OceansWatch trials a climate change adaptation programme

by OceansWatch on 25 Mar 2015 In 2014 OceansWatch trialed a Climate Change adaptation program, in two communities in the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands have been identified as one of the countries that will be most affected by the rising sea levels and increased storm conditions. The low coral atolls where OceansWatch work are especially vulnerable.

The workshops explored potential climate threats and possible adaptation strategies. A map of the community was drawn identifying their key resources. OceansWatch also monitored the ground water for increasing salinity. Out of this participation a Community-Based Adaptation Plan was developed and OceansWatch facilitated the community in its implementation.

Britt Basel was the key person initiating this program and she brought with her a wealth of Climate Change adaptation experience from around the world. In 2015 OceansWatch plan to expand the progam to fourteen villages in the Temotu Province.

This program aligns well with their established marine program and the sustainable livelihoods program that they have been piloting. The latter involves the local women establishing co-operatives to produce virgin cold-pressed coconut oil.

OceansWatch are saying goodbye to Magic Roundabout, the yacht they have used annually since 2008 and wish to send a huge thanks to Alice Sowerby for that loan. She is now being shipped back to Europe so family and friends of the Sowerby's can enjoy her. She is being replaced by the use of Anum Cara, a sister yacht to Cat Knapp and the OceansWatch team are excited to have another wharram in the fleet.

In preparation for the 2015 expeditions, OceansWatch are reviewing candidates and anyone interested to join them as scientists, conservationists, skippers, crew or with their own yacht are invited to look at the website

OceansWatch are now registered as a charitable organisation in the UK.

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