Tonkin + Taylor’s Partnership with MFAT and RMI: Co-Designing a $6.2 Million Initiative for Climate Resilience in the Pacific
Earlier this year, Tonkin + Taylor co-designed an innovative $6.2 million project in collaboration with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). This ground-breaking initiative, supported by New Zealand’s significant investment, represents one of the world’s pioneering efforts to specifically focus on addressing loss and damage from climate change at scale in the Pacific region.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters Highlights New Zealand’s Commitment to the Marshall Islands’ Climate Resilience
During a recent visit to Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters acknowledged the urgent need for climate resilience support. Speaking to Te Ao Māori News, Peters emphasised, “The Marshall Islands, as a nation of low-lying atolls and islands, is at the forefront of natural disasters and the impacts of climate change, and our support reflects that.” His statement underscores New Zealand’s commitment to helping Pacific nations most vulnerable to rising sea levels and other climate change impacts.
Addressing Rising Sea Levels in the Marshall Islands: An Urgent Challenge
The Marshall Islands face severe climate challenges, with sea levels rising at more than twice the global rate, presenting an existential threat to the nation’s future. This critical issue demands immediate action and comprehensive strategies to protect the nation’s infrastructure, culture, and way of life.
“Strengthening Manit for Addressing Loss and Damage Project”: A Focus on Cultural and Economic Resilience
Through the “Strengthening Manit for Addressing Loss and Damage Project,” Tonkin + Taylor is enhancing the Marshall Islands’ ability to address climate change’s economic and non-economic effects. The project will utilise advanced techniques such as LiDAR surveys, shoreline change analysis, and culturally focused protection initiatives. The project aims to safeguard Marshallese cultural heritage by integrating these technologies while bolstering climate resilience.
Pioneering Climate Finance Mechanisms to Support Pacific Island Communities
One of the key challenges Pacific communities face is securing effective climate finance mechanisms to address the unique cultural, traditional, and identity-based losses due to climate change. Tonkin + Taylor’s work alongside Pacific Island Countries aims to facilitate access to global climate finance, including support from the recently established Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
Leading the Design of Pacific Loss-and-Damage Projects Valued at NZ$20 million
In collaboration with MFAT and Climate Analytics, Tonkin + Taylor is at the forefront of developing four significant loss-and-damage projects valued at NZ$20 million. These initiatives include a regional project with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and country-specific projects in the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. These projects are designed to address immediate climate resilience needs while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Pacific region.
Through this work, Tonkin + Taylor is reinforcing its commitment to supporting Pacific nations in building resilient futures amid the growing challenges posed by climate change.
See more of our projects in the Pacific on our Pacific Development and Resilience page.
