Project

While Pacific Island Countries contribute little to global greenhouse gas emissions, they are among the most vulnerable to climate change, which is increasing the intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones, droughts and floods, as well as slow-onset disasters such as sea level rise, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion. In particular, climate change will drastically reduce their access to freshwater, which is already a critical challenge.

This project aims to secure freshwater resources in Vanuatu, an archipelagic country of 80+ islands located in the South Pacific. Specifically, it aims to:

• develop appropriate water resource assessment methodologies for Pacific islands, and
• design and implement context-specific adaptation strategies to ensure water resource sustainability.

This 3-year research will focus on two representative groups of islands. First, small, low-lying coral islands, where populations rely on rainwater tanks or groundwater lenses located above saltwater, and which are highly sensitive to climate change and sea level rise. Second, large, high-raised volcanic islands with both stream and groundwater resources, where most of the country’s population lives in urbanized areas.

The interdisciplinary and trans-sectoral approach focuses on the integration of natural sciences and social sciences. The research team, composed of researchers from Vanuatu, Canada, Switzerland and Germany, will conduct regional climate model projections, followed by hydrogeochemical investigations and hydrological modeling to assess water resources and test adaptation measures, such as, artificial recharge. Adaptation strategies will be based on local and indigenous knowledge. Implementation and monitoring of solutions will be proposed in a participatory manner, following traditional management practices.