Pacific climate change roundtable 2009

Adaptation to climate change will be at the forefront of discussions at this year’s Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR). The Roundtable, coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), is the main means for enabling a coordinated approach to carrying out the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change (PIFACC).

PIFACC was adopted by Pacific Leaders in 2005 with a view to address the issues of climate change in the integrated, multi-stakeholder approach that it requires. PIFACC emphasises that a strategic programmatic approach is required rather than an increase in stand-alone project initiatives.

The October meeting will cover a range of issues including funding opportunities; development of new projects and initiatives; ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation; and mainstreaming of climate change considerations into national development planning.

A particular focus of the proceedings will be the development of a framework for monitoring climate change activities in the region. Such a system will help to improve coordination of the many climate change initiatives and projects being carried out throughout the islands.

Several side events are also planned to provide additional information on specific strategy and policy issues. In addition, a two-day meeting to prepare Pacific negotiators attending the Convention of Parties to the United Nations Framework for Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP) will be held directly after the PCCR.