Fiji is set to enhance its regional cooperation in disaster management by participating in the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan. Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, made this announcement during a bilateral meeting held at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila, Philippines.
Minister Ditoka expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for its support in facilitating Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC, highlighting that this partnership will open new avenues for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices, ultimately boosting Fiji’s disaster risk management initiatives.
He acknowledged Japan’s commitment, along with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in bolstering disaster risk management and resilience efforts in Fiji over the years. Ditoka noted that the collaboration has been essential in helping Fiji mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and adapt to the challenges of climate change.
He emphasized that the lessons learned from Japan’s advanced risk management strategies have greatly influenced Fiji’s approach to disaster preparedness. The minister indicated that technical assistance and financial support from the Japanese Government and JICA have significantly strengthened Fiji’s disaster risk management systems, enhancing community protection.
Furthermore, Ditoka highlighted the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS), which utilizes Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). He described this as a significant advancement that would improve Fiji’s early warning systems for tsunamis and other hazards, allowing for more rapid and effective emergency responses to safeguard communities from future disasters.
Additionally, he acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the governments of Japan and Fiji concerning geohazards, including risks from volcanism, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods, as well as the challenges posed by certain soil conditions.
The Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project, supported by JICA, was also mentioned by Ditoka. He stated that this initiative has bolstered Fiji’s ability to incorporate disaster risk reduction into national and local planning frameworks, empowering the National Disaster Management Office to improve hazard assessments and promote investment in disaster resilience in vulnerable communities.