The small island of Tuvalu will be able to access $4 million from the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund for desalination plants and solar-power generation. Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Tuiloma Neroni Slade said “this is a timely project as Tuvalu is currently in a state of emergency due to drought.” This announcement comes amid United Nations warnings of the critical assistance required in Tuvalu and Tokelau. John Harding, UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) said “tt really is time to assist Tuvalu and Tokelau to increase storage capacities and manage their resources sustainably, including more effective warnings for drier spells.” Tuvalu declared a state of emergency on September 28 following the lowest rainfall in three consecutive years resulting in drought. The UN Office of the Coordinator of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) has highlighted solar powered desalination units, improved rain catchment and water storage as longer-term mitigation measures. “The project will contribute to the long term goals of increased access to a sustainable supply of water during periods of drought, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy,” said Slade. The project was approved by the PEC Fund Joint Committee on October 7. The PEC Fund is a commitment by the Government of Japan of $66 million. The PEC Fund is managed and administered by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. BM
