Fiji has urgently appealed for consistent climate finance to tackle the escalating crisis of climate-induced migration impacting vulnerable communities in the Pacific Islands. Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad made these remarks during COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he underscored that the challenge of relocation due to climate change is rapidly becoming one of the Pacific’s most critical issues. He pointed out that “hundreds of communities and towns” are increasingly at risk from the alarming rise in sea levels.
Professor Prasad highlighted the alarming fact that sea-level rises in the Blue Pacific are occurring at rates “two to three times higher than the global average.” He emphasized that solutions for climate mobility must focus on resilience building, upholding human dignity, and ensuring safety amid extreme climate vulnerability.
Fiji is taking proactive measures to counter these adversities, as highlighted by their initiatives such as the Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund (CROC), the Comprehensive Risk Vulnerability Assessment Methodology (CRVAM), and the development of Standard Operating Procedures for Planned Relocation. “These tools illustrate our determination to confront this challenge,” Professor Prasad stated, describing the country’s climate mobility strategy as “data-driven, community-centered, and deeply rooted in our cultural values.”
Moreover, he urged the international community to enhance access to long-term climate finance, stressing that “predictable, long-term climate funding—not ad-hoc or short-term support” is vital for sustaining efforts in relocation and adaptation throughout the Pacific.
He further remarked on the complexities involved in relocating populations, emphasizing that such efforts should be carried out with dignity and respect, mindful of the emotional and cultural significance of displacement. The Minister for Finance also called upon global leaders to support various funding initiatives, including the Pacific Resilience Facility, the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage, and the Loss and Damage Fund, all of which aim to fill funding gaps in disaster response and community relocation.
In summary, this call for enhanced and stable climate funding reflects Fiji’s commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of its residents facing climate-induced relocation. By prioritizing community engagement and cultural values, Fiji sets a positive example of how countries can address climate challenges collaboratively, encouraging global support and unity in tackling shared environmental crises.
This message serves as a hopeful reminder that with adequate international cooperation and resources, vulnerable communities can build resilience against the effects of climate change, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
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