As anticipation builds for the Falepili Union Treaty—a well-considered migration pathway between Tuvalu and Australia—there remains a significant portion of the Tuvaluan population committed to staying in their homeland.
It is the responsibility of the Tuvaluan Government to ensure that those who wish to remain are equipped to adapt to climate challenges. This commitment is exemplified by the ongoing development of reclaimed land, particularly through the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project TCAP1A on Funafuti, which receives support from Australia and other donors.
This perspective was articulated by Dr Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change, and Environment, during a recent meeting with Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change, Kristin Tilley, who visited Tuvalu earlier this week.
Minister Talia emphasised the importance of addressing the needs of those who wish to stay in Tuvalu, stating, “So it’s also very important that we’re not just talking about the Falepili, but how are we going to address all of these issues if we are to leave and be part of the Falepili, and how about those who want to remain on the island? So the question here is very important; even if we demarcate the notion between participating in the Falepili and also remaining behind, I think it’s crucial that we should address the demarcation between these two, because those who want to remain in the country really need this kind of support.”
Ambassador Tilley’s visit was significant for Minister Talia, particularly in light of the pressing impacts of climate change on Tuvalu.
He reflected, “Even if we opt to go to Australia under the Falepili, there is always a tendency to tell our children and our grandchildren, this is where we are from, this is Tuvalu. So we need to save Tuvalu as soon as possible. We cannot wait; we are running out of time.”
During their walk along the beach at the TCAP 1A site, Ambassador Tilley noted the importance of engaging not only with the Government but also with the people of Tuvalu.
She acknowledged the vulnerabilities and challenges posed by climate change, while also recognizing the resilience and innovative solutions that many Tuvaluans are developing to address these challenges.
“This project, TCAP, is a great example of how, when given options to think about how to respond, the people of Tuvalu overwhelmingly expressed a desire to stay in place here on Funafuti. Australia is proud to support and facilitate this initiative,” Ambassador Tilley remarked.
She further highlighted Tuvalu’s strong advocacy for global climate action, stating, “Tuvalu’s resilience and advocacy is loud and definitely heard in Australia. We are responding where and how we can, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with the people and the Government of Tuvalu to elevate that advocacy on a larger stage.”
The US$17.5 million initiative, backed by the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, marks a significant advancement in enhancing Tuvalu’s resilience to climate change.
