Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) — Fogafale Reclamation & Catalina Harbour

Fogafale, Funafuti, Tuvalu

UNDP / Green Climate Fund | 2020–2024
Works completed October 2023

Completed TCAP reclamation along the lagoon shoreline of Fogafale, creating 7.3 hectares of new, raised and flood-free land.

Creating New, Resilient Land for Tuvalu

The centrepiece of the US$38 million Green Climate Fund and UNDP-funded Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, the Fogafale works created 7.3 hectares of new, raised, flood-free land along the capital’s lagoon shoreline.

Around 269,000 cubic metres of dredged sand was used to form the reclamation, built to a crest of +5.85 m TGZ and retained by a 790-metre sloped geotextile revetment bund.

In total, 755 metres of densely populated foreshore is now defended against storm waves, erosion and inundation.

Project Highlights

7.3 hectares
New, raised and flood-free land

269,000 m³
Dredged sand used for reclamation

755 metres
Densely populated foreshore protected

790 metres
Sloped geotextile revetment bund

Catalina Harbour

The works also delivered Catalina Harbour, an all-tide boat harbour incorporated into the reclamation itself.

The harbour includes a 30-metre hybrid rock-geotextile breakwater, a 0.32-hectare basin and floating pontoon, providing new and safer maritime access for the community.

Harbour Highlights

30 metres
Hybrid rock-geotextile breakwater

0.32 hectares
Harbour basin

All-tide access
Safer maritime access incorporated into the reclamation

From Scoping to Construction

Intercoastal’s engagement spanned the full project lifecycle, from scoping, feasibility, concept and detailed design through to procurement support, contract management and construction supervision as the UNDP Engineer.

Construction was completed by Hall Contracting in October 2023, delivering both large-scale coastal protection and new maritime infrastructure for Tuvalu’s capital.

Project Details

Client: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Funding: Green Climate Fund / UNDP
Location: Fogafale, Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu
Project period: 2020–2024
Construction completed: October 2023
Contractor: Hall Contracting
Services: Coastal Engineering · Climate Adaptation & Resilience · Maritime & Port Infrastructure · Construction Supervision · Project Management & Delivery · Metocean Survey