Fiji is set to engage with the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan to enhance regional cooperation in disaster management. This was announced by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, during a bilateral meeting at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held in Manila, Philippines, on Thursday.
Minister Ditoka expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Government of Japan that has facilitated Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC. He highlighted that this participation opens up opportunities for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices, all of which are expected to strengthen Fiji’s disaster risk management initiatives.
He further recognized the longstanding partnership with Japan and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has been foundational to Fiji’s efforts in mitigating the effects of natural hazards and addressing the challenges of climate change. The knowledge gained from Japan’s advanced risk management practices has been pivotal in shaping Fiji’s approach.
Minister Ditoka pointed out that Fiji has enhanced its disaster risk management systems and improved community safety thanks to technical assistance and financial support from the Japanese government and JICA. He mentioned a significant development, the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS) utilizing Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), which was signed earlier this year. He described this collaboration with Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat as a groundbreaking advancement that will improve Fiji’s early warning systems for tsunamis and other hazards, allowing for quicker and more effective emergency responses.
He also acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between Japan and Fiji concerning geohazards, which are linked to potentially destructive events such as volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods. These efforts, including the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project supported by JICA, have bolstered Fiji’s capacity to incorporate disaster risk reduction into both national and local planning. This initiative empowers the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to enhance hazard assessments and promote investments in disaster resilience, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.