At the concluding workshop of the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Project (PACC) on Cost Benefit Analysis (CBAs), the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Niue, Palau, Tuvalu, Samoa and Solomon Islands presented key findings and shared experiences based on their CBAs, including strengths, challenges and opportunities.
Participants identified lack of sufficient local data as a major challenge in the process.
1 November 2012: Seven Pacific islands delivered the outcomes of their Cost Benefit Analyses (CBAs), during the conclusion workshop of the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Project (PACC). The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) began the series of trainings in November 2011, to support countries in conducting CBAs and thereby improve the selection and design of adaptation projects.
The conclusion workshop took place in Apia, Samoa, from 30 October- 2 November 2012. The Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Niue, Palau, Tuvalu, Samoa and Solomon Islands presented key findings and shared experiences based on their CBAs, including strengths, challenges and opportunities.
On strengths, countries noted technical assistance, capacity development and identification of gaps. Solomon Islands highlighted the technical assistance provided to Government offices, including those overseeing PACC projects.
On challenges, countries noted shortage of available local data, limited capacity, and limited time and availability of human resources. Samoa noted that more scientific studies were needed to inform the CBA.
On opportunities, countries identified improved collection of local data, more training opportunities, use of local partners and conducting the CBA prior to project implementation. Tuvalu said training is needed for Government economists conducting the CBA, and cited the need to improve data collection and storage in country.
Participants also discussed communication tools, including the best ways to communicate CBAs to decision makers: PowerPoint presentations, briefings, and cabinet submissions.
The workshop was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Government of Australia, and implemented through the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and SPREP under the PACC Project, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Pacific Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning Project.
PACC is a regional project in 14 Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs) to help build capacity to adapt to climate change in the areas of Coastal Zone Management, Food Production and Food Security and Water Resource Management. [SPREP Press Release]