Efforts to enhance disaster resilience in Fiji are gaining notable traction, as recently discussed in a panel on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) funding led by Kencho Namgyal, Chief of WASH at UNICEF Pacific. The discussion highlighted the pressing need for national governments in the Pacific, including Fiji, to devote greater resources to disaster preparedness and community resilience initiatives, rather than remaining focused solely on traditional infrastructure investments.
Namgyal pointed out that Fiji and other Pacific nations currently allocate less than 1 percent of their annual budgets to disaster risk reduction. While investments in infrastructure are important, he emphasized that true resilience comes from empowering communities to create and sustain their systems. “For far too long, communities have relied on government funding for everything,” Namgyal remarked, advocating for a shift towards community-driven resilience strategies.
An example of this approach is UNICEF’s collaboration with the Water Authority of Fiji and local health and environmental departments to improve rural water systems. This collaboration involves engaging directly with communities to assess climate risks and utilize local knowledge and resources, which are vital for sustainable development. By harnessing the skills and insights of local populations, these initiatives aim to deliver more resilient solutions that cater to the unique needs of each community.
The necessity for improved resilience is particularly critical for Fiji’s rural and maritime communities, which often face heightened vulnerabilities during emergencies due to delicate water and sanitation systems. Despite noticeable advancements in urban disaster preparedness, many remote areas struggle with inadequate access to essential services such as clean water and healthcare. Namgyal reiterated the importance of ensuring disaster preparedness measures provide equal service standards for all residents, regardless of their geographic situation.
This call for community involvement was echoed by Gabrielle Emery, head of the UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Pacific Subregional Office. She emphasized that effective early warning systems depend on community engagement and responsiveness. While Fiji has made significant progress in monitoring and forecasting, Emery highlighted the necessity of enhancing communication strategies to promote timely preparedness among communities.
Emery recognized Fiji’s advancements through the Fiji Meteorological Service, which plays a critical role in bolstering local disaster resilience. The integration of community engagement with advanced technological tools has proven to be essential in this regard.
The ongoing support from international organizations, including the Green Climate Fund, offers a hopeful outlook for disaster preparedness in Fiji. A recent grant targeted at improving early warning systems reflects a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from climate-related threats, empowering them to take proactive measures before disasters occur.
As Fiji continues to confront the challenges posed by climate change, fostering community resilience emerges as a vital strategy. Empowering local communities not only enhances immediate disaster response capabilities but also contributes to sustainable development, paving the way for a safer and more resilient future for generations to come.