Contacts:
In Sydney: Elisabeth Mealey (61-2) 9235-6551 emealey@worldbank.org In Washington: Melissa Fossberg 202 458 4145 mfossberg@worldbank.org WASHINGTON, June 1, 2006— The World Bank Board of Directors announced a Global Environment Facility Trust Fund Grant to the Government of the Republic of Kiribati today for $1.8 million to help the isolated island nation adapt to further climate change. The second phase of the Kiribati Adaptation Program aims to identify and demonstrate climate-related problems and to design cost-effective adaptation solutions. In addition, it will continue to integrate climate risk awareness and responsiveness into economic and operational planning. The KAP-II project will be co-financed with the Australian Agency for International Development ($1.49 million), and the New Zealand Agency for International Development ($ 0.97 million), while the European Union will provide parallel financing (EURO 2 million). The Republic of Kiribati is one of the most isolated countries in the world and one of the most vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. Most of the land is less than three meters above sea level and on average only a few hundred meters wide, making escape from a disaster almost impossible. The islands are exposed to periodic storm surges and to droughts and are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to high population concentration, accelerated coastal development, and environmental degradation. With a rapidly rising population of almost 98,000 (2004 est.), Kiribati’s fragile environment faces even greater challenges. The country has one of the highest poverty rates in the Pacific and relies primarily on the rich fishing grounds that surround its 33 low-lying atoll islands for much of its income. “This project will help Kiribati to factor in environmental risks when planning projects, said Zhu Xian, World Bank Country Director for Timor-Leste, PNG and Pacific Islands. “This initiative will assist the country with its immediate and long-term development as it adapts to increasing environmental and climate change risks.” The project has five components including: 1) policy, planning, and information; 2) reducing the vulnerability of the coastline including key public infrastructure and ecosystems; 3) the development and management of freshwater resources; 4) providing technical assistance to build capacity at the island and community level; and 5) project management. The World Bank has been involved in Kiribati since 1999, when it funded a major study on vulnerability and adaptation for the Regional Economic Report 2000. Since that review, adaptation and risk management have been among the key pillars of the World Bank program in the Pacific, with support to five country- level projects and regional strategic assistance. -###- To learn more about the project please visit the project web site. For more about the World Bank’s efforts in the Pacific please visit the web site. |
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