Fiji is set to engage with the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan to enhance its regional disaster management efforts. This announcement was made by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held in Manila, Philippines.
Minister Ditoka expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan for facilitating Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC. He highlighted that this partnership would foster capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices, ultimately improving the country’s disaster risk management strategies.
He further acknowledged the longstanding support from the Japanese Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in strengthening Fiji’s resilience and disaster risk management capabilities. “Our collaboration has been crucial in reducing the impact of natural disasters and addressing climate change challenges,” he stated, noting the insights Fiji has gained from Japan’s extensive experience in risk management.
Through Japan’s technical assistance and financial support, Fiji has enhanced its disaster risk management systems, providing better safety for its communities. The recent signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS) utilizing Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) marks a significant advancement. This initiative aims to modernize Fiji’s early warning systems for tsunamis and other hazards, allowing for quicker and more effective responses to emergencies.
Minister Ditoka also recognized ongoing cooperation between Japan and Fiji concerning natural disaster risks associated with geohazards, which include volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods. He noted that the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project, initiated with JICA’s backing, has strengthened Fiji’s abilities to incorporate disaster risk strategies into national and local planning, empowering the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to enhance hazard assessments and promote investments in resilience, particularly in vulnerable communities.