The United States government has announced it's partnering up with two regional organisations in the Pacific to advance work on climate change adaptation.
The partnership aims to work together to strengthen the capacity of island communities, such as improving their food and water security, protect critical ecosystems and improve access to information about climate impacts.
The U.S. partnership with SPC and SPREP is part of a larger US dollar financial commitment for a Pacific Small Island Developing States climate change programme.
Thomas Nides, the deputy secretary of state for the U.S, says they are keen to engage more in the Pacific region.
"This new co-operation builds on the work we've already undertaken in the region. Last year, in support of the global efforts agreed to at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen and Cancun, Secretary Clinton announced a 21 million dollar US assistance for the adaption programmes for developing small island states. This assistance will reduce long term costs associated with climate change, paving the way for sustainable climate resilient development in the region."
Thomas Nides.
The U.S. will manage the 21 million dollar programme through the U.S. Agency for International Development, which will open an office in Papua New Guinea in the coming months.
