Monitoring of the effects of climate change has to continue to include locals to ensure that there is accuracy and efficiency in the data collected.
Gaelle Faivre, a research fellow from Griffith University currently involved in the Pacific EcoAdapt project in Vanuatu says for a project to be successful, local expertise needs to be a priority.
“Data collection should always involve local residents to build local capacity and knowledge, but also to support care and protection of any measurement equipment. The development of fine numerical models to understand the local processes where possible and develop strategy of adaptation and the enhancement and protection of natural defenses to reduce coastal risks.”
In a presentation at the Global Development Conference (GDC) 2024 currently underway at the University of the South Pacific, Faivre outlined some of the major issues affecting Pacific Island countries.
“Poor existing data, with the global data often being too coarse and the issues around the difficulties surrounding the collection of them which include the transportation of material and laboratory processes.”
“Storm surges lead to life-threatening severe erosion and flooding. Extreme wave events, the sea level rise impacts erosion. Problems also around wastewater discharge and other climate change impacts.”
The GDC is the flagship event of the Global Development Network and is held in different regions with a different theme every year. The conference hosts high-level, inclusive, evidence-based debates on current development challenges and priorities amongst other issues.
Photo: Participants at the GDC 2024 / PC: GDC 2024 Secretariat.
