Monitoring the restoration of natural ecosystems in the Federated States of Micronesia. (Photo: Adaptation Fund/MCT)
Islanders can become more resilient to rising seas and extreme weather by protecting marine habitats and adapting farming methods
The Cook Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, though separated by thousands of kilometers, face the same urgent threat: rising seas, stronger storms, and accelerating climate change. These remote island nations are particularly vulnerable due to their small land mass, economic dependence on the ocean, and limited infrastructure. With worsening droughts, cyclones, and sea-level rise, their communities risk losing not just livelihoods, but culture and identity.
In response to the escalating impacts of climate change, both the Cook Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia have mobilized support from the Adaptation Fund to strengthen community resilience. Through the Fund’s direct access mechanism, nationally accredited institutions in the islands are leading projects tailored to local needs and rooted in community participation. In the Cook Islands, this has included expanded water storage, climate-resilient farming systems, early warning tools, and training in disaster preparedness. Farmers have received small grants for adaptive equipment, while new nurseries and farms are helping secure food supplies across outer islands.
In Micronesia, the focus has been on restoring and protecting vital marine ecosystems. Led by the Micronesia Conservation Trust, the project has enhanced enforcement of protected areas, supported local conservation initiatives, and provided sustainable finance for marine-based adaptation. These efforts align with the region-wide Micronesia Challenge, which aims to conserve 50% of marine resources by 2030.
These island-led initiatives show how locally driven adaptation, supported by international finance, can build resilience in the face of climate crisis. “The project gave us the tools, but more importantly it gave us the confidence to lead our own resilience,” commented a local representative on Mauke in the Cook Islands.
Read the full story at Climate Home News here.