Ģ����ý

This report draws on discussions held during the Sea’ties workshop “Adapting coastal cities and territories to sea level rise in the Pacific”, held on July 10-12, 2023, in Nadi, Fiji, complemented by 12 individual interviews. Pacific cities and territories need ambitious, innovative strategies that strengthen regional cooperation and focus on long-term solutions integrating socio-economic priorities. Effective adaptation can mitigate sea-level rise (SLR) impacts while promoting sustainable development and well-being.

The key messages of this report, include:

1. Substantial investment is needed across multiple research areas to improve understanding of ocean and coastal dynamics at regional and local levels and available adaptation responses. This involves increased support for training researchers in the region, greater recognition of their work, and enhanced funding for locally driven projects. Meanwhile, cross-training between local and international experts is important to devise effective Pacific-based adaptation.
2. Locally led adaptation is more likely to deliver long-term and no-regrets strategies. This approach can be in line with traditional practices and systems, such as land tenure systems, and can be better supported by the population. It entails the attribution of decisional power and resource management to local authorities while external agencies and government authorities play supporting and empowering roles.
3. Dynamic and adaptive strategies facilitate the implementation of adaptation measures across space and time to address urgent needs with immediate and transitional measures and longer-term needs with transformative solutions.