Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, has addressed the urgent challenge of climate change-related relocation affecting communities in the nation. Speaking at the High Level Session on International and Regional Cooperation for Climate Mobility during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, he highlighted the rising sea levels that threaten hundreds of towns and communities in Fiji.
In his speech, Professor Prasad emphasized the necessity for solutions that promote resilience, protect human dignity, and ensure safety for those grappling with severe climate impacts. He pointed out that reliable climate financing is essential to tackle the crisis of climate mobility prevalent in vulnerable Pacific island communities.
“Human dignity cannot be turned on and off based on project financing,” he stated, insisting on the need for sustainable financial support. He called for enhanced funding through initiatives like the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage and the Pacific Resilience Facility to address the financial deficits hindering adequate response efforts.
While recognizing that relocation may become a last-resort option due to the social and emotional impacts involved, Professor Prasad reaffirmed the government’s focus on adaptation strategies wherever possible. He asserted that proactively addressing mobility concerns and embedding them within national and regional adaptation frameworks could bolster resilience and support ongoing sustainable development.
Fiji’s experiences with relocations, particularly in areas like Vunidogoloa and Narikoso, have shaped the government’s guidelines and protocols on relocation. Prasad noted that the demands for climate mobility solutions are escalating, making access to substantial climate financing vital for future progress. He underscored the significance of COP29 for Fiji and other Pacific nations in driving this agenda forward.
In summary, this article underscores the pressing issues faced by Fiji due to climate change and highlights the importance of coordinated global financial efforts to support the Pacific islands in tackling these challenges while preserving human dignity and environmental integrity. A hopeful outlook remains as Fiji actively seeks collaborative solutions and shares its experiences to benefit other vulnerable communities.
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