Finland Combating Climate Change in the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean
Finland has been co-operating with the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) on various environmental and climate change projects in the recent years. Issues that have been on the agenda are especially related to sustainable development through renewable energy projects and disaster mitigation.
The populations of PSIDS are vulnerable to climate change and environmental disasters, and therefore it is vital to look for solutions to combat climate change sooner rather than later.
Finland promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy by financing the Energy and Environment Partnership in Central America, including some Caribbean island states.
In 2012 Finland is planning to sponsor a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conference on sustainable energy.
Finland has funded a legal advisor for the PSIDS. The advisor has helped in the implementation of the Climate Change and Gender Empowerment Work Plan and assisted the PSIDS with the UNFCCC negotiation processes. The funding has been allocated to the chair of the PSIDS, latest post being the Permanent Mission of Nauru to the UN in New York.
Disaster mitigation
Disaster mitigation needs to be incorporated into the Building Back Better project in Haiti, in order to reduce the damage caused by natural disasters. Finland is currently supporting a project for building hurricane and earthquake proof schools in Haiti.
Since 2001 Finland has provided support to national meteorological development in the Caribbean SIDS. The aim has been to improve national disaster mitigation, preparedness and early-warning capacity. There have been several bilateral and regional projects led by the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Activities are ongoing and expanding.
In 2011 there will be another International Conference for CARICOM countries on Sharing Good Practices in Education, which will be held in Jamaica. Finland will be financing the conference.