Fiji is set to engage with the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation in disaster management. This announcement was made by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, during a bilateral meeting at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held in Manila, Philippines.
Mr. Ditoka expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for facilitating Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC, which he believes will foster capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices to improve disaster risk management efforts in Fiji.
He also acknowledged the longstanding commitment of the Japanese Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in bolstering disaster risk management and resilience in Fiji. This partnership has been pivotal in helping Fiji address the impacts of natural disasters and adapt to challenges posed by climate change.
The Minister highlighted that insights gained from Japan’s comprehensive risk management strategies have significantly influenced Fiji’s own disaster management approach. With the support of Japan and JICA, Fiji has strengthened its disaster risk management systems to better protect its communities.
A significant component of this cooperation is the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS), utilizing Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), signed earlier this year. This innovative partnership with Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat aims to revolutionize Fiji’s early warning capabilities for tsunamis and other hazards, facilitating quicker and more effective emergency responses.
Additionally, Mr. Ditoka noted the continued collaboration between Japan and Fiji concerning geohazard-related disasters, which include potentially destructive phenomena like volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods.
He mentioned the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project, initiated with JICA’s support, which has strengthened Fiji’s ability to integrate disaster risk reduction into national and local planning. This initiative has empowered the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to enhance hazard assessments and encourage investments in disaster resilience, particularly in the nation’s most vulnerable communities.