18 September 2024, Alofi Niue - Niue, a nation with a population of less than 2,000 people, and battered by the impacts of climate change, has taken a critical step to maximise its ability to access climate funding from the Green Climate Fund, and other potential donors to fight climate change, with the launch of three key documents today.
During the Pacific Regional Readiness Cohort Workshop at Matavai Resort, the Government of Niue launched the Niue Strategic Framework and Country Programme (SFCP), Niue’s Readiness Needs Assessment as well as Niue’s Standard Operating Procedure. Authored by the Greenwerk Team, Ms Gaylene Tasmania, Niue’s Deputy Secretary to Government, said the documents are a culmination of contributions from different stakeholders, donor and development partners – and voices from the community.
“It’s not the size of the country that matters, it’s the population that keeps the country moving forward,” Ms Tasmania said during the launch attended by delegates from eight Pacific countries, and the Maldives. “The standards don’t change for a small island nation but the required effort is amplified ten times over.”
Niue is the world’s 177th largest emitter with a total share of zero greenhouse gas emissions, yet like all Pacific Islands nations, Niue is amongst the most vulnerable in the world to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea level poses a massive threat to Niue's underground freshwater supplies. Climate change also threatens food security and its marine life, a resource the country depends upon to sustain its people and their way of life.
This week, as part of its climate change response, Niue is taking the lead to build a community of practice for National Designated Authorities (NDAs) from Pacific countries to share, learn from each other and build confidence to strengthen engagement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and accredited entities for climate action.
The documents launched today are critical pieces of Niue’s climate change response, through the GCF Readiness work.
Niue Strategic Framework and Country Programme (SFCP), will guide and inform stakeholders on the country’s priorities and needs to realise climate change ambitions. The SFCP reflects Niue’s National Strategic Plan and Joint National Adaptation Plan.
Niue’s Readiness Needs Assessment will inform funding for the next four years, 2024 to 2027. It will leverage the resources of the GCF’s Readiness Programme, and assist government ministries to improve the quality and timelines of future readiness proposals and therefore expedite support for the implementation of the Country Programme.
Niue’s Standard Operating Procedure will improve the effectiveness of Niue‘s internal processes to support project implementation. It is a comprehensive guide delineating the protocols, responsibilities, and mechanisms governing the operations of Niue’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF as well as a navigational compass for all involved entities, ensuring coherence, adherence, and efficiency in implementing climate projects and managing funds effectively.
“Combined, these documents provide the pathway to maximise Niue’s ability to garner support and assistance from the GCF. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge some key partners who journeyed with us. I would like to thank our delivery partner, SPREP, as well as the team at the GCF. Fakaue lahi mahaki,” said Ms Tasmania.
“Whilst we are always grateful for the support and assistance from our partners outside of Niue, it’s the commitment, dedication and passion of the local staff that makes the biggest difference. So thank you Director Felicia, your team at the PMCU, especially to Annmarie and Joanne, who are Niue’s Readiness Team. Thank you for progressing this work on behalf of the people and Government of Niue.”
SPREP, as an accredited entity to the Green Climate Fund, has been delivery partner for the Government of Niue’s two GCF Readiness projects from 2018 to present. Both projects have been aspirational building blocks towards establishing and strengthening Niue’s NDA systems and processes, raising awareness and building capacity of key stakeholders to participate in national climate finance activities and progressing actions for addressing climate needs.
The Pacific Regional Readiness Cohort Workshop is being attended by delegates from the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and the Maldives.
The Prime Minister of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, opened the meeting on Monday night.