Goal 4: Crisis prevention and recovery

Service lines

2.1 Policy support for democratic governance

Mitigating the negative impacts of natural disasters and climate change is of major concern for small and isolated low-lying atolls in the Pacific Region such as Tokelau. Winds, heavy rains, flooding, and storm surges brought on by tropical cyclones are some of the most destructive and life-threatening forces that habitants face on an annual basis. Unfortunately, these small islands remain inadequately prepared to cope with such events at both the national and community levels.

The Strengthening Disaster Management and Preparedness (SDMP) project will provide assistance to Tokelau in the preparation of its natural disaster management strategy and plan, including local capacity building at all levels. Additional resources have also been approved by UNDP / Bureau of Crisis Prevention and Recovery for Tokelau to strengthen its seawall structures as a mitigatory action against the destructive forces of storm surges during cyclones.

Funding for Niue is also in the pipeline for strengthening national planning and coordination for natural disaster reduction following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Heta in January 2004.

Links

ICT damage assesment and recovery plan after cyclone Heta in Niue

Assesment of the impacts of cyclone Heta on the Terrestrial Biodiversity of Niue