The Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) was initiated
| Global Trade | Environmental Sustainability | Climate Change |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published: | Updated:
5 min read
The Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) was initiated to address the urgent need for enhancing resilience against the rising sea level in Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean. This initiative was jointly supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aligning with global climate action frameworks.
Tuvalu, with a population of about 11,000, faces extreme vulnerability to climate change impacts, particularly sea-level rise. The country's average elevation is less than two meters above sea level, making it highly susceptible to coastal erosion, storm surges, and inundation. These challenges pose significant threats to the livelihoods, infrastructure, and overall sustainability of the island communities.
The TCAP focuses on strengthening coastal infrastructure and implementing protective measures to safeguard the island from environmental threats. This project includes constructing sea walls, enhancing reef resilience, and improving coastal vegetation. Through these efforts, the project aims to protect approximately 2,780 meters of coastline across three islands—Funafuti, Nanumea, and Nanumaga. These measures are expected to directly benefit around 3,100 people, which is nearly 30% of the population.
The project's implementation involves local communities, ensuring that the adaptive strategies align with traditional knowledge and practices, consequently improving sustainability and community buy-in. Additionally, TCAP supports capacity building and knowledge transfer, empowering locals to maintain and manage adaptation infrastructures in the long run.
As part of a broader effort to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, the TCAP exemplifies a critical intervention in securing the future of one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. With the strategic backing of international donors and stakeholders, the project sets a precedent for collaborative climate resilience initiatives in similar geographic and socio-economic contexts.
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Primary Reference: Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project

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