Fiji is set to engage with the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) located in Japan to enhance its disaster management collaboration within the region. This announcement was made by Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, during a bilateral discussion at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held in Manila, Philippines.
Ditoka expressed sincere appreciation to the Japanese government for its instrumental support in facilitating Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC, highlighting the opportunities for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and exchanging best practices that will strengthen Fiji’s disaster risk management strategies.
He acknowledged the enduring partnership with Japan and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has played a crucial role in bolstering Fiji’s resilience against natural disasters and adapting to climate change impacts. Ditoka noted that insights gained from Japan’s comprehensive risk management experiences have significantly influenced Fiji’s disaster management initiatives.
With the assistance of the Japanese government and JICA, Fiji has improved its disaster risk management frameworks and enhanced community protection efforts. He pointed out that the recently signed Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS), utilizing Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), marks a significant advancement in the country’s disaster response capabilities. This partnership with Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat aims to enhance Fiji’s early warning systems for tsunamis and other hazards, facilitating quicker and more effective emergency responses to protect communities from future threats.
Ditoka also recognized the ongoing collaborative efforts between Japan and Fiji in addressing geohazards, which include dangerous events such as volcanism, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods. He referred to the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project, launched with the support of JICA, which has strengthened Fiji’s ability to incorporate disaster risk reduction into both national and local governance frameworks. Through this initiative, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has improved hazard assessments and fostered investments in disaster resilience, particularly in the nation’s most at-risk communities.