5 Dec 2007

Pacific leaders at Japan water forum told action on sea level rise urgent

2:20 pm on 5 December 2007

Pacific leaders have told delegates at an Asia Pacific water forum in Japan about the need to urgently combat sea level rises.

Forum statistics show that in the region, one in five people don't have access to safe drinking water, and half the population lack adequate sanitation.

The president of the Federated States of Micronesia, Emanuel Mori, says

climate change and sea level rises are major factors affecting water resources, especially for small island states.

The President of Palau, Tommy Remengesau told the forum that there was an urgent need to protect and better manage fresh water resources on small islands as well.

Ludwig Scotty, the President of Nauru, says even though Nauru has a sanitation plan and has identified alternative water sources, the country needs to do more in the area of adaption and mitigation to climate change.