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Fiji convened virtual national consultation on draft NDC investment plans and projects pipeline

Suva, Fiji, May – June 2020 – The Fiji Ministry of Economy (MOE) through the Regional Pacific NDC Hub hosted a series of virtual national consultations with Fiji’s key stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors on the country’s draft NDC investment plan and projects pipeline.

Held virtually between May and June 2020, the consultation garnered feedback on the crucial documents which are guiding pillars for Fiji’s NDC journey. These documents are being prepared by the NDC Hub through its implementing partner, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

From the establishment of a robust policy foundation to achieving its low emissions targets, the Fijian Government is working to transform these policies into actionable projects. This is being done through the development of investment plans that help draw in greater levels of public and private sector green investments and promote a renewable future for Fiji. In addition, a promising pipeline of bankable projects will help create an enabling environment that can address investor risks and develop an attractive risk-return profile for Fiji’s priority actions.

Key stakeholders from the maritime transport sector discuss the proposed projects pipeline for Fiji.

The Permanent Secretary for the Fiji Ministry of Economy, Ms. Makereta Konrote said Fiji is committed to operationalizing its climate goals.

“The NDC Investment Plan is envisaged to enable Fiji to operationalize its climate change mitigation goals, mobilize private sector investments, create green jobs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” she said.

“We thank everyone who participated in the virtual national consultations and look forward to working with stakeholders to further develop the NDC Investment Plan and project list”.

Ms. Konrote also reaffirmed Fiji’s stance on being climate leaders, stating that “despite numerous challenges brought about by COVID-19, Fiji remains steadfast in its commitment to the Paris Agreement and the urgent need for enhanced global climate action for a low carbon future”.

Stakeholders discussed in detail the proposed projects pipeline and highlighted key actions that are achievable in the short-term and prioritized longer-term actions for the next 5 – 10 years. The land transport sector is aiming towards a significant amount of emission reduction for Fiji in the near future; this includes encouraging bicycle use, infrastructure upgrade and incentives for transitioning to greener transport.

The land transport sector promises significant emissions reduction for Fiji.

Vincent Guinaudeau, GGGI’s Senior Green Investment Specialist who is leading the preparation of the NDC investment plan on behalf of the Pacific NDC Hub said the consultation received useful feedback from Fiji’s most prominent stakeholders.

“They have enabled us to clarify the top priorities in the low-carbon mobility sector and energy efficiency and will pave the way for successful implementation of Fiji’s NDC over the coming ten years”, he said.

Initially planned as face-to-face consultation workshops with more than 100 participants, the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 prompted the need to have virtual consultations. This was also an opportunity for Fiji’s MOE to be a pioneer in promoting new ways of connecting and consulting with stakeholders, while minimizing travel, thus saving time, expenses and reducing the carbon footprint.

Stakeholders could participate in the consultation at their convenience and this received many positive reviews.

This virtual consultation, a first for the NDC Hub, was followed by small-group meetings with stakeholders after the easing of COVID-19 gathering restrictions in Fiji. The two-pronged approach as such enabled receiving high quality inputs, firstly through sector specific videos which stakeholders watched and provided their crucial inputs on through a feedback form, followed by face-to-face meetings with key stakeholders.

Fiji’s NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) provides guidance to its development aspirations for a sustainable, inclusive, resilient and low carbon future as articulated in Fiji’s 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plan. This national policy further informs Fiji’s long-term emission reduction targets in the Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) 2018-2050, as well as the immediate investment needs through the NDC Implementation Roadmap (2017).

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are national climate change mitigation plans which highlight country’s climate actions through climate related targets, policies and projects. As signatories to the Paris Agreement, countries are required to prepare, communicate and maintain successive NDCs in contribution to global climate action.

The Regional Pacific NDC Hub is implemented through a partnership between GIZ, GGGI, SPC and SPREP, with financial support from the Germany, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand governments.