The development of resilience requires local activity, as emphasized at the workshop held on July 26 in Fiji, titled “Building Resilient Communities: Integrating Adaptation Strategies into Local Planning.”
Hosted by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), the workshop brought together technical teams, divisional officials, and provincial administrators from across Fiji.
The main goal of the workshop was to enhance local capacity and collaboration for effective climate change adaptation, marking a significant step forward in Fiji’s efforts to build resilience.
In the opening remarks, Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, highlighted how the workshop’s objectives align with the Coalition Government’s commitment to ensuring that public infrastructure and planning at all levels—national, sub-national, sectoral, and community—incorporate essential social risk, climate, and disaster considerations.
Dr. Michael referred to Part 11 of the Climate Change Act 2021, underscoring the intention to address these issues. He pointed out that the impacts of climate change and natural disasters negatively affect Fiji’s economy, quality of life, and environmental integrity.
He cited a 2015 World Bank analysis predicting that Fiji may lose more than $1.5 billion to natural disasters and climate change over the next 50 years if no action is taken.
The workshop featured educational and engaging group activities, allowing attendees to share their knowledge practically and foster partnerships. The proposed toolkit and methods for community adaptation initiatives aim to build community resilience and support the execution of Fiji’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
The workshop has accelerated progress on the Mainstreaming Adaptation Planning at the Local Level Project.
Focusing on three main areas—improving coastal resilience, creating resilient infrastructure, and encouraging climate-smart agriculture—the initiative aims to enhance Fiji’s resilience to climate change.
By concentrating on these crucial areas, the program seeks to protect communities from the effects of climate change and promote sustainable development strategies that bolster economic stability.