Growing up in Tuvalu, and originally from Funafuti, Feagaiga Penivao has been surrounded by vibrant marine life and the beautiful white sands and blue seas of Tuvalu. Passionate about the natural world and concerned about the increasing impacts of climate change, Penivao has since dedicated his career to combatting these challenges.  

The Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) - funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with contributions from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and co-financing from the Government of Tuvalu – has been implemented by UNDP in close consultation with the Government of Tuvalu and local communities.  

An important component of the project through its inclusive socially and environmentally aware approach, is to build long-term human resource capacity and enhance awareness for sustainable coastal protection through the design and implementation of scholarship programs for at least six students, supporting a Master’s degree program relevant to coastal protection.

With support through TCAP, Penivao has equipped himself with the skills to put in place safeguards to protect against the encroaching sea. These include measures to protect arable land and crops from being destroyed through saltwater intrusion, and intensified droughts, which have left communities struggling for drinking water.  

After earning a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management from James Cook University and the University of Western Australia, his TCAP scholarship supported him to pursue a part-time Master's Degree in Environmental Science at Edith Cowan University between 2023 and 2024, which in turn will become full time. Penivao is now a National Environment and Social Safeguard Specialist for the Funafuti Water and Sanitation Project under Tuvalu’s Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure Development and Water.

“As an environmental and social safeguard specialist, I work on water sanitation initiatives designed to ensure that people in Funafuti can always access clean drinking water,” he explained.  

“An important part of this effort has been the establishment of a centralised water system, with elevated water towers and pipelines, delivering clean water directly to households. A modern sanitation treatment plant is also being built, to manage household waste and safeguard the marine ecosystem from harmful pollutants,” he added.  

In his daily work, Penivao checks that projects comply with national legislation and environmental frameworks, reducing risks and mitigating potential harm. From the construction of solar energy projects to maritime infrastructure, his team navigates the delicate balance between development and sustainability.  

“Climate change, particularly sea-level rise, is Tuvalu's most pressing challenge,” he explained.

“The encroaching ocean erodes the limited land, inundates crops with saltwater, and leaves communities increasingly dependent on imported food. These issues are compounded by dwindling freshwater supplies, as droughts intensify, and groundwater becomes contaminated. These challenges demand urgent solutions.”

Safeguarding Tuvalu  

Penivao’s work involves making sure that infrastructure projects do not threaten marine habitats or the rich biodiversity of the nine atoll islands that make up Tuvalu. His TCAP-supported studies have deepened his understanding of environmental impact assessments and project management, equipping him with the tools to identify, mitigate, and manage risks associated with infrastructure development.

For example, if a project may affect coral reefs, there must be measures in place to transplant corals, or offset measures to relocate corals to cooler, less polluted waters. These efforts help preserve the marine ecosystems that sustain the island’s fishing industry and natural beauty.  

“This work requires careful planning and coordination, which I have gained through my academic journey,” he notes.  

In Tuvalu, Penivao is also responsible for implementing grievance mechanisms to address community concerns swiftly and effectively. He ensures that infrastructure projects align with local needs and are environmentally sustainable, consulting with the community and various partners along the way, from project design to execution.