Towards a Pacific Focus on Climate Change
a strategy for the Pacific Year of Climate Change (2009) and beyond
1. Background
Climate change is one of the most serious threats to the sustainable development of Pacific island communities
and nations. Although climate change affects the entire world, the Pacific islands region is among the most
vulnerable. The Fourth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment identifies the
following key issues for island states:
· Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate inundation, storm surge, erosion and other coastal hazards, thus
threatening vital infrastructure, settlements and facilities that support the livelihood of island communities.
· Deterioration in coastal conditions, e.g. through erosion of beaches and coral bleaching, is expected to
affect local resources.
· By mid-century, climate change is expected to reduce water resources in many small islands, including
those in the Pacific, to the point where they become insufficient to meet demand during low-rainfall periods.
· With
higher temperatures, increased invasion by non-native species is expected to occur, particularly on
mid- and high-latitude islands.
At the core of climate change are people. People's lives and livelihoods will ultimately be affected by the
pressures created by climate change. On the other hand, it is the behaviour of people that will determine
whether and how we reduce the pressures and adapt to climate change. In fact, the sustainable development of
the Pacific islands hinges on the level of engagement of Pacific islanders in this critical issue.
There is a need therefore, to increase exposure of Pacific people to climate change issues and ensure that
there is understanding at all levels of society of the impacts of climate change on natural, cultural and
socioeconomic systems. More importantly, there is a need to engage people in dialogue and discussion to elicit
innovative thinking in planning and policy-making for adaptation to climate change. Implementation of such
plans will require an informed public and leadership that is adequately prepared and motivated for action.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is mandated by its member
governments to assist countries to address the issue of adapting to climate change and to this end, has
designated 2009 the Pacific Year of Climate Change (PYCC). The theme: Our century's challenge, our Pacific
response, aims to encourage thinking beyond a single "year" and enable SPREP and its partners to build a
long-term plan of action for climate change in the Pacific. The Pacific Year of Climate Change focuses on the
concrete measures people can take to adapt to the new climate reality and, at the same time, reduce their
carbon footprint. While the latter is important primarily for the moral and political message sent to the rest of the
world and for our own sustainable development efforts, it is the former that will consume our attention in the
years to come. The Year will aim to encourage solution-based thinking through dialogue and partnerships for
addressing climate change in the Pacific islands.
The Pacific Year of Climate Change will also help build momentum for Pacific input to the 15th Conference of
Parties to the UNFCCC, which will meet in December in Copenhagen, Denmark. The PYCC will contribute to
greater participation in climate-related discussions at both national and international level by raising
understanding among Pacific islanders of the challenges presented by climate change and possible
interventions and solutions.
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
1
2. Goal
The goal of the Pacific Year of Climate Change is to build capacity for promoting the development and
implementation of solutions for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change in the Pacific
Islands region.
The proposed overall objectives of the campaign, as determined through consultation with national focal points
for climate change and regional and national climate change experts, are to:
· promote urgent and immediate action on planning for adaptation to climate change at the regional,
national and community levels;
· strengthen human capacity in the Pacific to identify, analyse and implement cost effective adaptation
measures as well as greenhouse gas reduction measures and create a pool of informed resource
persons conversant with development of practical steps in adaptation tools and methods;
· strengthen human capacity to identify and integrate economic, scientific and traditional knowledge into
adaptation and greenhouse gas reduction practices; and
· raise awareness at the international level about the need to support adaptation to climate change in the
region and mitigation of climate change globally, to reflect these concerns and needs in the outcome
documents of the Copenhagen COP-15.
3.
Specific Objectives
The specific objectives to be met through the campaign are:
1. All SPREP Pacific island focal points are aware of and have access to up-to-date information on climate
change issues by July 2009.
2. At least six (6) Pacific island countries demonstrate adaptation considerations in their policy and
planning and have taken steps to implement these.
3. At least five (5) private sector organisations in the Pacific incorporate climate change considerations in
their activities
4. The "Pacific voice" promoted at the 2009 Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC
5. A 50 per cent increase in reporting on climate change by Pacific media by October 2009.
6. At least three (3) schools in each of 10 Pacific islands demonstrate the successful incorporation of
climate change in their education programmes by March 2010
4. Key Audiences
Climate change is a complex and multi-faceted issue, requiring understanding and input at diverse levels. The
Year of Climate Change will target the following key audience groups at the regional level. However, it is
recognised that there will be other specific audiences to be addressed as part of an ongoing focus on climate
change for the Pacific islands region, particularly at the national level.
Primary Audience
· National Policy Makers (e.g. environment, agriculture, fisheries, health, meteorology and energy
sectors). Adaptation to climate change will require effective planning, policymaking and strong
leadership. For this to happen, planners and policymakers need to be equipped with the knowledge and
skills required to enable appropriate planning and the wherewithal to action adaptation plans.
· Private Sector, business and industry. Any national level activity that aims for significant
structural and policy changes will require support, commitment and action from business and industry.
Engagement of the private sector by building a sense of corporate responsibility is essential at the
earliest stages of this campaign if significant change is to be possible.
Secondary Audience
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
2
· NGOs (including Civil Society/Faith-based Organisations). A significant proportion of
awareness and advocacy work is carried out by civil society organisations and faith groups. These
groups will need to be made aware of current regional understanding/thinking on climate issues and
engaged to work toward practical solutions for adaptation. This group may be divided into several
categories:
o Local/National Civil Society Groups/NGOs
o Faith based organisations
o Regional/international
NGOs
· Media. The international, regional and national media are an essential tool for sharing information on
adaptation at a number of levels of society. The media can also play a powerful advocacy role for
climate change mitigation, if it is well-informed and aware of the Pacific region's overall needs in this
area.
· CROP Agencies. The support, financial and technical, of these agencies will assist countries to take
practical steps in terms of formulating and implementing adaptation strategies and plans. There is a
need to ensure meaningful collaboration between CROP agencies to ensure enhanced mechanisms for
addressing climate change issues in the region without duplication.
· International Community and donors. The support and engagement of the international
community is imperative in the ongoing global climate negotiations for reduced carbon emissions as
well as in supporting funding mechanisms for appropriate adaptation (e.g. based on the principles of the
Action Strategy for Nature Conservation).
· Schools. Engagement of young people at an early stage is a proven effective tool for raising
awareness and sensitising communities to social and environmental issues. Good quality, jargon-free
information for teachers will help to make climate change better understood and ensure that the
younger generation is well-equipped to participate in climate change related decision-making. Schools
will also be encouraged to participate in programmes and activities that highlight adaptation and
mitigation options.
5.
Key Messages:
With regard to public education and communication, climate change issues have suffered from being viewed as
"too scientific" and inaccessible to the average member of the public. As such, these issues are often
inaccurately reported or ignored altogether by the media and other public educators. The Pacific Year of
Climate Change will aim to address this key challenge by marketing a series of messages that will make climate
change more relevant to the lives of Pacific people and thus support long-term planning and decision-making
processes.
The messages will be framed appropriately through discussion and focus group work once campaign
partnerships are established.
The overarching message is that the very survival of Pacific Islanders depends on our learning to adapt
to the changes around us but that the rate of global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced
significantly to prevent further long term change.
Audience-specific messages could include:
a. Our climate is in crisis and Pacific people's lives and homes are under threat.
The Pacific is already experiencing significant changes in weather patterns, the intensity and frequency
of storms, coastal erosion, increasing water salinity levels in low lying atolls, and higher king tides.
Climatic changes are likely to heavily impact coral reefs, fisheries and other marine-based resources.
Increasing temperatures will lead to increased invasion by non-native species and impact on species
distribution. Similarly changes in temperature and rainfall patterns will also affect planting seasons and
the sustainability of some crops, as well as the availability of water for drinking and for crops. The
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
3
natural environment, food security, health and economic security of Pacific island communities are
threatened. [National Policy Makers]
b. Improved and strengthened management of our natural environment will help reduce our
vulnerability to the risks presented by climate change.
The pressures humans are placing on the natural environment will make our natural ecosystems even
more vulnerable to climatic changes. Some of the pressures include overfishing; reef destruction; poor
waste management; marine pollution; introduction of invasive species; unrestricted/unmanaged logging;
and destructive coastal practices such as sand mining. Alleviating these stresses and finding
alternatives will strengthen the adaptive capacity of our natural ecosystems. [National Policy Makers;
Private Sector]
c. Together we can develop solutions.
Pacific island communities and leaders can find solutions for dealing with the impacts of climate change
if we begin thinking innovatively, learning from each other and working together to implement long term
adaptation plans, which build on community level knowledge, learning and scientific information. [All
audiences esp Civil Society; Media; Schools]
d. Adaptation = Assess, Plan, Preparedness (disaster risk management)
Appropriate adaptation mechanisms can only be developed when we understand the science, utilise
our observations and are able to plan and prepare for changes. Disaster risk management, for
example, is a first line of defence against the impacts of climate change and should be an important
focus of our immediate adaptation work [National Policy Makers; Civil Society/NGOs; Media]
e. Mitigation makes sense.
There are sustainable, political and moral benefits for Pacific island involvement in addressing
mitigation by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions [National Policy Makers]
Sample specific messages that could be used depending on country context
· Better management of our natural environment and reduced waste generation will help build
resilience of Pacific communities to the impacts of climate change
· Excessive solid waste generation and poor disposal practices exacerbate the climate change
impacts being felt in the Pacific.
· Ensuring coastal protection and sound marine and watershed resource management will assist in
building your community resilience to the impending impacts of climate change.
· Weather changes will change where plants and animals can live - this will affect our native forests,
agriculture, coral reefs and threatened species. Conservation [all?]planners need information to
manage these changes.
6. Partnerships
(non-government)
Strong, well-coordinated partnerships with non-government entities will be essential for the success of the
Pacific Year of Climate Change and will form a foundation for ongoing work in climate change in the region.
SPREP, as the regional intergovernmental organisation tasked with addressing adaptation to climate change,
will take the lead in this process of coordination. Effective coordination will require regular, transparent and
ongoing communication processes.
Key regional partnerships will include:
· SOPAC
· WWF
· SPC
· PIFS
· Pacific Conference of Churches
· IUCN
· FSPI
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
4
· SeaWeb
· Business and industry/private sector organisation(s)
At the national level, focal points will identify their own partnerships and seek to work closely with national
NGOs and other civil society and private sector organisations.
7.
Branding and Image
A PYCC theme and logo have been adopted. The theme: Our Century's Challenge, Our Pacific Response, in
conjunction with the logo, aims to encourage long-range thinking for adaptation planning now and into the
future. The logo further conveys the dynamic and changing nature of island ecosystems and their role in the
global community. The protection of island ecosystems and the survival of Island Countries must be part of any
new post-Kyoto arrangement.
The PYCC logo will be used alongside the SPREP logo in all PYCC products and materials. Partner and donor
logos will be displayed in accordance with prior established agreements.
8. Products
A series of resource material will be produced to support national level activities. Products will be distributed
through national focal points and other organisations working on climate-related activities. Building on lessons
from past observances of regional and international "years", all materials will be designed to be functional well
beyond the duration of the PYCC.
All products will also be made available electronically and be downloadable from the PYOCC website where
possible.
Current list of materials to be produced are:
a. Website
The website is under construction and will provide an interactive means through which information on
climate change can be disseminated. The website will provide a "one-stop-shop" for PYCC-related activities
and also have links to other climate change sites.
b. Generic information poster on climate change
This poster will highlight the importance of climate change to Pacific communities and urge increased
participation in addressing the issue. The poster will be part-funded by SPREP's Coastal Management
Programme.
c. Set of policy briefs and fact sheets on climate change and specific issues
The fact sheets will provide up-to-date information on current issues in climate change, including its
science, economics and socio-cultural dimensions. They will cover a range of climate change issues such
as biodiversity, waste and pollution, health, agriculture, water, etc and be distributed to learning networks,
education programmes and national focal points
Part funding from Coastal Programme (Vanuatu project)
Part funding from MEA
d. Information booklet on Copenhagen COP 15
The information booklet will serve as a useful tool for officials and ministers involved in preparations for
COP15. The booklet will contain key information on the COP15 process, Pacific viewpoints, key contacts,
etc. [Espen to advise]
e. Media Kit (also in e-copy)
This will include fact sheets, definitions, list of acronyms, key regional contacts, the media poster and other
useful material for the media. Although the kit will be designed with media as the primary audience/user, it
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
5
is intended that it could also serve as a useful resource for others (eg. Teachers, civil society groups,
university students, etc).
f. Media Poster (also in e-copy)
UNESCO funded
g. Stickers (also in e-copy)
Stickers provide a simple, yet durable and effective option for communicating a snappy message. A working
group will prepare an appropriate slogan/statement and advise an illustrator on a suitable image. The
stickers will be used as giveaways and for general promotional work in conjunction with the other materials.
h. T-Shirts
A set of t-shirts have already been produced and will serve as useful promotional giveaways for the
PYOCC.
i. 2008 CC Films
Duplicate and distribute
Broadcast across the Oac
Funding from the British High Commission Suva [mid-April]
j. Climate Change Exhibit
A generic and portable exhibit which can be used at the SPREP meetings, SP Mini Games, the CC
roundtable, and other appropriate venues on an opportunistic basis.
8. Key
Events
A complete roll-out plan is still under development, however a series of events are planned and are briefly
outlined here. The 12-month period that marks the PYCC will focus on a series of events and activities that
highlight climate change issues throughout the region.
a. Launch
Several countries have already commenced activities for the PYCC and it is expected that others will take a
similar lead. An "official" regional launch event will be organised to kickstart activities under this strategy.
Ideas for launch activities
-
Identify national champions from each of the launch countries to speak on how climate change has
impacted there livelihoods and the types of action needed by everyone.
-
Daytime launch in open area as a show of energy efficiency
-
A concert type theme with no electronic instrument only traditional, and cultural instruments to be used
by a band (or bands)
-
Special presentation from SPREP for the launch countries (framed photograph, etc)
b. Media Award
The Environment Report award will be launched in 2009, but will end in 2010. It is to motivate and
encourage environmental reporting within the Pacific region and will have 4 categories Print, TV
Broadcast, Radio Broadcast and Journalism Student Award.
c. Architectural competition
The competition will invite architects from the Pacific islands region to participate in designing "sustainable"
buildings that take into account potential climate change impacts and reduce impacts on the environment.
d. Photo competition
Focus of the competition will be on imagery that depicts climate change impacts in the region. Depending
on the quality of material received, the photos will be compiled into a book, exhibit or other showcase item.
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
6
-
Images will be placed in an online photo gallery with short abstracts from photographers
-
Best photos will be used for an exhibit at Copenhagen
e. Climate Change Films
Films made as part of the Climate Change Film Project and launched during the Climate Change Film
Festival in 2008 will be compiled and distributed to key education institutions and broadcast houses. The
films highlight climate change issues from around the Pacific and have been made by local film-makers.
f. School Climate Adaptation/Mitigation demonstration programmes
Countries will be encouraged to develop in-school programmes which demonstrate good practice in
adaptation (and mitigation) for climate change. Schools will be invited to report on their activities and
assistance will be provided to help showcase activities and successes
g. Preparation for Copenhagen COP15
Attendance at and preparation of media, other communications personnel, youth representation for
COP15.The Climate Change exhibit (8j) will be used at COP15.
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
7
9.
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Work Plan
Target
Resource people/key
Comments
deadline
Activity
individuals
Regional Groundwork
23 March Finalize PYOCC working
Seema, Espen, Ewan,
committee
Lance, Nanette, [I&E?]
28 March WWF Earth Hour
Seema, Kosi (statement),
Opportunity to highlight the
Social Club
PYOCC
31 March Confirmation of final
PYOCC WC
communications plan
16 April
Campaign coordinator
Ewan
Bulk of work to be carried out
commences
by this position. ESCA to
oversee.
Product Development/Activities
30 April
1. Photo competition
Lance/Seema
promotion commences
10 May
2. Climate change films
Ewan/Nan
edited, copied and
distributed
30 April
3. Architectural
Espen/Lance/Seema
competition promotion
commences
30 April
4. Launch Website
Lance/Seema
5. T-Shirts
Done. Requires collection from
NZ
7 May
6. Factsheets
Ewan/Ken/Lance
7 May
7. Generic poster
Ewan/Ken/Lance
7 May
8. Stickers
Ewan/Lance/Ken
7 May
9. Media poster
Nanette/Ken/Lance
17 May
10. CC Folder
Ken/Ewan
7 May
11. Media kit information
Nanette/Ken/Lance
prepared + CD Rom
14 May
Media kit collated and
Nanette/Ewan
distributed
24 May
12. Issue of Pacific Year
Ewan/Seema/Lance
of Climate Change
Packs (resources) to
the National Focal
points
13.
Schools
demonstration
Ewan/Seema (Lance)
projects initiated
14. Regional Launch of
Ewan/Espen/Seema
Identify two countries; need in-
the Campaign
country support
15. Media coverage of
Nanette/Ewan/Lance
launches
June 5
16. World Environment
Seema/Ewan/Lance
Key countries tbd. Could be
Day
included in national activities
July? 17.
Media
award
launched
Nanette/Lance tbd
(PINA)
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
8
13-18
18. Pacific Youth festival
Seema/Ewan
Input to be determined/possible
July
activity with UNESCO
11 Sept
19. Information booklet
Seema/Ewan/Ken/Lance
CCA to advise on
(COP15 )
content/priorities
21 Sept-
20. South Pacific Mini
Seema/Ewan/Deyna
22 Oct
Games
Marsh (CkIs)
[obtain permission for
inclusion of PYOCC]
material in athlete's packs]
April 09 21. Ongoing support for
PYOCC WC as needed
Country visits, support with
March
national activities
with Seema oversight
strategic planning, funding as
2010
available, provision of materials
to record activities (film, DVDs,
etc)
Late
22. Climate Change
Could be used for the SP Mini
Sept?
exhibit developed
Games, CC RT, etc
October 23.
Climate
Change
Media workshop may be run
Roundtable?
during this time
Dec 24.
Communications
team
to Copenhagen
Jan `10
Feb `10
Mar `10
Apr `10
Evaluation, audits, follow
up plans, etc
10.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Ongoing monitoring will help address weaknesses and successes of the campaign and enable
adjustments to be made. In order to be effective it must be done quickly and cheaply, focus on a few
specific questions, and supply reliable and valid data. The following template is suggested as a basis
for monitoring of the PYCC campaign and requires further input.
Objective Activities/Milestones Indicator(s)
Risks
All SPREP Pacific island
Information materials produced
Posters, fact sheets
focal points are aware of
produced
and have access to up-
to-date information on
Website updated
climate change issues
Information materials
Hard copy of materials
by July 2009.
distributed to all focal points
received and
acknowledged
Focal points using/referring to
Number of hits on
materials
website
50% increase in
Media kit produced
--
reporting on climate
Media kit distributed
--
change by Pacific media
Media workshop?
by October 2009.
CC reporting commenced
Number and accuracy of
CC related reports in
national media (by
country)
At least 5 private sector
organisations in the
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
9
Pacific incorporate
climate change
considerations in their
activities
At least 6 Pacific island
countries demonstrate
adaptation
considerations in their
policy and planning and
have taken steps to
implement these
The "Pacific voice"
Side event held (possibly joint
Media event with
Scheduling
promoted at the 2009
with MSV);
participation by high-level conflicts with
Conference of Parties to
Permanent SPREP exhibit in
Pacific representatives;
negotiations
the UNFCCC
corridors
Dissemination of SPREP
Communications support to
climate change
Pacific delegations/AOSIS
information exhibit of
PYCC contest winners,
etc.
At least 3 schools in
each of 10 Pacific
islands demonstrate the
successful incorporation
of climate change in their
education programmes
by March 2010
Pacific Year of Climate Change Campaign Strategy_050509_Deo_SPREP
10
Document Outline