Fiji is set to engage with the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan to enhance its regional disaster management efforts. Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, made this announcement during a bilateral meeting at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila, Philippines.
Mr. Ditoka expressed gratitude towards the Japanese government for facilitating Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC, emphasizing that this opportunity will foster capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices in disaster risk management.
He appreciated the longstanding support from Japan and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in strengthening disaster risk management and resilience in Fiji. He noted that this partnership has been pivotal in mitigating the effects of natural disasters and addressing challenges posed by climate change.
The minister highlighted the significant influence of Japan’s risk management experiences on Fiji’s strategies. Through technical assistance and financial support from Japan and JICA, Fiji has improved its disaster risk management systems and community protection.
A notable development is the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS) using Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). This collaboration will enhance Fiji’s early warning capabilities for tsunamis and other emergencies, allowing for quicker and more effective responses to disasters.
Mr. Ditoka also recognized the ongoing partnership with Japan regarding geohazards, which includes risks associated with volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods. He mentioned the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project, supported by JICA, which has improved Fiji’s capacity to incorporate disaster risk considerations into national and local planning.
This initiative has empowered Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to enhance hazard assessments and encourage investments in disaster resilience, particularly in vulnerable communities.