By Ednal Palmer
In Apia, Samoa
Pacific Islands countries are urged to walk together in the Climate induced Loss and Damage fight.
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Climate Change Director Tangaloa Cooper when officially closing the the two day dialogue held in Apia Samoa told delegates from teh countries to walk together.
“When you walk alone, you walk fast, but when we walk together, we’ll walk far. We are in this together.”
The two days of intense dialogue on Climate induced loss and damage was successfully concluded leading onto the next three days of stakeholders roundtable.
The dialogue which commenced August 11th brought together Pacific governments, civil society, academia, NGOs, and the private sector with the aim to collectively advance the region’s priorities on loss and damage.
The two days intensively focused on discussion and sharing of action plans, with a strong focus on practical and locally relevant solutions.
The dialogue concluded that L&D in the region is existential, painful and happening – that non-economic L&D range threatens identities, cultures, places and nature.
“Our young people will see the worst of it and must play a central role in L&D responses.
The dialogue also agreed that robust data is a vital part of telling L&D stories, and making the case for assistance.
The dialogue also heard that National L&D funds are emerging.
Filomena Nelson, SPREP Climate Change Adaptation Advisor summarised during the closing that the paddling has begun.
“Showcased projects from various countries illustrate that countries are getting a better understanding of community L&D – but need flexible, responsive finance so community needs and priorities are met.”
The two days dialogue focused on deepening understanding and awareness of loss and damage, and creating pathways to action: capacities, policies, priority actions, and finance.
The dialogue objectives were:
- Increase understanding and awareness of loss and damage within the Pacific.
- Showcase emerging good practices and explore challenges in the context of
new loss and damage initiatives across Pacific Island Countries and Territories.
- Increase the capacity and capability of governments, civil society, and the private sector to address loss and damage, including navigating funding and technical support opportunities.
- Identify practical pathways for addressing loss and damage, including the
identification of pilot projects that are viable within the Pacific context
- Amplify Pacific voices within and beyond the region to ensure the lived realities of Pacific communities are central to action and decision-making.
The final segment in the next three days focuses on stakeholders where participants from Pacific Island countries were given the space to interact and share their experiences amongst peers, bolster their net-works and utilise the event to initiate new partnership opportunities.
The aim of the PCCR will be to:
- Understand the current adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage actions in the region.
- Discuss the type of enabling support required to bolster climate action.
- Share current funding mechanisms in the region including examples of effective financing
mechanisms; and
- Share information on relevant climate financing efforts in the region and opportunities
for countries.
