Supporting Road Network Vulnerability Assessments in Pacific Island Countries

Abstract

In Pacific Island Countries, high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters means that such events can have devastating social and economic impacts when critical infrastructure is compromised. This has been apparent in countries where severe disruptions to road networks have resulted in a loss of access to basic infrastructure and services. Building resilience is therefore a prerequisite for long-term sustainable development, and Governments will increasingly seek tools that can help guide investment and policy decisions by considering the effects of climate change and natural disasters. Among such tools are road network vulnerability assessments, which provide a means to design and maintain a climate resilient network. This articlehighlights the process and lessons learned from the Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Resilient Road Strategy of the Samoan road network, and outlines a replicable approach for small island nations with acute capacity challenges that seek to balance analytical rigor with the need for practicality.