The new head of the region's lead environmental agency SPREP has added his support to Pacific island countries wanting less red tape around access to global climate change funds.
SPREP is the only regional body in the Pacific accredited to access the Green Climate Fund or GCF which was set up to help countries adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
SPREP Director-General, Kosi Latu. Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
SPREP's director-general Leota Kosi Latu said he understands the concerns of member countries and hopes there will be moves this year towards simplified access to the millions available.
"We are aware of the fact that GCF has been focusing quite a lot on the technical side, looking at requirements, making sure that proposals meet certain technical requirements. That's important but I think there needs to be a bit of a balance in that approach. We're keeping an eye on that and we're hoping the GCF board will come up with a simplified procedure for access."
Leota Kosi Latu said there are advantages for countries having to go through SPREP instead of accessing funds directly as the body understands the issues and concerns of member countries.
