Green Climate Fund grants to assist Pacific Islands countries [1]
Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - 17:03. Updated on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 - 09:50.
Multi-million grants for three new projects have been approved by the Green Climate Fund for Pacific Islands, including Tonga, to assist with the impact of climate change.
The grants include USD$23 million for a Climate Information Services for Resilient Development project for Vanuatu, and a USD$57 million grant for a project in Samoa with UNDP for integrated flood management to enhance climate resilience of the Vaisigano river catchment.
The third grant of USD$22 million is for a multi-country renewable energy program with the Asian Development Bank, with a focus on Cook Islands, while support for the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga was also approved.
SPREP Director General Kosi Latu said this is a great achievement for the Pacific Islands.
“Resourcing to help our Pacific Islands cope with the impacts of climate change and transition away from dirty and expensive fossil fuel is needed. Having these three projects approved will make a real difference.”
As the regional implementing entity to the fund, SPREP is able to submit applications for funding of projects and programs on behalf of countries of up to USD$50 million.
He said this is a monumental occasion for them as their first project, being the only regional implementing entity for the Pacific.
We look forward to even greater achievements to come with our Pacific Island members, achievements that will be for the better of our Pacific communities, he said.
The 15th Board Meeting of the Green Climate Fund was hosted by the Government of Samoa in Apia from December 13-15.
The Green Climate Fund is a unique global initiative to respond to climate change by investing into low-emission and climate-resilient development. It is a fund within the framework of the UNFCCC, assisting developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.