Tuvalu
Background
Tuvalu is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. It comprises of three reef islands and six atolls. Tuvalu's Exclusive Economic Zone covers an oceanic area of approximately 900,000 km2. Its nearest neighbours are Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa and Fiji. Its population of 10,837 makes it the third-least populous sovereign state in the world, with only the Vatican City and Nauru having fewer inhabitants. In terms of physical land size, at just 26 km2, Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world. Tuvalu belongs to the category of Least Developed Countries and is one of the most environmentally fragile states in the Pacific region due to its low-lying land (the highest area is a mere five meters above sea level); its geographical isolation, lack of fertile land and inability to reap economies of scale also affects provision of goods and services. Climate change and the prospect of rising sea levels are major risk factors.
The island came under Britain's influence in the late 19th century before becoming. Independent within the Commonwealth on 1 October, 1978. On 17 September, 2000 Tuvalu became the 189th member of the United Nations.
EU Development Co-operation
Tuvalu's allocation of €5.5 million under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), focuses on the water, sanitation and the waste sectors. This has enabled the majority of Tuvalu's population to benefit from increased household rainwater harvesting and storage capacities - with 1,233 water tanks delivered and installed, covering 86 percent of households in the outer islands.
In the sanitation sector, 45 composting toilets have been constructed and installation and nearly finalized. This will be complemented by additional approx. 90 units to be built in priority outer islands by mid 2017. This will be complemented by an additional 90 units to be built in the outer islands by the end of 2016. These will contribute to a reduction in environmental impacts associated with household liquid waste disposal. Households have also improved water conservation and management practices in Funafuti and in the outer islands.
In the waste sector, Tuvalu has received simple waste management equipment such as tractors, trailers, excavators; household and medical waste bins - which have contributed to a safer, healthier and cleaner environment. The Solid Waste Management Agency (SWAT), the government institution in charge of solid waste management, has been established and its staff has been trained in the use of relevant machinery. In addition, EU support has provided 950 household waste bins, 21 medical waste bins, 30 sharp containers and 10 waste oil containers. The equipment helps increase the efficiency and quality of waste services on Funafuti and in the outer islands and contributes to overall sustainable living conditions for the Tuvaluan population.
The EU is also supporting Funafuti and the outer islands in the renewable energy and energy security sectors, through a €2 million project. By the end of 2014, the three small islands of Nukufetau, Nukulaelae and Nui will be able to enjoy clean solar-produced electricity 24 hours a day, as opposed to the current diesel supply of electricity, lasting only 18 hours a day.
Under the 10th EDF Regional Programme, Tuvalu has received support for capacity building and governance activities in the areas of climate change adaptation, deep-sea minerals, sustainable management of fisheries, tourism, trade policy, agricultural development, public finance and hazardous waste management.
Under the 11th EDF Bilateral Programme, Tuvalu will benefit of assistance amounting to 6.8 M EUR focused on the waste management sector. The programme will suport Tuvalu to achieve a sustainable intergrated atoll waste management system, that operates effectively and efficiently. Priority areas are likely to cover: waste collection and disposal, improved legislative framework, a strengthened 4 Rs approach (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle), complemented with a strong capacity development component. The implementation of the programme is expected to start early 2017.
Financial overview: 11th EDF National Indicative Programme
Indicative allocation for 2014-2020
|
Sector |
Indicative allocations |
As a % of the NIP |
|
Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency |
6 000 000 |
88% |
|
Measures in favour of civil society |
300 000 |
5% |
|
Support measures (Technical Assistance to NAO, Technical Cooperation Facility, Audit, Evaluation) |
500 000 |
7% |
|
TOTAL |
6 800 000 |
100% |