Country: Marshall Islands Source: UN Development Programme The 34th Annual Marshall Islands Mayors Association (MIMA) Conference, chaired by the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in May, provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the numerous accomplishments of the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) Project.During the conference, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Republic of Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) shared project updates, appreciated the continued strong community leadership, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ongoing efforts in the neighbouring atolls.Key implementation challenges were also raised, including the need to ensure sustained local engagement as activities continue across the country. Logistical coordination was also highlighted, with the project team working closely with the Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation to secure space on vessels whenever possible to enable the timely delivery of materials. All mayors expressed eagerness to see their water systems connected, especially given that some communities are already benefiting from improved access to safe water through the project.Utrik Atoll is among the most recent sites where these efforts are translating into visible progress on the ground. In early 2025, seven new Flatpack Modular Tanks (FMT) were installed in Utrik as part of broader efforts under the ACWA Project to expand water storage capacity and improve access to safe drinking water amid increasing climate risks, particularly prolonged droughts. The project continues to advance water security and climate resilience in the Marshall Islands by delivering essential infrastructure, fostering community ownership, and engaging youth.These tanks are now being connected to key existing community buildings (ECB) such as schools, clinics, and churches through improved rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS). The connection and upgrade works are led by the ACWA Field Engineer and four ACWA Builders, with the active involvement of local volunteers and support from community leadership.During the earlier FMT installation phase, approximately 10 local volunteers supported essential tasks such as tank assembly and transporting sand and coral for the tank foundations. The local government facilitated the effort by providing a truck, which greatly improved the efficiency of material movement. Women in the community also played a vital role by preparing and serving meals for the volunteers, reflecting strong local ownership and solidarity throughout the process.Building on that momentum, the team moved into the ECB connection and upgrade phase, where they carried out critical work including fascia board adjustments, gutter installation, and the integration of leaf filters and first flush diverters to manage quality of rainwater and improve water safety. These collaborative efforts across both phases reflect the ACWA Project’s emphasis on community-driven implementation and capacity building, ensuring that the local population remains at the heart of long-term climate adaptation.The participation of local volunteers has been key, not only in providing labor support but also in ensuring long-term sustainability," said the ACWA Field Engineer."They will be the ones maintaining the system after we leave. Importantly, this process also contributed to skill set transfer, as some volunteers gained hands-on technical skills during the installation and training, which could open up future job opportunities," they added.In addition to infrastructure work, the mission to Utrik also focused on youth education and awareness-raising. The ACWA team conducted hands-on learning sessions with Grades Seven and Eight students at Utrik Elementary School, introducing them to the technical components of the RWHS, including the first flush device, leaf eater, and guttering systems. This was paired with a Water Safety Awareness session, designed to deepen students' understanding of hygiene, water conservation, and climate change adaptation.Wearing bright orange school uniforms, students followed the team from the classroom to the installation sites, observing the upgrade process in real time. For many, this was their first exposure to practical climate adaptation, a direct insight into the systems designed to protect their island’s future.Their reactions reflected both curiosity and excitement."I didn't know how rainwater systems worked before. Now I want to help take care of it," said one of the students.Once fully connected, the seven tanks each have a capacity of 15,000 gallons, providing a total of 105,000 gallons of additional rainwater storage for the Utrik community, directly benefiting 381 residents. This increased capacity will significantly strengthen the atoll’s water security, particularly during extended dry periods. As with all ACWA activities, this mission reflects the project’s holistic approach, combining technical solutions, local leadership, and community education to build lasting climate resilience.The ACWA Project is funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the European Union, and is implemented by UNDP in close coordination with the EPA as a responsible party. The project responds to the increasing climate risks facing the Marshall Islands, particularly prolonged and severe droughts that place immense pressure on freshwater resources.