Fiji has reiterated its urgent demand for more reliable and simplified access to climate finance at COP30, emphasizing that much of the funding fails to reach the local communities most affected by climate change. Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, expressed concerns during the High-Level Session on “Localising Climate Financing for Positive Adaptation Journeys,” highlighting that delays in funding approval processes, complex reporting requirements, and disjointed systems hinder timely climate action.
“For Small Island Developing States like Fiji, the impacts of climate change are immediate and deeply personal,” Bulitavu said. “Too often, what is promised does not reach the people in time. When funds get stuck in systems, lives remain exposed, and opportunities to build resilience are lost.”
The Minister pointed to Fiji’s Communities Climate Adaptation Facility (C-CAF) as a successful model for providing prompt and adaptable grants directly to communities. Additionally, the Climate Relocation of Communities (CROC) Trust Fund was cited as an example of how community-driven adaptation can be dignified and effective.
Describing localized finance as “smart finance,” Bulitavu articulated the need for global commitments to translate into real protection for vulnerable families and communities. He reinforced Fiji’s commitment to scaling up community-centric funding models, like C-CAF, asserting that these initiatives are essential for aligning global financial resources with local needs, ensuring that no community is excluded from support.
The call from Fiji for improved climate financing resonates with previous appeals made by the nation’s leadership. Professor Biman Prasad, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, has previously addressed the need to transition away from pilot projects towards transformational financing during discussions at COP29. He highlighted that the current model prioritizes smaller initiatives, which undermines effective responses to climate challenges.
Fiji’s proactive measures, including the establishment of C-CAF and the CROC Fund, not only illustrate the country’s innovative approach to overcoming climate challenges but also serve as inspirational examples for other nations facing similar threats. As the global community becomes increasingly aware of the urgency of climate mobility issues, Fiji’s leadership offers hope for fruitful international collaboration and resource mobilization, providing a pathway toward resilience in vulnerable regions.
The urgency expressed by Fiji at COP30 underscores the critical necessity for strong financial support systems that empower local communities, reinforcing the idea that decisive global action can lead to meaningful change in the fight against climate change.
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