Strengthening coastal resilience in Kiribati requires solutions that are grounded in local realities, informed by evidence, and responsive to growing climate risks. Bringing together field-based insights, stakeholder perspectives, and technical analysis to support informed decision-making on adaptation.
In September 2024, experts from the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre conducted fieldwork in South Tarawa, Kiribati, as part of ongoing support to the Kiribati-Australia Climate Security Initiative (KACSI) developed with UNOPS. The mission included stakeholder consultations with local communities, alongside bilateral meetings with government representatives, including the Office of the President, ensuring that local knowledge and priorities informed the analysis.
The resulting technical reports offer a comprehensive cost-benefit and multi-criteria analysis of coastal protection options for two highly vulnerable sites – the Tungaru Central Hospital and Bonriki Village. Both locations face increasing risks from sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, threatening critical infrastructure, community livelihoods and well-being.
Using an integrated methodological framework, the reports combine economic analysis with environmental and social considerations. Drawing on field data, stakeholder inputs, and extensive literature review, the project evaluates a range of solutions, including nature-based approaches like mangrove rehabilitation and engineered oyster reefs.
The project results highlight scalable measures that are relevant for other Pacific Island Countries and Small Island Developing States and can guide national decision making embedded in local priorities and needs when it comes to climate resilience and adaptation infrastructure.
In sum, the results of the project demonstrate the value added of context-specific, hybrid approaches that combine engineered and nature-based solutions. It provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to support climate-resilient coastal planning and long-term decision-making in Kiribati under the KACSI programme.