Pacific Island countries have created the world's first industry association for people involved in climate change and disaster work.
The school on South epi in the Shepherd Islands, Vanuatu, was severely damaged by Cyclone Pam. Photo: RNZ / Koroi Hawkins
The Pacific Regional Federation for Resilience Professionals launched in Fiji today recognises building resilience as a sector in its own right and seeks to provide recognised qualifications for those engaged in resilience work.
A spokesperson for the Pacific Community Sarah Hemstock said there have been so many adhoc training for climate change and disaster risk reduction carried out over the years in numerous communities across the region.
But she said there is no recognition or record of what expertise and experience is available on the ground and this is a huge disadvantage.
"When for example cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu the response was delayed by waiting for people to got out and do post-disaster assessments, when there are actually trained people in the communities but their qualifications aren't recognised," Dr Hemstock said.