Tuvalu
Summary of the GCCA+ SUPA project in Tuvalu
The ‘Strengthening water security in Tuvalu’ project has expanded previous water security interventions to establish effective backup water supply and access for households, schools, government facilities and the wider communities of Funafuti. A number of technical trainings were provided in areas of desalination operations and maintenance, water management and maintenance of water harvesting systems to the Public Works Department (PWD) staff, local technicians, teachers and students of Fetuvalu High School, Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Primary and pre-schools in Funafuti.
The project used a consultative and people centred approach to (i) prepare a methodology for impact analysis (iA) of past projects and share it with participants from Tuvalu; and (ii) address water security in Funafuti and the outer islands of Tuvalu.
Project Focus: Water Sector
Direct benefit: 6,716 persons
Indirect benefit: 3,929 persons
- Geographic coordinates: Lat. 5° – 11°S, Long. 176°- 180°E
- Total land area 26 km²
- Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) 757,000 km²
- Population (2019 estimate) 11,646
- Temperatures have warmed and will continue to warm with more very hot days in the future.
- Rainfall shows no clear trend since 1927. Projections of annual rainfall are unclear, with models indicating little change. Wet and dry years will still occur as a result of natural variability. Extreme rainfall events are projected to become more frequent and more intense. Drought frequency is projected to decrease by the end of the century.
- Ocean acidification has been increasing in Tuvalu’s waters. It will continue to increase and threaten coral reef ecosystems.
- Sea level near Tuvalu has risen and will continue to rise throughout this century.
- December to March wave heights and periods are projected to decrease slightly
Source: BOM, CSIRO, 2014, Climate Variability, Extremes and Change in the Western Tropical Pacific: New Science and Updated Country Reports
How does this project address climate change adaptation in Tuvalu?
Water scarcity is a major issue in Tuvalu with the issue intensifying severely in dry seasons and droughts. This situation is exacerbated as a result of climate change and variability. The primary water source is from rainwater catchment systems and groundwater is classified non-potable in most islands due to high salinity levels and pollution. In Funafuti, the demand for freshwater is close to reaching the estimated sustainable yields for freshwater supply. Improving water security is a high priority for the Government of Tuvalu.
The SUPA project scaled up the following water security measures:
- Conducted assessments of existing desalination plants with regards to capacity, operations, maintenance and costs.
- Installed a portable, solar powered 20m³/day desalination plant in Funafuti.
- Delivered specialized training in desalination plant installation, operations and maintenance to the Public Works Department engineers.
- Refurbished existing water systems and installed new ones at Fetuvalu Secondary School and SDA Primary School.
- Provided construction and plumbing materials for handwashing facilities for two selected preschools in Funafuti.
- Increased capacity in water management and water systems maintenance.
- Improved water supply and delivery through the provision of two 10,000L water trucks to PWD.
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Key Highlights
- Conducted assessments of existing desalination plants with regards to capacity, operations, maintenance and costs.
- Installed a portable, solar powered 20m³/day desalination plant in Funafuti.
- Delivered specialized training in desalination plant installation, operations and maintenance to the Public Works Department engineers.
- Refurbished existing water systems and installed new ones at Fetuvalu Secondary School and SDA Primary School.
- Provided construction and plumbing materials for handwashing facilities for two selected preschools in Funafuti.
- Increased capacity in water management and water systems maintenance.
- Improved water supply and delivery through the provision of two 10,000L water trucks to PWD.
- Conducted a needs analysis and raised awareness about climate resilience for local area stakeholders.
- Increased the capacity of community leaders and island council members in climate resilience through accredited training.
- Integrated climate change and disaster risk into local area sustainable development plans.
Activities meet the following SDGs:
Resources
Enhancing water security