Foreign Minister Winston Peters wrapped up his latest Pacific Mission In Tuvalu on Thursday announcing several initiatives to assist the island nation.
Contributions will be made to support climate change initiatives, digital connectivity and its fisheries sector.
Together with Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, Peters confirmed that New Zealand will contribute NZ$6.15 million to the next phase of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP).
“Tuvalu is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change,” Peters says.
“This vulnerability is due to sea level rise, storm surges, and extreme weather events — such as cyclones and drought — all of which threaten the future of Tuvalu.”
The TCAP initiative will help Tuvalu be better prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change through strengthened coastal defences, and an increased capacity and capability for resilient coastal management.
“Climate change cooperation is one of the main pillars of New Zealand’s relationship with Tuvalu,” Watts says.
“As the impacts of climate change intensify, New Zealand is committed to supporting Tuvalu to progress its long-term resilience priorities.”
In terms of digital connectivity and resilience, New Zealand has pledged continued support for this vital piece of infrastructure.
“Tuvalu is one of the most remote countries in the world, and New Zealand working alongside other development partners to help address Tuvalu’s digital divide,” Peters says.
“We are therefore pleased to reaffirm while in Tuvalu the $8.2 million contribution to the Pacific Connect Cable announced during my visit to the United States in April.
“The newly elected Government of Tuvalu has prioritised digital connectivity as key enabler in unlocking greater economic and social opportunities for the people of Tuvalu.
And finally New Zealand will contribute NZ$1.5 million towards the cost of repairing one of Tuvalu’s inter-island passenger ferries and of two of its fisheries vessels.
“As a low-lying archipelago, Tuvalu relies on inter-island connectivity for its economic, food, and water security,” Mr Peters says.
New Zealand is a long-term supporter of Tuvalu’s fisheries sector, which generates approximately 60 percent of Tuvalu’s GDP and is a cornerstone of the Tuvalu economy.
The Foreign Minister confirmed New Zealand’s support during a visit to the Maritime Port and Fisheries Department.
