Fiji is set to enhance its regional disaster management efforts by participating in the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan. This announcement was made by Sakiasi Ditoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, during a bilateral meeting at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila, Philippines.
Minister Ditoka expressed appreciation for the support from the Government of Japan in facilitating Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC, emphasizing the opportunities it creates for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of best practices in disaster risk management.
He acknowledged the long-standing partnership with the Japanese Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has played a crucial role in Fiji’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and adapt to climate change challenges. According to Mr. Ditoka, the lessons learned from Japan’s extensive experience in risk management have significantly influenced Fiji’s strategies.
Through technical assistance and financial support from Japan, Fiji has improved its disaster risk management systems, thereby enhancing the safety of its communities. He highlighted 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 as a significant advancement. This initiative aims to transform Fiji’s early warning systems for tsunamis and other emergencies, enabling quicker and more effective responses to disasters.
Additionally, Mr. Ditoka recognized the ongoing collaboration between the Japanese government and Fiji concerning geohazards related to disasters. He explained that geohazards include processes such as vulcanism, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods, as well as various geological conditions.
One of the key initiatives he mentioned is the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project, supported by JICA, which has strengthened Fiji’s capabilities to embed disaster risk reduction into national and local planning. This project has empowered the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to better assess hazards and encourage investment in disaster resilience, particularly in vulnerable communities.