The Anglican Church is set to enhance its dedication to climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the Pacific region through a new initiative—the Community Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (CIVA) programme. This initiative takes a grassroots approach, empowering local communities to better understand and navigate the risks associated with natural disasters.
Key actions supported by the CIVA programme include bolstering evacuation centers, ensuring better access to food and water in emergencies, coordinating the distribution of essential supplies, and providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups before and after disaster events. The programme was a focal point of discussion during the Diocese of Polynesia Synod held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Suva, Fiji, which represents Anglican communities across the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
CIVA is gaining international recognition, especially with youth-led initiatives from the Diocese of Polynesia and Anglican communities in Tonga and Fiji being highlighted in reports to the United Nations Human Rights Council. These efforts are showcased as exemplary models of effective and locally driven climate resilience strategies.
Supported by Anglican Missions and local diocesan development teams, the CIVA programme underlines the Church’s commitment to protecting Pacific communities while bolstering climate adaptation and enhancing local leadership in disaster risk reduction. The programme equips Anglican parishes and local communities with essential tools to evaluate their environmental and social vulnerabilities. It incorporates digital mapping technology and community-led consultations to pinpoint hazard zones, identify at-risk households, outline evacuation routes, and address infrastructure deficiencies and social support networks.
Trained parish leaders and youth utilize mapping tools such as QGIS to produce detailed vulnerability maps. Additionally, community engagement through Talanoa sessions and workshops reveals often-overlooked social, cultural, and household-level risks. This integrated data will inform the development of practical Resilience Action Plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each community.
This initiative is not only a step forward in addressing environmental challenges but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of local communities in the face of adversity.
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