Fiji has urgently requested stable climate financing to tackle the increasing issue of climate mobility impacting vulnerable communities across the Pacific islands. During his address at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad highlighted that climate change-induced relocation is emerging as one of the Pacific’s most critical challenges, particularly with hundreds of communities facing threats from rising sea levels.
Professor Prasad pointed out that the Blue Pacific is experiencing sea-level rise at rates two to three times higher than the global average, significantly affecting the region. He emphasized the necessity of developing solutions for climate mobility that not only build resilience but also uphold human dignity and guarantee safety during such times of extreme vulnerability.
Fiji has implemented various initiatives to confront these challenges, such as the Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund (CROC), the Comprehensive Risk Vulnerability Assessment Methodology (CRVAM), and the Standard Operating Procedures for Planned Relocation. Professor Prasad described these instruments as clear evidence of Fiji’s commitment to addressing climate mobility, characterizing the nation’s approach as data-driven, community-centered, and deeply embedded in cultural values.
Furthermore, he urged the international community to enhance access to long-term climate finance, stressing that “predictable, long-term funding—not temporary or ad-hoc support”—is vital for sustaining relocation efforts and adaptation strategies in the Pacific. He reflected on the challenges of respectfully relocating individuals and communities, considering the profound emotional and cultural implications of displacement.
The Finance Minister also appealed to global leaders for support of funds like the Pacific Resilience Facility, the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage, and the Loss and Damage Fund, which aim to address financial gaps in disaster response and community relocation.
This call to action underscores the pressing need for international cooperation in combating the adverse effects of climate change and reflects a hopeful outlook on the potential for collaborative solutions to safeguard vulnerable communities facing unprecedented challenges. By fostering international partnerships and support structures, there is hope that Pacific island nations can not only survive but thrive in the face of climate threats.
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