Project Goal: The Pacific Islands Climate Change Virtual Library project will enable Pacific Island coastal managers to incorporate readily accessible climate information and tools into their decision making processes resulting in communities more resilient to climate variability and the impacts of climate change.

Description: Climate related resources relevant to coastal managers from various organizations currently exist, but they are scattered in many different locations making access difficult and time consuming. To improve access to climate resources in the Pacific, NOAA will work with the Secretariat of the Pacific Region Environment Programme (SPREP), the Pacific Climate Information System (PaCIS) partners, and other interested organizations to develop a portal that is integrated with existing climate change efforts in the region.

The portal will initially be developed in partnership with Samoa and American Samoa and will focus on the information needs identified by the island coastal managers. However, it is anticipated that most of the information will be of interest to coastal managers throughout the Pacific and other regions, as well. The portal will be designed so that it may easily be expanded and transported to additional geographies.

The portal will:

• Link Pacific Island coastal managers and decision makers to relevant climate information in one easily accessible location
• Promote enhanced communication and collaboration among Pacific Island coastal mangers and organizations producing climate change information and tools

The backbone of the portal will consist of a searchable virtual library that provides links to information and tools on specific subject areas. Possible topics could include, but are not limited to, sea level rise, drought and water resources, and ocean acidification. We will work with our partners to identify the most useful materials and information. These materials could include decision support tools, case studies, science-based information, information on regional initiatives, climate services, training and education, links to data sources and partnership opportunities.

A Community of Practice forum may also be included if partners determine this functionality should be added. This forum would enable the coastal management and climate communities to discuss climate change impacts, best practices and techniques to improve planning and decision making. In addition, new resources could be added to a community site by members.

Background: The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and Coastal Services Center received an award from the NOS International Program Office to partner with the NOAA Library to create a Pacific Islands Climate Change Portal to address the needs of Pacific Island coastal managers. The Team has met with many NOAA agencies already to help identify the types of products and other climate information that are available that may be appropriate for a portal. Next steps include engagement of island coastal managers to determine what best meets their needs in a climate change portal.

Timeline: The portal is expected to be available online in 2008; however, a CD-ROM, printed material, or other delivery mechanism will be used if managers prefer an alternative method of delivery.

Groundwork: We have been reaching out to and meeting with NOAA staff:

• NOAA staff involved in portal development to research processes and technologies (e.g. NIDIS, NOAA Watch, FRAMES, HD.gov)
• NOAA staff, SPREP and other groups working in the South Pacific Region (e.g. NOAA IDEA Center, PSC, Hawaii CPD, Coral Program, NOAA OIA, NOS IPO)
• Other NOAA offices involved in climate information services (e.g. CPO, NWS, NCDC)
• To obtain information on user needs we have met with several coastal managers in America Samoa and are in the process of identifying additional contacts in America Samoa and Samoa.

For Additional Information Please Contact:

Carrie Hall: OCRM/Policy and Evaluation Division 1305 East West Highway N/ORM3 Silver Spring, MD 20902 (301) 563-1135 Carrie.Hall@noaa.gov

Russell Jackson: NOAA Pacific Services Center 737 Bishop Street, Suite 2250 Honolulu, HI 96813-3213 (808) 522-2299 Russell.Jackson@noaa.gov

Mary Lou Cumberpatch: NOAA Central Library 1315 East-West Highway, E/0C4 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301)713-2600 ext. 129 Mary.Lou.Cumberpatch@noaa.gov

Stephanie Fauver: Charleston, SC 29405-2413 NOAA Coastal Services Center 2234 South Hobson Avenue Charleston, SC 29405-2413 (843) 740-1287