Representatives from seven Pacific atoll nations gathered in Nadi, Fiji, this June with an urgent message. Rising seas and prolonged droughts are pushing their communities toward a water crisis that threatens tens of thousands of lives.
These low-lying communities face a stark reality. Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Tokelau, Tonga, and Tuvalu have no rivers or streams to fall back on. Instead, they depend entirely on shallow groundwater from wells, rainwater caught from rooftops, and costly alternatives like desalination and bottled water imports.
The Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security project has achieved some significant results. It has delivered safe water to over 30,000 people, installed and repaired about 8 million litres of rainwater storage capacity, and now produces 25,000 litres of desalinated water daily. But project partners acknowledge that climate impacts continue to outpace these efforts.
“The region's atoll and raised limestone island communities face an even greater risk of water scarcity associated with drought and hydrometeorological extremes,” according to meeting reports from the June partnership review.
Responding to these escalating needs, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) announced NZD13 million in continued support for the Strengthening Water Resilience of Pacific Outer Island Communities project, extending operations until 2028.
The funding will provide direct grants to participating countries for:
- Enhanced water infrastructure development
- Improved governance systems
- Long-term sustainability planning
- Local capacity building for system management and maintenance
- Community engagement that incorporates traditional knowledge
“This funding represents our government's unwavering commitment to supporting these vulnerable communities,” Georgia Cassidy, MFAT Senior Adviser – Climate Change, said during the partnership meeting.
At the Regional Steering Committee meeting, participants showcased promising developments in water security technology. These included solar-powered pumps, advanced hydrogeological sensors, and community-led integrated water management systems.
“The RSC is an excellent platform and critical tool where Pacific atoll island state reps gathered to talanoa on progress and learn new ways to improve managing drinking water and water scarcity in remote areas,” said Mr Winston Halapua from Tonga. “The remote sensing tank tool showcased is a breakthrough—monitoring levels remotely prevents crises in outer islands, benefiting everyone equally.”
The weeklong meeting also focused on asset management platforms and drought monitoring tools. Participants received comprehensive training on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) to ensure water solutions benefit all community members.
“The remote sensing tank tool showcased is a breakthrough—monitoring levels remotely prevents crises in outer islands, benefiting everyone equally,” Mr Winston Halapua, National Water Scarcity Project Coordinator, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Tonga.
“Country presentations highlighted how integrated water management has already benefited over 3,700 people in our outer islands. Incorporating traditional knowledge makes these solutions truly sustainable for atoll life,” Mr Otheniel Tangianau, Senior Manager, Pa Enua Support Services, Cook Islands Ministry of Infrastructure
However, discussions also highlighted persistent obstacles: logistical challenges in reaching remote islands, local skills gaps, and the need for more responsive funding mechanisms to address rapidly changing climate conditions.
Since 2013, MFAT and the Pacific Community (SPC) have emphasised that technology alone isn't enough. Success depends on empowering communities to effectively operate and maintain their water systems under all conditions, from routine maintenance to emergency response during extreme weather events.
As climate impacts intensify across the Pacific, this expanded investment addresses both immediate relief and provides a foundation for long-term resilience in some of the world's most climate-vulnerable communities.
The Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security continues to accept applications from eligible Pacific Island communities seeking water infrastructure and capacity-building support.
