Fiji is taking a pioneering role in the Pacific by measuring methane emissions from livestock, a significant advancement that is expected to aid in compiling and developing a crucial data inventory system necessary for climate financing in the future. This initiative, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), aims to enhance Fiji’s greenhouse gas inventories and integrate livestock emissions reduction into the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

Leading the initiative is the Australian farming advocacy group, Riverine Plains Inc., in collaboration with the Fijian government. Their goal is to co-develop a comprehensive Tier 2 measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for livestock, which will be instrumental in supporting Fiji’s Low Emission Development Strategy.

According to Dr. Natalie Doran-Browne, the project leader for Riverine Plains, a locally adapted method has already been established to measure livestock emissions. The project utilizes the sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer technique, which involves inserting a permeation tube into the cow’s rumen to release SF6 gas, enabling researchers to assess methane emissions through breath samples collected from the cattle.

“This technique enables us to accurately determine emission rates from our samples,” Dr. Doran-Browne explained. The continuous collection of data marks a positive step toward refining Fiji’s emission factors to better align with local conditions.

Dr. James Quilty, ACIAR’s general manager of research, highlighted the initiative’s potential to develop robust inventory systems in collaboration with in-country partners, thereby enhancing MRV practices. Dr. Andrew Tukana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, noted that this development is a crucial stride toward Fiji’s aim of achieving net-zero emissions. “Creating an accurate national inventory is essential for Fiji as part of the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT). The NDC emphasizes the necessity of securing climate finance, which will be facilitated by a more effective inventory system,” Dr. Tukana stated.

The project is a collaborative effort involving Riverine Plains, Koronivia Research Station, the Ministry of Environment, and local educational institutions including the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU). Together, they aim to collect, analyze, and interpret data that will greatly benefit Fiji and its environmental objectives.

This initiative not only showcases Fiji’s commitment to addressing climate change but also positions the country as a model for other Pacific nations to follow. By taking these proactive measures, Fiji is setting a hopeful example of how focused efforts in research and collaboration can lead to significant environmental improvements.