Fiji is set to engage with the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan to enhance collaboration in disaster management at a regional level. 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) held in Manila, Philippines.
Ditoka expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Government of Japan, which has facilitated Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC. He emphasized that this opportunity will enable capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices, ultimately strengthening Fiji’s disaster risk management efforts.
The Minister also acknowledged the ongoing commitment of the Japanese Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to bolster disaster risk management and resilience in Fiji over the years. He described the partnership as crucial for Fiji’s endeavors to mitigate the effects of natural hazards and adapt to the challenges of climate change, highlighting the significant influence of Japan’s extensive risk management experience on Fiji’s approach.
Through technical assistance and financial support from Japan, Fiji has enhanced its disaster risk management systems, leading to improved community safety. The recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS), utilizing Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), marks a significant advancement. This collaboration is expected to revolutionize Fiji’s early warning systems for tsunamis and other hazards, improving response times to emergencies.
Ditoka also noted the continued cooperation between the Japanese Government and Fiji in addressing geohazards, which include risks from volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods. He explained that measures are in place to address various soil conditions and their implications on disaster risk.
The Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project, supported by JICA, has strengthened Fiji’s capacity to incorporate disaster risk reduction into both national and local policy frameworks. This initiative has empowered the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to enhance hazard assessments and foster investments in disaster resilience, particularly in the most vulnerable communities.