 November, 1994); Copenhagen Amendment (ratified on 21 November, 1994); and Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, (acceded on 22 March, 2002). A number of committees have been established to coordinate and facilitate implementation of these agreements, and to ensure an integrated contribution to the sustainable development of Vanuatu. These include the National Biodiversity Advisory Committee (responsible for implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan) and the National Water Committee (responsible for implementing the Vanuatu Strategic Action Programme for International Waters Project). Vanuatu is currently implementing, or about to implement, several GEF projects that will reduce its vulnerability to climate change, while also contributing to the country’s wider sustainable development goals. The projects include: Capacity Building for the Development of Adaptation Measures in Pacific Island Countries – a project designed to support the people and Government institutions Vanuatu, to strengthen and improve their capacity to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change; Pacific Islands Global Climate Observing System – a project designed to establish a robust and sustainable climate observing system that meets the climate change and variability observations and related needs of the Pacific Islands Region while also meeting the requirements of the Global Climate Observing System; 10 Promotion of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Abatement – a project designed to promote investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas abatement technologies, in order to increase access to energy services by the poor, realize other strategic development objectives and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and Pacific Islands Renewable Energy Project – a project designed to facilitate promotion of the widespread implementation and, ultimately, commercialization of renewable energy technologies, through the establishment of a suitable enabling environment. The NACCC is responsible for implementing the first two projects, and it works closely with the Energy Unit on implementation of the last two projects. Efforts are continually made to exploit inter-project synergies and avoid duplication. As a party to the Convention on Biodiversity, Vanuatu is required to formulate plans and strategies that address biodiversity issues, as stipulated in section 8(j) of the Convention. Thus, under the UNDP/GEF funded biodiversity enabling activity for Vanuatu, a number of tangible outputs were produced at the end of the initial phase of the project. These included Vanuatu’s First National Report to the COP, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), technical reports, and information materials. The NBSAP was conducted through a participatory approach involving many stakeholders in the process. This phase of the enabling activity is now completed and the second phase is currently under implementation. Lessons learnt from the enabling activities on climate change and biodiversity will provide very useful guidance to the implementation of the NAPA activities. This is because the framework used to guide coordination and implementation of the aforementioned projects is very similar to the one proposed for the NAPA. Furthermore, information already collected and synthesized as part of these two projects will provide a useful foundation on which the NAPA can build. Vanuatu will soon submit a proposal for UNEP/GEF funding for its National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) project. The project, to be overseen by the NACCC and the Biodiversity Committee, will involve a comprehensive assessment of capacity needs in all the different environment thematic areas, including climate change and adaptation. Where there are obvious and practical synergies, development of the NAPA will take into account any available information and recommendations arising from the NCSA project. In preparation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), Vanuatu produced a National Assessment Report. Stakeholders, including civil society organizations, contributed to preparation of the report and made very valuable inputs through a participatory process. The decision to submit a NAPA project proposal was based on the priority issues identified in Vanuatu’s WSSD National Assessment Report, which notes that vulnerability and adaptation to climate change are amongst the key priorities. The WSSD Report recognizes the need to fully integrate adaptation to climate change and sea-level rise into relevant national policies. In this regard, the NAPA is envisaged to play a fundamental role in addressing a number of vulnerability and adaptation issues, particularly in relation to the strengthening of relevant national policies and plans, as well as raising awareness on adaptation issues nation wide. The WSSD Report also notes that ni-Vanuatu have an in-depth knowledge of their local environments and are familiar with subtle changes in climate, resource stocks and coastal conditions. 11 Adaptation to these changes, and management of their impacts, is crucial to the success of the population in subsistence farming and fishing, and modern agriculture and other activities. The current capacity of the community in terms of their in-depth knowledge of their local environments is the nation’s greatest asset in responding to global changes, as long as the scale, frequencies and intensity are not beyond the current ability to cope. The Report goes on to urge that it is vital for all parties engaged in Vanuatu’s sustainable development initiatives recognize, appreciate and appropriately incorporate traditional knowledge, approaches and practices, to ensure true sustainability. Vanuatu has a National Disaster Management Office, and a National Disaster Management Plan is currently under development. This is based around the comprehensive hazard and risk management (CHARM) guidelines5. There is a need to integrate and harmonize these tools and procedures with initiatives related to undertaking adaptation activities in order to reduce vulnerability to climate and sea-level variability and change (including extreme events). The NAPA formulation project will have this as a high priority. 4. Project Activities and Outputs Figure 2 presents the four components of the proposed project, and describes the activities associated with each component. Project Implementation and Management Strengthen Methodologies Ensure Adequate Information Provide Decision Support Identify and Prioritize Adaptation Activities Preparation And Endorsement of the NAPA • Establish institutional and management arrangements • High-level mainstreaming and support • Awareness raising/consultation for stakeholders • Mobilising Technical and Other In-country Support • Monitoring, review, evaluation and reporting • Review & Strengthen V&A Methodologies • Methods and Criteria to Prioritize Adaptation Activities • Compilation and Assessment of Existing Information • Filling Information Gaps • Prepare List of Potential Adaptation Activities • Identification and Prioritization of Adaptation Activities • Analysis and Synthesis of Priority Adaptation Activities • Preparation of the Draft NAPA • Review and Revision of NAPA • Endorsement of the NAPA • NAPA Document Dissemination Figure 2: The four project components and the associated activities for preparation of Vanuatu’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA). 5 Regional Comprehensive Hazard and Risk Management (CHARM). Guidelines for Pacific Island Countries, SOPAC Secretariat, Suva, Fiji, 42pp 12 Component 1: Implementation and Management of the NAPA Process Activity 1.1: Establish Institutional and Management Arrangements A proposed organizational chart for Vanuatu’s NAPA Formulation Project, and climate change activities in general, is provided as Figure 3. Government of Vanuatu Council of Ministers Development Committee of Officials Government Departments Sustainable Development Committee Private Sector Climate Change Working Group Non-governmental Organizations NAPA Team NAPA Working Groups NAPA Project Coordinator Secretariat Consultants Figure 3: Proposed organizational chart for Vanuatu’s NAPA Formulation Project 13 Government, through the NACCC, will be asked to strengthen the existing Climate Change Section of the Meteorological Services Department so that it can assume the added responsibility of managing the NAPA project. The current NACCC, supported by its Secretariat, will prepare Terms of Reference (TOR) for key project personnel, including the NAPA Project Coordinator. Once appointed, the Projector Coordinator will work with the NACCC Committee and current members of the NACCC, and other stakeholder representatives, to strengthen the NACCC in ways that will enhance its ability to oversee implementation of the NAPA project and ensure successful project outcomes, through the mainstreaming of immediate and urgent adaptation activities. The strengthening will be conducted in an open and flexible manner, through a process that is inclusive and transparent. The end result will be a strengthened NACCC, institutionalized formally as a Working Group of a newly established Sustainable Development Committee (see Activity 1.2 and Figure 3). The NACCC will comprise representatives of key Government departments and other significant players, including stakeholders such as members of relevant government agencies, and representatives of donor institutions, regional and local authorities, the production, consumption and service sectors and civil society organizations. Active participation of key government stakeholders from departments of planning and finance will be essential. Under the guidance and with the assistance of the NAPA Project Coordinator, the NACCC will have ultimate responsibility for preparing the NAPA and ensuring its eventual endorsement by Government, and for ongoing coordination and oversight of NAPA activities. This will include developing a detailed work plan. The NAPA Project Coordinator will be recruited to work full time in the coordination and the implementation of the prescribed work plan. He/She will work closely with the existing National Project Coordinator. An element of the work plan will include close liaison with the Least Developed Countries Expert Group for overall technical and policy guidance, and with the UNDP/National Communications Support Unit (NCSU) for implementation support. Outputs: TOR for, and appointment of NAPA Project Coordinator Strengthened NACCC to ensure active participation of NGOs and key government counterparts, such as finance and planning Detailed implementation plan for the NAPA project TORs for all project inputs, personnel and activities Activity 1.2: Ensuring High Level Mainstreaming and Support for the NAPA Process A Sustainable Development Committee (SDC), possibly chaired by the Prime Minister or Minister for the Environment and comprising senior politicians with portfolios related to sustainable development and senior private sector and NGO representatives, will be established to ensure complementarity between various initiatives related to implementing international and regional environmental agreements and other sustainable development activities, and to provide guidance and support to the project activities and outputs. The Committee is viewed as essential to mainstreaming adaptation activities, and if there is to be full coordination and integration with the many other sustainable development initiatives being undertaken by Vanuatu, with the support of the international community. 14 At least twice during the project, all Cabinet Ministers will be briefed on project aims and status. The Cabinet will be expected to formally endorse the main project output, Vanuatu’s NAPA. Outputs: National Sustainable Development Committee At least two ministerial level briefings NAPA endorsed by Government Activity 1.3: Awareness Raising and Consultation Amongst Stakeholders in Priority Sectors An analysis to identify key opinions leaders and representatives of the stakeholders in the priority sectors (see Section 3(b), above) will be undertaken, using as input information and understanding developed through activities undertake during preparation of the Initial National Communication and the second phase of vulnerability and adaptation assessments. Awareness raising materials will be prepared in Bislama and English languages, taking into account the general capacities, needs and concerns that will also be identified in the stakeholder analysis. A national conference, with multi-stakeholder participation, and associated media campaigns, will be conducted in order to ascertain and reflect the concerns of the entire Vanuatu society regarding climate change. However, emphasis will be placed on interacting with those in the priority sectors and who are most vulnerable and least able to cope with the adverse consequences of climate variability and change. The consultations will serve the purpose of introducing and promoting the project (objectives, activities and outputs), receiving guidance and feedback from the provinces, and identifying target groups and participants in future project activities. Information related to the NAPA project will be shared with related initiatives (see Section 3) and mechanisms to ensure ongoing interactions will be established. Outputs: Awareness raising materials in Bislama and English languages National conference on climate change Media campaign Documentation on key stakeholders and relevant initiatives that complement the NAPA process Briefings for, and consultation with, key stakeholders in the priority sectors Guidance and feedback from key stakeholders in the priority sectors Information shared with related initiatives and ongoing linkages established Activity 1.4: Mobilizing Technical and Other in-Country Support The NAPA Project Coordinator, working with the NACCC Secretariat, and with the NACCC itself, as appropriate, will establish a multidisciplinary Working Group for each of the priority sectors (see Section 3(b), above), comprising relevant members of the NACCC, and other individuals as and where required. These NAPA Working Groups are equivalent to the “National Group of Experts” described in the Vanuatu National Strategy for the Implementation of the UNFCCC. By drawing on many disciplines and on the expertise of individuals familiar with the priority sectors as well as with their interactions, the final NAPA will be more relevant, integrated and cross- 15 cutting. It will capture all the components of sustainable development, including social, economic and environmental. The membership and responsibilities of the Working Groups will evolve over the life of the project, as the project progresses from undertaking broad consultation and technical assessments of vulnerability and adaptation within the priority sectors, to preparing project profiles for the specific adaptation activities to be undertaken within priority sectors. Amongst other activities, the Working Groups will draw on existing information in order to advise the NAPA Team with respect to: Methodologies and criteria to be used in developing the NAPA; Available information resources, information gaps and how these gaps might best be addressed; Capacity building requirements; Findings arising from a synthesis of all available information on the adverse effects of climate change for Vanuatu, and on coping strategies (local, national, regional and international); Findings of a participatory assessment of the vulnerability of Vanuatu’s priority sectors to current climate variability and extreme weather events, and of an assessment as to where climate change is likely to cause increased risks to society, the economy and the environment; and A survey of possible climate change adaptation activities for selecting the most urgent and immediate adaptations. Based on advice from its Working Groups, outputs from an initial consultations with key stakeholders in the priority sectors (see Activity 1.3), and from consideration of relevant information available through the National Capacity Self Assessment and similar initiatives, the NAPA Project Coordinator will develop an action plan designed to enhance the capacity of the Government and private sectors, and of civil society, in order to ensure that key players and stakeholders can play an appropriate, meaningful and productive role in the development and ultimate implementation of the NAPA. The draft action plan will be submitted to the NACCC and through it to the National Sustainable Development Council, for their consideration and eventual approval. Emphasis will be on the following: Ensuring all stakeholders in the priority sectors, and especially those representing local communities, can engage in the participatory process leading to the preparation of the NAPA; key roles will be as sources of information on the current coping strategies the NAPA will seek to enhance and as people who can articulate the needs and capacities of the potential beneficiaries of the NAPA; Ensuring the appropriate technical information is available, and in a form that facilitates quality and timely decision making; Ensuring a complementary approach that builds on existing plans and programmes, and especially such initiatives as those under the Convention on Biological Diversity where a bottomup participatory process has been followed to establish priorities for action based on a thorough and comprehensive knowledge and stakeholder involvement; Building capacity in ways that result in: o o o o Enhanced technical competency in relevant Government departments; Synergies among multilateral environmental agreements; The mainstreaming of climate change adaptation policies and plans; Sound environmental management and sustainable development; 16 Recognizing that women and the poor are disproportionately affected in adverse ways by climate change and women are often the main repository of vital local and traditional knowledge; and A cost effective, needs-driven approach with large multiplier effects. Essential activities to address shortfalls in the ability to implement the NAPA Formulation Project will be undertaken, consistent with the action plan and building on the initial, broad awareness raising activities undertaken under Activity 1.3. These activities will be undertaken to ensure that key players and stakeholders will play an appropriate, meaningful and productive role in the development and ultimate implementation of the NAPA. It is also important to ensure that Vanuatu is well placed to implement adaptation activities. Experience has shown that it takes considerable time to enhance national and local capacity to implement adaptation measures. Later in the project cycle activities will focus on addressing two needs associated with the specific adaptation activities that are designated as urgent and immediate. These activities are as follows: Address the urgent need for personnel who have the technical understanding of vulnerability to climate change and of possible adaptive responses, who are competent in applying methodologies for vulnerability and adaptation assessment, who can translate their technical knowledge and skills into recommendations for policy- and decision-makers and who can assist in providing long- term and continuous assistance towards implementing project-level adaptation activities, including project design, implementation and monitoring; and Address the need for enhanced awareness at both high (e.g. political) and community levels, in relation to the current vulnerability of Vanuatu to climate and sea-level variability, to the potential increase in climate hazards and associated risks as a result of climate change, and to the opportunities to reduce the vulnerability and risks through adaptation, including the specific adaptation activities to be included in the NAPA. Training activities will be undertaken to build the technical knowledge and skills of relevant individuals in government, the private sector and community-based organizations, including project design, implementation and monitoring. Targeted awareness raising materials will be prepared in the Bislama and English languages, taking into account the capacities, needs and concerns of the stakeholders in the urgent and immediate adaptation activities. These materials will be disseminated through conventional information pathways, including targeted media campaigns. Outputs: Multidisciplinary Working Groups (National Group of Experts), to support the work programme of Vanuatu’s NAPA project. Action plan for building the capacity of Government, private sector civil society stakeholders in climate change adaptation Key players and stakeholders better able to play appropriate, meaningful and productive roles in development and ultimate implementation of the NAPA Personnel who have enhanced technical- and policy-relevant knowledge and skills related to adaptation Awareness raising materials in Bislama and English languages Media campaigns 17 Enhanced awareness at high and community levels, in relation to vulnerability and adaptation to climate change Initial steps carried out towards to facilitation of the incorporation of adaptation to climate change in the national development planning. Activity 1.5: Monitoring, Review, Evaluation, and Reporting In conjunction with the UNDP, the NACCC, the NAPA Project Coordinator and the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for monitoring, reviewing, evaluating and reporting on the project implementation and achievement of the specific outputs. These procedures will be consistent with those required by the Government of Vanuatu, after consultation with the Implementing Agency. Reporting requirements will include an annual review, mid-term review, and final evaluation. The purpose of these reviews will be to ensure that the project is conforming to all Government of Vanuatu project implementation requirements, developed in consultation with the GEF and UNDP. The UNDP office will provide assistance for monitoring and evaluation. All relevant stakeholders will be involved in project monitoring and evaluation. This includes relevant national agencies and institutions, the GEF, UNDP and the Government of Vanuatu. Outputs: Required and optional information on project implementation and performance Findings of project reviews and evaluations Required and optional reports Component 2: Adaptation Assessment Methodology, Information and Decision Support Activity 2.1: Identification and Establishment of Appropriate Vulnerability and Adaptation Methodology The ultimate success of the NAPA is contingent on being confident in identifying i) the aspects of Vanuatu society, economy and environment that are most at risk to current climate variability and extreme weather events; ii) where climate change is likely to cause further increases in these risks; and iii) the key components of an integrated risk-based approach to reduce the potential for, and impacts of, disasters resulting from extreme climatic events and for adaptive measures that will lessen the adverse consequences of climate variability and change. The experience gained during the vulnerability and adaptation assessments that underpinned Vanuatu’s Initial National Communication (INC), and the second phase of such assessments, will be used to assess the extent to which the methodologies employed at that time need to be strengthened in order to reflect recent international and regional understanding and experiences, such as those documented in the Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), as well as the need for nationally and locally-relevant assessment methodologies and supporting information. This activity will identify and establish the appropriate methodology for vulnerability and adaptation assessment. The emphasis will be placed on strengthening the participatory and rapid assessment components of the existing methodologies (including those used in the previous V&A assessment in line with the INC, so that expedient methods to assess current vulnerabilities and 18 potential increases in climate-related hazards and associated risks will be available for use by the NAPA Working Groups, and ultimately by the NACCC. Attention will also be given to the need to integrate and harmonize the hazard and risk management tools and procedures with initiatives related to undertaking adaptation activities, which reduce vulnerability to climate and sea-level variability and change (including extreme events). General information on methodologies for vulnerability and adaptation assessments, as well as for the formulation of NAPAs will also be consulted, including the NAPA Primer (Paul Desanker) and the Adaptation Policy Framework (www.undp.org/cc/apf_outline.htm). Activities will be undertaken to foster the sharing of work plans, success stories, lessons learned, and “best” practices with other LDCs that are engaged in preparation of NAPAs. While the focus will be on sharing and exchanging information, experience, methodologies, criteria and project outputs with LDCs from the Pacific Islands Region, such cooperation will extend to LDCs in other regions, as and when appropriate. In addition, Vanuatu will encourage other LDCs to share the cost of experts and other project inputs, where it is possible to achieve economies of scale without compromising national priorities and requirements. Coordination and cooperation of these activities can best be fostered through LDC dialogues that may lead to joint implementation of project activities. Contingent upon the agreement of the other Pacific LDCs at least, it is proposed to hold three such dialogues, with one being held very early in the project cycle. UNDP/NCSU will assist in the dissemination of information to facilitate this activity The established V&A assessment procedure will also include procedures for identifying and prioritizing urgent and immediate adaptation activities. Given the information already acquired through the two phases of vulnerability and adaptation assessment conducted within Vanuatu, it has been possible to identify priority sectors where adaptation activities should be implemented as a matter of urgency. However, since there are very strong interactions between sectors, it is unwise to take an entirely sector-based approach, especially for small islands. It will be more appropriate to take an integrated approach by focusing on urgent and immediate adaptation activities that cut across sectors. For this reason, in addition to prioritizing adaptation activities for given priority sectors, some effort will also be given to prioritizing specific adaptation activities that reflect vulnerabilities which cut across sectors; in this way Vanuatu can make a giant leap forward, building on the very preliminary sector-based assessments undertaken for the Initial National Communication and maximizing the use of information obtained during the second phase of vulnerability and adaptation assessments; the latter studies highlighted the need for a more integrated, cross-sector approach. Currently available vulnerability and adaptation assessment methodologies lack procedures for prioritizing activities designed to negate or reduce the risks associated with climate and sea-level variability and change (including extreme events) while at the same time taking account of such considerations as national and local development goals, plans and frameworks. The difficulty of prioritizing such activities cannot be overstated. It is proposed that initial screening of potential adaptation activities involve a transparent and accountable two-step process, as follows: i) the NACCC, in conjunction with the National Sustainable Development Council, the NAPA Project Coordinator and the Working Groups, will consider all potential adaptation activities and subsequently develop a list of proposed activities to be 19 undertaken in order to negate or reduce the identified risks associated with climate and sea-level variability and change (including extreme events); and ii) the NAPA Project Coordinator will organize national consultative workshops to solicit views on the list of proposed NAPA activities that would be subject to a more comprehensive and detailed prioritization and selection process. The agreed and more manageable list of potential adaptation activities will be subject to a more detailed and comprehensive prioritization process. Building on the recent work of the IPCC and others, a risk-based prioritization methodology6 will be adapted and used. The methodology will be based on risks being assessed and ranked in an integrated manner, across the continuum of potential climaterelated events that may all be classed as hazards, ranging from extreme events of short duration (e.g. a tropical cyclone), through events associated with variations in atmospheric and marine conditions (e.g. ENSO-induced drought), to events resulting from long term changes, such as accelerated coastal erosion as a consequence of sea-level rise. Regardless of their magnitude, frequency or duration, the methodology will allow for the potential significance of these hazards to be prioritized using a conventional risk assessment approach, involving exposure assessment (risk analysis) and risk characterization (risk evaluation). The methodology will thus allow for an integrated risk-based approach to determining the need for actions to reduce the potential for, and impacts of, disasters and for adaptive measures that will lessen the adverse consequences of climate variability and change. Decision support tools such as multi-criteria analysis, shared vision planning, consensus building, conflict management and cost-benefit analysis will be incorporated in the methodology, as necessary and appropriate, in order to ensure a robust, transparent and accountable procedure will be available to the NAPA Team for prioritizing the adaptation activities. The risks to be considered in the methodology will include those related to, amongst others: loss of life and livelihood; human health; food security and agriculture systems; water availability, quality and accessibility; essential infrastructure; cultural heritage; biological diversity; land use management; other environmental amenities; and coastal assets. As part of the approach the findings of the risk-based prioritization process will be moderated through a participatory and consultative process in order to take into account such additional considerations as poverty reduction to enhance adaptive capacity, synergies with multilateral environmental agreements and cost effectiveness. Decision support tools such as multi-criteria 6 See i) “Integrating Disaster Risk Management and Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change: Needs, Benefits and Approaches, from a South Pacific Perspective”. Paper presented at the UNDP Expert Group Meeting – Integrating Disaster Reduction and Adaptation to Climate Change, Havana, Cuba, June 17-19, 2002; ii) “Is Global Warming a ‘Sword of Damocles’ for Pacific Island States?” Tiempo, Vol 44/45, September 2002; and iii) Footnote 5. 20 analysis, shared vision planning, consensus building, conflict management and cost-benefit analysis will be incorporated in the methodology, as necessary and appropriate, in order to ensure a robust, transparent and accountable procedure will be available to the NAPA Team for prioritizing the adaptation activities. The participatory approach and other relevant approaches involved in implementing projects under the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan will also be used incorporated in the process, to inform and strengthen the prioritization methodology developed under this Activity. A national expert on vulnerability and adaptation assessment will be recruited to support and facilitate the multidisciplinary teams that will carry out the required assessments. Preferably, the national expert is somebody who has been involved in the previous climate change enabling activities undertaken by Vanuatu. He/She will review related international and national documentation (in particular all NAPA-related documents prepared by UNFCCC and GEF) with regards to V&A assessments, and propose the strengthened assessment methodologies most suited to Vanuatu. Outputs: Appropriate V&A methodology that will be used for the NAPA, which is an improved and strengthened method, especially with respect to their participatory and rapid assessment components and integration of hazard and risk management tools and procedures, in order to ensure that all are capable of reflecting the special circumstances of Vanuatu, including its high vulnerability to climate and sea-level variability and change, including extreme events Improved methodology for initial screening of potential adaptation activities Improved methodology for detailed and comprehensive risk-based prioritization of potential adaptation activities Activity 2.2: Compilation and Assessment of Existing Information With the assistance of the Working Groups, the NAPA Project Coordinator and the NACCC will review the findings of both phases of the vulnerability and adaptation assessments that have been undertaken in Vanuatu. The NAPA Project Coordinator will also assemble the findings of all other impact and vulnerability assessments. The aim of the review will be to lay a foundation for identifying the social, economic and environmental systems and assets most vulnerable to current and projected climate-related events and changes and as well as the most vulnerable localities. The review will also seek to identify trends in the vulnerability of these systems, assets and localities, in an attempt to judge the urgency of adaptive interventions. To complement these reviews of vulnerability, all available and relevant information on past and current practices for coping with climate variability and change in Vanuatu and in other relevant countries, particularly LDCs and Small Island Developing States, and results of past consultations with Vanuatu stakeholders (both national and local) will be studied, along with such documents as the Comprehensive Reform Programme, the Medium Term Development Plan, the National Strategy for Implementation of the UNFCCC, the National Disaster Mitigation Plan and other relevant information on national strategies for sustainable development. Where possible and relevant, additional external information such as the Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries, the Barbados Plan of Action, and poverty reduction strategy papers will be reviewed. 21 The ultimate aim of Activity 2.3 is to assemble a body of relevant and credible information on the vulnerability of Vanuatu’s social, economic and environmental systems and assets to climate and sea-level variability and change (including extreme events), on past and current practices used within Vanuatu and elsewhere to cope with the consequences of climate variability and change, and on the barriers to successfully coping with climate variability and change. A key output will also be a documented list of information gaps, based in part on feedback provided by stakeholders. These gaps will be addressed in Activity 2.4, where possible. Outputs: Reports on the vulnerability of Vanuatu’s social, economic and environmental systems and assets to climate variability and change (including extreme events) Reports on past and current practices used within Vanuatu and elsewhere to cope with the consequences of climate variability and change Report on the barriers to successfully coping with climate variability and change in Vanuatu Report on information gaps Activity 2.3: Filling the Information Gaps through Participatory Assessment of Vulnerability and Identification of Potential Adaptation Activities The information gaps identified in Activity 2.2 will be filled to the extent possible and appropriate, given the timeframe and technical, financial and other constraints. Since not all information gaps should or could be filled, priorities will be set by the NACCC, on the basis of expert judgment and other inputs from relevant Working Groups. The NAPA Project Director, on the advice of the NACCC and the Working Groups, will produce a detailed work plan for this activity, and ensure that the appropriate resources are available for its implementation and review. The established vulnerability and adaptation assessment methodology in Activity 2.1 will be used to help fill the identified information gaps, as will targeted reviews and assessments of past consultations, the coping and adaptation literature and existing development frameworks, policies and plans. Totally new investigations and consultations will not be conducted under the NAPA. An initial task under this activity will be a three day training/planning workshop, attended by all members of the Working Groups, and on an optional basis by members of the NACCC. The workshop will ensure participants have the requisite skills to undertake the participatory assessment of vulnerability and identification of potential adaptation activities. The national vulnerability and adaptation expert will facilitate this workshop. In order to produce the required outputs from this activity, existing coping practices and potential adaptation measures will be compared with the findings of the participatory assessment of vulnerability to current and projected climate and sea-level variability and to climate change, including extreme events. The Working Groups, the NAPA Project Coordinator and the NACCC will evaluate how and to what extent the identified coping practices can address the vulnerabilities identified for Vanuatu’s social, economic and environmental systems and assets, and what additional adaptation interventions will be required. 22 Outputs: Three day training workshop on undertaking participatory assessments of vulnerability and identification of potential adaptation activities Work plan for participatory assessment of vulnerability and identification of potential adaptation activities Reports on the findings of the participatory assessment of vulnerability Reports on the findings of the participatory identification of potential adaptation activities Activity 2.4: Preparation of a List of Potential Adaptation Activities to be Included in the NAPA In a transparent and accountable two-step process the NACCC, in conjunction with the NAPA Project Coordinator and the NAPA Working Groups, will consider all potential adaptation activities identified in Activity 2.3 and develop a list of proposed adaptation activities to be undertaken in order to negate or reduce the identified risks associated with climate and sea-level variability and change (including extreme events). The NAPA Project Coordinator, working with the NACCC, will organize national and provincial consultative workshops to solicit views on the list of proposed NAPA activities. The output of the consultative process will be a list of potential adaptation activities that would be subject to a detailed prioritization and selection process. The NAPA Project Coordinator will facilitate the workshops, with the assistance of members of the NACCC. This process will allow adequate dialogue between the NACCC, the National Sustainable Development Council and various stakeholders. Outputs: Documented and annotated list of proposed adaptation activities to be undertaken in order to negate or reduce the identified risks associated with climate variability and change (including extreme events) Component 3: Prioritization of Urgent and Immediate Adaptation Activities Activity 3.1: Identification and Prioritization of Urgent and Immediate Adaptation Activities The risk-based methodology and criteria developed in Activity 2.1 will be applied to the output of Activity 2.4 in order to identify and prioritize the urgent and immediate adaptation activities. As noted under Activity 2.2, a fundamental aspect of the methodology is consultation with key stakeholders to ensure that locally-focused information and views on vulnerable social, environmental and economic systems and assets, and on potential risk reduction strategies involving disaster management, coping practices and adaptation, are incorporated into the ranking process. In this way, traditional knowledge and practices will be given appropriate recognition. The participatory and other approaches involved in implementing projects under the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan will also form an integral part of the methodology and will be used to ensure that the prioritization of adaptation activities is conducted using sound and appropriate procedures. The findings of the risk-based prioritization process will be moderated through a participatory and consultative process in order to take into account such additional considerations as 23 poverty reduction to enhance adaptive capacity, synergies with multilateral environmental agreements and cost effectiveness. Outputs: Prioritized, documented and annotated list of urgent and immediate adaptation activities Activity 3.2: Detailed Analysis and Subsequent Synthesis of Priority Adaptation Activities In order to provide more comprehensive information on which to base the preparation of detailed action agendas for adaptation, including specific activities, thorough more investigations will be undertaken. For each of the priority adaptation activities, the hazards and associated risks to be addressed through integrated disaster risk management and adaptation will be examined in greater detail, as will the potential adaptation strategies, including specific adaptation measures together with supporting activities including financial and other resource requirements, capacity building, monitoring and review procedures. Descriptions of the specific activities required to address the barriers identified during Activity 2.3 would be an output of this activity. With the support and guidance of the NACCC, relevant Working Groups will be assigned to examine one or more of the priority adaptation activities. Each Working Group will, among others: Assess vulnerability to current climate variability and extreme weather events; Assess where climate change is likely to cause increases in associated climate risks; Identify key climate-change adaptation measures, based, to the extent possible, on the vulnerability and adaptation assessments; Identify activities required to address the barriers identified during Activity 2.4; and Identify measures that explore links and synergies with other established and/or planned national action plans under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, national Implementation Plan for the POPs under the Stockholm Convention, and the national biodiversity strategies and action plans under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The NACCC, the National Sustainable Development Council, the NAPA Project Coordinator and designated experts will review the analysis of each of the priority adaptation activities and provide feedback and guidance to the NAPA Project Coordinator. She/he will subsequently prepare a draft synthesis report discussing priority activities addressing needs to cope with adverse effects of climate change, drawing on expert guidance from relevant members of the NAPA Working Groups. The report will include a major section describing links and synergistic opportunities with relevant existing and/or planned national action plans on sustainable development, land degradation and biodiversity conservation, for example. The draft synthesis report will be distributed for stakeholder comment and reviewed during a national consultation workshop. Outputs: Report for each of the priority adaptation activities, describing the hazards and associated risks to be addressed through integrated disaster risk management and adaptation, and the potential adaptation strategies, including the specific activities required to address the barriers identified during Activity 2.3 24 Synthesis report describing the priority activities that are needed in order to address the adverse effects of climate change National consultation workshop Component 4: Preparation and Endorsement of the National Adaptation Programme of Action Activity 4.1: Development of the Draft NAPA, including Specific Proposals for Adaptation Activities Based on outputs from Component 3, an integrated adaptation strategy and action plan will be prepared. The strategy/action plan will identify prioritized activities to address the adverse impacts of climate change. It will also indicate how each priority activity is related/linked to ongoing and/or planned activities supporting sustainable development and those related to, for example, land degradation and biodiversity conservation. It will also include a strategy for monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of the action-oriented adaptation activities. Furthermore, it will describe stakeholder roles/responsibilities; partners and partnerships; financing options; and time lines. The proposed adaptation programme will include: i) capacity building such as human resources development, institutional strengthening and information acquisition and management; ii) policy reform; iii) integration of adaptation into sectoral policies and decision making; and iv) specific proposals for priority project-level activities to address needs arising from the adverse effects of climate variability and change, including extreme events. As part of the process of preparing the draft NAPA, the NAPA Project Coordinator, on the advice of the NACCC and the National Sustainable Development Council, will: Develop a framework for the proposed adaptation programme, based on the information assembled during the vulnerability and adaptation assessments; Draw on the results of the national consultative workshops, and use the ideas expressed at those workshops to help frame, elaborate and strengthen the descriptions of the specific adaptation activities that will be included in the NAPA as a result of their high priority; Ensure that the proposed adaptation activities, as well as the overall Programme of Action, have complementarity with Vanuatu’s Medium Term Development Plan and with national, sectoral and local policies and action plans, including those related to land degradation and biodiversity conservation; and Prepare profiles of priority activities for adaptation in Vanuatu, including objectives, description of activities, required inputs, short-term outputs, potential long-term outcomes, institutional arrangements, risks and barriers, evaluation and monitoring, and the financial and other resources required. Output: Draft NAPA document, including specific proposals for adaptation activities Activity 4.2: Review and Revision of National Adaptation Programme of Action The NAPA document will be prepared in an iterative manner. All drafts will be reviewed in a participatory manner through a series of provincial and national workshops participated in by all 25 stakeholders. After each consultation, the draft will be revised accordingly. The NAPA Project Coordinator, advised by the NACCC and through it by the National Sustainable Development Council, will be responsible for reviewing and responding to the proposed revisions. The relevant media will be encouraged to report on all the provincial and national consultations, in order to facilitate the flow of information to key players and all stakeholders. National and international stakeholders will review the final draft NAPA document, at a national workshop convened for that specific purpose. The final draft will be sent to all participants in advance of the national workshop, to allow for their timely review. The final version of the NAPA will be prepared. It will be no more than ten pages in length, with two to three additional pages for each project profile. Outputs: Provincial and national consultative workshops Media reports on the consultation process and on the outcomes, including the content of the NAPA itself Final version of the NAPA, reflecting the results of an extensive, consultative and participatory review process Activity 4.3: Endorsement of the National Adaptation Programme of Action Through the NACCC and the National Sustainable Development Council, the finalized NAPA will be submitted to the Cabinet of the Government of Vanuatu, and other key stakeholders, for their approval and endorsement. Outputs: A NAPA document endorsed by the Government of Vanuatu and key stakeholders Activity 4.4: NAPA Document Dissemination Dissemination of the NAPA document will reflect the two main reasons for its preparation, namely: To make information on the actions and activities required to address Vanuatu’s urgent needs for adaptation available to the entity that will operate the LDC fund, and to other sources of funding, in order to secure the provision of financial resources to implement the proposed adaptation activities; and To inform stakeholders in Government, civil society and the private sector, as well as the public at large, of the urgent need for action to reduce the current vulnerability of Vanuatu to climate and sea-level variability and to address the potential increase in climate hazards and associated risks as a result of climate change, and to inform them of the opportunities to reduce these vulnerabilities and risks through adaptation, including implementation of the specific adaptation activities that are included in the NAPA. 26 The NAPA, with Government endorsement, will be submitted to relevant international (e.g. GEF) and bilateral organizations, for their consideration to fund and/or co-finance specific adaptation activities. The Government of Vanuatu will also provide copies of the endorsed NAPA document to the UNFCCC and to the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, among others. In order to ensure wide awareness and acceptance of the NAPA, the NAPA document will be translated into Bislama. Bislama and English versions of the NAPA document will be distributed, as appropriate, to local governments and stakeholder groups, including those which studies showed are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate and sea-level variability and change, including extreme events. Media campaigns and awareness raising workshops will also be conducted, making use of key players and opinion leaders to convey key messages to the main target groups in order to provide a constructive enabling environment for the ultimate implementation of the proposed urgent and immediate adaptation activities. Outputs: The endorsed NAPA document, submitted to relevant international and bilateral organizations for their consideration Bislama and English versions of the NAPA document Widespread awareness and acceptance of the NAPA, by Government, the private sector and civil society, assisted by the efforts of key players and opinion leaders 5. Institutional arrangements for oversight and coordination A proposed organizational chart for the NAPA Formulation Project is provided as Figure 3. a) High level political oversight, coordination and policy integration Currently there are two high level policy-setting and decision-making bodies within the Government of Vanuatu – the Council of Ministers and the Development Committee of Officials. Currently neither is able to provide the required level of integration of economic development, environmental protection and social mobilization initiatives consistent with sustainable development goals. Thus the desired complementarity between major national initiatives, such as the proposed NAPA formulation project, and the resulting synergies, are not being achieved. The proposed National Sustainable Development Council, with its high level oversight, will be established to in order to achieve the desired integration and realize the potential synergies. Information, advice and decisions will flow between the NAPA Project Coordinator and the National Sustainable Development Council, via the NACCC. b) Project management and operational coordination The Secretariat to the NACCC has formal responsibility for coordinating climate change activities in Vanuatu. In fulfilling its mandate, the Secretariat is advised and supported by the NACCC, and in turn by the proposed National Sustainable Development Council. The National Project Coordinator plays a pivotal role in executing the work programme of the Secretariat. The NAPA Project Coordinator will be responsible to the NACCC, through the National Project Coordinator. 27 c) Involvement of the National Climate Change Country Team and Relation to Vanuatu’s National Communications to the UNFCCC The NACCC serves as Vanuatu’s National Climate Change Country Team, and has formal recognition and support of the Government. Currently the NACCC advises Government through the Development Committee of Officials, but it is proposed that the main line of reporting be to newly established National Sustainable Council. The NACCC has ongoing responsibility for the preparatory activities related to Vanuatu’s National Communications to the UNFCCC. d) Coordination with other teams for the preparation of national reports (CBD, CCD, others). It is proposed that complementarity of activities related to implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, both international and regional, be assured by establishing the National Sustainable Development Council. At present complementarity is facilitated by the Environment Unit, the Head of which currently chairs the NACCC. In either of these ways, coordination and complementarity with related policies, plans, programmes and action plans will be assured. e) Coordination with other NAPA projects in the Pacific Region Vanuatu’s NAPA project will take advantage of the unique opportunity for sharing experience and expertise with the four other LDCs in the region. The implementation of some joint activities will be explored together with these countries, whereby inputs may be shared in order to achieve economies of scale; the Vanuatu NAPA project staff could participate in meetings to plan and coordinate activities and share experience and expertise. f) Monitoring and Evaluation UNDP-Suva will monitor and support implementation of the NAPA formulation project in line with standard procedures. Further details of monitoring and evaluation are provided in Annex 3. 6. Timetable: The preparation, endorsement and dissemination of the Vanuatu National Adaptation Programme of Action are expected to take 18 months. Estimated start of project is 01 January 2003 and completion is 01 August 2004. A detailed time line is presented in Annex 2. 28 7. Budget (US $) ACTIVITY STOCKTAKING PROCESS: (ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATIONS, WORKSHOPS, ETC.) PRODUCT: ASSESSMENT REPORTS/ STRATEGY TOTAL 2,000 5,500 2,500 10,000 1,000 2,500 4,000 7,500 15,500 5,500 21,000 3,000 5,000 11,000 7,000 4,000 11,000 7,000 4,000 11,000 40,500 25,000 71,500 AND ACTION PLAN Assessment and prioritization 1) Information gathering and synthesis, assessment of vulnerability i) Gathering of available information on adverse effects of climate change and coping strategies ii) Synthesis of available information on adverse effects of climate change and coping strategies iii) Participatory assessment of vulnerability to current climate variability and extreme weather events, and associated risks 2) Identification of adaptation measures, and criteria for priority activities i) Identification of past and current practices for adaptation to climate change and climate variability 3,000 ii) Identification of key climate change adaptation measures iii) Identification and prioritization of criteria for selecting priority activities TOTAL (Assessment and prioritization) 6,000 Development of proposals for priority activities 29 ACTIVITY STOCKTAKING 1) National consultative process for short listing potential activities 2) Selection and identification of priority activities on the basis of agreed criteria 3) Prepare profiles of priority activities in the prescribed format TOTAL (Development of proposals for priority activities) PROCESS: (ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATIONS, WORKSHOPS, ETC.) PRODUCT: ASSESSMENT REPORTS/ STRATEGY TOTAL 2,750 1,750 4,500 6,600 3,100 9,700 8,000 1,200 9,200 17,350 6,050 23,400 10,000 4,200 14,200 AND ACTION PLAN Preparation, review and finalization of the NAPA 1) Public review 2,550 2) Final review by government and civil society representatives 15,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 15,000 22,550 25,200 47,750 3) Printing, publishing and translation of the final NAPA document 4) Dissemination TOTAL (Preparation, review and finalization of NAPA) 3,550 Technical assistance 1) Assistance requested from LDC expert group 2) Other technical assistance7 7 2,500 2,500 20,050 20,050 Technical assistance will be provided through use of various in-country experts and will relate to the following areas of activity: awareness raising, consultation, capacity building, reviewing and strengthening V&A 30 ACTIVITY STOCKTAKING TOTAL (Technical assistance) PROCESS: (ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATIONS, WORKSHOPS, ETC.) PRODUCT: ASSESSMENT REPORTS/ STRATEGY TOTAL AND ACTION PLAN 22,550 22,550 34,800 34,800 Project coordination and management TOTAL (Project coordination and management) TOTAL 6,000 137,750 56,250 methodologies, developing and applying methods and criteria to prioritize adaptation activities, compilation and assessment of existing information, filling of information gaps, analysis and synthesis of priority adaptation activities and preparation of profiles for adaptation projects. The LDC Expert Group and UNDP/NCSU will provide technical advice as appropriate. 31 200,000 Annex 1 Assessment of Adaptation Opportunities8 1. Diversification of cash crops, if aimed at reducing dependence on a few monocultural crops, will help reduce adverse effects on the environment and increase the resilience of such systems to climatic extremes. Enhancing of traditional agriculture systems by diversifying subsistence crops, promoting agroforestry, encouraging sustainable practices, and developing economic opportunities, would contribute to environmental protection and resilience. Encouragement of sustainable land-use practices would provide long-term benefits to the economy and environment of Vanuatu. Introduction of drought resistant crops is a specific adaptation measure, which could be introduced to drought affected areas. However, this is a higher cost, more reactive, adaptation option. Increased shift to imported food would be a less desirable adaptation measure, because it is not cost-effective and would increase dependency of Vanuatu on external support, particularly in times of stress. 2. 3. 8 Human Health Awareness programmes would help reduce public health risk of diseases such as malaria. This is an on-going, low cost, adaptation measure, which benefits both humans and the environment. Mosquito nets as protection against malaria have proven to be effective and their continued use should be encouraged and supported. In most areas a mosquito eradication programme is not a practical option and may have high environmental and public health costs. Reduction of artificial breeding sites would be an effective measure to reduce the risk of malaria in some areas with the added benefit of improving the environment. Improvement of medical facilities and services provides health benefits to local communities but is presently, and is likely to continue to be, dependent on foreign aid. Agriculture Water Resources Increased rainwater storage capacity through the use of water tanks and small-scale dams is expensive, but will benefit the community in times of water shortage especially extreme events such as cyclones and droughts. A wide range of methods could be implemented to maintain and enhance quality of surface and ground water resources. Measures to enhance and protect sensitive watersheds would both maintain water quality and moderate the impact of extremes in rainfall. There would also be wider environmental benefits, such as reduced erosion and soil loss and maintenance of biodiversity and land productivity. From “Vanuatu National Statement on Vulnerability and Adaptation”, prepared by Nelson Rarua, Patricia Mawa, Russell Nari and Atchinson Marav Smith. 32 4. Improved water supply in urban areas, being relatively low cost, would help reduce health problems from poor water quality. Coastal Environment Conservation of mangrove systems would help increase the ability of these systems to cope with the stresses of climate change and sea level. It will also maintain the natural storm and erosion protection that they offer and their productivity as a resource. Conservation of coral reef systems would also help increase the ability to cope with the stresses of climate change and sea-level rise. This may involve a range of both direct and indirect measures that could be implemented from watersheds to the coast. Sustainable use of marine resources would ensure maintenance of ecological integrity and thus be of benefit to the marine environment as a whole in protecting against adverse effects from climate and sea-level change. Replanting of littoral forests would help protect sensitive coastal environments. Building of sea walls is a high cost option, which would only be of value for very specific areas and would be impractical on large scale. 33 Annex 2; NAPA Formulation Project Schedule of Activities Module/Activity Year 1 Year 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 Module No. 1: Implementation and Management Establish Institutional and Management Arrangements Ensuring High Level Mainstreaming and Support for the NAPA Process Awareness Raising and Consultation Amongst Stakeholders M M M Mobilizing Technical and Other In-country Support R Monitoring, Review, Evaluation, and Reporting Module No. 2: Methodologies, Information and Decision Support Review & Strengthen Vulnerability and Adaptation Methodologies Methods and Criteria to Prioritize Adaptation Activities Compilation and Assessment of Existing Information Filling Information Gaps Prepare List of Potential Adaptation Activities Module 3: Prioritize Urgent and Immediate Adaptation Activities Identification and Prioritization of Adaptation Activities Analysis and Synthesis of Priority Adaptation Activities Module No. 4: Preparation and Endorsement of the NAPA Development of the Draft NAPA Review and Revision of NAPA Endorsement of the NAPA NAPA Document Dissemination M = Meeting R = Report 34 R R Annex 3 Vanuatu NAPA Formulation Project: Monitoring and Evaluation The project will be monitored and evaluated following UNDP-GEF rules and procedures. The Executing Agency (NACCC) will be required to prepare quarterly and annual work plans and to report to UNDP on progress in achieving targets. The Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) would provide a brief summary of the status of project inputs and output delivery, explain variances from the work plan, and present work plans for each successive quarter for review and endorsement. These quarterly reports will include financial statements and the work plan for the subsequent quarter. Annual Progress Reports (APR’s) would provide a more in-depth summary of work-in-progress, measuring performance against both implementation and impact indicators. APR’s would inform decision-making by the Project Steering Committee, which would evaluate whether any adjustment in approach is required. A terminal report would be completed prior to the completion of the project detailing achievements and lessons learned. The Secretariat of the NACCC will undertake continuous, self-monitoring. After GEF approval of the NAPA proposal brief it will be converted into a UNDP Project Document. Among the important items that will be included in the project document will be a detailed work program that will include the success indicators or objectively verifiable indicators for each activity that will be carried out under the NAPA formulation project. These indicators, which will be reviewed for their practicability and completeness prior to project implementation, are the parameters that have to be monitored by the NACCC under the NAPA formulation project. Additional activities may be included (if necessary) to verify the attainment of some specific indicators. The extent by which the NAPA formulation project goal is achieved can be evaluated from the monitored results. The NACCC and UNDP-Suva shall be responsible that the overall monitoring and evaluation framework for the NAPA formulation project and together will appropriately and holistically assess the quality and appropriateness of the various outputs/results of the project activities vis-à-vis the adaptation and national development goals of the country. The project will be subject to a Tri-partite Review (TPR) organized by UNDP-Suva. The NACCC will prepare and submit to UNDP an Annual Project Report (APR) two months prior to the TPR meeting. APRs would provide a more in-depth summary of work-in-progress, measuring performance against both implementation and impact indicators. APRs would inform decisionmaking by the NACCC, which would evaluate whether any adjustment in approach is required. A Terminal Report would be completed prior to the completion of the project detailing achievements and lessons learned. UNDP will also undertake annual monitoring visits to the country to assess project developments in accordance with UNDP procedures for Monitoring and Evaluation. Financial Reports will be prepared by the NACCC and submitted to UNDP on a quarterly basis in accordance with the Guidelines for National Execution. UNDP/NCSU will provide backstop the NAPA project as part of its normal services to ensure technical quality of its projects. Assistance can be provided as needed, including for the review of draft documents. 35