New projects to strengthen food security, access to clean drinking water and provide renewable energy access for Pacific people

The European Union (EU) and the Pacific Community (SPC) have launched three new projects that will help address the social and economic impacts of COVID-19, whilst supporting longer-term economic recovery and health benefits for the Pacific region.

The EUR 1.5 million Pacific Regional Integrated Food and Nutrition Security Initiative to COVID-19 (PRISCO19) will provide immediate support for food and nutritional security across 12 Pacific Island countries, while the Safe and Sustainable Drinking Water for Kiritimati Island (EUR 6.2 million) will improve access to clean and safe drinking water in the Republic of Kiribati and the Sustainable Energy and Accompanying Measures (SEAM) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (SEAM – REEE) (EUR 11.6 million) will improve access to sustainable energy security for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

The announcement outlines the significant partnership and commitment between the EU, Pacific countries, and SPC to deliver genuine, meaningful, and impactful development solutions for the lives and livelihoods of Pacific people.

SPC’s Deputy-Director General Dr. Audrey Aumua commended the European Union’s commitment to the Pacific during the unprecedented global crisis and outlined the significant outcomes that can be achieved through Pacific-owned and Pacific-led partnerships such as these.

“Today further deepens our strong partnership with the European Union and shows its commitment to the people of the Pacific, even as we face the challenges posed by the devastating impacts of COVID-19. This ongoing and deepening partnership is heart-warming and in the true spirit of Pacific resilience. Its outcomes will help change the lives and livelihoods of many Pacific people whilst supporting longer-term economic recovery and growth for our Members as we continue to realise the full impact COVID-19 will bare on our countries, economies, and communities,” she said.

The launch and partnership signings will allow the projects to move into implementation which will be delivered by SPC in partnership with Pacific Island countries and the EU. SPC’s strong Pacific-led team is ensuring immediate delivery of critical work is still possible despite travel restrictions currently in place globally and across the Pacific Region.

Original source: SPC