Fiji is stepping up as a leader in the Pacific region by launching a groundbreaking initiative to measure methane emissions from livestock. This effort aims to establish a comprehensive data inventory system that will be vital for securing climate financing in the future.
Supported by funding from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the initiative seeks to enhance Fiji’s greenhouse gas inventories and to integrate livestock emissions reduction strategies into the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Led by the Australian farming systems group Riverine Plains Inc in collaboration with the Fijian government, the project focuses on developing a Tier 2 measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for livestock emissions, which will contribute to Fiji’s Low Emission Development Strategy.
Dr. Natalie Doran-Browne, the project leader from Riverine Plains, explained that the initiative employs a locally adapted method to accurately measure emissions from cattle. This involves using the sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer technique, where a permeation tube is placed in a cow’s rumen to release SF6 gas. This gas is then measured against methane emissions collected from the cow’s breath, allowing for a precise calculation of the animals’ emissions.
Dr. Doran-Browne emphasized the significance of collecting daily data to better align Fiji’s emission factors with local conditions. Dr. James Quilty, ACIAR’s general manager of Research, highlighted that the project offers a significant opportunity to collaborate with local partners to enhance inventory systems and improve MRV practices.
Dr. Andrew Tukana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, noted that this development is crucial for Fiji’s aim of achieving net zero emissions. He emphasized the importance of creating a reliable national inventory, which is a priority for Fiji as a member of the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT). According to Dr. Tukana, a stronger inventory system will facilitate the country’s access to climate financing.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Riverine Plains, Koronivia Research Station, the Ministry of Environment, and local universities—USP and FNU—focused on gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data beneficial to Fiji.
This ambitious project not only represents a significant step toward effective environmental management but also illustrates Fiji’s commitment to combating climate change while enhancing collaboration between international and local entities. The proactive measures being taken reflect the potential for positive impact on both the nation’s environment and its economy.
Leave a comment