The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Pacific Community (SPC) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising their cooperation in addressing and responding to economic and non-economic Loss and Damage from climate-induced impacts in Pacific Small Island Countries States (PSIDS).
As part of this collaboration, €2.7 million (US$2.8 million) has been pledged to support initiatives to address the effects of climate change in the region.
Recognising the urgency of reducing risk, building resilience, and supporting recovery from climate shocks that are compatible with the need for sustainable development, economic growth, and the fight against poverty, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, and the Pacific Community (SPC) join forces to support climate action.
Within the framework of SPC’s Climate Change Flagship Programme – which seeks to enhance climate change services and capability and leverage climate finance in a holistic, strategic, and cohesive way across the region and the organisation – the allocated € 2.7 million will help to generate high-quality data, information, and analysis on climate-related risks, as well as to provide technical and financial support to community-led projects.
During the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27), establishing a Loss and Damage Fund was the highlight of the conference and the culmination of over a decade of negotiations from vulnerable developing countries, including Small Islands Developing States (SIDS). In the Pacific, unlocking access to Loss and Damage funds is still challenging in part due to the need for more data and information and the ability to document the unique manifestations of Loss and Damage attributable to climate impacts. To overcome this regional challenge, international support is necessary as is the ability to articulate what Loss and Damage look like and propose solutions to address this.
“This MOU marks a welcome step in progressing from promises to delivery in a significant area for our region. For many years now, Pacific SIDS have experienced extreme and slow onset events that are causing losses to territory, important resources, critical infrastructure, cultures, and heritage – with serious economic and non-economic impacts – and these are only predicted to grow. We look forward to seeing more partnerships focused on Loss and Damage in the coming years, and we warmly thank Denmark for helping SPC intensify regional cooperation to support PSIDS.” Explains Coral Pasisi, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability at SPC.
The MoU will not only facilitate the implementation of necessary actions, but it will also contribute to the combined efforts of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP). Since 1988, CROP has been working collaboratively towards a shared goal of promoting sustainable development throughout the Pacific region and SPC is proud to be part of this great mission…. PACNEWS
Media Contacts:Maeva Tesan, Information, Communications and Knowledge Management officer, Pacific Community (SPC), Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES) programme | maevat@spc.int
SOURCE: SPC/PACNEWS
