Pacific Ocean and Climate
Crisis Assessment
(POCCA)
RESEARCH PROJECT
A partnership between
University of Canterbury
University of the South Pacific
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
This pioneering study aims to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, multi-methodological and integrated assessment of the climate crisis and oceans covering 16 countries in the Pacific region. It gives voice to Pacific Indigenous knowledge systems and how they can work together in harmony with western scientific approaches.
COUNTRIES WITHIN PROJECT SCOPE
Cook Islands
Federated States of Micronesia
Fiji
Guam
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Nauru
Niue
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Timor Leste
Tokelau
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Waves crash into and erode graves on Jenrok Island.
Murky brown water shooting out of taps post-long rainy spells in the area. Photo credit: Ulamila Wragg
Severe flooding of village as a result of constant heavy rain, Vaimea Village. Photo credit: Tafia & Salamasina Tofa.
Coastal land reclamation project. Photo credit: Melina Tuiravakai
Cyclone Tino battering the coast of Avatele Bay, Avatele Village. Photo credit: Manila Nosa
Small island with cemented coral rubble to elevate the height of the island as a result of sea level rise. Photo credit: Chloe-Ane Wragg
Flooding of villages caused by new moon king tides, Harengan Island. Photo credit: Sea of Women Melanesia
Makeshift seawall comprised of coral and sand rubble line the shoreline.
Thatched huts on wooden stilts sit on the shoreline. Photo credit: University of the South Pacific
Widespread wildfire ravaging hills above villages on Natewa Bay as result of long dry spell, Natewa Village. Photo credit: Ulamila Wragg
Coral debris littering the village in the aftermath of Cyclone Tino, Avatele Village. Photo credit: Manila Nosa
Coral bleaching, Muri Village. Photo credit: Tanga Morris
THEMES
Indigenous Knowledge
Resilience
Risk Management
Mitigation
Adaptation
Ecological Sustainability
Food Crisis
Food Security
Human Security
Social Protection
Infrastructural Impacts
Infrastructural Development
Community Health
Mobility
INTERNATIONAL SCOPE
Researchers and academics, including members of the POCCA project team, joined a discussion on issues that matter for the Pacific in the COP26 climate meetings.
The discussion also served as a soft launch for the POCCA Project.
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