Responding to climate change and building stronger communities

Surveys and research conducted by our partner the Conference of Churches of Christ in Vanuatu show a need for communities to be better prepared for disasters, with a focus on the impacts of climate change. The isolated islands of Vanuatu are constantly vulnerable to natural disasters and extreme weather. Islands are vulnerable to severe storms that cause damage, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis. Responding to the needs of isolated communities in an emergency is difficult, as already delicate infrastructure is often damaged.

What is the Disaster Preparedness and Community Development project?

The Conference of Churches of Christ in Vanuatu works with communities to develop disaster preparedness plans and establish emergency evacuation centres. Working with local communities to train and educate local leaders to help them make their communities more resilient and ready to respond when these emergency events happen.

Because communities lack basic infrastructure and often lack safe water close to home, the Conference of Churches of Christ in Vanuatu works with local communities to support projects that will promote the livelihoods of the community and supply basic everyday essentials like safe water.

What is the impact of this project?

Vanuatu has experienced many emergencies such as cyclones most recently an earthquake. The Conference of Churches of Christ in Vanuatu responds to these emergencies by providing assistance with safe water, and food packages, and meeting the practical needs of communities with tarpaulins and seeds to help them construct temporary shelters and re-establish their gardens.