Climate change is an immediate and pressing reality in the Republic of Nauru. The geography, isolation, environmental degradation and limited natural resources make Nauru particularly vulnerable to the current and increasing impacts of climate change, and without the implementation of effective adaptation efforts, the island is facing an existential threat from these impacts. Addressing climate change in conjunction with sustainable development efforts is key to building strong climate change resilience and improving the quality of life for all Nauruans.

Adaptation has been an important part of the national dialogue over the last two decades, evidenced by the strong emphasis placed on adaptation in Nauru’s first and second national communications to the UNFCCC in 2001 and 2015 respectively. Additionally, adaptation is the primary focus of Nauru’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (iNDC), published in 2015. The iNDC states “Nauru is keen to improve its resilience which has been severely compromised by nearly a century of intensive phosphate mining”, highlighting one of the specific challenges Nauru faces when planning climate change adaptation approaches.

To address the challenges faced by Nauru, this proposal outlines a phased approach to streamline adaptation efforts and develop a robust national adaptation planning process. This proposal aligns closely with Nauru’s National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) 2005 – 2025 (revised in 2019) and builds on The Republic of Nauru Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Framework (RONAdapt). The RONAdapt will be reviewed and updated during the project to become Nauru’s National Adaptation Plan document.

This proposal addresses the four high level outcomes for adaptation planning set out by the GCF Readiness Guidebook:

• Adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination strengthened
• Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact
• Private sector engagement catalysed
• Adaptation finance increased.