Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction in the North-Pacific Small Island Developing States

The North-Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) - Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Kiribati - face significant climate and disaster risk exposure due to their limited technical capacity. To address this challenge, the UN Multi-Country Office for Micronesia (UN MCO) initiated a regional disaster risk reduction (DRR) technical-assistance programme in collaboration with UNDRR and UNDP. The programme employed participatory workshops, qualitative risk mapping, and a shared governance framework to blend traditional ecological knowledge with modern methods, aligning with Sendai Framework Priorities 1 & 2.

Key Takeaways:

• The regional DRR framework was adopted, and an inter-island steering group meets twice yearly to ensure coordinated efforts.
• Capacity was built among 60+ officials, who were trained in risk assessment, contingency planning, and early-warning design.
• Knowledge exchange occurred between traditional practices and hazard mapping for all five SIDS, documenting traditional practices and pairing them with scientific analysis.
• Cost efficiency was achieved through pooled workshops, procurement, and M&E, which lowered travel and admin costs.
• A financing pathway was established, with engagement begun with the Pacific Resilience Facility and other donors for phase II funding.
• Regional collaboration magnified UN technical support through mutual learning and lower overheads.
• Integrating traditional knowledge with modern tools strengthened community acceptance and policy relevance.
• Sustainable finance is essential, and strong institutional links and human-resource development underpin long-term resilience.
• A regional lens fosters constructive peer pressure, accelerating national DRR commitments.

Statistics:

• 60+ officials were trained in risk assessment, contingency planning, and early-warning design.
• 5 SIDS were involved in the regional DRR technical-assistance programme.
• The programmeReduced travel and admin costs through pooled workshops, procurement, and M&E.
• The Pacific Resilience Facility and other donors were engaged for phase II funding.

Sources:

• UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
• UN Multi-Country Office for Micronesia (UN MCO)
• UNDRR Focal Points Group
• Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
• Pacific Community (SPC)
• Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF)
• Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
• Governments of Australia, Ireland, and Japan
• Global Green Growth Institute