Fiji’s Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi R. Ditoka, along with Mr. Isoa Talemaibua, the Permanent Secretary for the same ministry, are participating in a Tetra Tech conference in Adelaide that centers on bridging climate and disaster resilience gaps. This event aims to foster discussions around enhancing resilience strategies in the Pacific, integrating indigenous knowledge, and promoting regional collaboration.
During the conference, Ditoka and Talemaibua engaged with Tetra Tech’s Climate Change team and Glen Wingfield, a First Nations leader renowned for his climate advocacy. Their conversations delved into the significance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary disaster risk reduction efforts. Ditoka articulated the essential nature of traditional wisdom in these contexts, stating, “The land will not take care of us if we do not take care of it.” He emphasized that indigenous knowledge should be fundamental to climate action strategies to achieve sustainability and restore balance.
Wingfield shared valuable insights from his work with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), highlighting how blending indigenous insights with modern science can enhance early warning infrastructure for climate-related disasters. The collaboration signals a progressive step toward developing inclusive climate resilience frameworks that benefit both Fiji and First Nations communities, showcasing the power of combining historical wisdom with contemporary practices.
This initiative connects to recent workshops held in Fiji, aimed at building resilience through local capacity and collaboration. The discussions happening at the Tetra Tech conference align with the overarching objective of fostering international cooperation to tackle the escalating threats posed by climate change and natural disasters.
As Fiji continues to advocate for a united regional response, this exchange underscores the hope that traditional knowledge, alongside modern scientific approaches, can pave the way for effective climate action that benefits local communities and enhances disaster preparedness across the Pacific region. The ongoing dialogue highlights the potential for Fiji to serve as a leader in climate resilience efforts, inspiring collaborative action across vulnerable nations.
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