Fiji is embracing geospatial innovation to enhance connectivity between rural communities and urban centers, improve development planning, and bolster resilience against climate change. Speaking at the United Nations GeoNow Moganshan Talk Session in Hangzhou, China, Paula Cirikiyasawa, the permanent secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources, underscored the critical need for precise and timely data as the nation tackles environmental threats and limited land resources.
Cirikiyasawa articulated the pressing nature of climate change, noting that it jeopardizes the habitats where residents live, farm, and fish. He emphasized the necessity for robust data to create connections between urban policies and rural realities. Geospatial tools are now integral to closing the infrastructure and information gaps while the government strives to manage urban expansion in a way that ensures “no rural community is left behind.”
He identified shared challenges across the Pacific region and the significance of partnerships, such as those fostered by the Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Council. Cirikiyasawa remarked on the positive impact of mentoring and technical exchange programs prepared for young professionals to sustain national systems. Highlighting the importance of technology serving people, he advocated for stronger frameworks and skilled investments to better utilize satellite imaging, IoT, and mobile data for coordinated planning.
This commitment to geospatial innovation resonates with Fiji’s broader goals of sustainable development, equitable growth, and climate resilience. As noted in previous discussions, the integration of geospatial technologies is vital for identifying vulnerable communities, managing natural resources, and planning for climate resilience.
With ongoing discussions and collaborations aiming to enhance these critical systems, the outlook remains hopeful. By harnessing geospatial innovation, Fiji can pave a path toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for every community. Through engagement in international forums like GeoNow Moganshan, Fiji’s leadership reflects a proactive stance in addressing environmental challenges, fostering optimism not just within its borders but throughout the Pacific Islands.