Our climate change

The coconut tree is a versatile tree that is quickly losing its value and purpose with the Nauruan people. With limited land space and an ever-growing population, the trees are being constantly cut down to allow space for the building of residential houses and other public infrastructure. Its multiple uses are being neglected by the people and the cutting down of a coconut tree is rapidly being socially accepted as opposed to historical times when each coconut tree was territorially protected by clans and tribes of each district. Coconut trees are taken for granted in Nauru in the sense that the reliance on modern-day packaged imports has become the normal way of life rendering the once-important tree almost obsolete. The purpose of this project is to rejuvenate the culture of traditionally using the coconut tree for multiple uses as historically practiced in the past.

Climate change projections indicate that Nauru will be facing prolonged droughts and unconventional intensified rainfall in the future2. This suggests that water will be less available for longer periods and that the intensity of rainfall will also increase but unpredictably so at times not traditionally known for.

Sea level and land surface temperatures are also expected to rise thus exposing the country, its people, natural wildlife, and flora to the impacts of intensified heat from direct sunlight and increased mean air temperatures, accelerated coastal erosion, coastal inundation, and storm surges, water scarcity, food security. The effects of these impacts would be: Health problems and malnutrition, Loss of coastal land, Loss of wildlife and flora, and Coral reef bleaching. Examples of the secondary and social effects would be Loss of culture, frequent disputes, and increased crime.

The coconut tree has stood the test of time and its resilience has proven to live throughout many ages. As an example, it provides Shaded cover from direct sunlight and a cooler environment, nutritional benefits in the coconuts which be harvested during droughts, and raw materials for building and weaving.

The purpose of this project is to rejuvenate the culture of traditionally using the coconut tree for multiple uses as historically practiced in the past. This goal will also provide opportunities for adaptation and measures against climate change.

The objective of the project?

● Objective 1: Increase coconut tree growth, supply, and distribution. Increase awareness and education on coconut tree practical benefits, and cultural values.
● Objective 2: Enhance technical and cultural skills for application and uses. Enable a regional network of communication through south-south cooperation.
● Objective 3: Incorporate climate change adaptation into methods of coconut tree use. Less coastal erosion , Increased shade and windbreaker protection for communities

Key activities by areas:

1. Climate change adaptation :
● Strategically identify climate change vulnerable areas which would benefit most from increased coconut tree planting.

2. Sustainable livelihoods :
● Workshop / Information sessions
● Practical hands-on training at established nursing site
● Publications and documentation of experiences, skills and traditional knowledge
● Create membership opportunities with other organizations (e.g Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme, Coconut Industry Development for the Pacific, Secretariat of the Pacific Community etc..)

3. Sustainable resources management :
● Establish a nursing ground and facilities with the proper equipment to effectively grow various types of coconut trees (Local tall, Local red, Green dwarf, sweet husk, Pwe baron, long nut, Inur, Male coconuts, Female coconuts, and Hybrid coconuts).
● Recruit volunteers and local experts.
● Seed collection and soil profiling in key areas

4. Biodiversity :

5. Other(s) :
● Recruitment of volunteers and experts
● Facilitate workshops and public information sessions
● Media outreach programs through various mediums
● Various competitions