Fiji’s Cabinet has sanctioned the launch of regional centres aimed at enhancing meteorological services and disaster risk reduction throughout the Pacific. This strategic initiative will be anchored at the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) headquarters and represents a collaborative effort between the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with a financial backing of 1.739 billion Japanese Yen, roughly amounting to FJD 25 million.
The upcoming centres, which include a Regional Training Centre and a Regional Instrument Centre, are poised to bolster Fiji’s and the wider Pacific region’s meteorological capabilities and disaster preparedness. This collaboration is a noteworthy investment in improving weather monitoring and response strategies, particularly in light of the increasing challenges posed by climate change.
This initiative complements Fiji’s ongoing efforts to enhance its disaster management framework. Recently, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, highlighted Fiji’s engagement with the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan. This collaboration aims to develop capacities in disaster risk management, knowledge sharing, and adopting best practices, further strengthening Fiji’s resilience against natural disasters.
Moreover, the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS) involving Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) signifies a pivotal advancement, facilitating quicker response times to tsunamis and other emergencies. As Fiji continues to invest in its disaster management capabilities, these parallel initiatives underscore a hopeful stride toward greater preparedness in facing the evolving climate challenges.
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