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PACRES aims to improve regional, national adaptation and mitigation solutions to climate change concerns faces in 15 Pacific ACP countries.

This brochure highlights the central role the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) plays in the sustainable management of our oceans. Outside the ocean science community many people are unaware of the critical services the IOC provides from coordinating the global tsunami warning system, to supporting greater understanding of climate change, and sharing data on all marine life from bacteria to whales.

Nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) is an introduced low-value freshwater fish in the Pacific which can easily adapt to a wide variety of breeding environments. However, this fresh water fish has limited scope for consumption in the fresh form in Pacific Island countries like Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Tilapia could be used to alleviate food security issues in light of the increasing fishing pressure and climate change threats

As experience with both disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) grows, there is increasing recognition that these two fields share a common focus: reducing the vulnerability of communities and contributing to sustainable development. The high level of climate-related risks in the Pacific, make DRR and CCA key policy goals. The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of the current level of integration of DRR and CCA in the region, with an emphasis on the policy and institutional environment. The report outlines some of the barriers to integration and makes recommendations on how they can be addressed. The analysis presented includes seven Pacific island countries (Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu), however, a more detailed analysis was undertaken of only four of those countries (the Cook Islands, Fiji, Palau and Vanuatu).

Marine pollution is widely recognised as one of the four major threats to the world’s oceans, along with climate change, habitat destruction and over-exploitation of living marine resources. Spills of oil and other chemicals into the marine environment, both from ships and land-based sources, is a significant source of pollution. In a region sometimes called ‘Oceania’, the health of the ocean is fundamental to the sustainability of all aspects of Pacific island life. The importance of coastal and marine environments to every aspect of the lives of Pacific islanders cannot be overstated, and the impacts of marine spills constitute a major concern for Pacific island peoples. Because of a lack of major land-barriers throughout the Pacific, combined with a complex pattern of trans-oceanic currents, the Pacific Ocean is perhaps the most highly connected and continuous ocean, in terms of water movement, on the planet. This compounds the seriousness of marine pollution for the region. Events in one area can have implications for other areas, as pollutants and contaminants are carried from their sources by ocean movements.

This report is a case study which outlines current activities being undertaken in the region on adaptation. The report includes basic outlines of national priorities, activities implemented or planned in response, challenges and constraints, and successes and lessons learned.

Climate ExChange is a fully illustrated 250-page book with over 100 authors relating their work in weather, climate and water services at international, regional, national and local levels. The commentaries draw upon experiences around the world reflecting how people are using climate information to improve their lives. Climate ExChange reflects the progress and challenges in these fields, highlighting good practices in a wide variety of societies and disciplines.