NEWSPAGE 06 December
2010

(Photos: Australian High Commission)

SAMOA: Celebrating Australian volunteers in Samoa
Source: Australian High Commission Press Release

International Volunteer Day (5 December) celebrates the contribution that volunteers make to developing countries and needy organisations across the globe.

In Samoa, there are currently 23 Australian volunteers making such a difference. The Australian volunteers, funded through the Samoa-Australian Development Partnership, use their skills and expertise to build and develop their host organisation in Samoa.

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Matt Anderson said that Australia’s two volunteers program - Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) and Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA) - have supported more than 200 volunteers in Samoa to help local community groups, universities, schools, sporting associations, government ministries and non government organisations.

“The Australian volunteers make a wonderful contribution to Samoan organisations through the transfer of their knowledge and skills. Importantly, they also play a major role in building friendships and fostering our links with Samoa,” Mr Anderson said.

“Every year, between 20 and 30 volunteers come to Samoa under Australia’s two volunteer programs. Not only do they make a big difference to the Samoan groups they work with, they also immerse themselves in local activities and take time to learn and appreciate the Samoan culture and way of life.”

He said the VIDA and AYAD programs are two very important aspects of Australia’s assistance to Samoa, which is additional support provided to Samoa beyond the annual $80 million (A$40 million) aid program.

The Australian volunteers currently working in Samoa include:

Brett Nathan - Permaculture Development Officer, Matauileoo Environment Trust Inc

Olivia Philpott - Netball Development Officer, Samoa Netball Association

Andrew Flynn & Tom Dixon - Cricket Development Officers, Samoa International Cricket

Rebecca Visintin, Speech Pathologist, Aoga Fiamalamalama

Kate Seadon - Physiotherapist, Samoa Rugby Union

Anita Dunn - Nurse, Tavana Nurse on Wheels

Anthony Robinson - Sustainable Agriculture Development Officer, MAFF

Leata Alaimoana - Aviation Security Officer, Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure

Peter Riesz, Website/Online Booking Coordinator, Samoa Tourism Authority

Tania Ahmed - Communications Officer, Samoa Red Cross Society

Pippa Haughton - Communications Officer, SUNGO

John Clark - Data & Information Analyst, Women in Business

Jeff Paul - Web Designer & Video Producer, Matauileoo Environment Trust

Natalia Pereira - Youth Officer, UNESCO

Cas Wiles - Organic Farming, Women in Business

Steve Williams - Paramedic Trainer, Samoa Fire Service Authority (SFSA)

Kathyrn Meredith - Inclusive Education Advisor, SENESE

Patrick Jennings - IT Lecturer, NUS

Russell Watts - Adviser for the Deaf, SENESE

Ben Clare - Adviser for the Visually Impaired, SENESE

Belinda Hamlin - Vet, Animal Protection Society

Steve Hamlin - Vet, MAFF

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Australian volunteer Russell Watts teaching students to sign.

Photo 2 - Australian volunteer Cass Wiles with organic farmer Peka Meafou from Falesiu village.
 

Photo 3 - Australian volunteer Steve Williams, a paramedic with the Samoan Fire Services, with medical students during the training simulation exercise at the national hospital.
 
Photo 4 - Simealai checks 80 year-old Losi Liki from Vaivase-Uta, helped by Amio Talataina and Australian youth ambassador Anita Dunn.
 

(Photos: Australian Government / Commonwealth Local Government Forum)

AUSTRALIA: Australia gives $1.5 million to civil society groups in Samoa
Source: Australian High Commission Press Release

Australia is giving $1.5 million (A$750,000) to further boost the efforts of civil society groups in Samoa next year. The funding is the first tranche of Australia’s $9 million (A$4.5 million) to support a five-year Civil Society Support Program managed by the Samoan Government.

Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Richard Marles announced the funding in Apia last Wednesday (December 01, 2010) on his second visit to Samoa.

“I am very pleased to be back in Samoa and especially pleased that I can announce this injection of funding to help civil society groups with their very important work,” Mr Marles said.

“This funding sees the start of a new partnership between the Samoan and Australian Governments with civil society groups in delivering important services to the Samoan people.”

“Through the Samoa - Australia aid program, support for small scale community activities will help groups, churches, schools and non-government organisations to work together to provide services for their communities to help improve the livelihoods of all Samoans.”

Mr Marles said the size of Australia’s contribution to the Civil Society Support Program acknowledges the significant contribution civil society groups make in Samoa.

“Australia’s support to Samoa will help to promote a strong and vibrant civil society. These groups are central to helping Samoa achieve its development goals as they will reinforce community based activities and projects which are already making a difference to the lives of many Samoans,” Mr Marles said.

Mr Marles said his second visit to Samoa since the new Australian Government was formed in September this year further underlines Australia's commitment of friendship with the region.
“My trip to Samoa is an opportunity to advance Australia's objectives of building peace, security and prosperity in our region. It underlines the depth of Australia's pledge to Samoa and our neighbours in the Pacific," Mr Marles said.

Acting Samoan Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa welcomed Mr Marles back to Samoa.

“We are pleased that Australia continues to support Samoa and the Samoan people and Mr Marles’ visit is yet another vote of confidence in Samoa’s Government and the progress of our country,” Fiame said.

‘We don’t take Australia’s support for granted.”

“On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I thank Australia for their additional support for the Civil Society Support Program - this will make a big difference to delivering essential services out in our communities where it is most needed.”

“I also thank Australia again for her ongoing assistance through the aid program, especially the extra help provided for tsunami relief and rebuilding efforts. We will always remember Australia’s quick and generous help during our time of need.”

The Samoan Government will call for applications for project funding under the Civil Society Support Program shortly.

While in Samoa, Mr Marles met with Acting Prime Minister Fiame. He also visited the AusAID-funded Australia Pacific Technical College based at the NUS and dined with hospitality students at Visions restaurant.

Mr Marles first visited Samoa in October this year to meet the Head of State, Prime Minister and members of the Samoan Government. During his visit, he launched Samoa’s Volunteer Emergency response Team (VERTS) with Prime Minister Tuilaepa. Australia gave $1.4 million (A$700,000) to establish the VERTS to help Samoa to better respond to natural disasters and emergencies.

Australia is one of the largest development partners to Samoa, providing $80 million (A$40 million) every year to support activities that help all Samoans. Australia also provided $24 million (A$12 million) for tsunami relief and rebuilding efforts.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Richard Marles.

Photo 2 - Acting Samoan Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa.
 

KIRIBATI: Kiribati shares a powerful message at Cacun
Source: South Pacific Regional Environment Programme Press Release

Kiribati shared a powerful message at the Climate Change talks in Cancun, reminding the world that when it comes to climate change adaptation, a one size fits all solution will not work.

The intervention was made on the Nairobi Work Programme (2005 - 2010) which was designed to help countries improve their understanding and assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change.

The five year programme also had the goal to help with making informed decisions on practical adaptation actions and measures to respond to climate change. It was designed to help all parties, in particular the developing countries including the least developed countries (LDC’s) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

However Kiribati did not agree that the Nairobi Work Programme was well designed and covered all countries.

The Pacific island nation did agree with Argentina in saying the outreach of this was limited and there was a great gap between the engagement of the international community and the lack of awareness of the Nairobi Work Programme amongst the national and sub-national stakeholders.

“We see the need to strengthen existing dissemination channels and communication mechanisms at regional and national levels particularly in LDCs and SIDS. In Kiribati, internet is quite a luxury for web-based medium of communication and access to information. We always have problems with browsing a website or download information for more than 3 minutes.”

The Director of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development for Kiribati, Ms. Tererei AbeteReema also pointed out that while the Nairobi Work Programme empowered countries to make informed decisions for some countries, without funding to trial or test the methodologies and tools Kiribati could not assess their effectiveness or be assured that they were not mal-adaptation options.

As for other options and solutions for adaptation provided by the Nairobi Work Programme, in the case of Kiribati, these were inadequate.

“Kiribati is very interested in any adaptation programme due to its extreme vulnerability to climate change impacts, compounded more by our least capacity and limited means to, respond appropriately.

“For instance, as a coastal nation, we regard the generic adaptation options for the coastal zones with disappointment as it has not identified more options.

“The three options are: retreating, accommodating and protecting.

“Kiribati is unable to retreat because either ways, we will be floating in the sea surrounding us. Relocating is impossible since we do not have higher grounds and in terms of protection, we do not have the means. The only option left for us is accommodation, a middle ground in making changes to cope with climate change impacts and hence, in our view the Nairobi Work Programme advice does not go far enough.”

Kiribati ended with words that will hopefully remain with all during the course of the next two weeks of negotiations, the message that everyone needs to be considered and fully represented when it comes to combating climate change, including the Small Islands Developing States and Least Developed Countries.

“In closing, I would urge that if there is a next phase of the Nairobi Work Programme, the views of the most vulnerable group, SIDS and LDCs are included, representation of the different groups and geophysical aspects are given due consideration, so there is a full suite of options for all countries.”
 

(Photo: Vanuatu Daily Post)

VANUATU: Vanuatu schools receive book donations 
Source: Vanuatu Daily Post

Live and Learn Environment Education, LLEE, has just donated books to dozens of schools in Vanuatu.

Recipients of the NGO’s latest project include schools in Pango, Freshwota, Seaside, Vila North, Survivor College, Onesua, Malopoa, Central, Mele, Ifira, USP, The Public Library, and Vanuatu Teachers College.

Plans are in place for books deliveries at Epi, Tongoa, Santo, Pentecost, Gaua and Tanna and has also delivered preschool resources to the Kinders and childcare centres in Oelan, Freshwota, North Efate, Nguna and Pango.

The Kindergarten project has also been a success with Pango Kindergarten.

Mrs. Leimara Jimmy from the kindergarten said “Education is very important for the children. I rely entirely on donations to provide the children with the resources they need”.

The books were donated through fundraising in the Australian community Albury/Wodonga. Making sure Vanuatu gets as much as possible from the exercise; the shipping container in which the books were delivered, was refitted before leaving Australia.

Ms Carly Godden from LLEE confirmed that once the books had safely arrived in Vanuatu, the container was turned into a learning centre. It is fitted with windows, a door, shelving, desks and a laptop computer. LLEE is now sourcing funding to build a Nutungura shelter over the container in order to create and outdoor classroom.

Environmental Education Officer, Tracey Robinson said the shipment “contained many teachers’ resources, English and math exercise books and educational posters and art supplies”

Live and Learn has managed to deliver most of the donated books but still have many sets of encyclopaedias available. For more information or to request a FREE set of encyclopaedias please contact Tracey Robinson, Environmental Education Officer, at Live and Learn;
Ph: 27448, Fax: 27445 Email: [email protected] Website: www.livelearn.org.
 

(Photo: United Nations Development Programme)

WORLDWIDE: Adaptation starts here
Source: United Nations Development Programme Press Release

By Ajay Chhibber

At the beginning of this year I visited the Ekipe village in Vanuatu to meet with rural women, men and children. UNDP has helped this community to establish regular access to sources of fresh water, helping the villagers to deal with the problem of increased water salinity due to the rising sea levels. Yet climate change is the issue of survival not only in Vanuatu but in all Pacific islands. Their successful adaptation will require investments much larger in scale than one village at a time.

The funding availability will depend on the outcome of international climate change negotiations. Just before the Cancun round, the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Climate Finance has concluded that it will be “challenging but feasible to reach the goal of mobilizing US$100 billion annually for climate actions in developing countries”. According to the same panel, which included globally recognized authorities such as Larry Summers, Nicholas Stern and George Soros, as well as Hon Bob McMullan from Australia, for the small island developing states the funding will come mostly in the form of grants and highly concessional loans.

However, achieving the numerical $$ target is not a panacea, especially if the new funding is to be disbursed through disjointed projects and separate donor channels as had been often the case. Unless well prepared for, the financial influx can add significant strains on national systems of public finance and have little impact on climate change adaptation. For climate finance to be quickly accessed, effectively absorbed and wisely spent, it will be crucial for governments and donors alike to ramp up their policies, budgets and aid systems. Few concrete actions can help to strengthen effectiveness of the climate finance in the Pacific.

First, it is timely that island countries move from the environment-focused to the whole-of-government approach to climate action. If the climate change adaptation were to be fully integrated into national policy agendas as a cross-cutting priority, then national ownership of the climate action would need to expand far beyond environment departments (which are often under-resourced) and involve climate-proofing of all sector policies. The whole-of-government approach will also require much closer coordination between central and line ministries, between national and provincial authorities, and between legislative and executive branches.

Linked to that, the climate finance should be seen as public investment in building climate resilient future of Pacific island countries rather than just an additional funding stream. By associating climate finance with broader development objectives the countries will begin to integrate donor funding with domestic resource mobilization. This will ensure that externally sourced funds help to address and reinforce national priorities and contribute to the integrity and effectiveness of national budgets. Integrated domestic-external sourcing of climate finance is also essential for the sustainability of adaptation related initiatives.

And thirdly, the donors will need to move away from individual projects as a primary instrument of delivering climate finance to the sector-wide and area-based programs. Today a Pacific island government compiles dozens of donor reports every month, receives several donor missions every week and deals with multiple bilateral and multilateral donors every day. All of this is taxing rather than enhancing their absorptive capacities. While some overlap can be reduced through improved coordination within the governments, the donors should consider joint rather than stand alone interventions as default option for channeling climate finance. And as national absorptive capacities increase, further progress towards direct budgetary support will be in order.

All of this would form lengthy agenda for any government, let alone the small national administrations of Pacific island countries. Identifying policy interventions with strong multiplier effect will help. In this regard the region can learn from experiences of other developing countries, several of whom are pooling various aid channels through multi-donor climate funds. In Indonesia and Cambodia, for example, the multi-donor climate funds are enabling the governments to drive the aid effectiveness, to reduce donor overlap and to cut the transaction costs. In both cases UNDP has helped to set up the trust funds and is administering them on interim basis before the appointment of national trustees or transition to direct budgetary support.

The Pacific can offer relevant experiences of its own - such as the Tuvalu Trust Fund, which was established in 1980s with support from New Zealand, United Kingdom and UNDP as an alternative mechanism of delivering untied development aid. This “homegrown” model, as well as the lessons learned with the multi-donor climate funds in Asia, will help to design the Pacific-specific strategies of ramping up national absorptive capacities for climate finance.

We are at the cusp of a new era when dramatic surge in climate finance from public and private sources is likely to transform the international development paradigm. As such, if used wisely the new funding can help the countries to adapt to climate change not only through climate-proof infrastructure and disaster risk reduction, but also by empowering local communities and addressing the needs of most vulnerable groups. Having already placed climate finance on the agenda of the Pacific Forum Leaders and its ministerial groups, the region is well positioned to become a global trend-setter in climate change adaptation. Ultimately, the sharper focus on climate finance effectiveness will help to bring about climate-resilient future and better human development opportunities for villagers in Ekipe and in many other communities spread across the vast Pacific Ocean.

Photo Captions: Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ajay Chhibber.