Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
This case study was collected through a Call for Good Practices on Reducing Risk across SDG Transitions, launched by the UNDRR Focal Points Group in 2024.
SDGs addressed: 8 | 13
The North-Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati – share high climate- and disaster-risk exposure but limited technical capacity. After the UN Multi-Country Office for Micronesia (UN MCO) opened in 2021, UNDRR, UNDP and UN MCO initiated the first regional DRR technical-assistance programme covering all five countries. Using participatory workshops, qualitative risk mapping and a shared governance framework, the programme blended traditional ecological knowledge (e.g. mangrove planting, raised housing) with modern methods, aligning with Sendai Framework Priorities 1 & 2.
Innovation & Success Factors
- Multi-country strategy enabled peer learning, reduced redundancy and built shared accountability.
- Community-centric design combined indigenous knowledge with scientific analysis, increasing cultural relevance and buy-in.
- Innovative finance dialogue with entities such as the Global Green Growth Institute laid the groundwork for sustainable phase-two funding.
Key impacts
- Regional DRR framework adopted; inter-island steering group meets twice yearly.
- Capacity built – 60+ officials trained in risk assessment, contingency planning and early-warning design.
- Knowledge exchange – traditional practices documented and paired with hazard mapping for all five SIDS.
- Cost efficiency – pooled workshops, procurement and M&E lowered travel and admin costs.
- Financing pathway – engagement begun with the Pacific Resilience Facility and other donors for phase II.
Lessons learned for replication or adaptation
- Regional collaboration magnifies UN technical support through mutual learning and lower overheads.
- Integrating traditional knowledge with modern tools strengthens community acceptance and policy relevance.
- Sustainable finance is essential; strong institutional links and human-resource development underpin long-term resilience.
- A regional lens fosters constructive peer pressure, accelerating national DRR commitments.
Other resources / Explore further
Organisations involved
- UN entities: UNDRR; UNDP; UN Multi-Country Office for Micronesia (UN MCO)
- Regional bodies: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); Pacific Community (SPC); Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF)
- National agencies: Palau NEMO; FSM DECEM; Marshall Islands Office of the Minister in Assistance to the President for Environment; Nauru Ministry of National Emergency Services; Kiribati line ministries
- Technical partner: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
- Development partners: Governments of Australia, Ireland and Japan; Global Green Growth Institute (prospective phase II finance)