1. COOK ISLANDS EXPERIENCE REGIONAL POLICY BRIEFING NO. 9 LE LAGON RESORT VANUATU OCTOBER 31 – 2 NOVEMBER 2012 Vulnerability Assessments for Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change

3. COOK ISLANDS 15 islands, 2 Groups : North and South 2.4million sq km of EEZ Lies in the centre of the Polynesian triangle flanked by Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand Self Governing in free association with New Zealand Population : 17,791 (2011) Rarotonga : 13,097 Tourism : 112,461 visitors (Sep 2012) 18 flights per week Agriculture : Contribution to GDP – less than 4% Arable Land : Total 6,757.9ha Use : < 1,000ha

4. Vulnerability of Agriculture Policy shifts  Decline in budgetary support – priorities shifted, competing priorities  Mobility of population – labour shortage  Land availability  Cost of production Climate Change  Crop variety suffering - drought, flooding, saltwater intrusion, pest and diseases  Increase in incidence of pests and diseases on crops due to changing weather

5. National : Vulnerability to Opportunity No Climate Change Policy – BUT BUT BUT!! The Climate Change Platform Climate Change Office National Sustainable Development Plan 2011-2015  Unlocking our potential in Agriculture through increased production and revitalising through high value crops  Identify trade opportunities V&A’s in 2 nd National Communications Report SRIC – CC : Strengthening the Resilience of Island Communities ($5million) Adaptation Fund implemented through UNDP Joint National Adaptation Plan for DRM and Climate Change Adaptation  Climate resilient crops for food security Financing : CIGOV as National Implementing Entity

6. Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Policy  Get involved in national committees, project implementation, share expertise  Support Regional shift in development on climate change and agricultural development (SPC)  International support for capacity and policy development (FAO) Crop Research and Development  Regional shift in action – 5 years ago (DRM/DRR)  Introduced climate resistant/tolerant crops  SPC centre for Pacific Crops in Fiji – plant genetic resource training  Management plans : land, water, labour  Action plans : addressing what can be done successfully e.g. value adding (agri-processing)

7. Shift Happens!! Meitaki Maata Thank u tumas