Efforts to strengthen disaster resilience in Fiji are gaining momentum, as highlighted during a recent panel discussion on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) funding led by Kencho Namgyal, Chief of WASH at UNICEF Pacific. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for national governments in the Pacific, including Fiji, to allocate more resources towards disaster preparedness and community resilience, moving beyond traditional investments in infrastructure.
Namgyal pointed out that Fiji and other Pacific nations currently invest less than 1 percent of their annual budgets on disaster risk reduction. He stressed that while infrastructure investments are crucial, true resilience involves empowering communities to develop and maintain their systems. “For far too long, communities have relied on government funding for everything,” Namgyal stated, advocating for a paradigm shift towards community-driven resilience.
He illustrated this by referencing UNICEF’s collaboration with the Water Authority of Fiji and local health and environment departments to enhance rural water systems. Such initiatives involve working directly with communities to identify climate risks and leverage local knowledge and materials, which are essential for sustainable development. By tapping into the expertise of local populations, these projects can yield more resilient solutions tailored to community needs.
The need for enhanced resilience is particularly pressing for Fiji’s rural and maritime communities, which are often left vulnerable during emergencies due to fragile water and sanitation systems. Despite significant progress in urban disaster preparedness, remote areas often face additional challenges in accessing essential services, including clean water and healthcare. Namgyal emphasized that disaster preparedness must offer equal standards of service to all, irrespective of geographic location.
This theme of community involvement was echoed by Gabrielle Emery, head of the UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Pacific Subregional Office, who underscored that effective early warning systems are only successful if communities act on the information provided. While Fiji has made strides in monitoring and forecasting, there is still a pressing need to enhance communication strategies to ensure timely community preparedness.
Emery praised Fiji’s advancements in observation through the Fiji Meteorological Service, which plays a crucial role in improving local disaster resilience, illustrating the importance of integrating community engagement with advanced technology.
The ongoing support from international entities, such as the Green Climate Fund, also reflects a hopeful future for disaster preparedness in Fiji. A recent grant aimed at improving early warning systems underscores the commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations against climate-related hazards, empowering communities to respond proactively before disasters strike.
Overall, as Fiji continues to navigate the complexities of climate change and its impacts, fostering community resilience stands out as a critical strategy. Empowering local populations not only enhances immediate disaster response capabilities but also leads to long-term sustainable development, creating a safer and more resilient society for future generations.