Undertaking Surveys for Resilient Geospatial Databases in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga

Implementing Partner: Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Project name: National Surveys for Infrastructure Resilience Geospatial Databases to Support Exposure and Hazard Modelling for Kiribati, Tonga, and Vanuatu

This multi-country project initiative aims to empower Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga by centralizing and updating hazard and infrastructure data to improve early warning systems, protect lives and investments, and enhance climate resilience.

Local experts will leverage these datasets to conduct risk modelling, enabling them to design infrastructure capable of withstanding diverse climate threats.

The project will cultivate a regional network of geo-spatial professionals, with a focus on inclusivity, actively engaging women and Indigenous Pacific Islanders.

Lead agencies: Department of Urban Affairs and Planning – Vanuatu​
National Emergency Management Office – Tonga
Office of the President – Kiribati​

CDRI funding
$ 0
Beneficiaries
0

Impact

1

In Kiribati, asset surveys and sea level rise mapping will inform evacuation planning and climate adaptation efforts, directly benefiting approximately 118,749 residents living within 1 km of the coast.

2

In Tonga, risk data collection and sea level rise mapping will enhance cross-ministry decision-making, bolster GIS capacity for over 20 staff members, and promote infrastructure resilience through data-driven advocacy for loss and damage mitigation.

3

In Vanuatu, the development of a national infrastructure database, GIS training for over 20 staff, and post-disaster data analysis will advance spatial planning, cyclone recovery strategies, and long-term risk-informed policy creation, benefiting 256,000 individuals affected by disasters.

Resources

Alpana Saha 2

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha 

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.