The Green Climate Fund, with Conservation International Foundation, has approved $156.8 million to help protect tuna-dependent Pacific Island Countries (PICs) against the impacts of climate change.
Many PICS are dependent on tuna, not only for residents’ protein and locals’ livelihoods but also because government revenue relies on tuna fishing access fees that fund health, education, disaster preparedness, and post-disaster recovery programs. Up to 70% of government revenue in nine of the 14 islands comes from tuna.
Ocean warming is degrading these islands coral reef habitats, reducing the amount of reef fish available for people’s food security. It’s also driving the redistribution of tuna stocks towards the high seas, which means global fishers will no longer need to pay the fishing access fees, and the islands’ revenues will be significantly undermined. Severe economic losses are projected by 2050.
The Green Climate Fund project aims to enhance resilience in these islands through a multi-pronged plan. The organization aims to enhance access to tuna for coastal and urban communities; strengthen national fisheries systems; and improve forecasting. The group will create an early warning system that lets the islands know how climate impacts are affecting tuna migratory patterns so they can manage tuna redistribution effectively.
Key activities will include technical support for Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) deployment, fisher training, post-harvest improvement; policy development, improved handling, and market opportunities.
This projectcovers 14 PICS and is estimated to impact the lives of 3.3 million people. With women’s participation actively promoted, this inclusive approach ensures adaptation measures will align with local needs and traditional practices.
