The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has made a notable commitment by approving a grant of $12.9 million aimed at enhancing early warning systems in Fiji. This funding is part of the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, designed to provide timely, actionable information to Fijians, particularly in vulnerable and remote areas, before climate-related disasters strike.
This grant places Fiji among several countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, Chad, Ecuador, Ethiopia, and Somalia, as part of a broader initiative that allocates a total of $103.2 million to bolster disaster preparedness for over 26 million people globally, with a strong focus on marginalized communities.
Fiji’s increasing vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, evidenced by a rise in both the frequency and intensity of cyclones, highlights the critical need for effective early warning systems. This situation has resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods, as well as loss of life.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) will lead the initiative in Fiji, working alongside several organizations, including the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, International Telecommunication Union, World Meteorological Organization, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Key roles will also be played by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Isoa Talemaibua, underscored the importance of these early warning systems in saving lives and protecting livelihoods. He stated, “This initiative will empower our communities, especially the most vulnerable, to proactively respond before disaster strikes.”
Munkhtuya Altangerel, UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative, further emphasized the project’s inclusive approach that blends Indigenous knowledge with advanced technology, making Fiji’s early warning systems tailored to the unique needs of local communities, thus improving safety and readiness.
Launched in 2022, the EW4All initiative aims for universal access to early warning systems by 2027, directly supporting national resilience and sustainable development goals. This substantial investment not only brings hope for enhanced disaster preparedness in Fiji but also inspires other nations facing similar environmental challenges, demonstrating a collaborative and innovative path toward a safer future.
This GCF support signifies a pivotal step in the global efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change, reinforcing community safety, resilience, and empowerment for those most at risk.
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