Suva, Fiji, 04 April 2024 – In a joint effort to strengthen Fiji’s resilience against climate change, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in partnership with the Climate Change Division of the Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), alongside the Green Climate Fund (GCF), NDC Partnership (NDCP), and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT), convened for a joint project kick-off.
The primary focus of the meeting was to launch two interlinked projects. The first, funded by GCF’s Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, aims to enhance climate resilience in Fiji through mainstreaming adaptation planning and financing at the local level. The second project, funded jointly by NDCP and NZ MFAT, aims to develop a 5-Year Seawall Investment Strategy for Fiji, addressing a government priority to fund the construction and maintenance of seawalls nationwide, which will benefit 150,000 people in Fiji with enhanced adaptation to climate change.
This Seawall Investment Strategy will encompass various aspects including prioritizing locations and types of seawall approaches, estimating costs, identifying funding mechanisms, and recommending investment phases.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, with over 17 participants representing nine different organizations. Among them were key governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, Ministry of Finance & Strategic Planning, and the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources. Its goal was to inform stakeholders about project outcomes and implementation plans, foster collaboration, ensure clarity of project expectations, prioritize vulnerable communities, and discuss risk mitigation strategies.
At the opening of the kick-off meeting, Mr. Ravneet Dewan, Principal Climate Finance Officer for the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, highlighted the government’s priority in developing a strategy to finance the construction and maintenance of seawalls and nature-based seawalls over 5years. Mr. Dewan emphasized, “We want to take a collaborative approach by organizing this meeting to solicit insights from government line ministries and key stakeholders to realize this priority.” This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in the development of adaptation investment plans.
Mr. Norbert Maass, GGGI Country Representative for Fiji, also highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the project, emphasizing its focus on local solutions and community empowerment. Mr. Maass, mentioned that “We are confident that we can identify project models that we can replicate not only in Fiji, but throughout the region as well.” He further thanked project partners for supporting these important projects, especially to the Government of Fiji through MECC, NDCP, NZ MFAT and GCF.
Through partnerships forged at local, national, and regional levels, Fiji is well-positioned to confront climate threats. This project kick-off meeting demonstrates Fiji’s commitment to building a sustainable future for its citizens.
GGGI Consultant, Dr Paulo Vanualailai.