News facts
As part of the NAP Expo 2019, the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) showcased two examples of how climate technologies are being utilized to support National Adaptation Plan (NAP) implementation in coastal zones.
“Through country focal points and skilled Network Members, the CTCN is helping to ensure that coastal areas are protected from current and future climate threats”, said Jaime Webbe, the CTCN Regional Manager for Asia-Pacific.
In Antigua and Barbuda, CTCN responded when a category 5 hurricane collapsed roofs, destroyed walls, and cut water and electricity for hospitals, fire stations, schools and other municipal buildings.
“We are now experiencing more intense tropical storms and hurricanes, more frequent and intense droughts, rising air temperatures, decreased annual rainfall, and extended dry periods. These events more than ever brought to our attention that we just had to plan better and prepare better for future risks”, said Ezra Christopher, Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant with the Department of Environment within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment in Antigua and Barbuda.
For example, the Bendals Health clinic, in a flood prone area, was hit particularly hard. CTCN brought together UN Environment with St. Lucia-based Network member, Engineering Construction and Management Consulting Limited (ECMC Ltd.) to work with the Ministry of Health and Environment. Together, they developed a comprehensive strategy to adapt the facilities of existing public utilities to maintain structural, electrical and water supply integrity under various disaster scenarios. The experts prepared work packages consisting of site plans, diagrams, and cost estimates for retrofitting 34 key public buildings.
"Developing a database of typical adaptation interventions is a necessary tool for technical guidance notes on climate impact solutions", noticed Egbert Louis, Managing Consultant from ECMC Ltd.
The results of this technical assistance in Antigua and Barbuda have led to the development of a concept note for Green Climate Fund reconstruction support.
In Mauritius, where sea level rise has been measured at 5.6mm / year and 50% of beaches are expected to be lost by 2050, the CTCN supports resilience building for the country’s port. The Port Louis harbour is one of the deepest in the Indian Ocean and has a container area of over 22 hectares. In 2018, because of storm surges, strong winds, and flooding, all operations in the port stopped for 41 days. To build the resilience of the port, a breakwater will be constructed, along with an island terminal. However, land and sea-based risks are still not well understood.
The CTCN, with funding from GCF, is therefore working with the Port Authority, the Government of Mauritius and other stakeholders to develop a proper port resilience strategy based on the best information, technology, and advice. The new plan will safeguard not just critical infrastructure, but the economic future of Mauritius avoiding hundreds of millions of dollars in lost goods, production and jobs from port shutdowns.
