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All nations, including Fiji, that are signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are obliged to provide National Communications to the Conference of Parties (COP) of the UNFCCC. The COP4 stressed the need for parties to the Convention to take into account the need for establishing implementation strategies for adaptation to climate and sea-level changes. As. such, Fiji is required to submit a National Communication document that shall include information on climate change vulnerability and adaptation implementation policies and strategies.

Tuvalu, whose territory is in peril of sinking beneath the waves as sea levels rise because of global warming, recently made the news with its decision to sue corporations in the United States and Australia that produce greenhouse gases, the cause of global warming. The litigation would seek damages and demand implementation of proper countermeasures.

While it is anticipated that most nations will ultimately suffer adverse consequences from climate change,1 small island states may face the most dire and immediate consequences. A previous piece by this author focused on the socioeconomic and cultural ramifications of climate change on Pacific Island Developing Countries (PIDCs).2 This article will examine the possible impacts of climate change on the ecosystems of PIDCs. In this pursuit, I will: first, provide a brief overview of PIDCS, second, outline present assessments of climate trends, both globally and regionally, that may have an impact on PIDCS, third, assess some of the potential ecosystem impacts of climate change on islands in the Pacific region, and finally, assess the possible role of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change in ameliorating these impacts.

Under the provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the signatory countries to the Convention are obligated to make periodic National Communications to the Conference of the Parties. Part of National Communications involves reporting on the country’s vulnerability and capacity to adapt to possible changes in climate. International funding mechanisms, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), serve to financially support developing countries in building the capacity to enable them to conduct assessments of climate change vulnerability and adaptation (V&A) assessments as a basis for National Communications.

The coral reefs of Vanuatu contribute to rural incomes, nutrition, shoreline protection and, more importantly, self reliance for the people of Vanuatu. The total area of shallow water benthic coral communities is relatively small, approximately 408 square kilometres out of a combined land area of 12,190 square kilometres. Although there are many reefs of exceptional beauty in good health, a nation-wide survey in 1988 and more recent reports from coastal communities suggest there ar e signs of a decline in the abundance of key species and coral reef habitats. Sedimentation and eutrophication of the reefs are of primary concern in the urban areas as are climate change impacts and associated increases in sea surface temperatures. In geologic time and even during the last 50 years, periodic tectonic uplift and subsidence of islands have been catastrophic to Vanuatu's coral reefs and seagrasses when they were left permanently exposed to air

Tuvalu's location, small size and remoteness makes it a nation extremely vulnerable to climatic events and human impacts. In recent years, the country has seen the emergence of problems with drought and habitat damage. Although the overall climate is tropical-marine with a mean annual rainfall of 3000 mm at the capital of Funafuti, other islands in the group are experiencing periods of drought, particularly in the north. Problems with drought occur not only because of a lack of rain, but also because of the nature of the coral rubble and sand soils, the complete lack of surface water storage (no rivers, dams or lakes) and the very limited reserves of largely brackish groundwater.

While the Republic of Palau, with over 2,000 mm of rainfall annually, is not subject to desertification, we have felt the effects of global climate change, and of land degradation due to human activities. Two effects of climate change are of particular concern to Palau: drought due to the El Nino/ENSO phenomenon; and sea level rise. The Republic of Palau is additionally threatened with land degradation due to road building, agricultural expansion, and various other land-clearing and forest cutting activities. Economic development needs to be undertaken in a manner, which will not reduce the ability of future generations of Palauans to benefit from Palau's rich natural resources.

The main objective of the sixth RMSD, is to review and consider the draft Strategic Action Plan for the Development of Meteorology in the Pacific region (SDMP) prepared by die SPREP Secretariat.