Pacific Climate Change Centre Establishment in Samoa

The Pacific Climate Change Centre is a partnership between the governments of Japan and Samoa that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded.

The Pacific Islands are highly vulnerable to climate change, and residents are already feeling and experiencing its effects (Integrating Climate Actions, 2019).

2011, during the 21^st SPREP (South Pacific Regional Environment Programme) meeting in Samoa, members called for their very own Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC).

The following year, during their 22^nd meeting, members devised the concept of the PCCC. On June 13, 2013, the Government of Samoa submitted a detailed proposal to the Japanese Government.  

Fast-forward to May 2018, when a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of the construction of the PCCC.

“The Pacific Climate Change Centre will be the regional centre of excellence for climate change information, research, and innovation, hosted at SPREP.”

The Centre will:

• Deliver capacity development programs in climate adaptation, climate mitigation, climate services, and project development.
• Improve the flow of practical information between met services, climate practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders
• Provide space for visiting researchers and experts to benefit Pacific island countries and territories.
• Bring together partners to find innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change.

The Pacific Climate Change Centre will have the following functions: Knowledge brokerage, Applied Research, Training and Learning, and Innovation.

To learn more about the Pacific Climate Change Centre, click the link in the “Source” section below.

PHOTO CREDIT: PCCE image grabbed from the Pacific Climate Change Centre Showcase video by SPREP