[16 August 2024: Nauru]: Sixteen scholarship recipients, in the month of August successfully completed a weeklong Certificate IV in Resilience (Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction) training program in Nauru. This training was led by the University of the South Pacific (USP) as part of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme, funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden.
“Initiatives like this Certificate in Resilience training is vital for the development and resilience of Nauru communities,” said Monte Depaune, Deputy CEO, Nauru Fisheries and Marine Resources Authority at the closing of this face-to-face training. “Investing in education and training programs as these ensures that our nation can better adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and promote sustainable development.”
The USP PEUMP Team Leader, Lavenie Tawake reiterated the purpose of the training, stating that “his certificate program is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to enhance their communities’ resilience to environmental, social, and economic challenges. The approach is to move from ad hoc training to a more strategic and formal education and continuing professional development implemented at regional, national, and local levels.”
The duration of this qualification is 6 months long and the students are currently into the 3rd month of training, offered through a blended mode of online and face-to-face classes. The sixteen trainees consisted mostly of representatives from the National Emergencies Services, Fisheries & Marine Resources Authority, Department of Environmental Management and Agriculture and such.
The training was well-received by participants who reflected on the positive experience.
“This training has increased my capacity in developing better and more responsive early warning systems,” said Ricky Joram, Senior Forecaster, Nauru Meteorological Services, National Emergency Services. “I will apply this in my work moving forward.”
“More understanding of climate resilient issues can result in appropriate actions from communities.” said Micheala Detenamo, Admin and Finance Officer, National Emergency Services, Nauru. “This training provides a good foundation towards the concept of climate resilience – impacts of climate change and adaptative measures.”
The trainees will officially graduate, receiving their certificates in April 2025. The USP PEUMP project looks forward to seeing the positive impacts that this qualification will have in the region.
USP is one of four key implementing partners of the PEUMP Programme, a EUR 45million program which promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity.
It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to ocean fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action. The PEUMP programme is housed within the Institute of Marine Resources within the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS).
Media Contact
Lore Croker, USP PEUMP Communications, lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
