Haskoning supporting landmark climate adaptation planning in Micronesia in partnership with SPREP

Haskoning has secured a contract with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) to lead the preparation of a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) with funding from the Green Climate Fund. The team will also update four tailored Joint State Action Plans (JSAPs) that cater to the country’s needs at a state-level. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with the FSM Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM), state and island governments, and other key stakeholders.

FSM is located in the western Pacific Ocean and comprises more than 600 islands with a population of approximately 110,000 people. Despite some states being among the wettest areas in the world, significant climate events such as El Niño have resulted in drought emergencies on several islands across FSM causing food and water shortages, as well as wildfires, extreme tides, sea level variation, and coastal erosion. Tropical cyclones are also an annual threat, particularly due to the low-lying atolls.

“FSM has four distinct states across hundreds of islands, each with their own unique governance systems, cultures, and climate risks. For this reason, although it will provide much needed consistency and direction, one national plan will not cater for the individual needs of each of these states and islands. We will progress state-specific recommendations alongside the national plan in collaboration with local stakeholders and community members,” said Sian John, Resident Director at Haskoning New Zealand Aotearoa.

The plans are designed to guide the nation’s long-term response to climate change by identifying priority areas for adaptation, strengthening local capacity, and supporting access to international climate finance.

“This is more than just strategic planning, or preparing a policy document, it’s about building resilience in extremely vulnerable communities and providing a clear pathway to actionable and fundable projects. By working closely with the FSM DECEM, state and island governments and other key stakeholders, we want to help lay the foundations for climate solutions that are community-led and focused on longevity,” said Ms John.

As FSM spans thousands of kilometres, travel between islands can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, with residents heavily dependent on ferries that operate approximately on a monthly cadence. The isolated nature of FSM makes it expensive and difficult to build or maintain infrastructure or deliver aid, including disaster response or medical support to the community.

A co-creation approach is at the forefront of this project, which is a deliberate shift from the traditional consultancy model. Haskoning will be responsible for the facilitation and coordination of the plans in close consultation with the local communities, guiding national and state governments on how to build the NAP, conducting capacity and institutional assessments, as well as designing awareness campaigns, community engagement strategies and support in attracting funding.

Haskoning has already completed and submitted the Inception Report that outlines the methodology, approach to stakeholder engagement, and delivery schedule, with the complete plans to be delivered in late 2026.