The people and government of Tuvalu have celebrated a significant advancement in their climate resilience efforts with the successful completion of 8 hectares of reclaimed land as part of the second phase of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP). This US$17.5 million initiative, funded by Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, and implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has developed elevated land on Fogafale, the largest and most populated islet in Funafuti, designed to remain above projected sea levels even beyond 2100.
At the completion ceremony, Prime Minister Feleti Teo expressed his strong commitment to safeguarding the nation’s communities and way of life against the encroaching threat of rising seas. He noted that this project exemplifies effective leadership and collaboration, stating, “The new land will provide safe ground for homes, schools, and essential infrastructure, guided by a community-designed land use plan that places people and ecosystems at the center of development.”
Munkhtuya Altangerel, the UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative, praised the tenacity of Tuvalu’s government and its people. She remarked, “This milestone is a testament to Tuvalu’s determination to chart its path toward climate resilience and sustainable development.” Altangerel highlighted that the completed project offers both hope and a physical manifestation of protection against climate threats.
Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu, David Charlton, reinforced a regional commitment by stating that Australia has invested over $38 million in various projects in Tuvalu, emphasizing not only support for the current generation but also for future ones. Similarly, Belinda Malaefou from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressed her support for ongoing partnerships aimed at maximizing impact for Tuvaluans.
Dirk Wagener, the UN Resident Coordinator for the Pacific, added that while the successful mobilization of resources for TCAP is a great milestone, further efforts are required. He stressed the need for continued collaboration and investment to ensure the nation’s adaptation journey is sustainable and nationally owned.
The TCAP not only addresses immediate threats from climate change but also reinforces national systems for land management and policy development, promoting a sustainable long-term approach to adaptation. Additionally, planning is already underway for TCAP 1B, which will focus on further coastal protection along Fogafale’s northern shoreline and integrate lessons learned from previous phases.
The successful land reclamation marks a hopeful step forward for Tuvalu, showcasing proactive measures that can serve as a model for other vulnerable nations facing similar climate challenges. With a shared vision and commitment from international partners, Tuvalu continues to advance its resilience against the inevitable impacts of climate change.