Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu welcomed Sardar Umar Alam, UNESCO’s Pacific Representative, for a courtesy visit in Suva. The meeting highlighted Fiji’s strong collaboration with UNESCO, particularly through its Science Sector and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, in enhancing disaster risk reduction and advancing multi-hazard early warning systems.
During their discussion, Minister Bulitavu praised UNESCO for its ongoing technical support in refining Fiji’s national tsunami response procedures. He noted the importance of enhancing engagement within the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System and acknowledged the successful rollout of the UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Programme, which recently recognized four communities in the Cuvu District as Tsunami Ready.
The dialogue also delved into the various aspects of ongoing cooperation, including hydrological monitoring, strategic planning for geohazards, community-based disaster risk management, and the integration of disaster preparedness into educational frameworks and school programs.
Minister Bulitavu expressed the government’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with UNESCO. He emphasized the importance of adopting science-driven, risk-informed strategies to bolster resilience in vulnerable communities, marking a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and risk management in Fiji.
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