Authors
Viliamu Iese, Hilda Waqa-Sakiti, Tuiloma Susana Tauaa, Ratu Tevita Rarokolutu, Velonika Falaniko, Edward Challies, Soane Patolo, Ana ‘Ake, Jason Titifanue, Sarah Pene, Luisa Young, Jasha Dehm, Noella Dorevella, Salote Nasalo, Metuisela Gauna, Eliki Drugunalevu and Nasoni Roko
Abstract
Climate change and water security are inseparable issues in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). The impacts of climate change on the availability, equitable accessibility, and good quality of water for people and the environment cannot be overstated. Availability of good quality water (for drinking, cooking and other household purposes) is very limited in many PICTs and they are amongst the most precious local resources. Needless to say, water connects and sustains the lives of people and the environment. Through eight case studies, we demonstrate in this chapter the diversity of impacts of climate change on high islands and atoll countries across the PICTs. We also demonstrate the challenges of one a dimensional- top-down approaches of trying to address a multi-sectoral, complex issue as water security in PICTs. Most importantly, we demonstrate some workable examples of the ‘marriage’ between the integration and recognition of local traditional knowledge systems, relationships, structures, and processes to improve water security for the people and environment and building the resilience of local water sources against climatic and non-climatic stressors. Finally, is the need to learn from the successes of the ‘meet in the middle’ (integration of the community based and national governments approaches), and reflect them more in water security policies, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in PICTs.
Rights
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