Since 2012 several UN agencies have been working in 12 communities across the country in water and sanitation, capacity building and strengthening their resilience to the adverse effects of natural disasters.
This includes the establishment of community disaster councils, preparations of emergency relief supplies and the identification of safe houses, which proved invaluable during Cyclone Pam in March.
The UNDP's David Malakay says the project ended in July but the experience with Pam reinforced the need for it to continue.
"This is what was reccomended and currently there are other projects that are starting, that are commencing now and they are working on changing most of their approach to addressing resilience within the communities." The UNDP's David Malakay.
Source: Radio New Zealand International