Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 19:35
FIJI HIGHLIGHTS NEED TO RAISE AMBITION TO...
MANILA, PHILLIPINES - Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka called for a raise in ambition by the Asia Pacific region to accelerate disaster risk reduction.
Speaking during a side event focused on "Reducing Disaster Risk and Building Resilience Through Effective Tools to Address Displacement and Human Mobility in the era of Climate Change" organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the margins of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila, Philippines, Minister Ditoka emphasised that ambitions could be raised through sharing lessons learned, identifying innovative ideas and practices, and exploring practical financing opportunities that could significantly reduce systemic risk and cascading impacts across our communities.
"The Fiji Government has long recognised the serious threat climate change poses to our country. Rising seas continue to erode shorelines and encroach on coastal communities. Notably, Tropical Cyclone Winston tore through Fiji with unprecedented strength in 2016, causing damages amounting to one-third of Fiji's gross domestic product. As part of our efforts to implement measures on the ground to adapt to climate change, we also recognise that some communities, structures, and infrastructure will have to be permanently relocated as the only way to avoid tragedy, save lives, protect livelihoods, and prevent social disruption. However, we will only consider relocating people as a last resort, after all other feasible adaptation options have been explored," Minister Ditoka said.
He highlighted measures taken by Fiji to effectively respond to the current and potential displacement caused by climate change. With the support of GIZ, Fiji has developed a Planned Relocation Guidelines (PRG) in 2018, the first of its kind to guide local-level relocation efforts and ensure their cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
"In 2019, we developed Fiji's Displacement Guidelines, distinct from the Planned Relocation Guidelines. These guidelines aim to reduce the vulnerabilities associated with displacement and consider durable solutions to prevent and minimise the drivers of displacement in affected communities across Fiji. Recognising that displacement is primarily not a State-led process, this document provides guidance for both State and non-State stakeholders in addressing displacement at various stages," Minister Ditoka highlighted.
Minister Ditoka reflected on the experience of the Tukukari Village Relocation project, saying the lessons learned from such experiences, combined with the latest policy and scientific findings, served as the foundation of the Displacement Guidelines.
Minister Ditoka also highlighted the Anticipatory Action initiative by the Government through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), in collaboration with UN partners. Recently, the Anticipatory Action Framework for Tropical Cyclones was endorsed by Fiji's Cabinet, underscoring Government's commitment to proactive disaster response and climate adaptation.
In parallel with Government's efforts on displacement, the capacity of communities and national authorities to respond to disasters is also being enhanced through a joint project with IOM, involving the construction of four evacuation centres and retrofitting an additional four evacuation centres across the four divisions in Fiji.
Minister Ditoka highlighted NDMO's efforts in updating its information management system to enable Fiji to predict, understand, and respond efficiently to humanitarian needs data, allowing for swift and effective responses during crises.
Additionally, the Fiji Humanitarian Policy is currently undergoing a revision to ensure that humanitarian action in Fiji is principled, coordinated, and responsive to the needs of communities affected by disasters and other societal disruptions, whether they are natural or man-made.
"Circling back to the use of tools and looking to the future, I want to highlight the significance of tools such as the Risk Index for Climate Displacement (RICD). This tool is still in development, and Fiji is proud to be a pilot country for this project. Under my ministry, NDMO is working with IOM, and we look forward to seeing how such tools will address displacement and human mobility in the era of climate change," he stated.
Speaking during a side event focused on "Reducing Disaster Risk and Building Resilience Through Effective Tools to Address Displacement and Human Mobility in the era of Climate Change" organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the margins of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila, Philippines, Minister Ditoka emphasised that ambitions could be raised through sharing lessons learned, identifying innovative ideas and practices, and exploring practical financing opportunities that could significantly reduce systemic risk and cascading impacts across our communities.
"The Fiji Government has long recognised the serious threat climate change poses to our country. Rising seas continue to erode shorelines and encroach on coastal communities. Notably, Tropical Cyclone Winston tore through Fiji with unprecedented strength in 2016, causing damages amounting to one-third of Fiji's gross domestic product. As part of our efforts to implement measures on the ground to adapt to climate change, we also recognise that some communities, structures, and infrastructure will have to be permanently relocated as the only way to avoid tragedy, save lives, protect livelihoods, and prevent social disruption. However, we will only consider relocating people as a last resort, after all other feasible adaptation options have been explored," Minister Ditoka said.
He highlighted measures taken by Fiji to effectively respond to the current and potential displacement caused by climate change. With the support of GIZ, Fiji has developed a Planned Relocation Guidelines (PRG) in 2018, the first of its kind to guide local-level relocation efforts and ensure their cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
"In 2019, we developed Fiji's Displacement Guidelines, distinct from the Planned Relocation Guidelines. These guidelines aim to reduce the vulnerabilities associated with displacement and consider durable solutions to prevent and minimise the drivers of displacement in affected communities across Fiji. Recognising that displacement is primarily not a State-led process, this document provides guidance for both State and non-State stakeholders in addressing displacement at various stages," Minister Ditoka highlighted.
Minister Ditoka reflected on the experience of the Tukukari Village Relocation project, saying the lessons learned from such experiences, combined with the latest policy and scientific findings, served as the foundation of the Displacement Guidelines.
Minister Ditoka also highlighted the Anticipatory Action initiative by the Government through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), in collaboration with UN partners. Recently, the Anticipatory Action Framework for Tropical Cyclones was endorsed by Fiji's Cabinet, underscoring Government's commitment to proactive disaster response and climate adaptation.
In parallel with Government's efforts on displacement, the capacity of communities and national authorities to respond to disasters is also being enhanced through a joint project with IOM, involving the construction of four evacuation centres and retrofitting an additional four evacuation centres across the four divisions in Fiji.
Minister Ditoka highlighted NDMO's efforts in updating its information management system to enable Fiji to predict, understand, and respond efficiently to humanitarian needs data, allowing for swift and effective responses during crises.
Additionally, the Fiji Humanitarian Policy is currently undergoing a revision to ensure that humanitarian action in Fiji is principled, coordinated, and responsive to the needs of communities affected by disasters and other societal disruptions, whether they are natural or man-made.
"Circling back to the use of tools and looking to the future, I want to highlight the significance of tools such as the Risk Index for Climate Displacement (RICD). This tool is still in development, and Fiji is proud to be a pilot country for this project. Under my ministry, NDMO is working with IOM, and we look forward to seeing how such tools will address displacement and human mobility in the era of climate change," he stated.