ALM UNDP

Key Vulnerabilities

• Coastal zone and reefs
• Agriculture
• Land Use Change and Forestry
• Water Resources
• Health
• Biodiversity
• Socio Economic Impacts

Potential Adaptation Measures

Coastal Zones and Reefs:

• Measures need to be undertaken to protect Niue’s vulnerable low lying areas by establishing a standard code for coastal management i.e. an integrated coastal management plan (ICM).
• ICM with National Resource and Development Planning should integrate all aspects of conservation and environmental protection and legislation.
• Land and marine use planning need to be incorporated with economic planning and other sectors for preparing management plans for infra-structural development.
• Other adaptive measures include creation of artificial coasts such as the Alofi wharf and Avatele jetty.

Agriculture

• Adaptation of agricultural methods by cultivating crops that are drought resistant and/or tolerant.
• Introduction of sustainable agricultural practices such as mixed cropping, utilization of composting and mulching techniques to minimize the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides.
• Development of alternative agricultural practices i.e. hydroponic systems which has the ability to produce high quality crops utilizing minimal land area and which can be constructed on land deemed unsuitable for other uses.
• Reinforce research institutes to ensure the development of plant/crop species which are more resistant to future adverse climatic conditions.
• Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to undertake more research and development.

Forestry And Land Use Change

• Government to extend the forest assets through plantation forestry in a manner which is technically feasible and cost effective to act as a sink, absorbing CO2 from atmosphere.
• Reduce the clearing of land in mature forest areas as well as limiting further infra-structural development in the Huvalu Conservation area.
• Protection of native tree species by replanting, where possible, in place of exotic species to provide food and flowers, and encouraging seed dispersal by fruit bats and pigeons.

Biodiversity

• Adaptation of the precautionary principle of minimizing pollution.
• Increase public knowledge of bird, flora and fauna and the effects of external influences on these species and their interactions.
• Increase knowledge of marine flora and fauna interactions and the effects of external influences on these species and their interactions.
• Increase knowledge of pelagic fish migration.
• Conservation of the forests of Niue and the continued support for the community-driven Huvalu Forest Conservation Area and Niue’s Conservation of the Biodiversity project.
• Establishment of protected area system in areas other than the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area.
• Land and marine use planning should be incorporated with economic planning and other sectors for preparing management plans for infrastructure development.
• Priority to be given to environmental protection through institutional strengthening and programme implementation of action strategies.

Health

• Health education and promotion programmes to incorporate health impacts of climate change on infectious diseases.
• Future health services delivered on Niue to acknowledge emerging infectious diseases with an adaptive perspective on human health impacts.
• Preventative health programmes and projects within the Public Health division to be strengthened and supported, with emphasis on community involvement in the projects.
• Policies for disaster preparedness with adaptive strategies to be formulated and implemented.
• Database and information system to be established for accurate monitoring and data collation.
• Further studies required to explore in detail the impacts of climate change on the health of the people.

Socio-economic Resources

• Some of the strategies to reduce certain of the socio-economic impacts of climate change have been covered previously in the section on adaptive measures and include cultivation of drought resistant and/or tolerant crop varieties, introduction of sustainable agriculture, mixed cropping, and alternative agricultural practices.
• Relocation of vulnerable infrastructure such as Government flats, Niue Hotel, Lord Liverpool Hospital, private homes and guest houses to areas of lower vulnerability.
• The Alofi wharf is classified as a high risk area and any future planned development within the wharf proximity must take into account the vulnerability of the wharf to turbulent wave action throughout the cyclone season.
• The Bulk Fuel depot, situated at the top of the Alofi Wharf is another high risk area and its relocation is treated as top priority.
• Almost 10 years after Cyclone Ofa 1990, it appears little effort has been given to minimising the devastating impact of cyclones on hospital properties. The Government, due to financial constraints cannot afford the relocation of the hospital to higher ground.
• Diversification of export products is arranged by moving into value added products using local materials. Small-scale industries should also be encouraged to help stimulate domestic economic activity via better utilisation of local materials, employment creation and increased income through injection into the economy of foreign exchange.
• Import substitution where possible.
• Export promotion: Establishment of formal reciprocal trade ties with other countries in the region, creating an avenue for Niue’s exports while allowing Niue continuous access to affordable goods.
• Development of alternative income creation initiatives.