1. COOK ISLANDS CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY PASHA CARRUTHERS RESEARCH & TECHNICAL OFFICER CI ENVIRONMENT SERVICE NOVEMBER 27 2003

2. Overview Background on climate change activities in the Cook Islands Key issues, community level activities vs national level Priorities Suggestions

3. Provided technical assistance, training University of the South Pacific Provided technical assistance, training University of the South Pacific Aimed Assist countries to meet their obligations under the Convention (National Reporting) Aimed Assist countries to meet their obligations under the Convention (National Reporting) 3 Island Specific V&A Assessments 3 Island Specific V&A Assessments Proposals  3 pilot projects Proposals  3 pilot projects PICCAP - Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme: Cook Islands 1997 – 2001 GEF UNDP SPREP

4. Pilot Projects 1) CBDAMPIC Capacity Building to Enable the Development of Adaptation Measures in Pacific Island Countries Formation of Aitutaki Climate Change Community Team Training workshop for a core group of village based facilitators Community Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment through problem/solution identification in villages Project proposal development & implementation with assistance of CIDA, awareness raising, mainstreaming of climate change WATER RESOURCES ADAPTATION OPTION –Household Drinking Water Tanks

5. Pilot Projects 2 ) Assessment of Impacts and Adaptations to Climate Change AIACC Research based project Modelling of Coastal Inundation on Aitutaki with Storm Surge & Climate Change Training of CI Nationals in use of model for policy & adaptation planning Rapidly developing tourism Experiencing erosion Storm surge risks Risks to water supply

6. Pilot Projects 3) Asia Development Bank Climate Adaptation in the Pacific (CLIMAP) Technical Assistance, not implementation Mainstreaming (Ministry of Works), Liason Team 3 Case Studies – Avatiu Breakwater, Permits and Building controls for wetland area, National Strategic Plan (WSSD, BPOA)

7. Priorities Coordination – bringing TAR info to UNCCCC process in more detail Clearer guidelines, optional checklists of possible methods to integrate climate change into sectoral and sustainable development plans Access to national & international technical expertise & appropriate technology transfer Cost Benefit Analysis Improve results obtained from simple methods, interview skills, checklists Reporting Important Risk Management and coping ability Integrated management plans Implementation through policy, National Implementation Strategy Public & Education Awareness Continued lobbying for mitigation and adaptation assistance

8. Conclusion