Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands - A symbolic signing ceremony between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme Pacific Office (UNDP) has taken place in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), following the injection of EUR6,000,000 to the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) Project.

Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), ACWA aims to enhance the ability of Marshallese people to adapt to increase climate risks, particularly extreme drought events and stormwater inundation by improving household and community rainwater harvesting and storage structures, securing groundwater resources from contamination; and strengthening technical capacities of national and sub national institutions and key stakeholders. 

The additional funding support over the next four years will complement GoRMI's co-financing for the ACWA Project, further enhancing climate-resilient water security across the atoll nation. 

Her Excellency Ambassador Barbara Plinkert, EU Ambassador to the Pacific, participated in the ceremony with President of the RMI, H.E. Hilda Heine, along with key dignitaries, including the Minister of Finance and EU Focal Point, Hon. David Paul.

Ambassador Plinkert expressed her pride in supporting the ACWA Project: 

“We are proud to join this effort. We value our relationship with the RMI and look forward to strengthening it further alongside UNDP. The EU remains deeply committed to supporting Pacific nations in their fight against climate change. Our contribution is not just financial; it is a demonstration of solidarity with the RMI in combating this global challenge."

In his welcome remarks, Koji Kumamaru, ACWA Project Manager, emphasized the significant impact of the EU's contribution, particularly in improving water security in 24 remote atolls and islands. 

"It has been my privilege to serve the ACWA project for the past four years, as this project exemplifies the strong leadership of GoRMI and UNDP in adopting a transformative, sustainable approach to ensuring long-term access to clean and safe water, while strengthening national and community resilience to future climate change impacts," he said.

In his closing remarks, Hon. David Paul described the ACWA project as a flagship initiative of the government, with strong collaboration between stakeholders and traditional leaders.

"The human body is made up of 60 percent water, which is why this project is so crucial—without water, we cannot survive. Over the years, we've seen droughts and rising sea levels threaten our freshwater resources. The ACWA project plays a vital role in helping our communities become more resilient to climate change," Minister Paul stated.

The US$24 million ACWA project includes a substantial contribution from the Government of RMI and represents UNDP’s largest investment in the Northern Pacific from 2020 to 2027. The ACWA project has been made possible through funding from the Green Climate Fund, the Government of the RMI, and more recently, the Australian Government.

For more information, please contact:

Leandra Carolina Flor, Communications Specialist | UNDP Pacific Office | (E) leandra.flor@undp.org