Projected climate change effects in Vanuatu such as more intense cyclones, more extreme rainfall events, changes in ENSO oscillation, increased air temperature and sea level rise, will result in additional impacts on water systems through, for instance, seawater intrusion, physical damage and additional bacterial contamination. Rural communities are particularly vulnerable to such impacts. With GCF support, this project will achieve a paradigm shift towards climate resilient water security for rural communities across Vanuatu, by enhancing community-based planning and adaptation for climate-resilient water management, developing climate-resilient rural water infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment at provincial and national level to better address climate risks associated with water security.
The project has initially been submitted as a concept note to the GCF in May 2019 and was approved by the GCF Climate Investment Committee on 3 September 2020. The PPF support from GCF is needed to conduct the following activities, which will help identify and assess existing conditions, gather available information and fill information gaps to develop an accurate full funding proposal: (i) a technical study to improve the climate rationale and assess vulnerability of target areas to justify interventions; (ii) a stakeholder consultation; (iii) a review of water management planning and implementation in rural communities from a climate resilience perspective; (iv) a feasibility study including a cost-benefit analysis of potential adaptation options; (v) an environmental and social impact assessment and management plan; (iv) a gender assessment and action plan; (vi) a stakeholder engagement plan; (vii) an assessment of project risks and mitigation actions; (viii) the development of the project’s logical framework with associated indicators, (ix) a procurement plan, detailed project budget and financial report; and (x) required coordination, synthesis and analysis to develop the full funding proposal.
The results of these activities will be included in the final proposal which will then be sent to the GCF Board for final approval by the end of 2021.