About Tewaii
solutions for islands in the face of climate change
It all started when...
the founders of Tewaii were living in New Zealand, a southwestern Pacific Island Nation that comprises two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, along with over 600 smaller islands.
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Immersed in the pristine natural beauty and sustainable practices of New Zealand, the inspiration for Tewaii Island Solutions was born. A company that focuses its efforts on the environmental challenges that island nations face, and in specific the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS).
With a background in civil engineering and water technologies from Europe's leading universities, the Tewaii Team combines the latest developments on island knowledge with the practical wisdom of island living, from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. Implementing sustainable solutions that benefit island states is the primary mission of Tewaii.
Tewaii is pronounced as Hawaii, but then with a 'Te'.
Tewaii comes from the word 'Te Wai', which means water in the Maori language of New Zealand.
'Te Mana o te Wai' is a Maori concept on protecting the 'mauri' (life force) of the 'te wai' (the water). It speaks both to the life energy that flows through all things and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Te Mana o te Wai is about restoring and preserving the balance between the wider environment, natural resources and the community, which inspired the company name Tewaii.
Why Small Island Developing States?
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face disproportionate challenges due to their unique environmental, economic, and social contexts. Addressing their needs in areas such as water and wastewater management, coastal protection, and climate change adaptation is crucial for their sustainable development and resilience. Global attention and support are imperative to help these vulnerable nations overcome their challenges and secure a sustainable future.
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The closed-loop nature of islands refers to their self-contained ecosystems and limited resources, which create unique challenges. Being geographically isolated, islands often have finite water, land, and energy supplies, making resource management critical. The limited space and resources mean that waste disposal and pollution have more immediate and severe impacts on their environment.
IPCC - Fact Sheet - Small Islands
Small islands are increasingly affected by increases in temperature, the growing impacts of tropical cyclones, storm surges, droughts, changing precipitation patterns, sea level rise, coral bleaching and invasive species, all of which are already detectable across both natural and human systems.
Source: IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Water
Projected changes in aridity are expected to impose fresh water stress on many small islands, especially Small Island Development States (SIDS). It is estimated that with a warming of 1.5°C or less, fresh water stress on small islands would be 25% less as compared to 2.0°
Food
On small islands, coastal land loss attributable to higher sea level, increased extreme precipitation and wave impacts and increased aridity have contributed to food and water insecurities that are likely to become more acute in many places (high confidence).
Cities & settlements
Coastal cities and rural communities on small islands have been already impacted by sea level rise, heavy precipitation events, tropical cyclones and storm surges. Climate change is also affecting settlements and infrastructure, health and well-being.
Inadequate wastewater management is a critical issue.
For instance, in the Caribbean, 85-90% of wastewater is being discharged into the sea untreated, leading to significant environmental and public health risks.
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According to the United Nations, nearly 50% of SIDS face water stress, with some islands experiencing severe water shortages.​
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SIDS are home to rich biodiversity but are facing severe threats due to habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. For instance, about 80% of the known species that since the 1500s have been extinct have occurred on islands.
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SIDS are among the most vulnerable to sea-level rise. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that sea levels will significantly impact low-lying islands.​​
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Furthermore, the reliance on a small range of economic activities, such as tourism and agriculture, makes islands particularly susceptible to global economic changes and environmental degradation. The need for imported goods also increases the cost of living and can strain local economies.
Our partnerships
& the institutions we work with
